Review: WestJet Elevation Lounge (YYC)

Canada’s airport lounge scene has long been lacking.

With essentially two airlines dominating the market (you probably know which ones),

there’s a notable lack of competition, leading to limited lounge options.

However, things took a turn when WestJet opened their flagship lounge at Calgary International Airport: The Elevation Lounge.

Let’s take a look!

Entrance

The WestJet Elevation Lounge is past security in the domestic terminal at Calgary International Airport, across from the B gates.

Since December 2025, most domestic flyers clear security at YYC’s new central checkpoint, which replaced the separate A, B and C checkpoints.

The lounge serves flights from Concourses A, B, C and D, but not flights to the U.S. or Hawaii.

Access

The eligibility rules for the WestJet Elevation Lounge are surprisingly generous.

Complimentary access is available to the following customers:

• Passengers travelling in WestJet 787 Business class
• WestJet Rewards member
• • Platinum/Gold – Unlimited access for you and up to five family members, plus 2 guest vouchers a year
  • Silver – 6 lounge vouchers per year
• Holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express – access through the card’s Priority Pass membership, for you and one guest. From January 1, 2027, that’s six free visits a year (a guest uses one) unless you spend $20,000 a year on the card
• Priority Pass, DragonPass, Lounge Club, and Diners Club members (based on their membership tier)
• Delta SkyMiles Diamond, Platinum and Gold Medallion members on a trip with a Canada–U.S. flight operated by Delta or WestJet

If you don’t fall into any of the above, you have the option to purchase access:

For guests travelling on a WestJet flight:

• Adult: $59 + GST
• Child (2 – 17 years): $30 + GST
• Child under 2 years: no charge

For guests travelling with any other airline:

• Adult: $65 + GST
• Child (2 – 17 years): $33 + GST
• Child under 2 years: no charge

Seating & Atmosphere

I’ll be sharing some of my photos but feel free to do a cool virtual tour.

What stands out upon entering the lounge is the extensive range of seating options available.

You’re presented with choices for relaxation, dining, or work, and the spaces are thoughtfully divided to create distinct atmospheres in each area.

One downside of this lounge though is the lack of direct tarmac views.

While you do have a decent view of the tarmac beyond the concourse, your vision will mostly be bothered by passengers walking by.

However, it’s perfect for those who enjoy people-watching!

In addition, there are more secluded spaces towards the back of the lounge.

These areas feature single sofas for chilling, loungers for relaxation, and private booths for making calls without disturbing other guests.

1 / 3

Food and Service

Covid-19 measures were still in place during my visit, so the service was a bit reduced.

Nonetheless I was overall very impressed by the quality and spread of the food options.

The open walkthrough kitchen is where guests are supposed to navigate and help themselves to various offerings along the way.

This included snacks or desserts from the central millstone countertop, cold items from the self-serve stations, and hot items from the open-concept kitchen counter.

Unfortunately it was not fully operational due to covid-19 measures.

Instead, every table had a QR code that allowed you to view the menu on your phone by scanning.

I was quite hungry, so I ended up ordering quite a bit of food.

I must say, the marinated grilled pork and Lobster bisque were absolutely phenomenal.

1 / 4

On the opposite side of the dining room lies the WestJet Elevation Lounge’s signature bar.

The bar boasts a premium selection of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.

It proudly showcases Calgary’s vibrant brewery scene, featuring a signature Elevation beer on tap by The Dandy Brewing Company.

There were many drinks to choose from, but I decided to try the signature WestJet Elevation Cocktail.

There’s no fixed drink limit. It’s up to the staff: WestJet asks guests to drink in moderation and can refuse anyone who seems intoxicated.

So, obviously, once your face turns tomato red and you start talking a little too loudly, expect to be cut off.

My face turned beet red after just one drink, so I was halfway there already. Yeah, thanks to my Asian glow.

Final Thoughts

The WestJet Elevation Lounge left me extremely impressed, and I simply can’t wait to revisit.

As a lounge that’s available to both domestic and international passengers (just not U.S.-bound ones), I’m now really jealous of Calgary residents 😜

However, its generous entry requirement is a bit concerning, as anyone with a Priority Pass membership from credit cards can visit.

It will be interesting to see if this is sustainable, or if there will be a queue of 50 people lined up at the entrance, flashing their Platinum Cards.

Amex may have answered that one: from January 2027, The Platinum Card® from American Express limits its Priority Pass to six free visits a year unless you spend $20,000 on the card.