Our flight departed at 10 pm, prompting us to have an early dinner at our hotel, ensuring maximum rest during the flight. The check-in process at Montréal–Trudeau Airport was swift, and we sailed through the fast-track security without delay.

In Canada, British Airways outsources its lounges, a gripe of mine that readers will be well aware of. At Montréal–Trudeau Airport, British Airways partners with National Bank to operate its lounge, meaning many Canadians with Mastercard credit cards have access.

Situated in the international departures wing near Gate 53, the National Bank Lounge requires a boarding pass for Gate 52 or higher; unfortunately, passengers on domestic or US flights cannot visit this lounge. Upon entry, you ascend one level from the concourse to find the front desk and the lounge area, which was already brimming with guests upon our arrival around 8 pm.

The lounge’s seating arrangements primarily consist of what I call the “standard issue airport lounge chair” in charcoal and cream tones. While uniform throughout, the different sections offer a sense of privacy and comfort for passengers.

One striking aspect of the lounge is its ambiance, which can be attributed mainly to the extra-high floor-to-ceiling windows. These windows not only create a sense of spaciousness but also offer a sweeping view of the tarmac facing north, making it an enjoyable space shielded from the sun’s heat at any time of day.

The bar service was basic, with staff attending to your drink preferences. However, the food offerings were disappointingly unappetizing, a letdown for British Airways’ premium passengers.

Prior to boarding, we were informed of a seating change, which irked me as I am an admittedly anxious flyer who prefers the window seat. As the flight was fully booked, British Airways had opened up the three rows of First Class seats on the Boeing 787-9 aircraft for us, though we ended up in the middle section.

During the flight, meals were offered, but given the short duration of the six-hour journey and a four-hour time difference, many passengers, ourselves included, opted for sleep over food. However, I appreciated the sandwich offered before our arrival at Heathrow, a small gesture that made the flight more pleasant.

I have to admit, I’m not fond of the timing of these short east coast flights, as they offer limited sleep, and the jet lag can be quite challenging. Despite this, the overall service provided by British Airways was solid, considering the brevity of the flight.