I hadn’t traveled on Air Canada in decades and never “across the pond.” I remember it as nothing special. With the early arrival of a new grandson in December, I sought out the most economical flight options from Brussels to the U.S., and it turned out to be Air Canada. So, I thought I’d give the airline another chance. I didn’t expect to be wowed, but I am pleased to report that my business class flight from Brussels Zaventem Airport to Montreal Trudeau Airport exceeded expectations..
Boarding
From check-in at Brussels Airport to boarding, things were a breeze, except for some technical issues that the airline had no control over like a strike of airport cleaning staff and 20 connecting passengers stuck in customs and immigration. Even with those challenges and long lines of waiting travelers, the check-in team kept a positive attitude. If an announcement hadn’t been made, I wouldn’t have known about the problem — aside from the slight departure delay. Air Canada gets high marks for transparency!
Time seemed to move slowly as we waited to board the aircraft, but as soon as I entered, I was greeted onboard by a friendly fight attendant who directed me to my seat. Within minutes, she appeared with bubbles – sparkling water or sparkling wine. The Air Canada Signature menu card was also distributed so passengers could plan meals for the flight.
Flight attendants in my area were very attentive, regularly checking back to see if I needed a beverage refill or anything else — and always with a smile and positive attitude. I don’t know how they do that, especially on a long, overnight flight. Kudos!
Seating
When it comes to business class, it’s all about the seats. Air Canada’s business class features “cubes” that offer some privacy and a comfortable, lie-flat bed that even has a massage function! There are noise-cancelling headphones, bed coverings and a pillow that is great for extra back support,
Bedding was confusing. I took what I thought was the blanket out of the plastic wrap and it was a long, thin sheet. I guess that was supposed to be a seat cover. I never did figure it out. The bedding material was more like a mattress cover than a blanket. I wasn’t a fan.
Seat belts in business class are unlike any I had experienced before. They have a thick, puffy portion that lies over your hips. It resembled a fanny pack. My daughter, who hates fanny packs, would have gotten a good laugh out of it. Apparently, it’s an airbag-equipped seat belt! Who knew?
Next to the seat is another small storage area where you’ll find a handset control for the TV screen. It’s not really necessary since everything can be controlled with the touch screen. There is also in-seat power for computers or other electronic devices — and wifi. It’s an easy set up to get work done.
Storage
What lies overhead? Roomy storage bins that are easy to maneuver. There is also plenty of storage space in front of your seat. I had enough space to store a small bag, my computer and things I needed during the flight.
Entertainment
In-flight entertainment was a bit disappointing, although I liked the clear, 18-inch screen and the option of viewing a dynamic flight map. I’ve always liked seeing where I am and how many miles and/or hours before I reach my destination. and a good range of movies, television programs and even destination guides. The touchscreen meant I didn’t even need the handset tucked into the storage area next to the seat.
Dining in the Sky
On the dining front, Air Canada Signature Class gets mixed reviews. I’m familiar with the pull-out tables that pop up from the armrest area, but our Boeing 777 tray tables were directly in front of us below the tv screen. Help was needed for clueless passengers like me. The table folded out, but I didn’t realise it could be moved closer to me until my return flight to Brussels when a flight attendant assisted. Enroute to Montreal, there was an irritating gap as I dined.
Air Canada has made some clear moves to upgrade its dining experience with a good team of experts: Chef Vikram You of Yij’s, Rangali and My Shanti in Vancouver; Chef David Hawksworth of Hawksworth Restaurant, Bel Cafe and Nightingale in Vancouver; Chef Jerome Ferrer of Restaurant Jerome Ferrer in Montreal; and Sommelier Veronique Rivest of Gatineau’s SOIF Bar a Vin. As far as airline food goes, something that I considered an oxymoron in the past, they’ve made an impact with a creative menu.
What’s on the Menu?
On the way to Montreal, our business class meal started with salted almonds and cashews, served with sparkling wine. Salad greens and one small tomato with oil and vinegar dressing in a small bottle followed.. Our flight featured a mezze plate with hummus, a delicious muhammara with walnuts, and baba ghanoush with pomegranate, tabbouleh and pita bread. I’d be tickled pink if Air Canada shared its recipe for its amazing muhammara red pepper dip? It was so yummy!
