![\"air](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/air-canadaservice.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAs much as we love to travel, flying can be stressful and hard on the body. It gets worse if you cross multiple time zones or travelling overnight. Starting a holiday deprived of sleep can cost you a full day of your vacation as your body adjusts and recovers. If you travel for business, exhaustion could negatively affect your performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Eligible flights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Air Canada kept this in mind when they chose to revamp their International Business Class seats. Now, it offers passengers a way to arrive at their destination fresh and well-rested instead of groggy and stressed. Air Canada Signature Class passengers can enjoy luxury services and a seat that fully reclines to make a lie-flat bed. Enjoy it while travelling transcontinentally to or from Europe, Australia, Asia, South America or Africa<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Air Canada Signature Class is an upscale and luxurious class of travel offered to passengers travelling on long-haul international flights. Jump on one out of Air Canada\u2019s major hubs, specifically Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. Signature Class is also available for transcontinental overnight flights within Canada and the U.S., the most popular routes being: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Honolulu \u2013 Toronto <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Honolulu \u2013 Vancouver <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Kahului \u2013 Toronto <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Los Angeles \u2013 Toronto <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Newark \u2013 Vancouver <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- San Francisco \u2013 Toronto<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Within Canada, flights between Vancouver and Montreal and Vancouver and Toronto also regularly offer Signature Class seats on specific aircraft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
This ultra-luxurious class costs a pretty penny (most tickets cost upwards of $1000 if you\u2019re paying cash). However, it comes with plenty of amenities. These include lie-flat beds, delicious food options, an entire entertainment library, personal, expedited services at the gate and more. Plus, you’ll discover plenty of other amenities to make your experience just a little bit more enjoyable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Read on to learn all that Air Canada Signature Class has to offer. Further, learn how to levy your credit card<\/a> points to score Signature Class seats on your next long-haul flight for next to nothing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"booking](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/booking-air-canada.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGround Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Your Air Canada Signature Class experience begins at check-in with a separate priority check-in line. This takes you to a private room or walled-off area for a faster and more streamlined check-in experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
In Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto, check-in occurs in a private concierge office with expedited security screenings. Mind you, you can only find this feature at major hubs equipped to offer it. Concierge services also offer assistance with tight connections so you don\u2019t need to worry about missing your next flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"booking](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ground-service.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaple Leaf Lounge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A Signature Class ticket also entitles holders access to Air Canada\u2019s Maple Leaf Lounge. In this quiet and relaxing space, you can work, recharge your devices, eat or just relax before take-off. Some Maple Leaf Lounges even have showers available, so you can freshen up in between those exceptionally long layovers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
As nice as the Maple Leaf Lounge is, it pales in comparison to the exclusive the Signature Suite. Access to this lounge is reserved for international travellers travelling with a Signature Class boarding pass. Unfortunately, it is only available at Toronto\u2019s Pearson Airport or Vancouver International Airport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Air Canada Signature Suite provides passengers with an especially upscale experience. The restaurant features a prepared a la carte menu created by Air Canada\u2019s world-class chefs with meals made to order with the freshest ingredients. They offer premium spirits and champagne at the bar, along with wine pairings created by a world-renowned sommelier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"suite\"](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/suite.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority Boarding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
When it comes time to board, Signature Class ticket holders receive Zone 1 priority boarding. Immigration and customs lines become separated by designated lanes upon arrival. Yet, Signature Class passengers can also take advantage of priority baggage delivery as an added bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Chauffered Porsche<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Last but not least, Air Canada sometimes provides passengers with a chauffeured Porsche. This delivers them straight to the gate, a service that no other airline offers. This relatively new amenity extends to passengers flying from Canada to Asia, South America or Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
For the time being, this special perk is only available at Toronto\u2019s Pearson Airport. However, Air Canada has announced plans to launch a similar service at Vancouver\u2019s International Airport. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this service, you cannot prearrange it. After all, it involves driving on the tarmac which isn\u2019t always practical. Yet, if you fly out of Pearson and happen to hold a Signature Class ticket, it doesn\u2019t hurt to ask. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"porsche\"](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/porsche.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn the Air with Air Canada Signature Class<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Signature Class cabins sit in very differently than economy or even first-class cabins. In this luxury business class, the seating allows space for passengers to set up their work station. Seats gather in their own little pods separated by partitions for privacy. Finally, they come with ample desk and storage space, USB and power outlets, and reading lights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"air\"](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/air.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn-flight Amenities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
As boarding commences, each passenger will find an amenity kit, pillow, mattress pad and duvet waiting for them, wrapped and sealed for individual use. Each of the pods also comes with its own touchscreen where passengers can track the flight’s progress or browse Air Canada\u2019s extensive library of music, movies, podcasts and audiobooks. Readers can take their pick of more than 7,000 magazines and newspapers linked to their personal devices through the Pressreader app. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Meals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
On-board meals have been curated by Air Canada\u2019s 4-star chefs. Each menu includes two 4-course meal options consisting of an appetizer followed by an individually wrapped hot casserole dish, served along with a bread roll, salad, and cheese and crackers. Passengers will also get a dessert choice, usually a fruit cup or a baked good like a Nanaimo bar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Any dietary restrictions can become accommodated, but you\u2019ll have to request a special menu item when you book your ticket. Additionally, passengers get a hot snack midflight and a snack tray throughout the duration of the flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"meals](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/meals-on-flight.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAlcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
A world-renowned sommelier created the onboard wine list, while other drink options include champagne, premium spirits, and a range of beers. Nonalcoholic drink options include soft drinks, fruit juice, and flat or sparkling water. Additionally, the flight staff will be able to provide fresh coffee or tea on request. You can even ask for a specialty coffee drink like a latte or cappuccino. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Which Aircrafts Offer Air Canada Signature Class Seats?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Not all Air Canada aircrafts offer Signature Class cabins since the pod seats wouldn\u2019t fit on their smaller planes. Signature Class cabins are available on 5 of Air Canada\u2019s aircraft: the Boeing 777-300ER and the Boeing 777-200LR, both of which offer 40 seats across 10 rows in a 1-2-1 arrangement; the Boeing Dreamliner 787-9, which comes equipped with 30 Signature Class seats across 8 rows arranged in the same 1-2-1 fashion as the 777s; the Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, which has slightly fewer seats, only 20 in a single cabin across 5 rows; and the Airbus A330-300, which has 32 Signature Class seats spread out across 8 rows in the same configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Seat Layout & Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Since the seats are designed to fully recline, the pods are arranged in a somewhat zig-zag pattern. What this means is that some seats don\u2019t face the window, which is fine if you\u2019re flying overnight but can be a major bummer if you\u2019re flying over the Rocky Mountains or the Swiss Alps, for example. However, you can be assured a reasonable level of privacy, even if your seat faces the aisle or another seat, because of the partition. If you do want a window seat, make sure to choose a seat marked with either an \u2018A\u2019 or a \u2018K\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Some seats, particularly towards the back and front of the plane, are stand-alone seats, meaning that there are no seats behind you, so if you\u2019re after a bit more privacy and quiet time, it\u2019s best to try and select those ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
If you’re travelling with someone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
The seat arrangement can also make it somewhat tricky to book seats together if you\u2019re not travelling alone. If you\u2019re travelling in pairs, it\u2019s best to go with seats \u2018D\u2019 and \u2018G\u2019, which are the middle seats. However, since the partition that separates the seats can\u2019t come down all the way, some travel companions might prefer to go with the window seats and sit across from each other instead of side by side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Signature Class vs Business Class: What’s the difference? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important not to confuse Signature Class with Business class when booking your flight. If the flight is showing 3 class cabins, (economy, premium economy and business class) then that means your flight includes a Signature Class cabin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
If your flight only has two class options available (economy and business class) then a Signature Class cabin is not aboard the aircraft. Knowing which aircraft you\u2019re flying can also help you determine whether or not your flight will have a Signature Class cabin, or you can narrow your search results when booking by using the filters to only show aircraft that have a Signature Class cabin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
With the notable exception of Air Canada Red, which does not operate long-haul flights, Air Canada Signature Class is generally offered on most of the company’s international flight paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
How To Get Air Canada Signature Class Tickets<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
If you want a better experience for your next long-haul flight (and who wouldn\u2019t?) there are a few different ways you can get yourself an Air Canada Signature Class ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Obviously, you could pay cash, but Signature Class tickets typically start at around $1000, which is well out of range for budget travellers, so let\u2019s explore some ways to score a Signature Class ticket for a fraction of the price, or even for free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Bid for an upgrade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
One way is to make a bid to upgrade your seat. Air Canada lets their passengers make bids to upgrade their seats to a higher class cabin up to 48 hours before the flight. In addition to the seat change, if your bid is accepted, you’ll receive all the perks of a higher-class ticket, including extra baggage allowance and priority boarding. Note that not all flights are eligible for upgrades, and you\u2019ll have to enter your flight information on Air Canada\u2019s website to find out if you can upgrade your seat before making a bid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"flight](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/flight-eligible.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou will receive an email from Air Canada around 48 hours before your flight letting you know if your bid has been accepted and your credit card will be charged the amount you bid. You can cancel your bid at any time, provided it hasn\u2019t been accepted yet. Aeroplan members can even use their Aeroplan points to make a bid instead of paying cash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Make a last-minute upgrade<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Another way to get a discounted Signature Class ticket is to make a last-minute upgrade. Each Air Canada flight has a certain number of upgrades permitted and you can request upgrades from an Air Canada agent at the check-in kiosk at the airport or when you check in online. Alternatively, you can even request one at the departure gate. If your flight path has multiple stops, you can request an upgrade for the entire journey or just for one segment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
You will need to use your upgrade credits to upgrade your seat and whether or not you qualify for an upgrade will depend on the number of credits required, which varies depending on a few different factors such as the distance you\u2019re travelling and which cabin you want to upgrade to. In some cases, you might be required to pay a supplemental fee along with your upgrade credits. This will largely depend on the fare you originally paid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"redeem](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/redeem-rewards.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEarn Aeroplan Elite Status<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Upgrade eligibility is also influenced by Aeroplan Elite Status<\/a>. Aeroplan Elite Members get a certain amount of e-upgrade credits per year that can be exchanged for Air Canada products, including upgrades on eligible flights. Members can earn extra credits by making qualifying purchases at one of the eligible retail locations or restaurants, using one of several Aeroplan credit cards <\/a>or by earning miles travelling with Air Canada. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Redeem Aeroplan Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Finally, one of the simplest ways to get yourself a seat in Air Canada\u2019s Signature Class cabins is by cashing in your Aeroplan points<\/a> to purchase your seats, but that can be a bit tricky and there are a few catches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
If you want to use your points to buy your seat, it’s best that try and do it as early as possible, ideally at least 3 months in advance of your desired departure date. The only way to book a Signature Class flight using reward points is to book a \u2018Business Class Flexible Reward\u2019 ticket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Tip: The Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Be sure to refer to the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart to determine if the price you see is a good deal or not. The Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart essentially divides the map into 4 separate zones, North American, Atlantic, Pacific and South America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
You can use the chart to help determine when to book to get a deal or points-to-cash ratio. In some cases, you might be better off paying cash, or a combination of cash and points, for your flight, and then using your points to upgrade. This works to your benefit especially if you\u2019re paying with an Aeroplan credit card because you\u2019re essentially \u2018rolling over\u2019 your Aeroplan points, or buying them back at a discounted rate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n![\"travel](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/travel-zone.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe chart can also tell you how many points you would need to book with Air Canada, which is based on the dynamic pricing model, compared to how many points you would need if you were booking with a partner airline, which is priced at a fixed level. It\u2019s also worth noting that Air Canada doesn\u2019t offer many reward seats to its partner airlines. If you do manage to find one, consider yourself lucky and jump on the opportunity right away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Earn Aeroplan Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
![\"td](\"https:\/\/hardbacon.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/td-cards.png\")
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