The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card provides complimentary airport lounge access through two distinct programs. Primary and Additional Cardholders receive access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America when flying with Air Canada or Star Alliance. They also receive six annual visits to over 1,200 global lounges via the Visa Airport Companion Program. This access is a key premium travel benefit for Canadian cardholders seeking comfort before their flights.
Two Primary Lounge Access Programs
The lounge access benefit for TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders operates through two separate systems, each with its own rules and network. The first and most prominent is the access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges within North America. This benefit is directly tied to the card's partnership with Air Canada and Aeroplan. The second system is the Visa Airport Companion Program, which is a global benefit provided by Visa to all Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders. This program grants six complimentary visits per year to a vast network of over 1,200 participating airport lounges worldwide. Cardholders must enroll in the Visa Airport Companion Program separately to activate and use these visits. It is important for cardholders to understand which program applies to their specific travel situation, as the eligibility criteria and guest policies differ.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Access Rules
Access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges is a core benefit for both Primary Cardholders and any Additional Cardholders on the account. To use this benefit, the cardholder must be travelling on a same-day ticket for a departing flight operated by Air Canada or a Star Alliance member airline. The cardholder does not need to be flying in a premium cabin. This lounge access is provided regardless of fare class when flying with these carriers. This access applies to Maple Leaf Lounges located in North America, which includes major Canadian airports like Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International, and Montreal-Trudeau. A significant aspect of this benefit is that cardholders can access the lounge whether they are travelling together or separately. Each eligible cardholder, whether primary or additional, can bring one guest into the Maple Leaf Lounge with them under this benefit. It is crucial to present the eligible TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card and a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight at the lounge entrance.
The guest policy for Maple Leaf Lounge access is set to change after a specific date. The current benefit that allows each cardholder to bring one guest is confirmed to be in place until December 31, 2026. Cardholders should be aware that the terms of this benefit, including the guest allowance, are subject to change after this date. The access is for lounges before departure. Arrivals access is not typically included unless the cardholder has a connecting flight that meets the same-day departing ticket requirement. This benefit is distinct from access granted by Aeroplan Elite Status, though cardholders with status may have additional privileges. The ability for Additional Cardholders to enjoy this benefit independently is a valuable feature for families or shared accounts.
Visa Airport Companion Program Details
The Visa Airport Companion Program provides a secondary and global lounge access method for TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders. This program is a standard benefit across all Canadian-issued Visa Infinite Privilege cards, not exclusive to the TD Aeroplan version. Cardholders receive six complimentary lounge visits per calendar year through this program. Each visit is counted per cardholder, meaning both Primary and Additional Cardholders on the account get their own allotment of six visits. The network includes over 1,200 participating airport lounges around the world, which are often operated by third-party companies like Plaza Premium or Priority Pass, rather than specific airlines. To use this benefit, cardholders must first enroll in the Visa Airport Companion Program, which is typically done online through Visa's portal or by phone. Using a visit is generally straightforward once enrolled, as cardholders usually present their eligible Visa Infinite Privilege card and a boarding pass for same-day travel at the participating lounge.
The six visits are complimentary, meaning no per-visit fee is charged as long as the cardholder stays within their annual allowance. It is important to note that the guest policy for the Visa Airport Companion Program may differ from the Maple Leaf Lounge policy and can vary by lounge. Some lounges may allow guests for an additional fee, while others may not permit guests at all under the standard visit. Cardholders should verify the specific guest policy of the lounge they plan to visit in advance. This program is especially valuable for travel on airlines outside of the Air Canada and Star Alliance network or for travel through airports where Maple Leaf Lounges are not present. The program also includes benefits at airports in Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa, adding value for domestic Canadian travellers.
Eligibility and Enrollment Steps
Eligibility for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card and its lounge benefits requires meeting specific financial criteria. Applicants must have a minimum individual annual income of $150,000 or a minimum household annual income of $200,000. The card also has a minimum credit limit set by TD, which is a standard requirement for premium Visa Infinite Privilege products. Once approved, both the Primary Cardholder and any Additional Cardholders added to the account are eligible for the lounge benefits. To activate the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access, cardholders must ensure their Aeroplan number is linked to their credit card account. Additional Cardholders must also link their own Aeroplan number at the Air Canada website to receive travel benefits independently. Enrollment in the Visa Airport Companion Program is a separate process that cardholders must complete to use the six global lounge visits.
