Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

While New York’s LaGuardia airport might still conjure images of third-world facilities and dingy lounges, customers traveling through the new Terminal B Eastern Concourse will experience a radically different facet of New York’s much-maligned third airport.

Perched on a spacious mezzanine floor overlooking a bright airy concourse, the 7,015-square foot Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is situated steps away from the airline’s gates, and just across the equally new United Club.

The Maple Leaf Lounge welcomes Maple Leaf Lounge members, Air Canada Business Class and elite passengers, United Club members, and all Star Alliance Gold passengers regardless of destination. This means that the Maple Leaf Lounge is open to United’s elite customers (Premier Gold, Platinum, and 1K) who do not otherwise have access to the United Club—an twist that highlights the oddity of airline lounge access rules.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LGA design

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia airport Terminal B boasts the airline’s latest design, a fresh and modern celebration of Canada that pays homage to the country’s artists, craftmanship, and materials.

Located immediately behind the lobby, a dramatic hub and dining area sets the tone with cathedral ceilings, sharp lines, luxurious marble flooring, and an elegant divider made of maple slats. A communal table with bright red stools acts as the focal point of the design, while convivial dining booths offer a touch of additional privacy and comfort.

An open-plan seating area wraps around the dining area. Bathed in daylight, the club features bird’s eye views of the new concourse and the tarmac in the distance. Despite tall glass barriers, some noise from the concourse bleeds into the mezzanine-level lounge, but Air Canada’s light ambient music offers a welcome distraction.

At the center of the lounge is an appealing TV lounge furnished with a curved sofa, club chairs designed by Calgary’s Birchwood, and natural wood side tables sourced from British Columbia’s Brent Comber. Visually, the ensemble is gorgeous, though in practical terms, the concept is questionable as it’s better suited for groups than solo travelers who tend to be majority of the club’s clientele.

There are plenty more seating options to choose from, though. Guests may relax in high-backed chairs with a built-in cocktail table, or settle at a communal workspace. In addition, the lounge sports numerous traditional lounge chairs with side tables outfitted with USB and power ports.

Couples will find nooks with inviting armchairs around coffee tables, while families may retire to a secluded semi-private area with booth seating. A collection of art works by Canadian artists rounds up the curated design.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LGA amenities

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at New York LaGuardia airport Terminal B features a set of essential amenities. Most Air Canada passengers are bound for Toronto, a short flight which doesn’t call for traditional international-grade amenities such as showers.

Guests will find an assortment of snacks, crudités, soups, and nibbles. A self-serve bar offers four Canadian and international beers on tap, as well as red, white, and sparkling wines, and a mid-range selection of liquor and spirits. Espresso, tea, soda, and juices, are also available.

A business corner is equipped with a work desk, two computers, a fax/copier/printer, and a charging point with a variety of cables and adapters—a fixture of Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. Fast Wi-Fi is available throughout.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LGA bottom line

The elegant and luminous Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia airport is a fitting addition to LGA’s new Terminal B Eastern Concourse. Patrons will enjoy a serene and well-appointed space with thoughtful touches such as convenient work tables, easy access to power, and various business amenities. Remarkably, the Maple Leaf Lounge welcomes United’s domestic elite customers who do not have access to the United Club.

If you have access to both the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the United Club at LaGuardia airport, which one should you choose?