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Complimentary airport lounge access is a sweet deal. What’s even sweeter is double-dipping by earning points on complimentary lounge visits. You can do just that with Smart Traveller. With this program, you can earn points for complimentary or paid visits to Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide, as well as a host of other activities.
In this article, we'll discuss how points earned with the program can be redeemed for gift cards, lounge visits, lounge amenities, and more.
Page Contents
How to Earn Smart Traveller Points
Earning Smart Traveller points is relatively straightforward:
- Visit any participating lounge.
- When presenting your credentials for admission, present your Smart Traveller e-membership card.
- Allow up to six weeks for your points to post your account.
The number of points will depend on two factors: the type of lounge you visited (Plaza Premium Lounge or Plaza Premium First) and how you gained entry. Did you pay, get complimentary access, use airline status, etc.? Earning rates are as follows:
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- 100 points for a complimentary entry, such as airline invitations, travel passes, credit card membership, and more.
- 150 points for a paid entry — either walk-in or by booking online.
- Plaza Premium First
- 150 points for a complimentary entry.
- 300 points for a paid entry.
If you gain discounted entry or use vouchers, you will not be eligible for any points. The only exception is using the Smart Traveller member discount on paid visits. In this case, you will still accrue points.
Birthday bonus points
Smart Traveller offers a nice bonus if you are traveling during your birthday month: double points on all eligible transactions. What stands out here is that you are not restricted to your birthday itself or only one visit. If you visit 10 lounges during your birthday month, you'll still earn double points on every visit. Birthday bonus points will post to your account within 14 days of the transaction.
Participating locations
The list of participating locations is extensive, with many locations across the world, including London, Rome, and Melbourne, to name a few. However, for U.S.-based travelers, the list is less than stellar.
While there are several participating locations in Canada — including Edmonton, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg — there are only two participating lounges in the U.S. at present. These are the Dallas–Fort Worth Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal E, domestic departures) and the Plaza Premium Lounge near the Palm Court in Orlando.
Consideration for Priority Pass Members
One thing to remember is that the Plaza Premium Group operates all the lounges on the list. Plaza Premium and Priority Pass have a rocky relationship, cutting ties in 2021 and then bringing back access to some (but not all) locations in June 2023.
Numerous premium credit cards provide Priority Pass memberships. If you access Plaza Premium Lounges through a Priority Pass membership, ensure you know which you can and can't access.
Access Plaza Premium Lounges With select Amex cards
When it comes to complimentary lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are arguably kings of the hill. Holders of both cards can access a wide range of lounges across the world, including Plaza Premium lounges. Therefore, gaining complementary lounge entry via their eligible card should be no problem at all!
Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Related: Complete Guide to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®
Other Smart Traveller Program Points Earning Options
Keep in mind that the Smart Traveller program is not a one-trick pony. Yes, you can earn points for lounge visits, but you also can earn points in tons of other ways. These include everything from dining in airports to booking a hotel on Booking.com.
Redeeming Smart Traveller Points
You have many options for redeeming your Smart Traveller points. Choices range from lounge visits and facilities to gift cards and hotel stays. Some of the redemption options include:
- Lounge visits, which vary in price between 1,500 and 4,300 points.
- Airport meet and assist, which ranges between 7,500 to 20,000 points.
- Airport hotel stays priced between 8,000 to 14,000 points.
- Airport dining
- Online shopping
- Fast Track services priced at 560 points
- Gift cards and tour vouchers
Our Take
The Smart Traveller program is an easy add-on for frequent flyers and casual travelers alike. With no cost to join, a wide range of participating lounges, and redemptions that include everything from lounge visits to gift cards, it’s a simple way to get more value out of trips you’re already taking.
If you’re swiping your Amex Platinum or Business Platinum Card for lounge access anyway, you may as well double-dip. Think of Smart Traveller as a quiet background booster for your rewards strategy.
Will you be signing up for the Smart Traveller program? Let us know in the comments below.
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