Visa Infinite Privilege cards are the crème de la crème of Visa credit cards in Canada, and they tend to command a hefty annual fee, typically in the region of $499—599 (CAD) – or two to three times more than a regular Visa Infinite card.
As a result, Visa Infinite Privilege cards include a suite of exclusive perks that differentiate them from lower-tier cards, including priority privileges at four of Canada’s major airports: Vancouver (YVR), Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ), Montreal (YUL), and Ottawa (YOW).
Let’s take a look at these perks in detail below.
Visa Infinite Privilege Priority Security at Canadian Airports
Arguably the most useful among the airport benefits for Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders is priority security at select airports. You’ll get to access a dedicated security line along with premium cabin passengers.
This is especially useful for passengers travelling in economy class and without NEXUS cards, who would otherwise have no priority security privileges.
This privilege is available at the following airports:
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
- Montreal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
- Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Simply flash your card to access the priority/fast-track security lines to the attendant, and you’ll be prioritized for security clearance.
Note, however, that as per the terms and conditions, only the cardholder is entitled for priority security. In practice, sometimes the security agents are happy to wave through accompanying passengers of Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders, though this isn’t always guaranteed.
If you’re flying to the US from one of the eligible airports, you can use this service to breeze through security, and then in turn use Mobile Passport Control to get you through US pre-clearance faster.
Visa Infinite Privilege Parking Benefits
Aside from priority security, Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders get parking and valet benefits at the airports in Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa.
At Vancouver International Airport, you can park on one of 12 branded parking spots at the P1 level of the Parkade. The dedicated spots are those closest to the terminal; however, they operate on a first-come-first-served basis.
Since the Parkade is just across from the Domestic Terminal, you’ll be paying for the convenience: the daily rate is $36.75 (CAD), while the weekly rate is $204.75 (CAD).
Additionally, cardholders also get 20% discount on Gateway Valet at Vancouver Airport, with weekly rates starting at $247.50 plus a $20 Valet Fee. The drop off locations are on Departures Level 3, at both the Fairmont Hotel and Graham Clarke Atrium.
Over at Montreal–Trudeau International Airport, you can get a 10% discount at ValetParc. You must use your Visa Infinite Privilege card to pay, and the discount will be taken off your bill at point-of-sale.
The airport’s valet parking rate is $50 (CAD) per day, with no weekly rate available.
Lastly, at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, you can park at one of the dedicated spots at P3 of the Parkade. The dedicated spots are also those closest to the terminal, operating on a first-come-first-served basis.
Plus, you can get a 20% discount when parking at the Parkade. When paying at the Impark Office on the ground level of the Parkade, be sure to pay with your Visa Infinite Privilege card to get your discount.
Parkade rates are $5 (CAD) for every 30 minutes, up to a reasonable 24-hour rate of $24 (CAD). The Parkade is located a two-minute walk away from the terminal.
Visa Infinite Privilege Taxi/Limo Benefits at Vancouver Airport
If you’re in a rush to get out of the airport upon arrival in Vancouver, you’re in luck, because Visa Infinite Privilege cardholders get priority access to the front of the taxi and limo queues.
To use this service, simply flash your Visa Infinite Privilege card to the taxi/limo attendant at the domestic, international, and US transborder arrival areas.
Which Cards Are Eligible for Priority Services at Canadian Airports?
All seven of the Canadian-issued Visa Infinite Privilege cards are eligible for priority services:
- TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege†
- CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
- Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege
- Vancity enviro Visa Infinite Privilege Card
Credit Card Best Offer Value Up to 70,000 RBC Avion points† $801 Apply Now Up to 80,000 Aeroplan points† $766 Apply Now 60,000 Aeroplan points $634 Apply Now Up to 80,000 CIBC Aventura Points $420 Apply Now Up to 120,000 BMO Rewards points $74 Apply Now Up to 4% cash back $-305 Apply Now
Conclusion
Visa Infinite Privilege cards are the highest-tier Visa offering in Canada, and with their high annual fees come exclusive benefits at select Canadian airports.
At the airports in Vancouver, Montreal, Downtown Toronto, and Ottawa, cardholders are given access to priority security. In addition, the airports in Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa provide cardholders with reserved parking spots and discounts on parking and valet, while Vancouver is also home to a priority taxi and limo queue.
If you frequently pass through one of these airports, be sure to always include a Visa Infinite Privilege credit card in your rotation to ensure you can benefit from a smooth travel experience every time.