Why Air Canada Business Class Is Unbelievably Priceless On Long Flights

Are you debating on whether to pay the exorbitant price of flying Firs Class Air Canada or suffering 10+ hours in economy?

If you’re on the fence about splurging for Air Canada Business Class tickets, or wondering if it’s worth it for your next trip, let’s just say you won’t regret it!

There are so many unwritten benefits to flying Business Class on Air Canada on long-haul flights that are ultimately priceless.

I’ll let you in on the unspoken benefits of flying Air Canada Business Class on any long-haul flight!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

An Overview: Air Canada Business Class

Air Canada Business Class is Air Canada’s premium service, essentially their equivalent of their First Class tickets.

Today, Air Canada Business Class on any International flight is known as Air Canada Signature Class.

Air Canada Signature Class service is available when flying to and from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America on any Boeing 787, 777, and Airbus A330 aircrafts.

Heads Up! Business Class Isn’t Always Worth It…

Air Canada Business Class isn’t always worth the exorbitant fees.

The hidden benefits of flying Business Class on Air Canada really comes into effect the longer the flight is (but of course, the longer the flight, the pricier the ticket).

But I don’t think you get the same benefits on a short vs. a long flight. To really experience the unwritten perks of flying First Class Air Canada, the flight should be at least 10 hours or more.

Why Air Canada Signature Class Is 100% Worth The Cost

Air Canada Signature Class is 100% worth the cost for those long haul flights (10+ hours!). 

I decided to splurge and fly Air Canada Business Class from Montreal to Tokyo (a 13.5 hour flight) and was feeling extremely guilty about the purchase. But, by the end, all those regrets had flown out the window and it turned out to be the best travel decision I ever made!

Flying Air Canada Business Class is very much worth the exorbitant cost – especially if you’re on an ultra-long-haul flight (anything more than 12 hours!).

Let’s just say, there are some things that you can’t put a price tag on…

Priceless Advantages Of Flying Business Class On Air Canada

You get so many benefits and perks by flying First Class… those that are advertized, but more importantly, those that aren’t…

We all know the advertised upgrades to flying First Class on Air Canada. For example, free seat selection, lounge-access, and lie-flat seats. Continue reading if you want more details about those benefits, or jump to that section here.

But for right now, I really want to focus on the unwritten benefits of flying Business Class on Air Canada. The advantages of flying First Class that are much more subtle, but they’re also what make flying First Class truly priceless.

Flying First Class Reduces Stress & Fatigue While Traveling

There’s no denying that travelling is a stressful experience. If there was a way to alleviate some of that stress, wouldn’t you?

Well, flying Air Canada Business Class does exactly that! It alleviates some of that travel stress… if not all of it.

The airport experience and the flight itself become practically stress-free. With priority check-in, security, and bags, there are hardly any wait times!

And imagine not having any stress about losing your luggage, because now they’ve been tagged as priority?

Sitting in the much less-crowded lounge is an all around more enjoyable experience, leaving you in an actual good mood at the airport (I know, that’s unheard of!).

Once you’re on the flight, it’s no surprise that it’s also a much more comfortable experience as well. You have your own space instead of being cramped next to a stranger for 10+ hours.

You really feel the difference when you land after a long haul flight.

After flying Business Class on Air Canada, you’re refreshed, in a good mood, and able to think properly. You’re not completely distraught and fatigued, trying to get through customs and baggage claim, as I normally would be if I flew economy.

Fly In Business Class: Paying For An Experience, Not Just A Flight

At the end of the day, flying Air Canada Business Class is a complete experience.

Instead of simply seeing it as a way to get from point A to point B, it’s a 10+ hour adventure.

It’s a private movie theater, a pod hotel, a restaurant with a 5 course meal… in the air! You can’t get a better experience than that!

Honestly, the biggest downside is that I didn’t want to fall asleep because I just wanted to enjoy it all.

But then again, even sleeping on a lie-flat bed on a plane is an experience in itself!

I Actually Looked Forward To My Flight Back Home

Because flying Air Canada Business Class is such an experience, I was really looking forward to my flight home.

When a trip comes to an end, it’s always a little bitter sweet. First, it means vacation is over, but it also means you’re going home!

But, when you have another long-haul flight ahead of you, a trip coming to an end has an entirely different meaning.

There’s a lot more dread, and worry over what’s in store for the following 10+ hours…

Maybe I survived the flight there, but what will the flight back entail? Who will be sitting next to me? Will I get any sleep? Will my legs start to cramp? The list of worries just grows longer and longer as the flight home approaches.

