I had the opportunity to visit the Maple Leaf Lounge in Halifax on a recent cross-country mileage run. I had an early flight to Montreal, but came to the airport bright and early to check out the lounge.
Compared to lounges in larger airports, it was quite small, but let’s see how it stacks up against other Maple Leaf Lounges.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Halifax – Access
I arrived at the airport around 5am in anticipation of a 6:30am flight. Security was a breeze, as there weren’t many other unfortunate souls up that early on the Sunday morning of a long weekend.
The lounge is located on the third floor, which is one floor above the departures level, in the centre of the airport.
After passing through security, I headed up to the departures level and then up an elevator to the Maple Leaf Lounge. There is also a staircase for those who prefer getting in some extra steps.
The lounge is open daily from 4:15am to 5:50pm for passengers travelling within Canada and to international destinations, but not for those flying to the United States.
I had access to the lounge via several means. Simply holding the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card would have been sufficient, and I also had access holding Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status as a Super Elite.
I was greeted by a friendly check-in agent who smiled as I snapped a few pictures upon entering. The model aircraft and world clocks are present in the check-in lobby, as they are in other Maple Leaf Lounges.
After scanning my boarding pass to confirm my eligibility, I entered the lounge to find a few other people occupying the space.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Halifax – Seating
Immediately upon entry is a business centre through a door on the left. This area has a handful of work desks, some lounge chairs, and a printer.
Heading through to the main part of the lounge, the space opens up to the primary seating area. Along the hallway are pairs of seats with small tables in between.
There are clusters of seats throughout the lounge, including chairs in groups of two and four.
Immediately to the right of the food and beverage area are seats in front of a fish tank. I can’t recall seeing a fish tank in any other Maple Leaf Lounges, so kudos to Halifax for jazzing it up.
To the right of the fish tank is an area with the standard Maple Leaf Lounge chairs with tables in between. Next to these is a eight-person high-top workstation with power outlets.
Nestled close to the high-top workstation is a television with four scooped seats and small tables. The television was playing sports highlights from the previous night’s action, which was a bit much at this time of day.
Along the walls are pairs of seats with tables in between. In the rear of the lounge, there is another cluster of lounge chairs.
In front of the windows that overlook the terminal and the tarmac are more leather seats with tables in between. These appeared to be the most popular seats during my stay.
In the dining area, there are two sets of red chairs along the windows, and another four that form an island in the middle of the space.
I spent most of my time at the workstation, as I wished to get some emails sent before my flights.
The restrooms are located near the check-in desk, through a door on the right-hand side upon entering. The men’s room was clean and tidy on my visit. Unfortunately, showers are not available in this lounge.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Halifax – Bar & Dining
The bar and dining area are combined into a single space to the left of the fish tank.
As I visited early in the morning, the lounge was not serving alcohol. It looks like the standard Maple Leaf Lounge offerings of domestic beer, wine, and spirits were available as of 11am.
There was an automated juice machine, two fridges, and a filtered water machine that were cordoned off to public access. There weren’t any staff members there at that time, as the rest of the area offered the same things.
There are two Lavazza automatic coffee machines and a variety of self-serve teas available.
In the buffet on the opposite side of the dining area, you’ll find muffins and a number of chilled beverages.
The only other food options were in a refrigerator close to the windows, which offered standard prepared breakfast items and more chilled beverages.
Since this was my first visit to this lounge, I’m not sure if hot food items were offered prior to the pandemic. In any event, it would be nice to see some hot food items, as well as more cold items, available, as it felt like beverages were the most abundant item in this lounge.
I sipped on a sparkling water and had a muffin during my stay, knowing that I’d be having two parsley omelettes on my flights later that day.
Conclusion
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Halifax Robert L. Stanfield International Airport is a small space with limited food items available. The space offers a number of seating options and includes a fish tank.
During my morning visit it was quiet, but I imagine it gets a lot busier during the day. I’d love to see hot food items available, as well as some more variety in the beer offering.
As the sole lounge in the airport, the Maple Leaf Lounge is a quieter, more comfortable place to pass time before your flight than in the terminal.
I agree with you. You pay a high price for the privilege card, and get nothing in return.
Recently i trave to mexico, was shocked in Toronto the lounge have mo food only cold beverages. I was so disappointed, u bought breakfast spend 50 can dollars.
When returning I spend 65us dollars fir lunch fir 2 people, because the lounge in Mexico is not accepting my priority card, need American express. Or pay 40us for lunch.
I find it disgusting, very disappointed with the service.
I try calling aircanada, no answer yhe service stinks.
Always like aur canada not anymore, they are not the airline everyone feels very comfortable due to covid everything change.
Blaming it on covid. Very disappointed wih the service.
A total disgrace. Sure it might be ok to work for an hour or two, but there’s very little that’s enjoyable aside from that.
Race to the bottom. Pandemic accelerated it. Now everyone has access to a lounge and no wonder service and amenities are cut.
Worst lounge ever. The food offerings are slim to none
Chocolate muffins and fibre bars. Not even any fresh fruit. The oatmeal cups are a joke.
There is no service and my dishes remained for 1.5 hours. I was very disappointed I arrived early to try this one but lesson learned
Grab something from Tim’s next time.
On a recent trip to Halifax, I visited both this MLL and the YYZ one. Both are in need of upgrades. In fact, I would say the YYZ one is one of the most unappealing lounges to spend time at. Why they didn’t renovate during covid is anyone’s guess. Dated and run down. Brown stains in the washroom on caulking and walls. Air Canada should be embarrassed that Canada’s biggest airport presents this to their elite members and high paying fare flyers.
Their premium rouge flights that they charge a fair amount for is what they should be embarrassed about. Came back on that from Newfoundland and the seats although spacious is like sitting on a park bench, hard, any foam that was once present has gone to the heavens….they should be embarrassed in many areas of service where they charge a premium