On the Ground: I arrived at Heathrow Airport after attending the World Travel Market in London. At the Air Canada check-in counter the staff directed me to security, and although pressed for time I made my way to the gate. There a friendly concierge was waiting and offered to help me board early to ensure a calm departure. She had assisted me earlier that week when I connected through Toronto, so it was reassuring to be greeted by a familiar face. She escorted me onto the Boeing 787-8 and to my seat in the Signature Class cabin, introducing me to the flight attendant who would lead the cabin team for the flight. Her attentive service highlighted why frequent flyers value Air Canada’s top-tier benefits.
Pre-Flight: Signature Class features modern, spacious seats designed for privacy and comfort whether seated on the aisle or by the window. After settling in, a flight attendant offered a choice of juice, sparkling water or Champagne; I chose Champagne. I tested the in-seat touchscreen, checked the provided headset and made myself comfortable for takeoff.
In-Flight: Shortly after reaching cruising altitude I selected the main entree: lamb filet with creamy fennel sauce, roasted potatoes, pumpkin and broccoli. The meal began with prawns and a garden salad, and finished with fresh fruit for dessert. The food was well prepared and satisfying. I planned to work during the flight, but the onboard WiFi was not functioning on this particular aircraft. Air Canada is retrofitting its 787s with updated WiFi, and this aircraft could not be taken out of service for the upgrade at this time. That small inconvenience didn’t spoil the trip; I still managed some work and later took a nap.
PHOTO: © AIR CANADA
The mid-morning departure from London meant we arrived in Toronto in the late afternoon. I slept comfortably in a fully flat seat with a high-quality blanket and pillow. The business-class lavatories were clean and roomy. About an hour before landing I enjoyed afternoon tea with freshly made sandwiches while watching a film and relaxing. After a smooth touchdown in Toronto, a concierge met me and directed me to the Maple Leaf Lounge where I had a brief break and a light snack between connections. From check-in to arrival, the product and service were consistently excellent. It’s easy to see why the airline has won industry recognition and why loyal customers return.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
◆ Build loyalty with Air Canada to reach Altitude Super Elite status and access benefits like expedited check-in and boarding, assistance with flight changes and transfers, and escorted connections between terminals and gates to simplify travel.
◆ Dine on Demand lets you choose when to have your meal during the flight—simply tell the flight attendant when ordering at the start of the journey.
◆ Save room for the onboard catering: the menu in Signature Class offers thoughtfully prepared dishes that make the meal a highlight of the flight.
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