Air Canada: Signature Class
by Mark Sissons
As air travel grows increasingly crowded and chaotic, a transatlantic flight can feel like an endurance test. Except, of course, if you're wealthy or lucky enough to fly in business class, where you're still often treated like an honoured guest, far (at least experientially) from the madding crowd in economy class.
I recently flew from Montreal to Frankfurt, Germany, in Air Canada's Signature Class, formerly known as International Business Class, now offered on most of the airline's international flight routes. Signature Class promises a 'seamless airport experience that includes dedicated check-in counters, expedited security clearance, lounge access, exclusive boarding lanes, priority baggage handling and more.'
Although I wasn't able to sample the check-in experience or Maple Leaf Lounge in Montreal due to a tight connection, the in-flight part didn't disappoint, falling somewhere in the middle among Business Classes I have flown, leaving me stirred, not shaken, by the time I reached Europe a little over seven hours later.
“Air Canada continues to offer the best business class of any North American carrier. And while its level of cuisine, service and comfort may not rival some Middle Eastern and Asian airlines, its refreshed Signature Class is undoubtedly a class above”
Most of Air Canada's Signature Class cabins feature 26 pods arranged in a standard zig-zag 1-2-1 configuration, with privacy partitions, plenty of storage space, USB and power outlets and reading lights. Each seat offers advanced lumbar support and a massage function, and converts to a fully flat bed, allowing passengers to stretch out and sleep comfortably.
Large touchscreen seatback monitors feature an extensive library of music, movies, podcasts, audiobooks, games and over 7000 magazines and newspapers accessible through the Pressreader app that can be linked to your personal device. Noise-cancelling headphones, a pillow, duvet, mattress pad and Acqua Di Parma amenity kit are also included.
Reasonably fast Wi-Fi was also available, costing C$27.75 for the duration of the flight, with no data caps. Given the Signature Class ticket price, I would hope that airlines like Air Canada waive the Wi-Fi charge in the future. Otherwise, I had everything I needed for a productive and pleasant flight.
We did depart almost an hour late, which seems to be annoyingly commonplace on Air Canada flights these days. While we waited, we were given hot towels to freshen up and served a standard welcome drink — I chose champagne - in this case Laurent-Perrier Brut. Shortly after take-off, the inflight service began with an aperitif, followed by a delicious four-course dinner curated by Air Canada's roster of 4-star chefs and served on china with cutlery. I chose gravlax salmon, fennel and orange salad with honey mustard dressing for my appetizer, followed by roasted cod, olive salsa verde, saffron rice, cherry tomatoes and oyster mushrooms for my main.
Both courses featured a selection of fine wines selected by a world-renowned sommelier. A cheese plate and brown sugar dessert tart completed the meal, followed by a selection of premium digestifs. Ninety minutes before landing, a hot breakfast was served consisting of a parsley omelette with chicken sausage, cottage cheese, roasted potatoes and red pepper relish.
Overall, the meals were fresh, tasty and reasonably filling without being quite in the league of perpetual bar raisers like Singapore Airlines or Emirates. sIt may not have been standout fare, but I certainly didn't go hungry at 37000 feet above the Atlantic.
Throughout the flight, the crew were reasonably attentive and courteous without being obsequious, which can occur on some airlines. After a smooth flight, a movie, some decent rest and tasty cuisine, I was ready to hit the ground running in Frankfurt, relatively refreshed and ever so thankful that I didn't have to ride in the back of the bus this time.
All of that said, I would still make a few suggestions that might make Air Canada's Signature Class really stand out:
Offer passengers in-flight pyjamas. Qantas distributed them on a flight I took last year, and -- other than the entire Business Class cabin resembling a prison transfer -- it was both super comfy and kept my clothes more fresh for arrival.
Offer a wider range of in-flight snacks in the forward galley for the midnight grazers
Include more items in the amenity kits, like deodorant, luxury-branded cologne, shaving cream and a razor.
As I mentioned, make in-flight Wi-Fi free for Signature Class customers.
Minor criticisms aside, I still believe that Air Canada continues to offer the best business class of any North American carrier. And while its level of cuisine, service and comfort may not rival some Middle Eastern and Asian airlines, its refreshed Signature Class is undoubtedly a class above.