Montreal's National Bank Lounge moves to a smaller temporary space with a two-hour limit

News and analysis · Sources checked October 5, 2026.

If you are flying overseas from Montreal-Trudeau in the next few years and usually use the National Bank Lounge, expect a smaller room and a firm limit on how long you can stay. The bank closed its lounge at 10 p.m. on October 4 for a renovation. A temporary space opens today, October 5, and the bank says the full lounge should return in June 2028.

What changed today

According to National Bank's lounge page, the temporary lounge is still near Gate 53 in the international departures area. "Capacity will be reduced," the bank says. Most visitors can now stay for a maximum of two hours. Private Banking 1859 World Elite Mastercard holders get three hours. The bank lists the opening date and the June 2028 reopening as "subject to change."

Buffet service continues, and the bank mentions optional table service "subject to certain conditions." It has not published separate hours for the temporary space. The original lounge was open from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Who can still get in

The basic rules have not changed. National Bank World Elite Mastercard holders get free access when travelling internationally, meaning outside Canada and the United States. They can bring one guest plus up to two children aged 12 or under. Other National Bank clients pay an entrance fee at a 25% discount. The bank lists the undiscounted price as $63.24 for adults and $40.24 for children aged 2 to 12, taxes included (NBC).

Priority Pass members should check before heading to Gate 53. The Priority Pass listing for the National Bank Lounge says it "will close for refurbishment works until 2028" and names the Aspire International Lounge as the alternate. The bank's own notice does not mention third-party lounge programs. Until that is clarified, assume your Priority Pass card points you to Aspire, not to the temporary National Bank space.

Our take: plan for the two-hour limit

A two-hour cap is workable if you plan for it. When several overseas flights leave close together, a smaller room means the queue at the door is the real risk. Do not arrive at the airport four hours early and expect to spend all of it in the lounge. Clear security, shop or eat first, and enter the lounge about two hours before boarding.

The renovation runs for about 20 months, so this is not a short disruption. It is fair to ask a bank to keep capacity in step with the cardholders it signs up, and we will watch whether waits at peak times become routine.

Alternatives on the international pier

YUL has several other lounges on the international pier, each with its own access rules:

• Aspire Lounge (International), near Gates 52 and 53, is the Priority Pass alternate. Check its hours before relying on it, because it may not open early in the day.
• Air France-KLM Lounge, near Gate 57, is for SkyTeam business class passengers and elite members.
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge (International) is the Star Alliance option for eligible Air Canada and partner passengers.
• Desjardins Odyssée Lounge (International), near Gate 63, is mainly for Desjardins Odyssey cardholders.

If your card offers access to more than one of these, choose based on your gate and the time of day rather than habit.

Related lounge guides

National Bank Lounge (YUL) · Aspire Lounge International (YUL) · Air France-KLM Lounge (YUL) · Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge International (YUL) · Desjardins Odyssée Lounge International (YUL)