“Go back to the shoe shine guy and make a left,” said the helpful gate agent after I realized I’d over shot the American Airlines Admirals Club at Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Laziness combined with a small terminal caused me to wing it and look for the signature logo, but that was a huge mistake since this lounge is hidden from site.
Finding the Toronto Admirals Club
The good thing about flying out of Toronto Pearson airport is clearing U.S. customs in Canada versus that hellish, slow-moving line at DFW. The check-in area is heavily reliant on self-check in but I used the Priority Access line as there was one other person in front of me. Bad move, because these people were slowly checking four bags and didn’t seem to know which way was up. I cleared customs and breezed through security.
After grabbing carry-on bags and re-shoeing yourself, turn right (if facing the gates) down a little hallway. The door to the American Airlines Admirals Club is on the left.
Amenities on Offer
Truth? This Admirals Club is dated, but it’s a quiet place to chill before a long flight. The bar area is small but fully-stocked with a cheery, not-too-busy bartender ready to pour stiff drinks.
I didn’t see a standard menu, but in the Coca-Cola refrigerator were saran-wrapped sandwiches and a few other items that would do in a total pinch. Just outside, where you hook right down the hallways, is a deli counter that appeared to serve up fresh fruit and much more appetizing fare. If hungry, consider making a stop before entering or drop off your things and go right back outside. Free food offerings included cookies and apples.
The Admirals Club site says there’s a children’s room, but all I saw was a sign for changing tables in the bathroom. I could have just missed it.
The other seating areas are also very small. There are a decent amount of plugs along the wall in the bar area so I parked there, used the free WiFi (it was fast) and had a drink. Can’t complain about that.
Overall Thoughts
It was a Monday afternoon and this lounge wasn’t the least bit crowded. Though it’s nowhere near as nice as LAX or DFW, I relaxed once inside. The moral of the story is don’t get too excited about the Toronto Admirals Club, but it’s there if you need it.
The lounge operates daily from 5:00am (5:30am on weekends) – 8:30pm. I am assuming this is because there aren’t any late-night flights, but this does seem like an early close time.
The Admirals Club membership is worth every penny to my family and pays for itself each year.
Katie Dillon
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