The steps to enroll and use the benefits are clearly defined. First, activate your TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card upon receipt. Second, link your Aeroplan number to your credit card account for Maple Leaf Lounge access. Third, enroll in the Visa Airport Companion Program through the Visa Canada website or by calling the number provided with your card materials. Fourth, for Maple Leaf Lounge access, present your eligible credit card and a same-day boarding pass for an Air Canada or Star Alliance flight at the lounge entrance. Fifth, for Visa Airport Companion lounges, after enrollment, present your Visa Infinite Privilege card and a same-day boarding pass at any participating lounge worldwide. Sixth, keep track of your six annual Visa Airport Companion visits, as exceeding them may result in charges. Failure to complete the enrollment for the Visa Airport Companion Program will mean the six global lounge visits are not accessible. It is the cardholder's responsibility to complete this step. The Aeroplan number linkage is equally important for ensuring Maple Leaf Lounge access and for earning points on eligible purchases.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Cardholders sometimes encounter issues when trying to use their lounge benefits due to a few common oversights. One frequent mistake is attempting to access an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge without a same-day boarding pass for a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight. The lounge benefit is only for departures with these specific airlines. It does not apply to arrivals or when flying with other carriers like WestJet or American Airlines. Another common error is assuming the six Visa Airport Companion visits are automatically available without enrollment. These visits are not activated until the cardholder successfully enrolls in the separate Visa program. Cardholders also sometimes confuse the two programs, expecting the Maple Leaf Lounge guest policy to apply at all lounges in the Visa network, which is not the case. Additional Cardholders may forget to link their own Aeroplan number to their card, which is required for them to access Maple Leaf Lounges independently.
The Primary Cardholder's linkage does not extend to Additional Cardholders. It is also a mistake to assume lounge access is granted when flying on a codeshare flight where the operating carrier is not Air Canada or Star Alliance. The ticket must be for a flight operated by those eligible carriers. For the Visa Airport Companion visits, cardholders should verify the specific lounge's operating hours and guest policy before arriving, as these can vary significantly. Finally, not being aware of the December 31, 2026 date for the current Maple Leaf Lounge guest policy could lead to unexpected changes in future travel plans. Proactively checking the terms and conditions on the TD and Air Canada websites before each trip can prevent most of these issues. Cardholders should also remember that the Visa Infinite Privilege Concierge service is available 24/7 at 1-855-822-1240 for assistance with travel planning and other requests.
Comparing Lounge Access with Other Card Benefits
The lounge access is one component of a broader suite of travel benefits provided by the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card. It is useful to understand how it fits with other perks. Alongside lounge access, cardholders receive a free first checked bag for themselves, Additional Cardholders, and up to eight companions on the same Air Canada reservation. They also get priority check-in, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling on Air Canada flights. The card provides an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass, which allows the Primary Cardholder to purchase a round-trip companion ticket from $99 upon spending $25,000 annually. For status seekers, the card helps earn Aeroplan Status Qualifying Credits, with Primary Cardholders getting 1,000 SQC for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases, up to 25,000 SQC. The card also includes non-airline specific premium benefits through the Visa Infinite Privilege program.
Cardholders with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card have access to the Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection. They can also enjoy exclusive dining events such as the Visa Infinite Dining Series. A complimentary concierge service is available to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cardholders receive World of Hyatt Discoverist status. They also get benefits with partners like Uber. The following table outlines key complementary travel benefits that cardholders enjoy alongside lounge access.
| Benefit | Key Detail | Primary Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| First Checked Bag Free | For cardholder & companions on same Air Canada reservation | Primary & Additional Cardholders |
| Priority Airport Services | Check-in, boarding (Zone 2), baggage handling on Air Canada | Primary & Additional Cardholders |
| Annual Companion Pass | From $99 with $25K annual spend | Primary Cardholder |
| Status Qualifying Credits | 1,000 SQC per $5K spend, up to 25K SQC | Primary Cardholder |
| World of Hyatt Status | Discoverist status & 90-day challenge | Primary Cardholder |
| Visa Infinite Concierge | 24/7 complimentary service | Primary & Additional Cardholders |
These benefits work in tandem to create a comprehensive travel experience. The lounge access provides pre-flight comfort, while the baggage and priority services streamline the airport process. The companion pass and points-earning structure offer value on flight costs, making the card a multi-faceted tool for frequent Air Canada flyers. Understanding the full package helps cardholders maximize the value they receive from the annual fee. The card also offers a NEXUS application fee rebate every four years, which is a $160 value for travellers who frequently cross the Canada-US border.
