When: January 2, 2025
Rating: 6.5/10 – Enjoyable
Access: United Club membership – reciprocal privileges
The Maple Leaf Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a rather small lounge for LAX but provides a delightful respite from the bustle of Terminal 6, which mostly serves Alaska Airlines. The lounge was recently remodeled with the wood dividers (a feature common to Maple Leaf lounges) that effectively partition the lounge into separate areas. The highlight is the extensive buffet.
The lounge is in on the mezzanine level of Terminal 6 and requires passengers to use an elevator to access the lounge. The elevator is midway through the gate concourse. The reception desk features a large model of an Air Canada 787. After presenting your credentials at the desk, guests enter the first section, which is mainly just an area with typical and comfortable lounge seating, with high top tables along the windows. The highlight of this space is definitely the photos of Marilyn Monroe. There is an attractive wine bottle wall to the right. Beyond the first wood partition is the main dining area. Seating in this area is a combination of small tables and one long common table. Outlets were plentiful.
Along the wall is the drink station, which is highlighted by a serve yourself bar that has wines, beers on tap, and variety of mid-tier liquor. I appreciate that there is no charge for the drinks. There are also soft drinks, juices, and coffee…and cookies! In front of the drink wall is the small – but very well stocked buffet. There is a very extensive salad bar. Hot items included a butternut squash curry dish, white rice, chicken and naan bread. There were also some soups.
Beyond the next partition was a more quiet area best suited for working and the washrooms. One wall of the lounge is glass with tarmac views. Frequent Air Canada travelers will also notice a smattering of the red maple chairs.
I rate this lounge 6.5/10. Best features: The buffet and quiet (but that could have been the hour). Flaws. Some travelers may prefer a tended bar.
