Review: Air France Lounge Montreal (YUL)

Air France Lounge Montreal – Introduction

Last November, I embarked on a Round-The-World journey that included several premium airline cabins, lounges, and hotels. My trip began with a flight from Montreal (YUL) to Doha (DOH) on Qatar Airways’ QSuite. Before boarding, I had the chance to visit the Air France Lounge at Montreal International Airport. This lounge caters to passengers flying in Business Class (Qatar Qsuite) departing from Montreal and has been on my radar for some time. Here’s a detailed account of my experience at the Air France Lounge in YUL.

Main Entrance

Air France Lounge Montreal – Location and Access

The Air France Lounge at Montreal International Airport is located near Gate 57 in the international concourse, about a 10-minute walk from the airport security checkpoint. The lounge is accessible only to international passengers, with access exclusively granted to eligible Air France passengers between 3 PM and 7 PM. However, eligible premium passengers from other airlines, like Qatar Airways, can also access the lounge. Operated by the Plaza Premium Group, Priority Pass members are also welcome but are restricted to a two-hour stay.

Air France Lounge Montreal – Seating and Layout

I arrived at the lounge around 7 PM and found the entrance modern and inviting. After checking in at the welcome desk on the main level, you can take either the elevator or the staircase to the lounge upstairs. The elevator doors open into a beautifully designed common area featuring a model of the iconic Air France Concorde aircraft.

Common spaces by the lounge entrance

While not particularly large, the Air France Lounge at YUL efficiently uses its constrained space with a contemporary and refined interior. The lounge offers various seating options, including a seated bar, dining space, washrooms, and showers. There are also family-style nooks by the window, communal work desks, and single chairs facing the runway, which I found to be the perfect spot for solo travellers who want a combination of window views and work time.

Despite the lounge being quite busy during my visit, with most prime spots occupied, there was generally sufficient seating available, though the layout sometimes made it feel a bit cramped. The seating in the lounge tends to be close and often faces each other, which may not appeal to everyone. My favourite seating area was the work desk setup with individual chairs facing the runway, which perfectly balanced privacy and views.

Overall lounge layout

Shared work desks

Window views

Loungers with tarmac views

More seating options

Seating for small groups

Phone Booth for privacy

Air France Lounge Montreal – Food and Beverage Options

Regarding food and beverage options, I found the lounge somewhat lacking. The selection included a limited variety of cold and hot food items, none particularly memorable. The hot food offerings, such as plain white rice, boiled vegetables, scalloped potatoes, and shepherd’s pie, were unremarkable and lacked seasoning. Even the cold cuts and cheese felt uninspired.

One highlight was the Lavazza coffee station, which served fresh espresso, providing a much-needed jolt amidst the otherwise bland food selection. The bar seating area was small, with just three or four chairs, but it offered a range of standard beverages.

Bar seating

Charcuterie station

Hot/Cold beverage station

Hot food options

Air France Lounge Montreal – Other Amenities

The lounge also features an exclusive area reserved for passengers who are also Flying Blue Ultimate members. This section is designed to offer a more private and refined experience, with an aesthetically pleasing setup that provides a touch of exclusivity. However, despite its elegance, the area does not fully deliver the luxurious feel typically associated with elevated lounges, falling short of the high expectations that most loyal passengers might have.

Reserved section of the Lounge

Dedicated space for La Premiere passengers

Air France Lounge Montreal – Takeaway

My experience at the Air France Lounge in Montreal YUL was mixed. While the lounge’s design and layout are commendable, given the space constraints, the service and food offerings were below expectations, particularly for a premium lounge catering to Qatar Airways passengers. The staff seemed indifferent, and there was a noticeable lack of proactive service, which detracted from the overall experience.

This lounge does not quite meet the mark for Qatar Airways passengers who are used to high standards, especially compared to the excellent lounges available in the reverse direction. While it’s better than having no lounge access, the Air France Lounge Montreal could use some improvements, particularly in its food offerings and service quality, to match the level of service that premium passengers expect.