Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at LaGuardia Airport
by Krish Patel
Shortly ahead of my Air Canada Business Class flight from New York to Toronto, I visited the Maple Leaf Lounge in LaGuardia’s Terminal B. It’s a comfortable lounge that gives you a taste of the Air Canada experience prior to boarding the aircraft and offers complimentary food and drinks. The Maple Leaf Lounge is among one of several lounges in Terminal B’s eastern concourse.
How to Access Maple Leaf Lounges
The Maple Leaf Lounge is a Star Alliance Gold lounge, so travelers can gain access when flying internationally on a member airline with Gold status. Folks with a premium Aeroplan credit card such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve can also gain entry, as can Air Canada Business Class passengers.
LaGuardia Maple Leaf Lounge Seating and Design
Upon entry, you’re greeted by the reception counter, where a friendly agent will check you in. Despite being an outstationed lounge for Air Canada, the space boasts a modern and inviting atmosphere. The marble flooring, wooden accents, and artwork contribute to a stylish and sleek appearance.
Air Canada chose a tasteful red and gray color palette to compliment its lounge furniture. There is plenty of comfortable seating, which comes in the form of couches, leather armchairs, and dining chairs. If you want some juice in your device, power outlets are available near each of the seats, as well as side table space.
If you venture deeper into the lounge, you’ll come across another seating area, which overlooks the departure hall below. There are bar stools lining the edge of the lounge, as well as a mini relaxation area with a sofa, television, and wooden tables shaped like a tree trunk.
Amenities include restrooms and a workstation complete with a printer. The workstation features two swivel chairs and isn’t very secluded. Its white tables feel bland, unlike the rest of the lounge space. The bathrooms are clean and spacious and feature both soap and hand lotion. You’ll find the set of restrooms adjacent to the workstation.
LaGuardia Maple Leaf Lounge Food and Drink
Towards the center of the space is a dining area, with cafeteria-style seating and a high-top table. The food offerings at the buffet are basic and include hot dishes such as rice, tofu, roasted vegetables, and tomato soup. You’ll also find a salad bar and desserts such as cookies and brownies. Overall, it’s a very basic selection with only four to five hot entrees and additional light snacks.
Unlike the next-door United Club, the Maple Leaf Lounge has no full-service bar. Instead, travelers can help themselves to coffee, tea, soft drinks, and complimentary self-serve wines found near the buffet.
Overall Thoughts
If you have access through an Air Canada Business Class ticket or Star Alliance Gold status, then the Maple Leaf Lounge isn’t a bad place to relax prior to taking off. However, LaGuardia’s Terminal B has several lounge options to choose from, such as the Chase Sapphire Lounge and American Express Centurion Lounge, both of which have better amenities and food offerings. Before your trip from Terminal B, it’s best to do your research and explore your options so that you have the best lounge experience possible.