Air Canada's Toronto Signature Suite is closing temporarily for an expansion, but the airline is softening the blow with lounge access and a generous future guest pass.
As Ben says, those who miss out will receive "a guest pass for a future visit to the expanded Toronto Signature Suite." That is actually a great way to handle this. I can't think of anyone else doing such a thing when their top-tier lounge is closed for renovations...
1990 - Yet when one tries to use his "guest pass" , it will be closed again for further renovations . .
If it is closed , then it is not open .
Korean Air takes the cake for lounge closure gestures. When they were renovating the first class lounge they gave out a gift from Christolfe or Baccarat when checking in to the miler lounge that had just finished renovations. Built up a nice little collection of crystal champagne flutes during that time
This is a thoughtful (and relational) gesture that also encourages the customer to return to AC and is a raincheck for the missed experience. Alternatives, like a meal voucher or a gift, are well-intentioned but transactional in the moment; they don't give the customer a lasting reason to come back. I've been to the (now former) Signature Lounge in YYZ, and it is classy, yet understated, and in a good way. Can't wait to see it post-renovation.
Thanks for providing more details. We have the Air Canada Card, which is a Premium credit card that American Express offers by invitation only. The annual fee is not cheap. That said, I’m quite disappointed. American Express is not reached out and offered some sort of rebate on the card, considering the lounge is closed for a couple months. This actually impacts three of my international bookings. Agree, while I think offering a guest pass is a con gesture, if not relevant for those that have their Air Canada card.
Again, I appreciate the due diligence you did on this matter!
im shocked AC is giving this goodwill gesture....its not like AC to do this.
It's about keeping their highest-yield customers happy, the same reason they have a dedicated lounge for them, rather than forced teaming with the *G riff-raff in the ordinary lounge.
The YYZ and YUL AC International Lounges are consistently crowded, already with long line-ups and waits during high traffic periods, particularly late-afternoon to mid-evening. The courtesy of standing in a shorter line offers little comfort, especially given that Super Elites, whether or not on an AC flight (as required for Signature Lounge entry), are already given a priority line.
I flew Swiss First during covid when their F lounge was closed, and asked for a one-time pass on a future flight. I was pleasantly surprised that they granted it.