Toronto Air Canada Domestic Maple Leaf Lounge Review (COVID Re-Opening)

On my socially distant return to travel (see how I made my decision using this framework), I flew out of Toronto Pearson airport on Air Canada only a few days after they opened their business class lounge, the Maple Leaf Lounge, at the airport. In comparison, late last year I reviewed the disappointing Ottawa Maple Leaf Lounge. 

Entrance

The lounge is located up elevators immediately to the left after clearing domestic security. The Maple Leaf Lounge in Toronto just recently re-opened after being closed for a few months. It appears that the new modified Maple Leaf Lounge hours are 5:30 - 21:15 daily for the time being.

After taking the elevator, the social distancing measures are apparent, with lines on the floor and plexiglass shields in front of the agents. The agent had me scan my boarding pass and welcomed me into the lounge, but didn’t give an explanation on how the new set up worked. The process wasn’t initiative and some friends who’ve been to the lounge since commented on how it was confusing. 

Markers apparent

The lounge also had a poster with preventative measures, like washing hands and waving instead of shaking hands, that seemed to be out of place for a lounge. 

This sign seemed to be out of place

After entering the large lounge, the entire right side of the lounge is currently closed, as all users are funnelled to the left. 

The lounge was spaced out, which is nice compared to the usual crowds at Toronto Pearson lounges. That being said, as travel increases, I really don’t see how this lounge set up could easily scale. 

Chairs were removed to thin out lounge seating

Masks were mandatory throughout the lounge unless you were eating or drinking. Most people abided by the rules, and the staff were really good about reminding people to put their masks on after they were done eating. That being said, for a few people who purposely didn’t put their masks on, there was no recourse. 

I love a shower while travelling, especially before/after red-eye flights. Unfortunately, they’re closed for the near future.

Food and Drink

Walking to the bar area, you see a snack menu posted with morning and daily options, with healthy and hearty options available for both.  The bar area is lined by tables placed to ensure distancing. In all public areas, food and drink have been removed.

You must order your snack bag at the bar along with any drink options. There were two bartenders making drinks for those people who wanted mixed drinks.I chose a hearty meal and a beer. Unsurprisingly, the wrap and salad weren’t great, but it’s still better than nothing. 

Once I found a seat with my snack bag and a beer, I figured out that they are also doing table service for pre-made meals called Maple Leaf Lounge @ la table. I thought this was pretty innovative, as I was able to scan the QR code and get the menu up on my phone. The most up to date menu can be found here.

Maple Leaf Lounge @ la table was only available between 6 am - 10 am, 11 am - 2 pm, and 5 pm to 8 pm. I ordered at 4:50 and they mentioned I had to wait until 5. After ordering the meal from my seat at 5, I received my snacks within 5 minutes.

I ordered the Chef Park Special which was a Quebec Shrimp Roll. The bread wasn’t very high quality but the roll was fine. I do note that these items are highly wasteful, as the black plastic containers they’re served in cannot be recycled in Toronto (Thanks to Reader Chris, he mentioned that they can be recycled in Peel, that being said, I still think that a compostable container would be better). I would hope that they move to a more sustainable compostable container that many restaurants are using. 

I also ordered the Chicken Rice Bowl. The bowl was heavy on the rice and a bit low on the vegetables, but the vegetables were good. Unfortunately, there is nothing available for people with lactose intolerance. 

The Point. 

It’s a welcome sign that the lounges are re-opening to travellers hoping to return to travel. As Air Canada works out their kinks, I hope the process will become more intuitive and more environmentally conscious. As travellers return, Air Canada will have to continue to innovate in order to provide the lounge experience to customers upon their return to travel.