Introduction

Oh Canada! I’ve been interested in flying with Air Canada for a while now, and got the chance to fly with them on my way to Boston a few weeks ago. Europe has a ton of choices for business class, and while impressive with choices, the prices are sadly not. However, I was fortunate to lock in a rate that made for a great booking from London to Boston. I booked Air Canada Business Class flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Overall, the experience was solid and comfortable, though not exceptional. The hard product, including the reverse herringbone seats that convert to fully-flat beds, provides good comfort and privacy. In-flight entertainment options were plentiful, and the Acqua Di Parma amenity kit added a touch of luxury, though standard in terms of items. The food was of decent quality for airline cuisine, and the service was professional, if not particularly warm. While there's room for improvement in areas such as personalized service and main course quality, Air Canada's Business Class offers a reliable option for transatlantic travel. This detailed review will break down each aspect of the journey, from check-in to arrival.

Check-in and Lounge

Check-in at Heathrow Terminal 2 was efficient, with a dedicated counter for Business Class passengers. The process took about 10 minutes, and I was directed to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, though the lounge was closed. I instead went to visit the Singapore Airlines Silverkris Lounge, which I believed is the better choice of the two.

If you do. have a chance to visit the Air Canada lounge, it is located near gate B34, offers a variety of seating options, from dining tables to comfortable armchairs. Food options includes hot buffet items like pasta and roasted vegetables, as well as cold options such as salads and sandwiches. The beverage selection featured a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to review it in the future.

Boarding began approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Business Class passengers were called first, along with Air Canada elite status holders. The process was orderly, and I was greeted at the aircraft door by a flight attendant who directed me to my seat.

Welcome to Air Canada’s Business Class.

Business Class Seat

Air Canada's 787-9 features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration in Business Class, marketed as their Signature Class. There are 30 seats in total, spread across 8 rows (there is no row 1).

My seat, 11K was a window seat on the right side of the aircraft. The seat converts into a fully-flat bed measuring 80 inches in length and 21 inches in width. The seat controls are intuitive, with preset positions for takeoff/landing, lounging, and sleeping. Storage options include a small cubby near the floor suitable for shoes, a literature pocket, and a larger compartment next to the seat that can accommodate a laptop or tablet. A universal power outlet and USB port are conveniently located next to the seat.

The 18-inch touchscreen in-flight entertainment system is fixed, meaning it's viewable even during takeoff and landing. However, its distance from the seat means it can be a stretch to operate by touch, especially when in bed mode. The entertainment system offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. The interface is responsive and easy to navigate. Noise-cancelling headphones are provided, though their quality is average – frequent flyers might prefer to bring their own.

Wi-Fi is available on board, with various packages offered. I opted for the full-flight package, priced at CAD 21.50. Speeds were sufficient for email and light browsing, but not ideal for streaming or large downloads.

Amenity Kit

The amenity kit is provided in a hard-case Acqua Di Parma branded bag in their signature yellow color. The products are of high quality, as expected from a luxury brand like Acqua Di Parma. Contents include:

Acqua Di Parma body lotion (40ml)
Acqua Di Parma lip balm
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Eyemask
Socks
Earplugs

Service

The cabin crew consisted of four attendants for the 30 Business Class seats. Service was generally attentive and professional, though not particularly warm or personalized. Pre-departure beverages (choice of water, orange juice, or champagne) were offered promptly after boarding. The purser came around to introduce herself and explain the menu. During the meal service, drinks were refilled without prompting, and plates were cleared in a timely manner. However, between meal services, the crew's presence in the cabin was minimal. The call button was answered within a reasonable timeframe when used. I’d say service is professional, though nothing amazing.

Overall Impression

Air Canada's Business Class offers a solid product for transatlantic travel. The hard product (seat, IFE) is competitive, while the soft product (food and service) is good but leaves room for improvement. The Acqua Di Parma amenity kit is a nice touch that adds a premium feel to the experience. I would definitely fly with Air Canada given how comfortable and relaxing their hard product is, along with the fact they keep the temperature cold, WHICH IS GREAT!

Areas for improvement could include more attentive and personalized service, and perhaps an upgrade to the quality of the main course offerings. However, for a comfortable way to cross the Atlantic with direct aisle access and a fully-flat bed, Air Canada's offering is certainly worth considering.