I have not been paid by any entity in any way (financially, benefits) to write the following post. Any airline, lounge, and/or loyalty program policies may have changed since then.
New York LaGuardia: a hustling and bustling airport that is always on the move, much like the city it serves. Sometimes, you just want to get away from the crowds, but don’t find yourself with access to Amex’s Centurion Lounge, Delta’s two SkyClubs, American’s Admirals Club, or the United Club. After all, unless you’ve got credit card access, an international first or business class ticket, or lounge membership, your odds of getting into any of these on a domestic economy or first class ticket are pretty slim.
But they’re not exactly zero, are they?
Enter the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Air Canada holds the distinction of being the only non-U.S.-based airline to serve New York LaGuardia, and with approximately 17 flights to Canada departing the Queens-based airport on any given day, they opened a lounge meant to serve Air Canada’s premium members and Maple Leaf Lounge members. And, with Air Canada being a member of the Star Alliance network, all Maple Leaf Lounges are designated as Star Alliance Gold.
The great thing about the Star Alliance lounge network, though is that, if a lounge is designated as a Star Alliance Gold eligible location, any Star Alliance member’s first class, business class, or Star Alliance Gold member can access the lounge. Oddly enough, this includes United’s domestic first class and MileagePlus Gold, Platinum, and 1K members. So, while the United Club will turn you away if you’re flying on a domestic first-class ticket, the Maple Leaf Lounge will welcome you in! This of course, can vary from lounge to lounge at different airports, but hey, the worst they can say is “no.”
Have you accessed the Maple Leaf Lounge at LaGuardia before? What are your thoughts?
As always, Live Life One Trip at a Time!
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