Last edit by: vancouver25k
As of July 2022, MLLs appear to be largely back to normal operations.
Ordering to the table has been shut down, with most MLLs offering self-serve buffets similar to what was available pre-COVID.
Note that the EWR MLL has been permanently shut down as a result of changes/construction at EWR.
Showers
YYZ int - closed (Aug 12. They claimed all showers closed at YYZ but I was only at int.)
YVR tb - open
YVR int - open
YUL int - open
Ordering to the table has been shut down, with most MLLs offering self-serve buffets similar to what was available pre-COVID.
Note that the EWR MLL has been permanently shut down as a result of changes/construction at EWR.
Showers
YYZ int - closed (Aug 12. They claimed all showers closed at YYZ but I was only at int.)
YVR tb - open
YVR int - open
YUL int - open
MLLs in the time of COVID - re-openings, food, distancing, etc [READ WIKI FIRST]
#1981
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
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#1982
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Manitoba
Programs: Aeroplan 25K
Posts: 106
The cream of mushroom soup in YVR is amazing. I still love the vanilla passion fruit dessert.
#1984
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Manitoba
Programs: Aeroplan 25K
Posts: 106
Its certainly a big change in terms of volume of people from when I last flew in September.
#1985
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Is that the Chef Park special? If so, the one I just tried at YYZ Intl was too oily for my liking.
And the chicken tacos took over 20 minutes to arrive (in a near empty lounge). The cold sandwiches (turkey wrap and grilled vegetables sandwich) were both quite disappointing.
Has there been any discussion of returning to pre-pandemic meal offerings in the lounge?
And the chicken tacos took over 20 minutes to arrive (in a near empty lounge). The cold sandwiches (turkey wrap and grilled vegetables sandwich) were both quite disappointing.
Has there been any discussion of returning to pre-pandemic meal offerings in the lounge?
#1986
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HKG/YVR/NYC
Programs: AC 75K, A3*G, AS MVPG, AA LT Gold 1MM, JL/JGC (OWS) , Marriott Titanium, Hertz 5*, Avis PC
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Is that the Chef Park special? If so, the one I just tried at YYZ Intl was too oily for my liking.
And the chicken tacos took over 20 minutes to arrive (in a near empty lounge). The cold sandwiches (turkey wrap and grilled vegetables sandwich) were both quite disappointing.
Has there been any discussion of returning to pre-pandemic meal offerings in the lounge?
And the chicken tacos took over 20 minutes to arrive (in a near empty lounge). The cold sandwiches (turkey wrap and grilled vegetables sandwich) were both quite disappointing.
Has there been any discussion of returning to pre-pandemic meal offerings in the lounge?
YVR was serving Cream of Broccoli (Summer 2021) and I guess Cream of Mushroom (current).
The YYZ soup is Chef Park/Saffron & Califlower soup, same as YUL Domestic.
This is the soup you've most likely had.
The disappointing food I'm finding might be station dependent, or perhaps YVR has more edible choices.
Anyone had the YYZ Pepperoni pizza last little while?
#1987
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Nah, not the same soup.
YVR was serving Cream of Broccoli (Summer 2021) and I guess Cream of Mushroom (current).
The YYZ soup is Chef Park/Saffron & Califlower soup, same as YUL Domestic.
This is the soup you've most likely had.
The disappointing food I'm finding might be station dependent, or perhaps YVR has more edible choices.
Anyone had the YYZ Pepperoni pizza last little while?
YVR was serving Cream of Broccoli (Summer 2021) and I guess Cream of Mushroom (current).
The YYZ soup is Chef Park/Saffron & Califlower soup, same as YUL Domestic.
This is the soup you've most likely had.
The disappointing food I'm finding might be station dependent, or perhaps YVR has more edible choices.
Anyone had the YYZ Pepperoni pizza last little while?
As for lounge food quality, nothing Ive had in the last 18 months at a MLL on Canadian soil comes close to the LH / OS / LX Senator lounges Ive visited the past few months. The only comparable MLL lounge offerings were at LHR and FRA. Why does AC continue to treat its home base as the lowest priority stations?
#1988
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
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As for lounge food quality, nothing Ive had in the last 18 months at a MLL on Canadian soil comes close to the LH / OS / LX Senator lounges Ive visited the past few months. The only comparable MLL lounge offerings were at LHR and FRA. Why does AC continue to treat its home base as the lowest priority stations?