For the main course, there was a choice of beef cheeks with red wine sauce, jerk chicken with grilled pineapple, salmon teriyaki and mushroom-filled pasta. I almost always choose the fish option, but for this flight, I decided to try the beef, lured by the sound of horseradish mashed potatoes and roasted root vegetables. The menu description should have read “beef stew.” It was nothing to write home about, and the vegetables were overcooked for my taste. I should have stuck with the salmon or jerk chicken. The airline redeemed itself, though, with a fine selection of wines.
The desserts on both my outgoing and incoming flights sounded scrumptious. I napped through the fruit, cheese and orange creme brûlée, but it sure sounded good. That was probably a good thing for my waistline. I did enjoy the Neuhaus Belgian chocolates, though.
Breakfast consisted of a dry omelet without much taste, a sausage, hash browns, yogurt, fruit and a roll. Aside from the fruit and yogurt, it was lackluster.
In-Flight Service
So much of the flight experience is dependent on cabin crew. When you have a dud, it can ruin your trip. Air Canada ranked well in this regard. The multilingual crew couldn’t have been more accommodating. They seemed to anticipate customer needs and kept their smiles and good humor from start to finish. Meal service was swift and efficient with unusual beverage requests like a mix of cranberry and orange juice promptly delivered.
Connections
I had long connections in Montreal for both my flights, but the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge saved the day. On my way to the U.S., I opted for the Air Canada Maple Leaf Transborder Lounge by Gate 73. Friday morning was a busy time with travelers lining up outside the door awaiting entry. After the crowd subsided, there was ample seating. It’s not the most luxurious lounge I’ve visited, but it works. When the midday sun hits the window of walls, an electric window shade is deployed, instantly cooling the area and getting rid of the glare on your computer screen.
There are plug-in points for computers and phones, a variety of seating configurations facilitating private space or work spaces for a small team. Coffee, soft drinks, juices and other beverages are readily available as are snacks, salads and warm food like chicken teriyaki and rice. The staff cleared dishes quickly and efficiently. On my return flight to Belgium, I visited the Maple Leaf International Lounge, which is roomier and offers better amenities, including a full bar and ample seating options.
Rating Air Canada Business Class
So, how did the airline rate?
Aircraft – Boeing 777 wide-body aircraft; comfortable and roomy
Business Class seat – Comfortable and pleasant
Service and staff – Top notch
Food – Not bad, but could be better. Some nice options like the mezze plate and smoked trout
Wine – Good selection
Entertainment – Disappointing. My BOSE headphones worked better for noise cancelling, but the two-pronged plug for the Air Canada headphones provided a better listening option. Not too many current films; other airlines do it better
Comfort – Aircraft temperature was ideal, toilets were clean and not too small. I did have to giggle, though. The window shade was open on my first visit, but someone closed it during the flight, as if someone could peek in at 30,000+ feet!
Amenities – A business class amenities kit included Acqua Di Parma travel essentials like lip balm and hand cream, an eyeshade, socks, a cloth to clean your eyeglasses, earplugs, a toothbrush, Colgate toothpaste, mouthwash and a floss pick. It was all package in a neutral color, cotton/polyester-blend bag.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – The Transborder Lounge at Montreal Trudeau Airport was very crowded on a Friday morning. People were lining up outside the door awaiting entry. The wait was short, though. Inside there was plenty of seating, I returned to Brussels the day after Christmas, which it an exceptionally busy travel day, but I didn’t have to wait at the Maple Leaf International Lounge, and there was ample seating throughout my seven-hour layover.
Overall experience – I wouldn’t give the airline a perfect score, but my flight experience was good. Some of the food was exceptional, like the mezze plate on my outgoing flight, and there was a nice wine selection. Seating was comfortable, but to be perfectly honest, I still prefer business class on Emirates and United Airlines. Still, if you get the opportunity to try Air Canada Signature business class, take advantage of it. I benefitted through an upgrade, which you can do, too. Try airline miles or the upgrade offer that may appear when you do your online check in. You can save money, and get an elevated travel experience.
