Quickest/Easiest way to gain access to MLL
Apr 18, 2019, 8:34 am
#31
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
You can buy a pass from aeroplan for 5000 points (10K for 2). It's not a great use of points but it is an option. Note that they do mail out physical passes so you need to allow some time. There are lots of credit cards that give priority pass access -they won't get you into the MLL but will get you into the plaza premium lounges in YYZ which most people like better anyhow.
Apr 18, 2019, 8:39 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: ARN
Programs: AC, SK, Marriott
Posts: 1,148
I am travelling out of the YYZ. We have already booked it through an earlier special offered by Air Canada last month. I don't really want to upgrade my tickets at this point. Just finding out options on how to gain access, since its nice to hear from people with insight.
If it's not that special, I guess there's no use in trying to get access.
If it's not that special, I guess there's no use in trying to get access.
Apr 18, 2019, 8:59 am
#33
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: YEG
Posts: 3,925
I am travelling out of the YYZ. We have already booked it through an earlier special offered by Air Canada last month. I don't really want to upgrade my tickets at this point. Just finding out options on how to gain access, since its nice to hear from people with insight.
If it's not that special, I guess there's no use in trying to get access.
We also have a Diner's Credit card, do they check only the name? or if the account is active too? We haven't used it in a while, so not sure if it still works.
If it's not that special, I guess there's no use in trying to get access.
We also have a Diner's Credit card, do they check only the name? or if the account is active too? We haven't used it in a while, so not sure if it still works.
While the MLL is not champagne and caviar, it is a nice escape from the normal hustle and bustle of the terminal. Are you flying domestic, transborder or international out of YYZ? I have 2 paper passes for domestic or transborder MLL that I'd be happy to donate if you live in the GTA.
If you want to try and use a lounge, especially for your honeymoon then go for it! FT is frequented by many people who fly so much that going to a lounge has lost its appeal a long time ago. I remember when i first used a lounge years ago - I was with my wife (then girlfriend) on a trip to the EU via yyz. I was a P25 and only had a few lounge passes for myself. She was super impressed, and that was just the lowly YEG (Edmonton) lounge. The only caveat is about time. If you're planning on getting to the airport early and will have enough time to use the lounge, then you may as well go. If you think you'll be cutting it short and won't have much time in the lounge, then don't bother.
I also remember a time when I took a co-worker to a lounge. He was so impressed that when he went home he went online and bought himself an annual MLL pass.
On another note, I'm not familiar with the Diner's Club card. AFAIK that does not grant you access.
Apr 18, 2019, 10:12 am
#34
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,302
That mirrors my experience. I have guested several FOTSG colleagues, friends and family members in the past few years at the YQB VIP lounge, YUL/YYZ Domestic, YUL/YYZ TB and YUL International lounges, not to mention quite a few unimpressive PP lounges and overall they were all pretty thrilled and impressed that I could get them in by flashing a card or a BP. The buffet and free booze can also appear quite attractive given the generally inflated prices one can find airside. The aura of exclusivity and perceived unaccessibility for the average flyer is the key.
I wish we as a group would stop being so negative to first-time J flyers or lounge access seekers.
I wish we as a group would stop being so negative to first-time J flyers or lounge access seekers.
If it were $50/person, would you still have chosen the MLL over any other airside bar/restaurant?
Apr 18, 2019, 10:19 am
#35
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YQB
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,139
But if this is for a special occasion, such as a honeymoon, why not? This can definitely be a somewhat unique experience for infrequent travellers and the value of that is hard to pin down.
Apr 18, 2019, 10:22 am
#36
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
I think if you can get in for free, they're great but not worth $50 unless you have a long layover. I've been to the YYZ lounges a few times and thought the atmosphere was ok although there was no real food outside of meal time. But I was at the YUL domestic MLL a few weeks ago for the first time and it was downright depressing (worn out furniture, etc.). I'm usually there on a connection between flights, but I certainly wouldn't go to the airport early just to spend time at a MLL.
Apr 18, 2019, 10:25 am
#37
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: YVR
Posts: 304
From that point onward, the law of diminishing returns kicks in, and after visits 2, 3, 4, the lounge becomes less special each time. But since it's your first time, who cares, just do it and enjoy it. Only then you'll know if it's worth it for you the next time you travel
Apr 18, 2019, 10:26 am
#38
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
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That is a very valid point. I guess the answer depends on the length of the layover, how many drinks we plan on having, etc.
But if this is for a special occasion, such as a honeymoon, why not? This can definitely be a somewhat unique experience for infrequent travellers and the value of that is hard to pin down.
But if this is for a special occasion, such as a honeymoon, why not? This can definitely be a somewhat unique experience for infrequent travellers and the value of that is hard to pin down.
But it was also way better than an MLL.
Paying for access to the MLL is not something I would ever recommend over just going to a bar and having some champagne if the goal is to celebrate a special occasion.
Apr 18, 2019, 11:03 am
#39
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Platinum Elite, IHG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 2,132
While the MLL is not champagne and caviar, it is a nice escape from the normal hustle and bustle of the terminal. Are you flying domestic, transborder or international out of YYZ? I have 2 paper passes for domestic or transborder MLL that I'd be happy to donate if you live in the GTA.
Apr 18, 2019, 11:22 am
#40
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
I am travelling out of the YYZ. We have already booked it through an earlier special offered by Air Canada last month. I don't really want to upgrade my tickets at this point. Just finding out options on how to gain access, since its nice to hear from people with insight.
