Lounge Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – St. John’s (YYT)

……Décor and staff evoke Newfoundland’s beauty and friendliness

When: November 6, 2024

Rating: 7/10 – Very fine

Access: Star Alliance Gold

The Maple Leaf Lounge at St. John’s International Airport is a great place to relax before leaving Newfoundland, especially since the lounge evokes the location. Newfoundland art and sculptures celebrate St. John’s connection to the sea and the lovely use of maple wood dividers adds to the ambience, as well as the floor to ceiling views. The other highlight, the staff that epitomizes Newfoundland friendliness.

The lounge is upstairs from Gate 10 – take the elevator or stairs. After screening your boarding pass at reception, you immediately see a fisherman photo to the left. The washrooms are to the right.

After passing a couple of chairs, the main seating area is to the left. There are all types of lounge seating: tables, comfortable chairs, and high-top tables.  Outlets are easy to find throughout the lounge. The seating area is divided by a low wood wall featuring cool displays in a glass cases. The light fixtures are designed to replicate the appearance of an iceberg underwater.  

A slated wood partition separates the main seating area from the food/drink area. The buffet is rather modest (cheese omelets, bacon, potatoes) and a variety of cold items. There are very good coffee/espresso machines and a variety of soft drinks and juices. Alcohol is self-serve after 11 AM.

The staff in the lounge is excellent. The receptionist lent me some information about the local artists whose work adorns the lounge and the attendant in the food area was very friendly.

All in all this is one of the nicest Maple Leaf Lounges I have visited in Canada. It’s nice to see such thought given in designing a lounge.

I rate this lounge 7/10. Best features: Décor and staff.  Flaws. The buffet is just “ok”..