Launch of Air Canada Signature

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand
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A few months ago, we announced the upcoming opening of the Air Canada Signature Lounge in Toronto. Air Canada has recently unveiled its new Signature Service. Overview.

Air Canada Signature Service

Before we go any further, a video of this Air Canada Signature service

The Signature Service in detail

Air Canada Signature Service is part of a comprehensive travel experience dedicated to passengers travelling in Air Canada Signature Class.

The Air Canada Signature Class replaces :

  • the “International Business Class”.
  • the “Transcontinental Business Class

In its international version (available now), this Signature Class is offered exclusively on flights serving Africa, Australia, Europe and South America with the main fleet (non-Red):

  • Boeing 787 (Dreamliner)
  • Boeing 777
  • Boeing 767
  • Airbus A330

In its transcontinental version (offered starting June 1, 2018), this Signature Class is available exclusively on wide-body aircraft (B787/B777/B767/A330) and on the following non-stop routes:

  • Los Angeles / San Francisco <> Toronto
  • Vancouver <> Montreal
  • Vancouver <> New York (Newark)
  • Toronto <> Vancouver
  • Toronto <> Calgary
  • Toronto <> Edmonton

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Priority Services

Several priority services are available from Toronto Pearson International Airport:

  • Specific registration counters
  • Priority registration
  • Access to dedicated security checkpoints
  • Priority boarding (Zone 1)
  • Priority baggage handling on arrival

Concierge Service

Previously reserved exclusively for “Altitude Super Elite 100” passengers, Air Canada’s Concierge service is being extended to eligible (see below) Signature Class passengers (in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver).

Exclusive access to Maple Leaf Lounges (transcontinental flights)

Signature Class passengers on transcontinental flights have access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges.

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Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge – Montreal

Access to the Toronto Signature Suite (international flights)

For international passengers, they will have access – if they are eligible (see below) – to the Signature suite.

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Air Canada Signature Suite Toronto

Access to the Air Canada Signature Suite in Toronto is for guests only:

  • travelling on a non-stop flight operated by Air Canada
  • to Europe, Asia or South America
  • whose ticket was booked in the J, C, D, Z and P booking classes(not including award tickets purchased with Aeroplan miles)

Chauffeur service with BMW (international flights)

Air Canada will be the only airline in North America to offer a chauffeur service to passengers travelling in the premium cabin.

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Air Canada Chauffeur Service with BMW

This service will be offered to eligible Signature Class passengers (see below) connecting between a domestic and an international flight.

Detail of the cabin and seats of the Signature class

The Signature class cabin is the one we are getting to know well.

We have indeed made two photo reports about it:

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Air Canada Business Class

Air Canada offers this new business class on most of its wide-body aircraft (B777 and B787). The old one is still in force on the B767 and A330.

With the introduction of the Signature Class, Air Canada is adding new elements:

  • a mattress cover
  • a “Want Les Essentiels” toiletry kit

Service on board the Signature Class

In addition, the Signature Class’ onboard service is enhanced with:

  • a kitchen by award-winning Canadian chef David Hawksworth
  • a wine list renewed by the sommelier Véronique Rivest
  • a new Air Canada signature cocktail
  • of Laurent-Perrier champagne
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Onboard Service – Air Canada Signature

Who should use Air Canada’s Signature Service

Air Canada Signature Service is for paying Air Canada Signature Class customers.

These are those whose tickets were booked in the J, C, D, Z and P booking classes(not including award tickets obtained with Aeroplan miles).

 

Bottom Line

Air Canada is therefore targeting the “real” business and/or upscale clientele for its Signature service(including the entire ground experience) and departures/connections in Toronto. We would obviously like to see this service extended to Vancouver / Montreal, since Air Canada also considers these airports as hubs to reach Asia (Tokyo / Shanghai / Seoul…).

For the points & miles enthusiasts, the Signature class (business class on board the aircraft) is of course accessible to them through award tickets: the service will therefore resemble the one described in our photo report on a Paris-Montreal flight. Only the Toronto experience (Signature lounge, chauffeured car, Concierge) remains unattainable.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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