#1989
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HKG/YVR/NYC
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Posts: 3,697
Yup thats the one.
As for lounge food quality, nothing Ive had in the last 18 months at a MLL on Canadian soil comes close to the LH / OS / LX Senator lounges Ive visited the past few months. The only comparable MLL lounge offerings were at LHR and FRA. Why does AC continue to treat its home base as the lowest priority stations?
As for lounge food quality, nothing Ive had in the last 18 months at a MLL on Canadian soil comes close to the LH / OS / LX Senator lounges Ive visited the past few months. The only comparable MLL lounge offerings were at LHR and FRA. Why does AC continue to treat its home base as the lowest priority stations?
I would classify the YVR Spinach and Feta Wrap as edible.
Gourmet Quality it is not but comparable to a Fast Food breakfast wrap.
The worst AC has to offer in my opinion is the YYZ Domestic Spinach & Mushroom Penne.
University dorm food was more appetizing than this masterpiece...
Perhaps its the other *G guesting money that keep the LHR/FRA quality up?
It sure ain't selling 209CAD all-in standard G class fares on YYZ-YVR 😆
#1990
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
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LH and SQ lounges are very consistent around the globe. Shouldnt that be what AC strives for as North Americas best airline?
#1991
Join Date: Apr 2016
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And, how dare you comparing AC with SQ?
#1992
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Domestic/Transborder MLL are competitive vs. Admiral's Club/United Club/Delta Skyclub/Alaska Lounge offerings.
I would give the AS SEA N lounge a legs up over YYZ Domestic MLL though.
The ambiance and view of the tarmac/runway action in that AS lounge is something else...
No Competition, No Progress
#1993
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
I agree with that statement.
Domestic/Transborder MLL are competitive vs. Admiral's Club/United Club/Delta Skyclub/Alaska Lounge offerings.
I would give the AS SEA N lounge a legs up over YYZ Domestic MLL though.
The ambiance and view of the tarmac/runway action in that AS lounge is something else...
Just comes down to competition.
No Competition, No Progress
Domestic/Transborder MLL are competitive vs. Admiral's Club/United Club/Delta Skyclub/Alaska Lounge offerings.
I would give the AS SEA N lounge a legs up over YYZ Domestic MLL though.
The ambiance and view of the tarmac/runway action in that AS lounge is something else...
Just comes down to competition.
No Competition, No Progress
In any case, I know Im not breaking any new ground here, but I was actually reasonably satisfied with MLL catering prior to Covid. My comment up thread was meant as a lament that AC seems to be in no rush to return to normal in this regard in North America, whereas the LH / LX / OS lounges Ive been to, as well as MLLs in Europe, seem to have done that. And the latter is what genuinely perplexes me: Does AC face more competitive pressure abroad than at home? Wouldnt AC J / *G customers in Europe be quite content using Senator and other *G lounges if the international MLLs didnt exist?
#1994
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: YVR
Posts: 2,120
Maybe I'm an anomaly, but I'd prefer never to return to buffet. Not covid-related, just 'cause ppl are icky in general. That said, even at YVR there's been a post-covid decline, the arancini used to be more arancini-ish, now it's getting sawdusty.
As for the Elevation Lounge, it could definitely be considered competition to "elevate" the offerings ... if in more than one airport, but with YYC as the only station offering it, currently it's not much of a threat.
As for the Elevation Lounge, it could definitely be considered competition to "elevate" the offerings ... if in more than one airport, but with YYC as the only station offering it, currently it's not much of a threat.
#1995
Join Date: May 2017
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Posts: 497
I agree with that statement.
Domestic/Transborder MLL are competitive vs. Admiral's Club/United Club/Delta Skyclub/Alaska Lounge offerings.
I would give the AS SEA N lounge a legs up over YYZ Domestic MLL though.
The ambiance and view of the tarmac/runway action in that AS lounge is something else...
Just comes down to competition.
No Competition, No Progress
Domestic/Transborder MLL are competitive vs. Admiral's Club/United Club/Delta Skyclub/Alaska Lounge offerings.
I would give the AS SEA N lounge a legs up over YYZ Domestic MLL though.
The ambiance and view of the tarmac/runway action in that AS lounge is something else...
Just comes down to competition.
No Competition, No Progress