Hey, you’ve got to give credit to Air Canada for continuing to set the standard with its distinctive grab and go lounge concept.
Second Air Canada Cafes debut at two major hubs
Air Canada Cafe is an initiative by the Star Alliance airline that essentially features grab and go cafes. The concept allows those with lounge access to quickly grab a beverage or snack if they’re pressed for time and take it to their gate (or there’s a limited seating area to enjoy it on site).
Currently, this lounge network has included four locations: Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ), Montreal Trudeau Airport (YUL), and Vancouver Airport (YVR). Air Canada has now reinforced this idea, and has launched two additional Air Canada Cafe locations at airports that already host them.
Firstly, a second Air Canada Cafe has opened at Vancouver Airport. It’s situated in the domestic departures section, in Concourse C, close to gate 50. The lounge features 84 seats and spans 4,489 square feet. This marks the second Air Canada Cafe in the airport’s domestic departures area.
This lounge features a full-service bar offering barista-crafted coffee, craft beers, and local wines. The menu is said to draw inspiration from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, featuring items such as warm char siu pork bao buns, vegan curry bao, freshly made vegetarian Kimbap, and sweet treats from Granville Island’s famous Lee’s Donuts.
Secondly, a second Air Canada Cafe has been established at Montreal Airport, located within the US Preclearance facility. The lounge has 62 seats and serves as the second Air Canada Cafe at the airport, with the other located in the domestic departures sector.
This lounge takes inspiration from Montreal’s “third wave” coffee scene, offering barista-made coffee. Its menu includes local favorites like smoked meat sandwiches, fresh bagels, vegan soup made by Sagamité Watso, and pistachio croissant pastries. The drink options feature wines from L’Orpailleur Winery, gin from distillerie du Fjord, and craft beers from Montreal’s RJ Brasseur brewery.
In terms of access, the Air Canada Cafes are available to customers traveling on a business class ticket, Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, and Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Super Elite members.
In my opinion, this represents the future of lounge concepts
Airport lounges have undergone significant changes over the years, particularly in how they are monetized. These developments have largely made lounge access more inclusive, but when “everyone” can access lounges, it tends to feel less like a peaceful retreat.
There are certainly various types of lounges, and a typical domestic lounge varies from an international first class lounge. However, I often find myself skipping standard domestic lounges altogether and heading directly to the gate. Nowadays, you can usually find a gate area that is much quieter than a lounge, which diminishes one of the primary reasons for visiting a lounge. Therefore, unless I truly want a food or drink option, I just prefer to stay in the gate area.
These grab and go concepts are ideal for such occasions. They provide all the food and drinks you might need, and you can easily take them to a serene gate area. I’m pleased to observe this concept gradually becoming more popular in the United States, with the United Club Fly and Provisions by Admirals Club initiatives.
In summary
We have just witnessed the launch of additional Air Canada Cafes in Montreal and Vancouver, bringing each airport to two Air Canada Cafe locations. The total network now comprises six locations, which is quite remarkable, as Air Canada continues to excel in this area. Great job!
What are your thoughts on the Air Canada Cafe concept?