Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by Stacey Levesque
Priority Security Lines
Apply for Nexus:
Faster Security Lines & Faster US Customs Lines
This gives you Trusted Traveller security lines no matter where you travel in Canada, and if you have your Nexus membership number when checking in with US airlines, you will have TSA Pre Check. Also, preferred lines at land border crossings between Canada and the US, provided all in the car have Nexus.
If you purchase a business class ticket, always ask at check-in if priority security is available to you. Many airports allow you into a shorter line when you are on a Business or First-Class ticket.
If you have any of the TD, CIBC, or RBC “Infinite Privilege Visa” cards, as well as American Express Platinum, you will find their logo on Priority Security lines at Pearson, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa that are shorter than the big line. This is not Nexus or Trusted Travellers, but generally a shorter line.
Cost $120US per person. Since each membership is unique, every member of your travelling party will require a Nexus card to get the benefits.
How it Works
- Apply Online. Visiting the USA’s Department of Homeland Security website’s Trusted Traveler Programs and choose NEXUS
- Submit the online application.
- Enroll. Schedule & attend your in-person appointment.
Find an Enrollment Center. Applicants are encouraged to check Enrollment Center locations (and availability) before applying, to ensure they can travel to an interview location. - Membership. Once accepted, your membership will last for 5 years.
Processing times will vary. You can check the approximate times at the time of your application on the Trusted Traveller website
Upgrade your Airline Experience for Priority Check-In & Boarding:
- Air Canada Premium Economy
- Air Canada Premium Rouge
- Air Canada Business Class
- Air Transat Club Class
- WestJet Premium
- WestJet Business Class
- Sunwing Elite Plus
Lounges
Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada are available to purchase or as occasional promotional offers and are great comfy hideaways. Here’s what’s available in Canada:
- Edmonton: US departures near Gate 88, other departures near Gate 52
- Montreal: Air France Lounge by Plaza Premium, near Gate 57.
- Toronto: International departures – Terminal 1, near Gate E77, Terminal 3 near Gate C32
- Toronto: US departures – Terminal 1, near Gate F53, Terminal 3, T-Level
- Toronto: Domestic Terminal 1, level 3 right after security.
- Vancouver: International departures, Pier D, level 3, near gate 67
- Vancouver: US departures, Pier E near gate E88
- Vancouver: Domestic departures, Pier C level 3, near gate C29
- Winnipeg: Across from gate 5
Plaza Premium also operates lounges including Orlando, Cancun (Mera Lounge), London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and many more.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges
You cannot buy access to these lounges, other than by booking Premium Rouge, Air Canada Business Class, by having an Aeroplan Elite 50K status or higher, or by having a very premium Aeroplan Credit Card.
If you enroll and pay the annual fee for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card, or the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinitive Privilege Card, or the American Express Aeroplan Reserve card, you will get unlimited access for you and one guest to Maple Leaf Lounges (not Signature Lounges). There are lesser Aeroplan cards that have passes issued for every $10,000 spent.
To get access to Air Canada Signature lounges, you must purchase a full revenue business class ticket and it cannot be a code share with another airline. An Air Canada ticket on Air Canada metal is the only way into the Signature Lounge. When you purchase full revenue business class tickets on Air Canada, you also have access to Star Alliance Lounges worldwide (United Club, Lufthansa, and all other member airline lounges where applicable)
Credit Cards with Other Worldwide Lounge Programs
American Express Platinum Card: Unlimited complimentary access to Plaza Premium, American Express Global Lounge Collection including Priority Pass and Centurion Lounges.
Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card: 10 complimentary Priority Pass entrances per year.
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite: 6 complimentary passes through the Visa Airport Companion program, powered by Dragonpass, which includes Plaza Premium.
BMO Ascend World Mastercard: 4 complimentary passes per year through Mastercard Travel Pass including Dragonpass and Plaza Premium.
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card also includes Dragonpass in addition to Maple Leaf lounge passes.
Dragonpass and Priority Pass can also be purchased directly as an annual program or individual lounge pass entrances.
If all else fails, check-in online, arrive early, take a deep breath, go to an airport restaurant or bar, and board nearly last (without calling it too close), unless you are in a race for overhead bin space!