I experienced quite the opposite when I landed in Japan after my 13 hour flight. Not only was I upset that the flight was over, but I couldn’t wait for the flight home.

It added a bit of excitement at the end of the trip, and less sad that the trip was over and we were going home.

The Flight Was Over In A Flash (A Blessing & A Curse!)

Another unwritten benefit to flying Business Class on Air Canada is that the flight was over in a flash (though this is also a curse!).

A 13 hour flight can feel like FOREVER, especially when your back hurts from the seat, and you can’t fall asleep.

But instead, we hardly felt those 13 hours, it was almost over too soon.

So although you wish it didn’t fly by, at least you arrive “quicker” to your destination!

Business Class Can Add A Day To Your Trip (& Save Money!)

Being in a better state of mind after a 10+ hour flight allowed us to acclimatize right away.

We were immediately able to explore the following day in Japan, instead of spending it recovering from the long-haul flight.

In a way, this saves you money, or adds an entire extra day to your trip.

You’re able to book one less day on your trip or even add a day of touring. If you book one less day, you can save money on a hotel for an extra night.

If you get an extra day of vacation, you can explore something that maybe you otherwise would have had to skip.

What’s Else Is Included In An Air Canada Business Class Ticket?

Now that I’ve discussed the unwritten benefits of flying First Class, here’s a list of everything Air Canada provides with your ticket.

Perks At The Airport

Before even boarding the flight, there are some nice added benefits to your Air Canada Signature Class ticket.

Priority Check-In, Security, Baggage, & Boarding

The perks start right when you arrive at the airport with priority check in.

Priority Check-in is a separate line exclusively for Signature Class or executive members. It’s usually a much shorter line, if there’s even a line at all!

When checking any bags, they’re given a priority tag, and you’re given TWO free checked bags in Air Canada Business Class. Bags with priority, in theory, should be one of the first bags off the plane at baggage claim (so you aren’t waiting as long).

After check-in and baggage drop off, there is also separate security line. Once again, it’s typically shorter and faster. You will also be the first ones to board the plane (that means zero waiting in line!).

P.S. Now, you might be thinking that you don’t want to be the first person on the plane for a 10+ hour flight, but you’re wrong! As I said, you’re paying for the experience which is priceless! You want to be on the plane for as long as possible! And now you don’t have the stressful lineup to board because you’re first!

Lounge Access (The Maple Leaf Lounge)

While you’re waiting for your flight, you also have access to a lounge at the airport when you fly in Business Class.

If you’re in Canada, it will be the Maple Leaf Lounge. Otherwise, it will be an affiliated lounge.

Any airport lounge is always a much more relaxing place to wait before your flight. It’s nowhere near as crowded as the seats at the gate.

On top of that, the lounge also gives you free food and drinks! Depending on your flight time, this can be very convenient and save you money!

If you have a connecting flight, the lounge will usually have a shower that you can use to freshen up a bit!

In-Flight Perks Of Air Canada Business Class

The perks do not stop once you make it on the plane either, in fact, they just get better!

Most of these we weren’t even expecting so they were a much welcomed surprise!

Obviously, Lie-Flat Seats (With Built In Massager)

The lie-flat seats are why you’re booking Business Class Air Canada for a long haul flight!

A lie-flat seat is exactly what it sounds like: a seat that lays completely flat, like a bed.

When you first sit down, it’s a very large plane seat, in your own private cubby. But you can adjust the back and the legs to turn it into a full bed!

And the best part!? It has ZERO effect on the person behind you! So there’s no guilt when moving the chair fully back!

The seat itself is also pretty customizable. For example you can change the firmness of the mattress to your liking! And, there’s even a built-in-massager, which was really nice towards the end of the flight when you start to get a bit sore!

The Large Screen Felt Like A Personal Movie Theatre

Every airplane seat these days comes with in-flight entertainment on a private screen. And if it’s not a screen, you can usually rent a tablet for the duration of the flight.

But Business Class on Air Canada takes it to a whole other level… The screen is bigger and better in every way! It felt like I was in a private movie theatre.

They also provided you with a handheld device with a screen and controls. This way you could watch a movie and play a game at the same time. Or you could lie back all the way and still control your movie.

Upgraded Amenities (Slippers, Duvet &  Over Ear Headphones)

You’re also given a few additional amenities on an Air Canada Business Class flight.

