I tried Montreal Airport's brand-new 'common-use' lounge and it's not just for VIPs

Flying domestic out of Montreal Trudeau International Airport usually means juggling an overpriced coffee, hunting for a free outlet, and waiting shoulder-to-shoulder at the gate. But on my last visit to YUL, I got to experience something brand new, and it honestly changed the whole experience.

While it's been welcoming travellers for the past few weeks, the AMEX Aspire Lounge officially opened on September 3, across from YUL Pizza in the domestic terminal (between gates 1 and 2). It's the airport's first-ever common-use domestic lounge, which means you don't need to be flying a certain airline or in business class to get in. It also happens to be the first American Express co-branded lounge in Canada.

A sophisticated vibe in the heart of the terminal

If you told me this was the interior of the city's hottest new restaurant, I'd believe you. Aspire x AMEX

The space spans about 3,700 square feet and has seating for around 100 people, spread across dining tables, booths, and tucked-away workstations. Designed by Montreal firm Artesa and decorated with artwork by local photographer Nicolas Ruel, it feels more like an upscale Montreal restaurant than an airport lounge. Warm lighting, marble counters, and leather banquettes add to the cozy, sophisticated vibe.

Philippe Stas of Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) called the new lounge "imbued with the Montréalité so dear to ADM," and I can see what he means. You don't feel like you're stuck in transit, but more like you stepped into the city itself.

Montreal on the menu

What impressed me most was how much local flavour is built in. Coffee is poured by Café Saint-Henri (and Lavazza), cocktails are created by Cloakroom Bar, charcuterie comes from Édouard et Léo, and even St-Viateur bagels are on the menu.

With table service, this spot wouldn't feel out of place downtown, where you'd expect to sip a cocktail in a stylish, laid-back setting.

While you probably don't want to have too many before boarding a plane, Cloakroom cocktails always hit the spot. Al Sciola

The lounge also switches things up depending on the time of day. Breakfast runs from 5 to 11 a.m., with options like scrambled eggs with dill and feta, a quinoa bowl, or smoked salmon on a fresh Montreal bagel.

Once lunch and dinner roll around, the menu leans into heartier plates such as lemon-oregano chicken with tzatziki, parmesan gnocchi, or even a Montreal-style gourmet hot dog. For anyone with a sweet tooth, desserts include salted caramel ice cream and a chocolate chip cookie topped with caramel sauce.

If you're visiting Montreal and forgot to hit up St-Viateur Bagel, you can now get your fill at the airport. Izabelle Bee | Narcity

I only tried a couple of small bites, but the food and drink list makes it clear that the focus is on members of the local culinary scene.

For travellers short on time, there's also a central bar pouring wine, beer, and cocktails, plus a Grab n' Go counter if you'd rather take something back to your gate.

Access & pricing

I'd consider getting to the airport extra early to take full advantage of this space. Al Sciola

Here's the part that matters most: who can get in and how much it costs.

The lounge welcomes passengers from all airlines flying domestic, and you can enter up to three hours before your departure time, subject to availability. It's worth noting that American Express cardholders get priority access, which means if the lounge is already full, walk-ins won't be able to buy their way in.

• Open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Available to passengers from all airlines flying domestic
• Entry allowed up to 3 hours before your flight, subject to availability
• Free with Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion (plus one guest)
• Free with some Priority Pass or DragonPass memberships (often tied to premium cards from TD, BMO, Scotiabank, etc.)
• With the DragonPass app, access to the lounge costs $32 USD, or about $45 CAD. This rate applies to both you and your guests, even if they aren't members.
• Walk-ins welcome at $60 per adult or $40 per child (no reservation needed)

Is it worth it?

The entrace to the Aspire AMEX lounge at YUL.Al Sciola

If you're catching a quick hop over to Toronto, probably not (unless you get in for free).

But if you've got a couple of hours before your flight, the numbers add up. A meal, coffee, and a drink in the terminal could easily set you back about $40, and you won't get much comfort for it. Here, you get space, Wi-Fi, and a calm atmosphere (plus a proper taste of Montreal before you leave).

For me, that's the real draw. Sipping a Cloakroom cocktail or nibbling on charcuterie feels more like being out in the city than stuck in an airport and possibly getting delayed for a few hours.

The Aspire Lounge won't stay a secret for long, but right now it feels like a hidden gem at Montreal Airport. And I probably wouldn't be opposed to going back before my next flight.

Aspire AMEX Lounge

You can monitor flight times without leaving the comfort of the lounge.

Aspire x AMEX

Price: Varies depending on eligibility

When: Open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: The lounge is located in the YUL Domestic terminal, next to Starbucks and YUL Pizza, between gates 1 and 2.

Why You Need To Go: Whether you get in for free with a card, through a lounge program, or pay the $60 entry, it's a calm, stylish way to start any trip.

Aspire AMEX Lounge at Montreal Airport