24left

No. As you know, reasons have been listed, discussed, debated and re-listed.....in this thread.

Stranger

skybluesea

delete

yyznomad

Well, in 2017, AC did have Häagen-Dazs bars (multiple flavours) in some domestic and international MLLs... for a few months IIRC. So I guess that made them just as good as the SQ BKK SilverKris lounge.

kthpence

Flying SFO-YYZ-FCO w/ a 1.5 hour layover in YYZ...originally scheduled to fly SFO-YUL-FCO on the 7M8 but was able to change the route through YYZ & now get access to Signature Suite ... will my partner and I have 30-45 mins in the lounge assuming our SFO flight is on-time? How far is the lounge from the boarding gates? Chances of a BMW transfer from the inbound flight to the lounge? This is a paid J ticket.

llbean

Has there been a change in entry criteria?

I recently had a family member on a reward J ticket to India get invited into the Signature Lounge at check in and in fact was invited to come in at the Lounge???

yyznomad

Do tell do tell...

So the floodgates can open by precedent.

yyzgigi

Will be a little tight to get a lot of time in the lounge, but 30-45 minutes is certainly possible, if you're not in a rush to be first on the plane it would probably be civilized to wait to the end of boarding. If there are no lineups at the transfer areas you could be from plane to signature lounge in 10-15 minutes. The US gates are relatively close the international area and there is no BMW transfer for transborder (US) to International flights.

kthpence

Awesome - thanks for all of this info. I've never been one to be first on the plane, actually almost always prefer to be last since I don't need to spend extra time on a plane that I'll be on for the next 9+ hours (I know not everyone feels this way).

30-45 mins sounds like hopefully enough time to grab a quick bite from the buffet & a cocktail

skybluesea

delete

yyz_atc_qq

Why couldn't spouse get into the Int'l MLL without you??? J award should have had access on its own merit.

flyme2

Yesterday I had my first Signature Suite experience. It was sort of a mixed bag. I liked the fact that a valet was waiting as I deplaned from my flight, and escorted five pax to four waiting BMW 7 series cars. I was surprised that there were that many on the 11;00 AM YUL-YYZ flight. The female driver was friendly and engaged me in conversation, albeit scripted, for the short two minute drive. Once we arrived, she unloaded my bags and led me into the secure area, instructing me where to find the Signature Suite Lounge opposite E77. I would have appreciated an escort, as it was a bit convoluted to me, being unfamiliar with its exact location. Nonetheless, three minutes later I entered the lounge, adjacent to the more prominent entrance of the Plaza Premium. My first impression was not overly positive. Having been to UA's Polaris Lounges in both ORD and EWR, this one was definitely underwhelming. Whereas the Polaris Lounges are next to the tarmac with high ceilings, open space and plenty of natural light from the large windows, the Signature Lounge seemed dark and warrenlike. The agent checking me in did not address me by name, and I seemed more like a distraction from the conversation he was having with a colleague. As I passed a podium, a young attendant asked if I wished to store my luggage, and upon surrendering my wheelie, asked if I was familiar with the lounge abd offered a brief tour. As it was lunch time, she suggested I try the a la carte lunch currently being served. I agreed, and a minute after seating myself, a server placed a wine and lunch menu on the table without saying a word or making eye contact. Compare that to my Polaris experiences, where the servers are trained to engage, seat and serve. The menu was exactly the same as one of the photos upthread, and a couple of minutes later, a more personable server offered beverages and enquired if I was ready to order. Giving me a few more minutes when I was still undecided. When he returned with my sparkling water and Cabernet Franc, I ordered the mushroom risotto as the appetizer and lamb chops as my main. Approximately 15 minutes later, another server brought over a plate, said, "risotto", and waled off without further comment. The dish was not visually appealing, and, given the amount of Parmesan cheese, quite salty. When my original server came by to ascertain my satisfaction, I provided my critique, which he took with a grain of salt (pun intended). Shortly thereafter, he delivered the main. The presentation was much more visually attractive, and the lamb chops were phenomenal, among the best I have ever had. They were done rare, which was to my taste, but probably not to some, perhaps even most. When I asked if they were always prepared in that rare, he admitted they aimed for medium-rare, but obviously not always a consistent result. I noticed another diner equally enjoying the lamb, so perhaps I am not the only carnivore who enjoys their meat blue. Speaking further with my server, he confided that many diners found the burgers too well done. He said the kitchen adhered to strict guidelines that prevented ground meat being cooked any degree less. I finished off my meal with the lemon tart for dessert. It was quite enjoyable, with a robust crust and a creamy lemon filling. The Cabernet Franc, an Ontario wine, was also quite acceptable. From what I noticed, most wines were regional, except for some Italian reds and Moet & Chandon champagne. Having a few hours to kill, I perused the buffet options, which were decent. I eventually tried the chicken soup, which was excellent with plenty of large chunks of white breast meat. All in all, the Signature Suite reminded me of the SFO Amex Centurion lounge, minus the better buffet offerings and much better wine selection Amex provides. Both have a basic cafeteria style dining area. Polaris personnel and service is definitely more polished, and the dining areas are more sophisticated and airy. Buffet selections are similar, but Polaris presents them with more panache. That being said, the lamb chops were, by far, the best main dish I have ever had in any business class lounge. I would say they were worth the price of admission, especially as a preamble to the wretched meal I had on my flight to FRA. In that regard, UA and AC are on level footing.

yyznomad

@flyme2

Thanks for the review! ^

canadiancow

Not addressing you by name is very intentional.

I have personally complained about MLL agents grilling me about my profession before letting me in or returning my boarding pass.

I've done some weird stuff in the SS and I never heard a peep from the agents. Just "yes sir". It's a refreshing change. They have always been willing to engage in more casual conversation with me, but only when I've initiated it.

skybluesea

delete