Nov 22, 2020, 1:01 pm
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]
Jan 30, 2022, 7:44 pm
#1996
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
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.
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.
Jan 30, 2022, 8:40 pm
#1997
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: TK *G
Posts: 3,099
I find it easier to forget about MLL altogether and just spend $10 or $30 at an airport restaurant, than worrying about AC status and lounge access. Flying domestically in Canada is no longer an “enjoyment” for me, it’s more of a “I will do it if I have to” type of thing.
Jan 30, 2022, 9:07 pm
#1998
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: 44,352
If I want a meal, the MLL is not where I go. The COVID changes have improved the "meal" options, but not to a point where I'd change that opinion.
You'll live a much more pleasant life if you set your expectations to a reasonable level and don't complain about everything that doesn't meet them.
You'll live a much more pleasant life if you set your expectations to a reasonable level and don't complain about everything that doesn't meet them.
Jan 30, 2022, 10:44 pm
#1999
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
Posts: 3,697
Agree with the point about competition. From what I’ve seen (courtesy of @24left), WJ’s new lounge at YYC is quite nice. I guess AC doesn’t view WJ as enough of a threat given its limited network.
In any case, I know I’m 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 I’ve 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? Wouldn’t AC J / *G customers in Europe be quite content using Senator and other *G lounges if the international MLLs didn’t exist?
In any case, I know I’m 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 I’ve 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? Wouldn’t AC J / *G customers in Europe be quite content using Senator and other *G lounges if the international MLLs didn’t exist?
Personally I know of 2 person (both non-FTer) who are WS Gold, and all they fly are US/Canada/Sun and WS works for them and good for them.
However anyone with long haul int'l flying, what are the chances WS works for you?
Yes I would say AC faces more competitive pressure aboard vs. home market.
Fare + now gone SQD non-Canadian address waivers are solid evidence of that.
As for your last question, some analyst in a back office probably figure out it's better to rent some lounge space vs. paying other * partners for access.
For the last point, I agree YYZ Domestic food is "pick a swear word of your choice" ...
The table cleaning, and the food delivery at YYZ is equally just as bad too.
Now I kinda wish I had more sample size vs. just YVR/YYZ/YUL/LGA MLL
Jan 30, 2022, 11:00 pm
#2000
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: MH Gold, AC Super Elite, UA Platinum, Accor All Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 497
UA Club. I was so happy to stay there a couple of hours. YYZ Domestic is an absolute disgrace. Being refused entry at first due to "crowdedness". Then 1 staff corrects the other, lets me in. It's 2/3 full max. Warm food is just terrible. No buffet. Garbage everywhere, not cleaned up. Poor food choices. Old, run down furniture. Brrr, abysmal.
Last edited by Adam Smith; Feb 2, 2022 at 6:35 pm Reason: Profanity
Jan 30, 2022, 11:01 pm
#2001
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MEX
Programs: AC E75K
Posts: 4,171
Since I brought up the MLL vs. *G comparison, figured I'd stop by both the MLL and Senator Lounge at FRA this morning. Mods, feel free to remove the Senator Lounge photos if they're not allowed here. (TLDR is that they're very comparable, though I slightly prefer the Senator Lounge because of the Bircher Müsli.)
FRA MLL:
FRA Senator Lounge (B Gates):
FRA MLL:
FRA Senator Lounge (B Gates):
Jan 30, 2022, 11:08 pm
#2002
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 2,350
Since I brought up the MLL vs. *G comparison, figured I'd stop by both the MLL and Senator Lounge at FRA this morning. Mods, feel free to remove the Senator Lounge photos if they're not allowed here. (TLDR is that they're very comparable, though I slightly prefer the Senator Lounge because of the Bircher Müsli.)
FRA MLL:
FRA Senator Lounge (B Gates):
FRA MLL:
FRA Senator Lounge (B Gates):
Jan 31, 2022, 4:56 am
#2004
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: YYT
Programs: M-Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Aeroplan 50K, DragonPass, AMEX MR, NEXUS
Posts: 1,715
Since I brought up the MLL vs. *G comparison, figured I'd stop by both the MLL and Senator Lounge at FRA this morning. Mods, feel free to remove the Senator Lounge photos if they're not allowed here. (TLDR is that they're very comparable, though I slightly prefer the Senator Lounge because of the Bircher Müsli.)
Jan 31, 2022, 2:38 pm
#2005
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YSC (and all its regularly scheduled flights)
Posts: 2,521
Yul meat
Last time I was in yul I really wanted the smoked meat sandwich. I waited almost am hour and had to leave. Today it showed up in less than a minute. I think they've been holding the same sandwich since November!
Feb 1, 2022, 8:34 pm
#2006
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YEG
Programs: UA 1P, National Exec Elite
Posts: 188
Heading through YUL Intl MLL on Saturday, can anyone confirm if the showers are still open?
In the YUL International MLL, double vaccine required, open until 20:00 to co-ordinate with last international AC flight. Maze setup, expect to go around the whole lounge just to get a drink if you follow the arrows.
DYKWIA walking around the tight space asking everybody to give him 6ft.
Surprised to see the showers were open.
DYKWIA walking around the tight space asking everybody to give him 6ft.
Surprised to see the showers were open.
Feb 1, 2022, 11:45 pm
#2007
Join Date: Mar 2020
Programs: AC 75k
Posts: 704
I always found the MLL domestic buffet food to be awful. I don't recall anything that I would be happy to eat if it wasn't free. Did anyone actually enjoy choking down the congealed alfredo sauce on the penne? I am not a soup guy, so maybe the ubiquitous cream of brocolli was OK, and I have no idea. Like I've said before, if I want an actual meal I prefer to go to a restaurant and pay for it. MLL is where I kill a couple of hours in relative comfort and lack of crowding with cushy chairs,free snacks and booze. Breakfast is fine, but then again I'm not a big breakfast eater. I actually find the delivered offerings more palatable, but still only consider them snacks. YVR and rarely YYZ recently so others might be better.
Feb 2, 2022, 12:00 am
#2008
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: 16,777
Feb 2, 2022, 7:05 am
#2009
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YSC (and all its regularly scheduled flights)
Posts: 2,521
No, I'm sure they've restocked since then. Don't you remember when a friend and I got in trouble because we ate all the smoked meat?
Feb 2, 2022, 7:51 am
#2010
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: 16,777
That's odd. While the quantity of the meat has been severely lacking, I've found the quality of the meat to be surprisingly decent. Although with me not UFPing anymore, perhaps their calculations got out of whack and they had way too much meat sitting around