Changes Effective in 2026 and 2027
Cardholders should be aware of several confirmed changes to the card's terms and benefits occurring at the end of 2026 and the start of 2027. The most immediate change affects the Maple Leaf Lounge guest policy. The current benefit, which allows each eligible cardholder to bring one guest into the lounge, is explicitly confirmed to be in place only until December 31, 2026. It is standard practice for credit card issuers to review and update benefit terms, so staying informed through official TD communications as that date approaches is essential. Another change takes effect on January 12, 2027. On this date, the fee for adding an Additional Cardholder to the account will increase.
The new fee will be $159 for each Additional Cardholder, up from the previous rate. This change will apply to new Additional Cardholders added on or after that date and likely at the account renewal for existing Additional Cardholders. Furthermore, Aeroplan is introducing new and enhanced Air Canada travel benefits for Aeroplan cardholders effective January 12, 2027. These upcoming changes may affect the benefits of the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card, though the exact modifications are detailed in a separate document from Air Canada. Cardholders are directed to learn more about these upcoming changes through the official Air Canada and TD channels to ensure they have the most current information for their travel planning beyond 2026. Starting in 2027, eligible Primary Cardholders with Aeroplan Elite status will also receive a 10% boost toward qualification based on Status Qualifying Credits accumulated the year before.
Frequently asked questions
Can I access lounges when not flying with Air Canada?
Yes, you can access lounges when not flying with Air Canada. Cardholders have access to over 1,200 participating airport lounges globally by enrolling in the Visa Airport Companion Program. This is a separate benefit from the Air Canada lounge access. Through the Visa program, each Primary and Additional Cardholder receives six complimentary lounge visits per year. These visits can be used with a same day boarding pass for travel on any airline. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access specifically requires a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.
Do Additional Cardholders get their own lounge visits?
Yes, Additional Cardholders receive their own lounge benefits. They are entitled to the same access as the Primary Cardholder. This includes the ability to enter Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges in North America when flying on a same day Air Canada or Star Alliance departing flight. Furthermore, each Additional Cardholder on the account receives their own allocation of six annual complimentary visits through the Visa Airport Companion Program. They can use these visits independently, whether travelling with the Primary Cardholder or separately.
How many guests can I bring into the Maple Leaf Lounge?
Each eligible cardholder can bring one guest into the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. This policy applies to both Primary Cardholders and Additional Cardholders on the account. The guest privilege is valid when accessing the lounge using the credit card benefit, which requires a same day departing ticket on Air Canada or Star Alliance. This guest access policy is confirmed to be in effect until December 31, 2026. The terms for guest access after this date may be subject to review and potential change by the program administrators.
Is there a fee for using the Visa Airport Companion lounges?
The first six visits each year are complimentary for each cardholder. The Visa Airport Companion Program provides six complimentary lounge visits per calendar year per eligible cardholder. These visits are included as a cardholder benefit at no extra charge. If a cardholder exceeds these six visits within a year, a fee will be charged for subsequent entries. The specific fee structure for visits beyond the complimentary allowance is managed and set by the Visa Airport Companion Program.
What do I need to show to enter a lounge?
You need to show your valid TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card and a same day boarding pass. For entry into Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges, you must present your credit card and a boarding pass for a same day departing flight operated by Air Canada or a Star Alliance carrier. For access to lounges in the Visa Airport Companion network, you must first enrol in the program. After enrolment, you present your Visa Infinite Privilege card along with a same day boarding pass for travel on any airline to gain entry.
What is the income requirement for this card?
The minimum individual annual income requirement is $150,000. Alternatively, applicants can meet a household annual income requirement of $200,000. These are the financial eligibility criteria set for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card. The card also has a minimum credit limit which is determined by TD Canada Trust. Meeting the income requirement does not guarantee approval, as other standard credit application factors also apply.
Sources and further reading
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege* Card | TD Canada Trust td.com
- TD Aeroplan Credit Cards benefits aircanada.com
- Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card visa.ca
- Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Credit Card | Apply Online cibc.com
This article explains how things work and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules, limits and rates change, so check the current figures with the Canada Revenue Agency, your province or your financial institution before you act.