On any long haul international flight you’ll always be provided with a blanket and small pillow – regardless of the class.

But, this is Business Class we’re talking about. So you get an entire duvet, and full size pillow.

On top of that, you also have a chair cover/slip to make sleeping even more comfortable!

You’re also given a small amenity pouch with some hygiene basics, like toothpaste, toothbrush, moisturizer, and lip balm.

Plus you get an eye mask, socks, and even slippers to walk around in. This way you don’t have to put your shoes back on to walk around!

But the real kicker are the over-ear headphones provided by Air Canada Business Class.

I appreciated having them because I don’t have my own. But it did seem like you couldn’t use your own headphones if you wanted to…

The outlet seemed to be specific to the Air Canada headphones, so I could see being annoyed if you I’d brought my own.

Food GALORE On First Class Air Canada !

Once you’re settled in your seat, the service starts right away.

A flight attendant will come around offering you water, juice, or sparkling wine while the rest of the passengers board the plane.

Of course this is completely unnecessary, but it just adds to the experience!

The Business Class meal is not the same as the economy meal either. It’s a 5 course meal with warm nuts, an appetizer, a main, cheese, and dessert.

You can also choose between 5 different meal options.

And of course you have unlimited drinks throughout the flight. P.S. You have to order Bailey’s on ice for dessert, it’s the perfect cap to the meal!

Food service will pause for a majority of the flight, but you’re never left without anything to eat. And for some reason, I’m always very hungry on a flight, so this was greatly appreciated!

There are free snacks in Business Class that are free for you to take. There are apples, bananas, and snack foods like granola bars, chips and popcorn.

Plus, there is a “midnight” snack that you can ask for at any point during the flight.

What Seat Should You Choose In Business Class On Air Canada?

Unlike booking Economy, Business Class on Air Canada actually includes free seat selection. So, there’s a bit of extra savings there as well!

But, what seat should you choose?

Although the layout can differ based on the aircraft, there are typically 4 seats in every row. And EVERY seat is an aisle seat!

There are some seats that are much better than others in Business Class, and I’m not talking window vs. aisle.

You will want to avoid the first row at all costs. You’ll be served first, but the first row is the closest to the galley where flight attendants prepare food. This is also where they leave the free snacks for guests to take.

So the first row in Business Class tends to be the brightest and noisiest.

If there are two sections for Business class on your plane, you’ll want to prioritize getting a seat in the first section (the sections will be separated by the galley with bathrooms).

But the first section is a completely private Business Class section. No one walks by this section unless they’re also in Business Class. This is not the case for the second Business Class section…

If you’re in the second section, everyone else boarding the plane after you will be walking through the second Business Class section – and that is FAR from relaxing…trust me…

Another negative to being in the second section is that you’re served last. Which you may not think would be an issue, but they run out of food. They only take your food order for dinner and breakfast once you’re on the plane, and they can run out of options.

If you aren’t worried about food options, I think the last row is actually a bit larger. There is some more room behind you for storage.

What Are the Best Seats For Couples Flying Together?

If you’re traveling as a couple, you might be wondering what the best seat choice is for you.

Business Class is not designed for couples in mind. You might have noticed that they’re all single seats.

So it’s really not obvious which seats are the best for people traveling together.

You can either book the two middle seats in different aisles, or two seats in the same aisle but with one in front of the other.

I really liked sitting in the two middle seats. Although we were technically in different aisles, I liked being able to look over and see my partner.

We were a bit far to speak to each other (to hear each other over the noise of the plane), but we were still able to pass things back and forth (yes we shared our meals so we could try more food options!). 

The downside to being in the middle is that you don’t have a window (but there is a window in the bathroom for you to look out!). And you’re in different aisles, which might make it difficult if you have carry-on luggage.

Keep in mind, you each have TWO free checked bags. So we only stored our backpacks in the overhead bins. 

But I liked walking over to see my partner on the other side, it gave me somewhere a bit further to walk… instead of randomly pacing.

The other option is to sit one in front of one another in the same aisle. This way, you both get a window, and you’re in the same aisle. We wanted to try this option on the way back, but for some reason our seats were moved… so we ended up in the middle aisle again.

My Airport & Plane Essentials On Amazon

Read More Related Posts

• 5 Money Saving Tips For Booking Direct Flights Online
• How To Plan Your Vacation In 9 Simple Steps
• How (& Why!) You Want To Pack In A Carry On For 2 Weeks

Click Image To Share Or Save This Post

Last update on 2024-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API