Originally Posted by
vernonc
Good posts. YYZ is my home airport and I try not to use the MLL for some of the reasons described above plus the lineup to use the elevator and lineup to check in. If I arrive at the airport in time, I use the PP lounge instead even though they are also not much better in terms of offerings, I can get in/out quickly. I do use the MLL International lounge.
When away from YYZ, I would sometime use the MLL but normally use other options. In SFO I use the Amex lounge, in LAX I use the TBIT lounge. In YVR I use the MLL as there are no better options for domestic.
Food offerings in MLL have been rather sad but hope for some improvements given the recent AC announcements. They also need to reduce selling MLL access and also perhaps not provide it gratis to ACV customers who upg to J for $200.
Lastly they need some sort of 'concierge/SD' in the lounges. We have the agents at the entry desk and we have the cleanup crew. Would help with someone with some level of authority that can walk around the lounges tactfully fixing the silly stuff like kids throwing food, drunken louts, people on speakerphone skype calls, etc. I know we cannot legislate good behavior but a gentle reminder would help improve the experience for all of us. I have had on very rare instances a 'manager' come up and talk to me in the lounges. I used to enjoy this lounge benefit but now its almost inconsequential other than getting a couple of quick drinks in before sleeping on a red eye.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Thank you vernonc!
As we know, AC has renovated the YUL International and is in the process of renovating YVR International.
From photos and recent reports, food in the YUL one seems much better than what I've posted from YVR. Perhaps it's the "market" and customer expectations.
We all know YYZ, the supposed "flagship" international is in major need of a sandblast, for many reasons.....and perhaps a new space where one can have great views of the runways.
While I now generally avoid both the YYZ Dom and TB due to poor offerings and insanely slow elevators and very long lines during the "rush hours", I may still go there at 5:30 am.
As we know, at least at YVR Dom, there are stairs, and great views if nothing else.
A recent experience at YYZ international prior to a flight left me with the decision to not do that flight or any other on those days or in the morning, as well as even going to the MLL.
The morning issue is simply the big meh offerings and no hot food.
Being there on that Sunday morning was rather hellish. I noticed a completely different crowd, a lot of children and people in flip flops. Yes, all the clues for people going on vacation perhaps.
There were adults and children touching the food, there was a young child standing on the angled blue chairs in the seating area. He could have easily slipped and fallen. He was also throwing food. His parents were busy texting.
Near the business area, another children yelled from approx 7-730 am.
The washrooms were a mess.
I went to the desk to ask the attendants what??????
She said, "yes, Sundays are busy will all the ACV pax. They can pay $50 additional on package and get MLL access"
After a close encounter of the horrid kind with one of the other "guests", I decided this is not the Maple Leaf Lounge. This is not a place for a person to have some quiet space, do some work etc.
This was a Fast Food Restaurant, but without happy meals. There are no senior AC staff keeping an eye on the guests, their behavior and dealing with issues - let alone the ability for ANY desk agent to handle ticketing changes etc. The line up to get in went all the way out the door, almost to the moving walkway.
I understand the opportunity for additional revenue AC has by giving vacationers etc the ability to pay a minimal sum to access the lounge. Not sure what that amount brings in relative to the cost of food and staff, but I'm sure there's money in there somewhere.
As a result, I would now rather find a nice spot in the departure area. I'm sure that works out great for AC.
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