Air Canada has quietly re-opened the doors of its Maple Leaf Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), presenting a convenient lounge option for many Star Alliance Gold flyers on United Airlines.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX Open Again
The lounge hours are posted as 5:30AM to 11:30PM each day but Friday, when the lounge closes at 10:00PM. But that wasn’t my experience, however. My first visit was at 9:30PM on a Saturday night a couple weeks ago – the lounge was closed. But I returned a week later in the morning and found the lounge open.
The self-serve buffet is gone, but from behind a barrier you can choose which items you want and they will be brought to you, along with the drink of your choice.
I stopped for breakfast and had an espresso, some fruit, and yogurt. It was tasty, though not especially memorable.
The lunch menu includes wraps and salads that sound tasty. I look forward to returning.
Great Option For United Star Gold Flyers
Within Star Alliance, the general rule is Star Alliance Gold passengers have lounge access when traveling on a Star Alliance flight, regardless of the cabin of service. But there are a few exceptions. One is that United MileagePlus Star Gold members do not have access to United Clubs when traveling only domestically, regardless of cabin of service (limited exceptions exist for premium transcontinental markets).
But United Star Gold members do have access to the Star Alliance Gold lounges of other carriers, like Air Canada, even if traveling on a simple domestic itinerary like LAX-SFO in economy class.
Thus, consider the short walk from Terminal 7 to Terminal 6 if you are flying on United, hold Gold status, and wish to eat or drink before your flight. It is a much easier walk than heading all the way to the Star Alliance Lounge in the Tom Bradly International Terminal.
CONCLUSION
This isn’t my favorite lounge by any means, but it a nice place to stop for a quick bite to eat and cup of coffee before your flight. If you find yourself with extra time before your next United flight and have Star Gold status, check it out. Even if you don’t, one-time passes are available for purchase (note, this is no longer a Priority Pass lounge).
This was a bit surprising, I thought that LAWA was kicking AC out of T6 because that was going to be all AS once their renovation is done?
Maybe it’s temporary? But definitely open again.
Could I go to Tom Bradley lounge with United gold on lax to sfo?
Yes.
Oh man this is great. I used to get off the rental shuttle at TB just for the SA lounge but the trek back over to T7 was a pain. I had no idea there was an Air Canada option in T6! Thanks for the tip!
AC MLL is also convenient if a *G domestic UA passenger has checked bags, which force you to get off your transportation at T6/T7. Going to *A BL at TBIT involves 2 walks with checked bags. Without bags and with OLCI/mobile BP in hand you can step off your transportation at TBIT and walk only once.
Flying out of T6 AC business on Sunday morning. I have few hours to kill. Which lounge do you recommend? Maple leaf, United @ T7, or star alliance business @ TBIT? Thanks!
Star Alliance by far the best, but both AC and UA lounges have nice selection of pre-packaged food. I like the yogurt and fresh fruit in AC lounge, but UA has a wider selection and the patio is nice in the morning.
I have a question: What does it cost to use the Maple Leaf Lounge ? I fly up to Vancouver on the 8:00AM flight tomorrow but am flying Economy and am not a member of United Airlines?
Can I pre- register & pay the fee!