Wrapping up my first international trip in over two years led me to the Air Canada Lounge at London Heathrow – better known as the Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge. Surprisingly, this visit stirred up a bit of homesickness. In this comprehensive review, I’ll guide you through my time there and offer insights on how Air Canada could inject more Canadian vibes into this bustling hub.
This is my Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge experience.
Compare prices on Air Canada flights to London with SkyscannerAir Canada Lounge Heathrow Location
The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at London Heathrow is located in terminal two and what feels like a day’s journey from the security checkpoint. The lounge is located at B3 next to the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge. Getting there requires you to walk under the tarmac for 10 to 15 minutes then take a lift up to the lounge level. On the positive, Air Canada gates are within a 2 to 10-minute walk from the lounge. This was emphasized by the check-in agent, who said, “The hard part is done!“
Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge Service and Amenities
Stepping into the Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge is like a familiar hug for anyone who’s ventured into a Maple Leaf Lounge in Canada. The comforting warmth of the wood design, paired with sophisticated black and grey accents, greets you just as it does in lounges across the Great White North. Something is reassuring about Air Canada’s consistent color palette, and the London lounge doesn’t stray from the inviting ambiance you’d find at my home airport’s lounge in Vancouver. It’s a little slice of home, no matter where your travels take you.
It also pairs nicely with the newer interiors found in their fleet, such as Air Canada’s 737-Max 8 business class.
Seating
Seating is also similar to other Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges with a mix of chairs, benches, and desks. At the far end of the Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge, you will find a few cosy loungers, perfect for those looking to rest on a long layover. Better yet, directly behind those are four recliners that are meant for napping or watching TV.
Sure, the TVs might be due for an upgrade, but there’s a certain charm to the cozy, dimly lit vibe of the space that’s just perfect for some much-needed R&R. It’s like your favorite worn-in hoodie – maybe a bit dated, but oh-so-comfortable. So, while the technology might be a tad behind, the snug atmosphere makes up for it, creating an ideal spot to unwind and recharge.
Maple Leaf Lounge Heathrow Business Center
The business centre at the Air Canada LHR lounge is one of the nicest I have come across in my travels. A large natural wood boardroom table highlights it. In the corners are printers if needed.
Wi-Fi
Ensuring a seamless digital experience, complimentary Wi-Fi is a standard offering across all Maple Leaf Lounges, including the one at Heathrow. The lounge utilizes Virgin Wi-Fi, although the bandwidth test reveals a modest performance of 3M down and 0.4M up.
While not top-tier, this speed is sufficient for streaming music and shows, ensuring you can stay connected and entertained during your stay. Despite the bandwidth limitations, the complimentary nature of the service adds a valuable convenience, allowing you to catch up on work or leisure activities without worrying about connectivity costs.
I ended up switching over to my global Airalo eSIM to download some shows before departure. I still had lots of data left on my package, and the speeds were always in the 4G range.
Showers at the Maple Lounge Heathrow
You’ll find several well-appointed shower stalls within the Air Canada Lounge at LHR. While I didn’t personally utilize them, a glimpse inside revealed the presence of plush, inviting towels.
This starkly contrasted with the thin, seemingly inadequate clothes I encountered just days earlier at the IGA lounge in Istanbul. The attention to comfort and quality in the amenities at the Air Canada Lounge adds a notable touch, promising a refreshing and enjoyable experience for those opting to freshen up during their stay.
Magazines
Lastly, don’t miss out on the fantastic perk Air Canada has in store for its passengers – complimentary access to PressReader. This nifty app opens the door to a treasure trove of over 7,000 newspapers and magazines.
The best part? You can effortlessly download your favorites for free before takeoff, ensuring you have a stack of engaging reads for your journey. It’s a thoughtful feature, especially for those who appreciate having a diverse selection of reading materials to enjoy during their travels.
Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge Food and Drink
Arriving right at the intersection of breakfast and lunch services added an extra layer to my dining experience.
Let’s start with breakfast – an unexpected delight that brought me a taste of home. Picture this: bacon on a bun and steaming hot porridge topped with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Now, here’s where the twist comes in – the maple syrup was, to my Canadian dismay, not the real deal. A bit of a faux pas, if you ask any true maple syrup aficionado back home! Nevertheless, the playful touch added a quirky note to the breakfast spread.
There was a selection of croissants, jams, and fresh fruit on hand and a barista to make espresso drinks. Overall, I was very impressed with the meal service and would say it’s better than most lounges out there. The exceptions are Turkish Airlines in Istanbul, the Pearl Lounge in Bahrain, the Oman Air lounge in Muscat, and Singapore’s Silver Kris Lounge.
Now, let’s talk about the drinks situation – the bar’s got the Canadian whiskey game on lock. But hold onto your toques ’cause you won’t find any Canadian beer in the lineup. Not even the good ol’ Molson Canadian, which, let’s be real, is usually a staple in most Maple Leaf Lounges. The good news? They’ve got something even better – Caesars! A little taste of home after being away for a whole month. Cheers to that! 🍁🥤
The lunch spread featured a standout duo: hearty beef goulash and flavorful goat cheese penne pasta. Though I only managed a modest sampling, the penne proved to be a culinary highlight, leaving me with a twinge of regret for indulging in the porridge earlier.
The robust flavors of the beef goulash and the delightful combination of goat cheese in the penne showcased the diversity and quality of the culinary offerings, making it clear that the dining experience at this lounge was a pleasant surprise.
The Heathrow Air Canada Lounge – A Taste of Home Before Heading Home
Entering the Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge, my expectations were set on the lower side, but the unfolding experience pleasantly surprised me. The subtle but effective injection of homely touches caught me off guard, triggering a surprising wave of homesickness as I bid farewell.
The preflight Caesars, a dash of maple syrup, and the familiar decor were small, comforting reminders of home. Instead of the usual sadness accompanying the end of a trip, I found myself content, almost eager, to head back.
Interestingly, the lounge didn’t just stop at surface-level comfort. Signage in both English and French, along with the oddity of masks being mandatory (a unique remnant in the area at that time), added a touch of familiarity. Those little things make you feel at home even when you’re miles away.
Admittedly, my international travels usually take me on paths other than Air Canada. It’s not a knock on the service but more of a preference to explore different airlines whenever possible, especially with the attractive Aeroplan point redemptions on Air Canada partners. Surprisingly, my time at the London Heathrow Maple Leaf Lounge has me looking forward to flying Air Canada across the pond. Sometimes, it’s the unexpected moments that make you rethink your travel choices.
Some Room For Improvement
The realization struck me unexpectedly – the simplicity of familiar reminders can unexpectedly evoke a sense of home and comfort. Reflecting on this, I’ve got a few suggestions for Air Canada to enhance the travel experience uniquely.
First on the list is the idea of offering Canadian beer to lounge guests. Now, I get it – logistics might pose a challenge, especially when considering the vastness of Canada’s geographical landscape. However, wouldn’t it be a win-win if Air Canada could incorporate this touch? Perhaps even spotlighting beers from smaller breweries showcasing the diversity and excellence that Canada’s craft brewing scene has to offer. It’s a subtle addition that could elevate the overall experience, creating a more distinct and memorable atmosphere for travelers.
Second, real maple syrup. Even if it’s in small quantity or featuring it in a maple latte would make this traveller very happy.
Lastly, feature and play Canadian music over the speakers. I’m sure there are licensing options to make this easy. Putting a little money into Canadian artists’ pockets through a Canadian airline makes sense.
For comparison, check out my reviews of the Maple Leaf lounges in Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax.
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