On the Ground: At Shanghai Pudong Airport Terminal 2 I found the Air Canada business-class check-in efficient. A large family ahead of me slowed that counter, but I was assisted in under five minutes. Although I had checked in online, I still collected my boarding passes at the desk. Security and exit formalities in China were straightforward, and I proceeded to the shared Star Alliance lounge. About 45 minutes before departure I joined other business-class passengers at Gate 87 for priority boarding.
Pre-Flight: Settled aboard, I enjoyed a glass of Champagne while flight attendants took my coat, offered newspapers and handed out the business-class menus. Each seat was already equipped with an amenity kit (lip balm, socks, eye shades, lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste), plus a pillow and blanket. The crew took drink orders as we prepared for departure. We pushed back and the captain explained there were several aircraft waiting for takeoff, but strong west-to-east winds promised an arrival in Toronto about 30 minutes early.
In-Flight: After reaching cruising altitude the cabin team began service promptly. My drink arrived with a warm bowl of nuts, which were refreshed regularly.
Dinner started with an appetizer of prawns and pancetta-wrapped asparagus, followed by a choice of mains: roasted lamb chops, roasted chicken breast, grilled filet of sole or stir-fried pork. I chose the lamb, served with rosemary sauce, potatoes au gratin, zucchini and cherry tomatoes. A cheese course followed, accompanied by after-dinner beverages and a dessert choice of pear almond tart or fruit. The wine list included thoughtful selections such as a Bogel Chardonnay and a Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec; Air Canada’s in-flight wine choices are consistently well considered.
With the meal complete I worked on my laptop for about an hour and watched two films. The entertainment system offers a broad selection of recent releases, classics, TV shows and music, so there’s plenty of variety for long flights.
Later I tried the flat-bed business-class seat. Once fully reclined it provided generous space and comfort; I slept for roughly six hours and woke about 90 minutes before arrival in time for a full breakfast. The meal included a capsicum omelet with potatoes, chicken sausage and sautéed spinach, plus the usual assortment of croissants, banana muffins, fruit, yogurt and juice. Throughout the flight a range of items is available from a self-serve pantry or on request, including hot noodle soup, hot sandwiches, squash salad, dim sum, ice cream and various snacks.
On arrival in Toronto, transit to U.S. connections is easy to navigate—follow the purple signage. Global Entry further simplifies immigration. Air Canada provides a transit lounge with drinks, a buffet, reading materials and ample seating; I used the lounge to catch up on email while waiting a couple of hours for my next flight and was in Philadelphia less than an hour after boarding.
The Experience: Overall Air Canada offered a smooth routing and convenient connections between Asia and the United States. Toronto’s airport layout is well organized, making transfers to U.S. gateways straightforward. The cabin crew’s attentiveness, comfortable lie-flat seating and a varied food and beverage program made this a pleasant long-haul business-class experience.
GT CHECKLIST
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand menu
- Self-serve in-flight pantry
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress and comforter
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors