Introduction

As part of our last minute trip to Bangkok, we recently had the opportunity to fly Air Canada’s flagship business class product, branded as “Signature Class,” on their long-haul service from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) before heading to Bangkok (BKK). This route, operated as AC 7, represents one of Air Canada’s most prestigious international offerings and serves as an important connection between North America and Asia. This review details our comprehensive experience, from ground services through to arrival.

Booking and Value

We secured our business class seats using a combination of Aeroplan points and a strategic upgrade. The base fare was incredible value that Ange found which was 57,000 Aeroplan points per person one-way, with taxes and fees amounting to approximately CAD $145. Considering the cash fare for this route typically exceeds CAD $5,000 in business class, this redemption provided exceptional value.

The booking process through Air Canada’s website was straightforward, with seat selection available immediately. The airline’s flexible change policy for business class bookings provided additional peace of mind during these uncertain travel times.

Pre-Flight Experience

Check-In and Security

Air Canada provides dedicated check-in counters for Signature Class passengers at Vancouver International Airport. We were processed efficiently by courteous staff who clearly explained the lounge options available to us. The dedicated security lane for premium passengers significantly expedited our journey through formalities.

Maple Leaf Lounge

The highlight of the pre-flight experience was undoubtedly access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounge in Vancouver. Like many business class lounges that offer self-service buffets, the Maple Leaf lounge did not disappoint. This was the first time Zee’s dad experienced the Maple Leaf lounge but had no idea he will be sitting at the front of the plane yet. 

The lounge features elegant design elements with distinctly Canadian aesthetics—natural wood, stone accents, and curated Canadian artwork. Seating options range from intimate dining tables to comfortable lounge chairs, with power outlets conveniently placed throughout.

The wine selection was particularly impressive, featuring premium Canadian and international options that would typically command significant prices in restaurants. Service in the lounge was attentive without being intrusive, maintaining a perfect balance of availability and discretion.

The Aircraft

Our flight was operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, featuring Air Canada’s latest business class cabin configuration. The aircraft appeared well-maintained both externally and internally, with the cabin presenting in immaculate condition upon boarding.

Cabin and Seat

Air Canada’s Signature Class on the 777-300ER features a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for all passengers. 

The seat specifications include:

• 180-degree lie-flat capability
• 21-inch seat width
• 78-inch bed length when fully extended
• 18-inch personal entertainment screen
• Universal power outlet and USB charging ports
• Personal storage compartments

The seat controls were intuitive, with pre-set positions for takeoff/landing, dining, lounging, and sleeping. The privacy factor was excellent, particularly in the window seats which are angled toward the fuselage. The middle section features a retractable divider, ideal for couples traveling together.

The color scheme employs Air Canada’s signature charcoal and red palette, creating a professional, sophisticated atmosphere. The seat upholstery showed minimal wear and maintained good firmness and support throughout the flight.

Amenities

Upon boarding, we found a well-stocked amenity kit awaiting us, presented in a reusable Want Les Essentiels pouch. Contents included:

• Vitruvi skincare products (face moisturizer, hand cream, lip balm)
• Dental kit with toothbrush and toothpaste
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Socks and pen

The bedding, designed in partnership with Canadian retailer Endy, included a plush mattress pad, duvet, and full-sized pillow—significantly more substantial than typical business class offerings. Air Canada also provides noise-canceling headphones for use during the flight, though they must be collected before landing.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

The entertainment system featured an 18-inch touchscreen with good resolution and responsiveness. Content selection was extensive, with:

• Over 300 movies spanning recent releases and classics
• Television series (both complete seasons and individual episodes)
• Music albums and playlists
• Games and interactive maps

Dining

Welcome Service

The pre-departure service included a choice of champagne, water, or orange juice. We opted for the Laurent-Perrier Champagne, which was served at an appropriate temperature in proper glassware.

Menu and Meal Service

Meal service commenced approximately 45 minutes after takeoff. The dinner menu featured:

Appetizers

• Seared tuna with wasabi aioli and pickled vegetables
• Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Main Courses

• Herb-crusted rack of lamb with rosemary jus
• Miso-glazed black cod with bok choy
• Mushroom ravioli with truffle cream sauce
• Cantonese-style chicken with jasmine rice

Dessert

• Cheese plate featuring Canadian selections
• Dark chocolate mousse cake
• Fresh fruit plate

The meal was served course by course on proper tableware with linen napkins. We selected the black cod and rack of lamb as our main courses. Both dishes were well-executed considering the constraints of airline catering—the fish remained moist and the lamb was prepared to a proper medium temperature.

Wine pairings were suggested by the cabin crew, who demonstrated good knowledge of the selections available. The wine list included options from Canadian, French, and New World vineyards, with multiple red and white choices.

Prior to arrival in Hong Kong, a breakfast service was offered with options including:

• Fresh fruit and yogurt
• Omelette with chicken sausage and roasted potatoes
• Dim sum selection

Service

The cabin crew demonstrated professionalism throughout the flight. Service was attentive without being intrusive, with call buttons answered promptly. The crew made a point of addressing passengers by name, adding a personalized touch to interactions.

During meal service, courses were timed appropriately with minimal wait between selections. The crew showed flexibility in accommodating passenger preferences for meal timing and service pace.

We particularly appreciated the turndown service offered after dinner, where crew members prepared the lie-flat bed with the mattress pad and duvet while passengers prepared for sleep in the lavatory.

Sleep Quality

The fully flat bed provided good sleeping conditions, enhanced by the quality bedding provided. The cabin temperature was maintained at a comfortable level throughout the flight, and the noise level was reasonable for a widebody aircraft.

The seat in the fully flat position offered adequate width and length for comfortable sleep. The foot well had sufficient space to allow for movement, though taller individuals might find it somewhat constrained.

Arrival Experience

As we approached Hong Kong, the crew distributed arrival cards and provided information about connecting flights for relevant passengers. Premium passengers were among the first to deplane, and our priority-tagged luggage arrived promptly on the baggage carousel.

Air Canada Signature Class passengers connecting to other flights with sufficient layover time have access to partner lounges in Hong Kong, though we were terminating our journey there.

Overall Assessment

Strengths:

• Exceptional ground experience at Vancouver with the Signature Suite lounge
• Comfortable, private seating arrangement with quality bedding
• Attentive, professional service throughout
• Above-average catering with attention to detail in presentation
• Excellent value when booked using Aeroplan points

Areas for Improvement:

• The foot well in the lie-flat position might be restrictive for taller travelers
• While good by business class standards, the amenity kit lacks the “wow factor” found in some competitors’ offerings

Conclusion

Air Canada’s Signature Class on the Vancouver to Hong Kong route delivers a refined business class experience that compares favorably with many international carriers. The ground experience in Vancouver is particularly exceptional, and the onboard hard and soft products maintain a consistent quality throughout the journey.

For travelers using Aeroplan points, this represents one of the better premium cabin redemption values in the program. While not quite reaching the heights of top Gulf or Asian carriers in terms of extravagance, Air Canada offers a solid, reliable premium experience with distinctly Canadian touches that make it a worthy choice for transpacific travel.

Final Rating: 8.5/10