Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at LaGuardia Airport: A Quick Review

I recently flew out of New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) for the first time since its Terminal B remodel in 2020, and I was excited to explore a few of its new lounges, including a first for me: an Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. I was flying on United but was able to access the lounge with my Star Alliance Gold status, so if given the option, why not explore a new space?

I’ll review how to locate and access the lounge, report on my impressions of the seating and dining program, and give you my take on whether this lounge is worth a stop if you have the opportunity.

Where Is the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at LGA?

In the Terminal B Eastern Concourse, follow the signs toward gates 40 to 59 and descend the escalators from level 4 (the main level near Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club) to level 3. The lounge is easily found (and signposted) to the left as you exit the escalators, across from the United Club.

The Maple Leaf Lounge is open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Who Can Access the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge?

This trip marks the first time I’ve used my new Star Alliance Gold via Lufthansa Miles & More Senator status for lounge access. Using this status, I can also access United Club lounges when flying on domestic United itineraries in any class, so I was able to visit the nearby United Club and will later detail my thoughts on where to go if you have a choice.

Here’s a thorough list of who can access Maple Leaf Lounges:

• Elites
  • Air Canada Aeroplan Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K, Elite 50K, and Elite 35K members
  • Star Alliance Gold members
• Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members
• Credit cardholders
  • One-time guest access benefits for TD and CIBC Aeroplan-affiliated cardholders
  • Select American Express AeroplanPlus cardmembers (Reserve, Platinum, Corporate Platinum)
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, Sapphire Reserve for Business℠, and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card
• Air Canada Signature class and business class
• Latitude, Comfort, or Flex fare passengers who purchase lounge access

For guest privileges and restrictions, consult the full list of house rules under the “Qualifying Customers” header on the Air Canada website.

First Impressions

The space featured club chairs grouped in sets of 2, 4, and even 6, with barstools for counter seating, rolling office chairs near the business center printer, long sofas, deep swivel chairs, and individual chairs with small tables attached. The airy space lets you view down on the terminal below (level 2) and onward out to the apron. The lounge’s interior featured several large televisions and departure boards.

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The space had fantastic large sofas for groups.

The rich red of Air Canada’s logo was present throughout, along with strong wood elements and art that evoked a cool, chilly, outdoor feel.

Power was also at the forefront of design, with traditional AC and USB-A outlets built into end tables, armrests, and even the large wooden coffee tables. I particularly liked that these weren’t discreet or at foot level.

Food and Beverages

I initially intended to just make a quick pass through the lounge, but the visually appealing lunch buffet during my midday visit beckoned me to grab a plate and sit down for a stretch.

Dining

I was most excited to see a salad bar with a variety of toppings, including spiced chickpeas, artichokes, feta, grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, quinoa, and more.

Hot dishes featured delicate, perfectly steamed cod, pot roast, spicy vegan tofu, roasted Brussels sprouts, tricolor cauliflower, rice, and 2 soups. Brownies, cookies, and mixed nuts were available as finger foods.

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Hot dishes.

My takeaway was that the food looked appetizing, with interesting flavors that were protein-leaning and vegetable-enriched.

Beverages

The beer taps featured Guinness, Coors Light, and Coney Island Brewery, with bottles of Molson and mixers in a cooler nearby. Liquors and spirits were displayed on the counter for self-service, along with 5 kinds of wine. Iced water was in a dispenser, and guests could use a Lavazza coffee machine, with pump syrups nearby. A soda fountain dispensed Coca-Cola products.

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Self-service beer and liquor.

Where Should Star Alliance Gold Members Visit if Given a Choice?

If you have access to the Maple Leaf Lounge and the United Club on the same level, there are a few differences I noted.

Food and Beverages

Maple Leaf Lounge has self-serve alcohol, whereas United Club has a staffed bar. Both lounges offer Coca-Cola fountains, but the United Club has a Freestyle machine.

If you prefer a hot, hearty meal, Maple Leaf Lounge wins. During my lunchtime visit, the United Club had only 2 hot dishes (vegetarian pasta and lobster macaroni and cheese), whereas the Maple Leaf had 3 main dishes (beef, cod, and tofu) and a variety of hot vegetables.

The salad bar offerings at the United Club were limited compared to Maple Leaf but had protein such as chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and cheese. The United Club offered more cold lunch items, such as wraps, sandwiches, charcuterie, and chips with salsa. Both lounges offered a variety of cookies and brownies, and the United Club also had whole and dried fruit, as well as pound cake. Where United Club had a leg up was in its snacks, including Jelly Belly jelly beans, dried-fruit trail mix, and a jalapeno cornbread snack mix.

Seating

Both lounges have a footprint that overlooks the level 2 departure gates below, with a variety of seating snaking throughout. The United Club felt either less crowded or had more seats than the Maple Leaf Lounge.

Amenities

Both lounges are light on additional amenities, with the requisite Wi-Fi, quiet spaces (or the opposite at United Club, which has phone rooms), and in-lounge restrooms, though neither has showers.

Final Thoughts

I love to lounge-hop, but the intriguing flavors of the dining program at the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at LGA, paired with the diverse and fresh salad bar, would draw me back 100%.

It’s rare, in my experience, to find a calm lounge nowadays, but my midday visit found light crowds, plenty of seating, and attentive staff. Since this is one of the primary lounges I have access to at LGA, I would definitely look forward to visiting again.