Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR) | © Air Canada

Opened in October 2016, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at New York/Newark Liberty airport Terminal A welcomes Air Canada’s premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold members. The club also accepts Priority Pass outside peak hours (typically before 3 pm, but hours vary.)

The entrance to the lounge is located in the hallway that links the main terminal building to Air Canada’s satellite (gates 10-18.) Passengers eligible for TSA pre-Check will find the entrance to the right immediately after exiting the screening lane, while all other passengers will need to make a U turn after the security checkpoint, and then follow the signs to Exit. The lounge is located just before the exit to the main terminal.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge EWR design

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Newark airport Terminal A is located in the footprint of a former airline club. Air Canada hastily converted the space, and stopped short of investing in a complete remodel. The Maple Leaf Lounge features a few key traits of Air Canada’s signature design including leather posh seats and bright red chairs, but lacks a fresh and modern touch.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR) | © Air Canada

The small club—which is barely large enough to accommodate all eligible passengers at peak times—is comprised of two rooms. Immediately behind the reception desk is a work area furnished with two large high shared tables. Adjacent is a second room with large floor-to-ceiling windows, which features a buffet and dining area with a handful of tables, as well as individual seating.

By doing away with the traditional rows of chairs in favor of groups of seats facing different directions, the layout maximizes privacy despite the compact dimensions of the space. Power outlets, located in side consoles or tables, are available at most seats.

The tarmac views are somewhat limited due to the location of the lounge in the main terminal away from the satellite and boarding gates. Nevertheless, the lounge benefits from plenty of daylight.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge EWR amenities

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Newark Liberty Airport Terminal A was unveiled with the launch of the airline’s transcontinental service to Vancouver, BC on Boeing 787 aircraft. The club aims at offering travelers a comfortable space to relax and a light meal on the ground.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR)

The buffet area, located in a nook opposite the self-service bar, features a selection of snacks (such as edamame), salads (such as such as basil and tomato salad), chips and guacamole, soups, one hot entrée (typically mac and cheese), breads, fruit, and cookies. The spread achieves a good balance between healthier options and comfort food. The soup selection typically includes a meat item (for example, chicken noodle soup), and a vegetarian option (such as tomato soup.). The real china is a nice touch.

The drink selection includes espresso, soda, a range of Canadian beer (in cans), several white and red wines, as well as a pretty typical line-up of liquors and spirits.

In the first room are a single computer and a printer. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout. A modest selection of newspapers and magazines is available by the buffet.

The bathroom—left untouched from the club’s former incarnation—looks sad and could use a face lift. There is only a single soap dispenser for three sinks on the gentlemen’s side.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge EWR bottom line

Despite being a recent addition to the Air Canada’s lounge network, the Maple Leaf Lounge at New York’s Newark airport lacks the cachet of the airline’s latest or flagship facilities. The club is modest and compact, busy at peak times, and utilitarian.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – New York/Newark, NJ (EWR) | © Air Canada

Air Canada offers a simple but substantial and varied food spread with both healthy and hearty options, and an enjoyable array of beverages.

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is by no means luxurious, but it is a welcome addition for passengers bound to Canada who previously did not benefit from a convenient lounge option. Terminal A is sub-divided into three separate boarding areas, which are not connected behind security. Air Canada elite and premium customers are entitled to using the larger United Club by gate A28, but a visit requires an additional trip through security. The Air Canada Lounge, while relatively modest, is located steps away from the gates.