If it's not that special, I guess there's no use in trying to get access.
We also have a Diner's Credit card, do they check only the name? or if the account is active too? We haven't used it in a while, so not sure if it still works.
If it's not that special, I guess there's no use in trying to get access.
We also have a Diner's Credit card, do they check only the name? or if the account is active too? We haven't used it in a while, so not sure if it still works.
From YYZ where are you flying to? Yes, it matters because it can change the "strategy", as per others above.
I wouldn't give up on going in - it's not as difficult as one may think... and yes, we're all jaded here but I'm sure you and your partner will enjoy the MLL.
Apr 18, 2019, 12:32 pm
#42
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,741
If a YYZ-based FTer gifts you passes, knock yourself out, for $0 it's absolutely worthwhile. But my infrequent traveller friends who occasionally get gifted my passes tell me they generally wouldn't spend more than $10-20 to get in to the lounge if they had to pay out of pocket (not including super-long layovers).
Apr 18, 2019, 2:44 pm
#43
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: 60% YYZ 40% RSW
Programs: ACMM, AC E50K, HH Gold, National EE
Posts: 293
I'm going to assume you are flying ex-YYZ trans-border or domestic...
Whether through getting 'gifted' a couple of passes or paying for them, do it! If you've never been to the Maple Leaf Lounge before and you're embarking on your honeymoon, you will appreciate the experience. Get there plenty early, thus alleviating security/customs worry, and plan on being in the lounge 90-120 minutes. Those of us that travel often do get somewhat blase about the lounge, but I'd rather be there than not.
When my wife (who does not travel often) and I travel together on vacation, she says, "The vacation starts the moment I sit down in the lounge".
Enjoy and congrats on the nuptials!
Whether through getting 'gifted' a couple of passes or paying for them, do it! If you've never been to the Maple Leaf Lounge before and you're embarking on your honeymoon, you will appreciate the experience. Get there plenty early, thus alleviating security/customs worry, and plan on being in the lounge 90-120 minutes. Those of us that travel often do get somewhat blase about the lounge, but I'd rather be there than not.
When my wife (who does not travel often) and I travel together on vacation, she says, "The vacation starts the moment I sit down in the lounge".
Enjoy and congrats on the nuptials!
Apr 18, 2019, 8:53 pm
#44
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 336
Whether through getting 'gifted' a couple of passes or paying for them, do it! If you've never been to the Maple Leaf Lounge before and you're embarking on your honeymoon, you will appreciate the experience. Get there plenty early, thus alleviating security/customs worry, and plan on being in the lounge 90-120 minutes. Those of us that travel often do get somewhat blase about the lounge, but I'd rather be there than not.
When my wife (who does not travel often) and I travel together on vacation, she says, "The vacation starts the moment I sit down in the lounge".
Enjoy and congrats on the nuptials!
When my wife (who does not travel often) and I travel together on vacation, she says, "The vacation starts the moment I sit down in the lounge".
Enjoy and congrats on the nuptials!
I had a similar intention a number of years back on my own honeymoon, opting for the CIBC AE Privilege card with 4 MLL accesses on AE, 6 PPL accesses for many others, decent priority/CC benefits, and 50 or 60K points to sweeten the deal. Over a number of years I maybe have used 10 entries combined, I think 4 from the honeymoon itself, so it served its purpose - including a decent contribution to our point tickets. I had intended to get rid of it, especially concerning AC/AE uncertainty (still), but they so far have made generous offers to continue. I imagine this will be the year I ditch it, considering limitations on benefits, and the overall deterioration of the AC/AE offer. Take note, VISA + AC + forthcoming Altitude 2.0.
I actually picked up a BMO World Elite MasterCard (non AirMiles version) a few years ago for the purpose of replacing the above VISA. At the time FYF (after $140/yr), 30-40K points, and 4 annual PPL passes, which has now become LoungeKey MasterCard Airport Experiences (essentially the same). Now I have more passes I rarely use and can’t transfer. I used to post offers in the “I’m in the Lounge” thread, which would be a good place to post your asks.
And of course if you fly enough, you’ll get free entries with status - which then becomes the easiest/cheapest.
. Further to that if you find yourself with a long wait, it can become a convenient place to crank out some work - or adventures for your destination! I had been “in” a number of times prior to CC or status, and while I suspect they have deteriorated, it may just be the novelty wearing off. WestJet is stepping up in force, so we’ll see if that shakes things up.Also, I haven’t needed it for some time, but a J award ticket will also come with lounge access... and in all likelihood improve on the lounge experience, en route. This should also get you in to most partner *G biz lounges along the way (check particular airline details).
@Stiff brings up a great point. Although lounges become common and easy to knock for road warriors, if you do it intentionally and infrequently, it could well be enjoyable. We enjoyed it for our honeymoon, and come to think of it, my wife still finds it a bit of a reset and regroup too.
Last edited by eracerblue; Apr 18, 2019 at 10:12 pm
Apr 18, 2019, 9:13 pm
#45
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
So does paying for Priority Pass or Lounge or whatever the paid lounge is called which frankly is about the same in terms of experience, and I suspect would cost less particularly since they seem to have bought tickets already. However, I think assuming newlyweds are broke is without foundation. I could get married tomorrow and I'm anything but broke.
I found the most interesting and amazing thing about the OP's post was that Diners Club still exists.
I only fly J and rarely on AC but can't you just pay to get in? Add-on to the reservation sort of thing? That would be quick and easy.