At the heart of a tech-centric city and a place where thousands of Canadians commute, live, and work every month, Air Canada unveiled a long-awaited lounge at SFO at a launch event Tuesday evening.
The first Maple Leave Lounge at San Francisco International Airport opened to the public Wednesday, featuring 165 seats over almost 8,200 sq. ft., various premium features—and a first for the airline’s 28 lounges—a spacious outdoor terrace where aviation geeks and planespotters can watch their favourite aircraft come and go.
The airline operates various flights to and from SFO out of Terminal 2, including Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver, making great sense for frequent travellers who want access to some respite before their journey. The lounge is nestled on the fourth floor after security, a short walk from the Air Canada gates. Air Canada says, in partnership with United Airlines, they offer up to 21 daily Canadian flights to and from SFO.
Amenities and Space
- The Lounge, designed with San Francisco-based architectural firm Gensler, is the first of its kind with an outdoor terrace, featuring two vapour fireplaces produced by Canadian company CF + D
- 165 seats (135 interior + 30 exterior)
- E-Gates and biometric identification for seamless, hands-free lounge entry
- Showers with heated towel racks
- VIP room for up to 10 people
- Collection of multidisciplinary art that reflects and pays homage to California and Canada
- Artists featured include Canadian painter Shawn Evans, and a custom mural from California artist Amos Goldbaum
Locally inspired flavours
Like all Maple Leaf Lounges, this lounge offers an impressive selection of food, featuring self-serve hot and cold local flavours. I had a chance to sample unique seafood offerings like the iconic San Francisco fish stew cioppino, chicken adobo and rice, fresh vegetables, as well as a variety of baked goods.
Full-service cocktails and wines
A stunning full-service bar is available with inspirations drawn from both California and Canada, with a large selection of wines, craft beers, a rotating cocktail menu, and espresso.
Mark Nasr, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, says they are excited to experiment with the food and drink offerings along with premium amenities offered here at SFO’s Maple Leaf Lounge.
Tech-focused from entry to exit
As part of the new launch, the airline opened the Maple Leaf Lounge with e-gates, featuring biometric identification for seamless, hands-free lounge entry.
Other features include heated towel racks in showers, television screens in VIP meeting rooms accommodating up to 10 people, and two vapour fireplaces produced by Canadian company, CF+D.
How to access the Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO
Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Aeroplan Super Elite Status members, Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, and customers departing on a business class ticket with Air Canada or another Star Alliance member have access to this space in Terminal 2.
