Air Canada Signature Class-6

Air Canada’s Signature Service is offered on flights to and from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and South America aboard Boeing’s 787, 777 and 767 aircraft as well as the Airbus A330. Priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and security lanes are all part of the point-to-point travel experience.

On the day of your flight, make use of Air Canada’s concierge agents, who will handle special requests (think hotel and restaurant reservations, special in-flight meals, etc.) as well as additional support should your travel plans get disrupted.

Air Canada Signature Class-4

Maple Leaf Lounge

The Maple Leaf Lounge at YVR Airport is located just past security at the D gates (between 52 and 53). The lounge does have a second level with future plans to open for VIP guests.

Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver

This lounge is an oasis in between a busy security gate and duty-free shops!

Air Canada Signature Class-2

I’ve grabbed breakfast ahead of a long-haul flight to Shanghai and once through the entry area and check-in desks, a well-lit space with a central bar, dining areas, lounge seating, working desks and cozy window recliners greets me.

Air Canada Signature Class

Breakfast options include omelettes, sausages, pastries, oatmeal, fruit, yoghurt and granola alongside Lavazza speciality coffee drinks.

There’s also a tap system that dispenses boiling water for tea, plus purified still and sparking water. A selection of beers on tap and soft drinks round out the offerings (the bar opens at 11 am for wine and spirits).

Air Canada Signature Class-3

Shower rooms and a wall of magazines to take on the flight are added perks here. And there’s a Maple Leaf Lounge-dedicated WiFi portal for getting work done. Opening hours vary, from international departures onwards up until a half hour of that day’s last departure.

Air Canada Signature Class-5

Cabin Layout

Inside our Boeing 787-9, 30 Business Class seats are configured 1x2x1, each one an individual suite containing a fully lie-flat bed. Seats are 53.3 cm (21 in.) wide for ultimate long-haul comfort. Inside a holder housing the remote console are 110-volt power ports to keep your tech charged in-flight.

Air Canada Signature Class-8

Air Canada’s Panasonic eX3 is the airline’s latest generation in-flight entertainment system, with enhanced-definition touch screens at every seat including a user-friendly, advanced intuitive interface.

Air Canada screen

There’s also a high-quality, audio-video on-demand player, interactive moving map, games, flight journey and sections that showcase Air Canada’s destinations, products and services.

Air Canada Signature Class-11

Also part of the entertainment experience: a selection of feature films, shorts, TV shows, children’s programming, music, playlists, audio books, podcasts, games, duty-free shopping, meals being served on the flight, and hearing- and visually-impaired accessibility options.

Air Canada Signature Cabin

Comfort

Pillow, sleeping mattress and noise-cancelling headphones are at each seat, along with an amenity kit, bottle of water and slippers. Inside the Want Les Essentials-branded amenity kit: eye mask, toiletries, socks and Vancouver’s own Vitruvi hand cream and lip balm.

Air Canada amenity kit
[Montreal-based Want Les Essentials amenity bag with Vancouver’s Vitruvi wellness items]

Full-spectrum LED lighting, lower cabin altitude and advances in air filtration help the body adjust to different time zones, helping lessen travel fatigue and headaches.

Once settled in, I’m offered a glass of sparking wine or orange juice as the friendly staff arrive with newspapers and menus.

Air Canada Signature Class-12

Just to my right (in seat 5D) is a tucked-away console with removable remote system, a series of charging outlets plus a three-pronged outlet for the Air Canada noise-cancelling headphones. The area is deep enough to stow smart phones and other small items too. A tiny reading light is illuminated by three small blue dots to easily locate in the dark.

Air Canada Signature Class-13

How about a lumbar massage on the lower back while relaxing with a glass of wine? Yes, this is possible, along with ambient lighting, headrest and footrest control. The comfort panel also includes a do not disturb, wake me and call panel.

Air Canada Signature Class-7
[Lots of room for stowing a laptop case, purse and shoes]

Underneath in front of my seat is a space for stowing a bag, shoes and above, a footrest for the seat’s reclining position. A nice touch are the magnifying mirrors in the spacious business class bathrooms.

Air Canada Signature Class-14

Dining

As we’re gearing up to depart, I peruse the menu, with a focus on Chef David Hawksworth and Sommelier Véronique Rivest providing meal and drink options during our flight.

Air Canada Signature Class-9

There are light bites available during the flight and I notice a lot of fresh seasonal fruit, cheese and and Lindt dark chocolate available in the galley up front.

Air Canada Signature Class-15

An appetizer of seared scallops, eggplant caponata and pearl couscous is followed by a mixed green salad and choice of four mains: Grilled AAA beef tenderloin, chicken ragoût, soy and maple-marinated salmon and pork with oyster sauce and egg fried rice.

Air Canada Signature Class-16

Air Canada Signature Class-17

Air Canada Signature Class-19
[Light meal prior to arrival: Chef Hawksworth’s five-cheese medaglioni pasta, Malbec herb marinara sauce]

Air Canada has taken care to provide an extensive list of white and red wines, as well as champagne and port, plus signature cocktails, cold and hot drinks and beer.

Air Canada Signature Class-20

Bar and wine menu

You can also select what time to have your meal served prior to landing. On the return flight from Shanghai, I notice a different menu however Véronique Rivest’s wine offerings are available as well, to pair with beef fillet, seared chicken breast, pan-fried fillet of red snapper or three-cup chicken with wild mushroom ragout.

Air Canada Signature Class-18

Luggage

On Air Canada’s Signature Class, you can check in two bags for free, get priority check-in, baggage handling and early boarding.

Amenity kit

Attentive service, lots of comfort options and delicious meals with a chance to lie flat en route all make this a highly recommended way to experience any long-haul flight!

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