Review: Air France KLM’s Lounge at Montreal Airport
Air France's new lounge at Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) is a welcome addition to the Franco-Dutch carrier's lounge network. With a contemporary design and a range of amenities, it's a decent option for eligible passengers. However, there are some areas where the experience falls short.
Access
As expected, passengers flying in Business or First Class on Air France or KLM, along with their respective Flying Blue Gold and Platinum members, have access to the lounge. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members can also use the space thanks to their SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
The lounge is also accessible to passengers travelling internationally (excluding the US) by pre-booking on the Plaza Premium website for approximately £40. This was how I entered, as I was flying on Air Transat.
While theoretically possible, using an American Express Platinum card or paying upon arrival was not permitted during my visit due to overcrowding.
The lounge is open from 5 am to 10 pm. Given that Air France and KLM flights depart Montreal between 5 pm and 7 pm, the lounge is likely to be quieter before 2 pm and after 7 pm.
Impressions
Upon arrival, I was promptly admitted to the lounge, even though I arrived an hour before my scheduled entry slot. The reception area is inviting, with stairs leading up to the main space. This is a much better arrangement than the Banque Nationale Lounge, where a small reception desk is located on the main floor, often leading to overcrowding.
A model of Air France's iconic Concorde aircraft greets visitors, with two sofas positioned in front of it. While this is a unique feature, it can feel a bit awkward as people continuously pass by. The historic Concorde contrasts nicely with the modern Airbus A350 parked on the apron. Unfortunately, there is no direct boarding from the lounge to Air France's regular boarding gate.
Locker storage is available, which is particularly useful during peak hours when carrying a large suitcase.
To the left of the entrance, there is a selection of seating areas. Near the window, you'll find seats and tables suitable for working on a laptop, with plenty of 2-pin US-style power outlets. At the far end of this area, there is a variety of comfortable solo seats scattered around the space.
A padded booth without a door can be used for private phone calls. While the booth is lined with soft materials, it is unlikely to provide sufficient noise isolation to avoid disturbing other guests.
A section of the lounge appears to be reserved for Flying Blue Elites, but not SkyTeam Elites.
To the right of the entrance, you'll find the main part of the lounge, which offers a similar range of seating options but is arranged more thoughtfully. Solo seats are arranged in groups of four with slatted wood to create a sense of privacy.
The main attraction in this area is the dining area, which was quite busy when I arrived. The lounge designers have thoughtfully provided a variety of seating options to accommodate couples, groups, and solo travellers. I particularly liked the long table with lamps for ambient lighting and wireless charging pads.
Another reserved dining area is available exclusively for Air France KLM passengers in Business Class. However, during my visit, this area was empty despite being peak hours for these travellers.
Food, Beverages, and Amenities
The dining options in the lounge were decent, comparable to British Airways lounges but not as impressive as those offered by Air France and KLM in their hub airports. The food selection included self-service hot and cold dishes at the buffet, as well as hot sandwiches and desserts that could be ordered at the bar.
Soft drinks and hot drinks are self-service.
While I enjoyed the toasted sandwich, the white chicken dish and rice were rather underwhelming, resembling dated canteen fare. The Basa fish fillet was surprisingly good. Desserts consisted of two small pieces of cake that were quite dry and unappetising.
The bar area offers a decent selection of alcoholic beverages, including French wines and champagne.
The shower rooms appear nice on the surface despite their narrow dimensions. The shower was hot with good pressure, ensuring a refreshing experience.
However, the maintenance seems subpar. The shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner containers lacked lids and were made of a generic brand with a rough texture. While I don't mind large containers, the lack of lids seemed unhygienic.
Additionally, it would be nice to see Air France's partnership with Clarins extended to this part of the lounge. Although the lounge is managed by Plaza Premium, Air France KLM should ensure a higher standard of amenities.
Finally, there was a noticeable hole in the ceiling that had been temporarily covered with a piece of plasterboard. While this didn't cause any problems, it is worth noting that the lounge is relatively new and already seems to have maintenance issues.
After my shower, I spent some time working on my laptop in the main lounge area. The lounge WiFi was fast, and I was able to stay charged throughout my three-hour stay.
Conclusion
I have mixed feelings about Air France's Montreal lounge. The design is attractive, but the implementation feels a bit budget-constrained. The average food quality and shoddy amenities in the bathroom suggest that a bit more investment is needed to elevate the experience.
I wouldn't personally pay to enter the lounge again, as I believe it is overpriced. However, if I had access through my ticket, airline status, or an eligible credit card, I would consider using it, especially during off-peak hours.
