Last week, I flew one of Canada’s busiest routes, Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR), in Air Canada Signature Class. There seem to be a lack of reviews for this route, particularly post-COVID, so I figured it’s worth a run-down.
I booked this flight for just $47.60 CAD (just under $35 USD at the time of writing) plus 24,800 Air Canada Aeroplan Points. Aeroplan points are relatively easy to come by, as the program is a transfer partner of all major credit card issuers (Capital One, American Express, and Chase). The cash price for this fare varied wildly after booking: I saw it for as low as $985 USD, but closer to departure, it was listed as well over $2,000 USD. Even at its lowest price, this redemption represents an excellent value, at over 3.9 cents per point.
If you’re looking for an international business class-type experience, you’ll need to check the aircraft type before booking. Air Canada operates the route with a variety of planes, but you’ll want to look for the Boeing 777 (as reviewed) or 787, or the Airbus A330. Bookings operated with Boeing 737MAX8s or Airbus A321s will feature standard domestic First Class recliner seats.
Pre-Flight Experience
Though I checked in online, there is a priority lane for Signature Class passengers checking in or dropping bags at the airport.
I was short on time, so I headed straight to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Notably, paid Signature Class tickets include access to the Signature Suites, a more exclusive lounge – unfortunately, reward redemptions do not qualify. AC seems to be one of the only airlines that differentiates its products based on booking type, which I think is a little strange, but understandable.
The lounge was packed (I would say it was at ~90% capacity) but the staff were on top of ensuring everything remained stocked and tidy. It’s a decent lounge, featuring showers and a self-serve bar, but nothing too remarkable.
The food was mediocre, and I received a backhanded comment from the staff when I didn’t finish everything on my plate: “You’re done? Really?” I was saving room for the onboard meal and sticky hotplate chicken tenders weren’t quite piquing my palate.
Boarding and In-Flight Experience
Signature Class passengers are invited to board with Group 1: the first to board after medical pre-boards. The gate areas in Toronto are comically small, particularly for a large aircraft like the 777, so I was grateful to be able to pass time in the lounge before boarding.
I quickly found my way to my seat, 8D, in the bulkhead row of the rear Signature Class cabin. The seat was pre-set with a bottle of water and some Air Canada branded over-ear headphones; notably, no amenity kit on this daytime route.
Behind Signature Class are three rows of Premium Economy followed by approximately 35 rows of economy in a 3-4-3 configuration.
(Seat map from SeatGuru.com)
During boarding, the purser, Angie, introduced herself and passed out menus. Throughout the flight, Angie was both extremely friendly and professional, providing among the best service I have received on a flight.
Unfortunately, they were out of my preferred entree, which was the beef tenderloin. Is this a catering issue, or did everyone in rows 1 through 7 have the same idea as me? It seems odd that they would be out of a key menu option when flying from one hub to another. They also offer the beef tenderloin option as a stand-alone buy-on-board offering for economy passengers, so it seems like they should stock more than they think they need even for business class.
Service began with a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a warm ramekin of nuts. Notably, no champagne is offered on this route. The sparking wine on offer is Bottega Prosecco, which I found tasty and refreshing. One funky thing: the AC Rouge napkins? Rouge is their lower-cost leisure subsidiary – another small catering issue, perhaps?
The first course consisted of salmon with herbed potatoes, a small salad, and a dinner roll. I appreciated the Air Canada branded metal cutlery as well as the hefty salt and pepper shakers.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse with the entree. This chicken dish was… interesting. The chicken chunks had an uncomfortably soft texture, and the apples with maple sauce were too sweet. Plus, I was pretty full from the last course – I should have opted for the gnocchi. Next time!
Service concluded with cheese and dessert offered simultaneously; I opted for both (for review purposes, obviously 😉). Port wine was also on offer. The cheesecake was tasty, and though the slice was small, it was about all I could stomach after such a large meal.
After the dinner remnants were cleaned up, I headed to the lavatory, which was clean and spacious, and featured Virtuvi hand soap and lotion. I was hoping for a turndown service, but I didn’t bother to ask given the short duration of the flight. I made my in-flight bed with the provided mattress cover and duvet before enjoying a movie and a short nap.
Just before landing, the crew offered coffee and sweet snacks, I opted for a cappuccino and a KitKat. Unfortunately, the cabin lights were dim, so I didn’t get a photo of my coffee, however, AC is one of the only airlines to offer espresso drinks in-flight. This is a really cool touch that helps differentiate their soft product from competitors like WestJet.
Overall, I am extremely impressed with this flight. For a medium-haul (approximately 5 hour) flight, the meals and service onboard mirrored that of international long-haul business class. Though the food wasn’t the best I’ve had in-flight, the outstanding service from the crew made up the difference.
– Justin Reiling
transitandtravel.com 
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