Share The Article
Last Updated
It seems as if both Calgary and WestJet are aiming to be Canada’s favorite airport and airline this year, as they keep rolling out new features and announcements this month.
Last week, YYC airport announced the new testing protocol for travelers returning to Canada to avoid the 14-day quarantine, WestJet promised to refund (no credits, actual cash!) all passengers whose flights had been canceled due to Covid, and now it’s the joint launch of WestJet’s brand spanking new Elevation Lounge.
WestJet was born and raised in YYC and it wants to further establish its roots in the Calgary Airport with the opening of their new flagship lounge, Elevate.
“The WestJet Elevation Lounge is a global first and we are excited and proud that YYC Calgary International Airport is its home. WestJet is YYC's biggest airline—by seats, by departures and by destinations served. Having the flagship WestJet Elevation Lounge here in Calgary means our mutual guests will have a new premium travel experience with great local amenities at the highest health and safety standards,” – said Rob Palmer, Vice President of Commercial, Strategy & Chief Financial Officer, The Calgary Airport Authority.
Access to the lounge (and yes, access to premium drinks and food!) is free for some WestJet flyers, yet still available for others with a fee. We’ve got more on that below.
The almost 10,000 sq ft lounge features a thought-out floor plan – pandemic-friendly with socially distanced seating, quiet areas to relax before a flight, a well-stocked bar, work areas with charging stations, and even showers.
“The opening of the WestJet Elevation Lounge is a pivotal moment for our business and demonstrates our commitment to delivering world-class experiences both on the ground and in the air,” said Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer. “It was only fitting to open this flagship space within our home hub in Calgary. The lounge will provide our top-tier WestJet Rewards members and business cabin travellers with a safe and comfortable place to rest, rejuvenate and work when visiting YYC.”
Why use a lounge?
Personally, I have always been a huge fan of premium airport lounges. (Would it be crazy to admit I actually go to the airport early, just so I can relax in the lounge?) They are quiet, they have access to delicious drinks and food, and they don’t have the same overwhelming atmosphere when waiting in the departure gate area. They have always been a place where I collect myself and actually find time to enjoy the experience of a travel day.
Now, since Covid, more people than ever are looking for a more private, secluded, and controlled experience, exactly the type of environment that can be found in an airport lounge.
Opening Date:
November 2nd
Coincidentally, the same day that YYC is launching their ‘Rapid testing’ program
Location:
Domestic terminal, Concourse B
That means both domestic flyers, or flyers heading to international destinations like in Europe or the Caribbean will be able to access the lounge. However, flights heading directly to the USA will not have access
Cost:
Entry into Elevate lounge is FREE for:
1. WestJet Rewads Platinum, Gold and Silver members
2. Guests travelling in the Business cabin on WestJet’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners (including connections when a Business fare has been purchased)
3. Priority Pass, LoungeKey, LOUNGE CLUB and Diners Club members with available passes
Entry into Elevate lounge can be PURCHASED by:
- Guests flying with Westjet
- Guests flying with any other airline
WestJet guests get a slight discount if paying for access to Elevate.
- Adult: $59 + GST
- Child (2 – 17 years): $30 + GST
- Child under 2 years: no charge
Guests travelling with any other airline:
- Adult: $65 + GST
- Child (2 – 17 years): $33 + GST
- Child under 2 years: no charge
Food and Drink:
Forget the basic veggie and cracker plates, the Elevate lounge is delivering fresh fare prepared by in-house chefs, using as many local ingredients as possible, directly to the table through ordering on digital menu service.
Bartenders are ready to shake up custom cocktail orders, pour some delicious wines, or even give you a glass of WestJet’s own locally brewed ‘Elevation’ draft.
Food and drink are included with entry into the lounge.
People who need to work:
There are private meeting rooms available to be booked, areas to plug in a laptop or phone, free access to Wi-Fi and even printing.
People who want to relax:
Long and soft lounge chairs are available for stretching out. Deluxe bathrooms with full showers can also be booked upon entering the lounge.
People with kids:
There is a designated kids area with activities for kids to interact with and explore
Other rules guests should know about:
- Masks are required at all times, except when eating or drinking
- There is a 3-hour limit in the lounge
- Meeting spaces and showers must be booked when arriving at the lounge
- Hours for the lounge are 7:00am to 9:30pm
Read More: See all countries reopen for Canadian tourists and companies that offer Canadians travel insurance that covers covid
↓ Join the community ↓
The Travel Off Path Community FB group has all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&A's happening daily!
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories