Thursday, 03 January 2008

• Air Canada International Maple Leaf Lounge

  International, Terminal 1, level 3, Node F
  Toronto Pearson International Airport
  3111 Convair Drive
  Toronto, Ontario L5P 1B2
  http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/maplelounges/index.html

  To provide a compelling reason for travellers to prefer a certain carrier over another, carriers offer a point system and perks.  One of those perks offered by most, but not all (i.e. American Airlines) is complimetary access to their lounges.  For those you that fly a lot from Toronto with Air Canada, the domestic Maple Leaf lounge is probably very familiar to you.  The international lounge is probably a bit more foreign as flying a lot internationally is taxing on the body.  Here I will give you a glimpse of the inside of Air Canada's International Maple Leaf Lounge.  Access to Air Canada lounges are restricted to some passengers based on ticket, status, or credit card.

  With the teardown of Terminal 2 in 2007, Terminal 1 services all flights by Air Canada:

  

  Air Canada operates a number of small planes and only a few large long range planes:

  

  A good selection of common fruits like apples and oranges.  Two types of soup were available: chicken noodle and roasted tomato.  Various canned pop and juices were available alongside the customary coffee and tea.

  

  Open seating area:

  

  The Business Centre with complimentary printing and desktop computers with internet access:

  

  Quiet seating area:

  

  With a small soup selection during lunch hours, bread, and drinks, the International lounge doesn't differ much from the domestic lounges operated by Air Canada.  I would expect more from the international lounge since international typically cost more for passengers and bring more revenue to a carrier than domestic flights.  If you're flying Air Canada, meet their restrictions, and get to the airport early enough, I don't see a reason not to go to the lounge.  But if you're trying to make status or thinking about getting a specific credit card just to get access to the lounges, I don't think the lounges in Toronto are worth the effort.

  Eric Tummy Points: 2 out of 5

  • 10:35 PM
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