Canadian Airlines Plus - NOT FOR SALE: Empress Lounge Memberships

I called Canadian today to inquire about purchasing an Empress Lounge membership. I thought they would be particularly useful, since they now also allow access into AC's Maple Leaf Lounges.

(NOTE: I called earlier this year and was prepared to buy one at the time, but was told they did not offer MLL access).

Anyway, I was told that effective April 1st, Canadian was no longer selling their Empress Lounge Memberships (probably about the same time that they started allowing reciprocal entry with AC). I guess this is just another great feature of that infamous merger!

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Why not purchase a MLL membership for $199 /yr? Same access and it is still for sale.

AC seems to be restricting MLL memberships to preferred clients as in corporate.. and special clients. In the past, I had great difficulty getting one. With CP+ top tier and Empress Club now having access, they seem to be even more restrictive. I guess some lounges are close to capacity at peak times. I'm glad that I am Elite and I do not have to rely on a MLL membership.

[This message has been edited by airbus320 (edited 05-16-2000).]

Hey MapleLeaf,

Airbus320 is exactly correct in that MLL memberships are very difficult to come by. I called the AC sales office earlier this year and was told that it was "wait-list only!" And yes, they seem to give preference to very frequent flyers and top-level corporate executives. Do you have any connections at AC this will approve my MLL membership?

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