First Look at Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounge in LGA's New Terminal B
Over the weekend, LaGuardia Airport opened a brand new concourse as part of its long-awaited $8 billion revitalization project. The new Eastern Concourse of Terminal B is home to Air Canada, American and Southwest. With 11 gates, the new concourse is a massive upgrade over LGA's old drab, dark space.
This week, the terminal's newest airline lounge is being opened to the public. TPG had a sneak preview of Air Canada's new Maple Leaf Lounge, which is the airline's third lounge in the US and 23rd overall.
LGA Terminal B, Eastern Concourse
Right after going through security, you'll see a sign for the new lounge.
The lounge is located in LGA's Terminal B new Eastern Concourse, where you'll see a massive rendering of what the airport will look after construction is complete. Renovations to Terminal B's Western Concourse will be complete in 2020.
Once you enter the main hallway of the concourse, you'll see a series of escalators which you'll have to take to get up to the lounge. A United Club will also open on the second level in late 2019.
There's another map guiding you to the different gates, restaurants and shops in the new terminal.
This concourse feels so much less claustrophobic than some of LGA's other terminals that feature low ceilings and crowded walkways. During the daytime the space is flooded with light thanks to the concourse's massive windows.
Air Canada has claimed three of the new gates and has already moved its entire operation to the Eastern Concourse.
Lounge
The entrance features a modern, chic design and sliding glass doors.
There's even a large model of Air Canada's Boeing 787 — I wish I could have nabbed one for the TPG office!
The lounge has a moderate capacity of just 126 travelers, although that's double the size of the airline's old lounge at LGA. Still, there's plenty of seating throughout the space. You'll find traditional tables were you can nibble on light bites.
There were about three dozen of these large sofa chairs spread across the 7,015-square foot lounge — the tables next to them featured USB and AC power outlets so you shouldn't have trouble finding a place to charge up.
Most of the seats have some sort of platform or table where you can place your computer or food. Original art is placed throughout the lounge too, Air Canada reps said that it's incorporating Canadian artists into the space, including this abstract series by Johanna Reynolds.
There are a few communal areas with couches.
A large open kitchen is located in the center of the lounge.
More seats overlooking the Eastern Concourse which flows into a private area with a large couch.
The nook could be a good place if you want more privacy.
At the far end of the room is a business center with a color printer — PCs should eventually be installed too, according to the airline's press release.
Bar-style seating is adjacent to the business center and overlooks the airport's gates and apron, making this a prime place for plane spotting.
Hidden behind the business center is a secluded area with five chairs. This could be a great area to catch some shut-eye or take a business call.
There was a small but elegant bathroom with mirrors that nearly touched the ceiling.
Food & Beverage
A small self-serve bar is available and includes four beers on tap.
You'll be able to pour yourself a glass of wine or champagne. Air Canada says it's incorporating Canadian alcohol selections into its choices — including the iconic Canadian beer brand Molson.
There a nifty water station that dispenses still, sparking or boiling water.
Coffee drinkers won't be disappointed with the Lavazza coffee machine.
There will be a variety of lite bites to pick from. I found a plate with assorted cheeses, cups of fresh veggies with dip and an extra colorful fruit plate. This food may not be representative of what's actually served now that the lounge is open to the public.
Pizza bread, pita bread and more were up for grabs.
Other Improvements
Andrew Yiu, Vice President, Product at Air Canada spoke about the carrier's history at LaGuardia, mentioning that the airline has a 75-year history with the airport — it made its first flight from Toronto to LGA in 1945. HOK, the design and architecture firm that's heading up the entire LaGuardia renovation, also designed the new Maple Leaf lounge.
"The location of this lounge is a significant upgrade for our customers," said Yiu. Air Canada's old lounge was located pre-security which made for a bit of a headache when planning how much time you needed to get to the gate.
The airline will also launch its "Premium Agent" program which places specially trained agents at the lounge and check-in area.
"We have this program in Canada and it's been highly successful. And New York is the first city in the US where we are launching [this program]," Yiu added.
San Francisco International (SFO) will see an Air Canada lounge open in late 2019. There will also be a new Maple Leaf lounge at St. John’s in Newfoundland (YYT).
Access
Air Canada's LGA Maple Leaf lounge is open from 5am to 8:45pm Monday through Sunday.
Those flying in business class on Air Canada or on Star Alliance partners will have access to the lounge. Air Canada Elites (Altitude Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K and Elite 50K Member) and Star Alliance Gold members can enter regardless of what class they are flying. Air Canada Maple Leaf Club members and select Canadian credit card members can enter too. For all access rules you can check out Air Canada's website here.
Unlike Air Canada's lounge in Newark, this space won't be a part of the Priority Pass Program.
All images by the author.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.