Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge London Heathrow
- Konrad Tillman
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Intro
Prior to my flight from London to Montreal on Air Canada, I had the opportunity to visit the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at London Heathrow. For Star Alliance flyers heading out of Heathrow, you have access to all three Star Alliance lounges, including the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and the United Club.
To be honest, unless you are 1K and above on United, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is my favorite of the three. With a modern decor, sublime tarmac views, and carefully curated drinks, this is the perfect place to relax before a flight.
Location+Access
If you happen to be flying a widebody out of Terminal 2 at Heathrow, you are almost 99% guaranteed to be flying out of the B gates, which is conveniently where Air Canada, United, and Singapore Airlines all have their lounges.
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located to the left of the duty-free shop. To get there, simply take a left once you reach the top of the escalators, and there will be a clear sign marking "Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge". From there, you can either walk up some stairs a few flights or take the elevator up to the lounge.
Open from 7 am to 8 pm, access is granted to those meeting the following criteria:
Aeroplan 50K status holders flying on a Star Alliance flight in any class
Star Alliance Gold passengers flying on a same-day departing* flight (arrival access is only granted for 50K and above) on Star Alliance.
Passengers ticked in business class or first class with a departing same-day flight on a Star Alliance Carrier.
Seating
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in London has some of the swankiest seating in the network. The whole lounge feels modern and upholstered, with seating ranging from comfortable chairs overlooking the tarmac, to cocooned shells providing privacy, and as far-reaching as bar stools in the main dining room.
The main room, located to the left, is usually the busiest room due to the views and the high ceilings. During the bank of NA departures, this room can often get quite busy, but not to the extent where you can't find a seat.
However, if you are looking for something more private, the spaces towards the back seem to remain less busy throughout the day. There are a couple of the cocoon seats, with two of the four overlooking the tarmac, as well as another more private room, which is mostly enclosed.
While not the biggest lounge in the world, I've never found this lounge to feel too overcrowded.
Dining/Drinks
In my humble opinion, Air Canada has always outdone the US3 carriers in terms of their food offerings, and what they have is no different. At the very back of the lounge (or just turn left when you walk in) is where you will find the dining room featuring barista-made coffee, a full open bar, and a lovely buffet.
Staff are on standby to make you carefully crafted cocktails, but be aware, unlike in North America, there is a limit of 50 ml of liquor per cocktail (UK laws). I personally prefer my Aperol Spritz in a 3-part Aperol and 3-part Prosecco, but this is in no way Air Canada's fault whatsoever.
Other Amenities
Air Canada provides passengers with all of the necessary amenities for a stay here. Whether you are looking for a shower, a business center to make a call, or perhaps an individual bathroom stall to engage in well, more business 😅, they have it all.
There are two showers located in the back of the lounge, and in order to use them, simply check in with someone, and they should show you to the shower suite.
Air Canada really outdid itself with how beautiful this lounge is. Even the bathrooms felt relaxing to be in...
Service
Out of all three of the Star Alliance Lounges in B Gates, I found the service at Air Canada to be the best. Here are a couple of aspects that stood out to me:
The staff was efficient, but not in your face about collecting glasses and dishware.
The bartender/barista was very kind and engaged in small talk throughout. Not over the top, but enough so you aren't standing there, waiting, awkwardly
The staff at the front desk were very kind every time I have been there. It's always been a "good morning, Sir, how are you today?", and sets a nice mood going into the experience.
All in all, the service really stands out to me here.
Final Thoughts
If you are flying out of B gates on a Star Alliance Carrier at London Heathrow and have access to a lounge, I highly recommend checking out the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. With a nice selection of food, hand-crafted drinks, lovely staff members, and an overall great ambiance, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Air Canada Lounge.
To be honest, if you have time, check out all three of the lounges if you have access.
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