Background
The Desjardins Odyssey Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) in the Transborder concourse (US destinations) opened on March 1, 2024. Desjardins Group and Plaza Premium have jointly opened this new airport lounge. When I was scrolling through the Global Lounge Collection on the AMEX App, it said that if I showed my AMEX Platinum Card, I would get access to the Desjardin Lounge for myself and 2 guests. It was the only lounge I had access to since I was flying American Airlines back to New York. The only other lounge in this part of the terminal is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge.
It’s not a huge lounge, as it can accommodate up to about 80 people.
Access and Hours
The Desjardins Odyssey Lounge is located near gate 76, and at first glance, it looks like a restaurant/cafe. It can only be accessed after heading through US pre-clearance, so you can’t access it if you’re departing on other domestic and other international flights.
Current lounge hours are from 5 AM until the last flight (which is around 9 PM).
Access is available to cardholders:
- Desjardins Odyssey Visa Infinite Privilege- 12 free passes per year
- Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard- 8 free passes per year
- Desjardins Odyssey Gold Visa- 50% off the regular entrance fee
Despite being operated by Plaza Premium, the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge isn’t on the Plaza Premium website at the time of posting, which is interesting. It is also not on the Priority Pass website.
But, it does seem to be on the DragonPass website, and with American Express Platinum’s Global Lounge Collection. So, I entered with my AMEX Platinum, and 2 guests were included so I took my friend in with me.
It also seems to be available for a pay-per-visit as well. Rates for the lounge are:
Ages 18+: $42
Ages 3-17: $26
Ages 0-2: Free
The Lounge
I visited the lounge in the early evening, and it wasn’t too crowded during our visit.
It does feel like you’re at an airport restaurant, with plenty of dining tables spread out. Some even extend to the terminal walkway only separated by some planters. In the back are more sofa-style seats. My friend and I found a dining table in the center of the lounge, but it did feel a bit cramped. It’s essentially one square box.
Lounge Exterior
Right next to the entrance is a full bar and my friend got a complimentary alcoholic drink. And, the food options are along the right side wall.
For drinks, there is a Pepsi fountain machine, along with a tea/coffee maker. Apple juice, orange juice, and water were also available.
Juices, Wate,r and Chips
During my early evening visit, there we food items like chips and salsa, cookies, bread, a cake, some salad, and yogurt/granola. For warm options, there were three hot dishes (a stir fry beef and a penne dish) plus a soup.
Buffet Selection
Hot Items
The food didn’t seem particularly appetizing, but I guess it was better than nothing.
The major negative about the lounge is the fact that there are no bathrooms for the lounge and you have to go inside the terminal to use one.
The Verdict
Overall, I guess waiting at the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge in Montreal’s Transborder Concourse is better than sitting at the gate area. However, I wish the seating felt more comfortable and that the food was a bit more appetizing. It’s not a lounge that I would try to get to the airport early for.
Have you been to the Desjardins Odyssey Lounge before in Montreal? How was your experience? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
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No alcohol? It looks like a restaurant on the side of the terminal. Pretty sad but I’m sure it will be packed regardless. There are no good options at YUL, at lounges are mediocre.
There’s a bar in the front of the lounge and my friend got a drink. But yeah, it does look like a restaurant and it’s a bit sad. Thanks for reading!