Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX – Small but Well Equipped

I continued lounge-hopping during my long layover at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) before my United Polaris flight to Melbourne (MEL). After trekking from Terminal 7 to the Star Alliance Business Class Lounge in TBIT, I decided to check out another lounge on my way back to my departure gate. This time, it was the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Terminal 6.

I wrote about the refurbished Maple Leaf Lounge at LAX when it reopened in November 2024, but I didn’t visit it until the summer of 2025. The refurbishment added about 250 square feet, modernized the seating, introduced productivity-focused workspaces, and added power outlets at every seat.

On paper, these might seem like fairly modest improvements. But after spending some time inside, I appreciated how well Air Canada had used the available space. The Maple Leaf Lounge at LAX has a rather unassuming entrance, making it easy to miss. But once inside, I found a bright, comfortable space with modern furnishings, ample connectivity, and surprisingly good food and beverage options.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX – At a Glance

Review based on my summer 2025 visit. Food selections, operating hours and access policies may change.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX – Location and Access

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in Terminal 6, near Gate 65A. It’s on Level 4, accessible by elevator from the main terminal level. The signage near the elevator is easy enough to spot, with the familiar red Air Canada maple leaf logo directing passengers upstairs. However, finding the actual entrance once you step off the elevator is another matter.

Elevator to the lounge – across from Gate 65A

The lounge reception is located immediately to your right, tucked into a rather cramped hallway. The entrance is small, and there’s no elaborate signage welcoming you into the space. In fact, if you walk more than five steps after getting off the elevator, you’ll likely miss it entirely!

You only see the reception desk once you turn into the lounge, with the bright red Air Canada maple leaf prominently displayed on the wall behind it.

Simple lounge entrance

Accessing the Maple Leaf Lounge with a United Polaris boarding pass

For this visit, I was travelling on a United Polaris Business Class flight from Los Angeles to Melbourne. I also held Aeroplan 50K Elite Status, which comes with Star Alliance Gold benefits. Based on Air Canada’s published lounge access rules, I was eligible to enter. However, when I presented my United Polaris boarding pass at reception, the lounge’s access system wouldn’t let me through.

The agent attempted to process my entry but couldn’t get the system to recognize my eligibility. Fortunately, instead of turning me away, the agent manually checked my boarding pass, verified my Aeroplan 50K status, recorded my details, and let me proceed.

I appreciated that the lounge agent took the time to verify my eligibility rather than relying solely on what the system was telling her. But the experience did leave me scratching my head. I double- and triple-checked Air Canada’s terms and conditions afterward to make sure I hadn’t missed a restriction on United international passengers.

Can you access the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at LAX when flying United?

Yes, as long as you meet the applicable lounge access requirements. Air Canada’s published rules allow eligible passengers to access Maple Leaf Lounges when departing on a same-day flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada Express or a Star Alliance member airline, including United. The key point is that you don’t necessarily need to fly Air Canada to access the Maple Leaf Lounge. Air Canada also requires passengers to present a same-day departing boarding pass, and agents may request proof of elite status or lounge membership.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX – Seating and Layout

My first impression upon entering the lounge was how bright and refreshed everything looked. Unlike the expansive Star Alliance Lounge in TBIT, the Maple Leaf Lounge is relatively small, but its design makes good use of its footprint. The lounge is divided into approximately three or four distinct seating sections, each serving a slightly different purpose.

First view of the lounge

During my visit, the lounge was mostly empty, with only a handful of passengers scattered around the seating areas. The main seating area is located just past reception and features several tan leather armchairs and sofas arranged around small white side tables.

The new leather seating looked chic and comfortable, with the warm tan colour providing a nice contrast against the darker carpeting. The arrangement is fairly typical of a Maple Leaf Lounge, with enough seating clusters for solo travellers or small groups.

Main lounge area

The lounge has no extravagant seating pods or elaborate private suites. Instead, the focus is on providing comfortable chairs and usable space to relax before a flight. Toward the middle of the lounge, decorative vertical wooden partitions divide some seating areas without fully closing them off.

One of the more noticeable improvements from the November 2024 refurbishment was the emphasis on workspaces and charging connectivity. Power outlets are available at every seat, including the individual lounge chairs and sofas.

Looking towards the entrance

A considerable section of the lounge along the floor-to-ceiling windows is dedicated to work and productivity. The setup includes long white work counters with individual chairs, convenient electrical outlets, and views of the gate operations.

Work area towards the back

After grabbing a quick bite, I settled into one of the workstations by the windows, intending to catch up on some work before my flight. The evening SoCal sun was beating directly through the large windows. Even with the sheer window shades down, sitting in the direct sunlight became quite uncomfortable. I eventually moved to a section of the lounge out of the sun.

Dining Area

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX – Food and Drinks

The food and beverage offering was a pleasant surprise, especially considering the lounge’s relatively small size. Unlike some larger lounges that focus on an enormous buffet, this lounge keeps it fairly compact. The buffet is located toward the back of the lounge, alongside a dedicated dining area and self-serve bar. The setup is practical rather than extravagant, but it works.

After my earlier experience at the Star Alliance Lounge during this layover, I especially appreciated the attention to cleanliness and upkeep around the food stations.

During my evening visit, the hot food selection included:

• Warm cornbread
• Pulled pork sliders
• Vegetarian chili
• Plant-based chicken-style sliders

Hot food options

Salads and Dessert

The cornbread and sliders made for a more welcome selection than the standard trays of pasta, rice and vegetables that often dominate airport lounge buffets. Staff kept a close eye on the buffet, cleared the dining area, and replenished items as needed.

The self-serve beverage area sits just behind the food counter and is surprisingly well stocked for a lounge this size. A long white countertop features a selection of wines and spirits, alongside beer taps and non-alcoholic beverages.

Self Serve Lounge Bar

For a smaller lounge that primarily serves travellers looking to spend an hour or two before departure, I think Air Canada has struck a reasonable balance between quality and variety.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge LAX – Takeaway

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at LAX is a good example of a smaller airport lounge making effective use of its available space. It’s not particularly large, nor does it offer the extravagant amenities some passengers expect from flagship airline lounges.

Comfortable seating, plenty of natural light, power outlets at every seat, useful workspaces and a respectable food and beverage offering. And on all those fronts, I thought it delivered.

The food selection was surprisingly good for a smaller outstation lounge, and the self-serve bar was another positive, offering enough variety without requiring a large dedicated bar area.

I can also see how the lounge could become uncomfortable during busier departure periods. With its relatively limited seating, it’s easy to picture the lounge filling up quickly.

Would I visit again? Absolutely. If I were departing from Terminal 6 or 7, I’d happily stop by for a quick meal, a drink and some work before boarding.