Your Guide to Flying Air Canada Business Class
Jan 2, 2025
Written by
Written by
Brianna Harrison (Credit Card & Travel Writer)
Brianna Harrison (Credit Card & Travel Writer)
Table of contents
Title
Title
Title
Air Canada’s business class stands out as one of the best in North America, from priority treatment to gourmet dining and exclusive lounge access.
While business class tickets are often pricey and may seem out of reach, enjoying this luxurious experience doesn’t have to break the bank.
In this Air Canada business class review, we’ll dive into how you can get a Signature Class ticket, plus all the perks that come with it–from the moment you walk into the airport to when you're flying 35,000 feet in the air.
Air Canada Signature Class – An Overview
On long-haul international flights, Air Canada offers an elite business class experience called Signature Class, an exclusive cabin formerly known as International Business Class. Signature Class is offered on long-haul flights on the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
There are so many benefits to flying Signature Class, from priority treatment at the airport to lie-flat seats and exclusive access to the Signature Class lounges.
Air Canada also offers a lower tier of business class seats, only on some flights in North America and to and from the Caribbean and Central America. You get all the benefits of Signature Class, but there are no lie-flat seats, and you don’t have access to the Signature Class lounge.
In this post, we’ll focus on Air Canada’s Signature Class and all its benefits.
At the Airport
Signature Class service starts before you even board the plane. Here’s what your experience will look like pre-departure:
Priority Services
All airports have dedicated priority check-in counters for accelerated service. If you’re departing from a Canadian airport, you’ll receive a personalized check-in service from an Air Canada agent. Better yet, if you’re departing from Toronto Pearson Airport, you’ll enjoy a full-service check-in space with kiosks and comfortable seating.
You’ll get priority boarding and baggage handling, meaning you’ll speed through security, board first with Zone 1, and your bags will be among the first on the carousel upon landing.
As a Signature Class passenger, you get two checked bags for free.
Air Canada Signature Class Lounge
If you’re flying from Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International airports, consider yourself lucky as you can access the Air Canada Signature Suite, which is reserved only for Signature Class passengers.
In this lounge, you get:
A complimentary sit-down meal from the a-la-carte menu
Complimentary signature cocktails
Premium amenities
A quiet, relaxing work area
The Signature Suite in YVR Airport
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
You get access to the Maple Leaf Lounges as a Signature Class customer. There are 26 lounges across 19 airports in Canada, the US, and Europe. These lounges aren’t as exclusive, but they do come with great benefits, including:
Complimentary light snacks and beverages
High-speed Wi-Fi
Showers and amenities
Business centres
News and entertainment
Normally, you can buy a one-time access pass if you’re flying in Premium Economy or a higher class. The Maple Leaf Lounge costs $49 to $95, depending on your ticket class.
Maple Leaf Lounge in YYT airport
As a Signature Class ticketholder, you also get access to Air Canada Cafe. There are only two locations as of yet, located at Toronto’s Billy Bishop and Pearson International airports. They are similar to the Maple Leaf Lounge, but most people say they have a better food and drink selection and have a different, more relaxed vibe.
Air Canada Cafe at Pearson International Airport
If you’re a Signature Class customer departing from Toronto or Vancouver, go for the Signature Suite–it’s way more luxurious.
Read more about Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges here.
Concierge Service
If you’re departing from Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver airports, you’ll get access to a dedicated concierge if you need help with check-in. They can also help you with tight connection times between flights.
Chauffeur Service
Air Canada has a premium chauffeur service for select passengers only. If you’re chosen as one of the lucky ones, you’ll be met by one of the Concierges and taken across the tarmac to visit the Signature Suite.
This service is only available for passengers departing from Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International airports, arriving from within Canada and connecting to Asia, Europe, or South America. There is no way to book this service, so cross your fingers and hope for the best.
But in reality, this only saves you a 5 to 10-minute walk to the lounge yourself–it’s not that big a deal if you don’t experience it.
In-Flight
Now, here’s the part of the Air Canada Signature Class review you’re probably looking forward to the most: the flight itself.
Cabin and Seat
Depending on your flight, you’ll get the Executive Pod (on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 aircraft) or the Classic Pod (on the Airbus A330 aircraft).
The only real difference between them is that the Executive Pods are a newer version and are in a 1x2x1 configuration, while the Classic Pods are a bit older and in a 2x2x2 configuration.
The seats have lumbar support and a massage function, which can convert to a fully flat bed up to 6’7” long. Upon arrival, you get a pillow, duvet, and mattress pad with an amenity kit by Acqua Di Parma containing all the essentials.
Air Canada’s Signature Class Cabin
In-Flight Entertainment
Your seat comes equipped with a touchscreen entertainment system with hundreds of hours of top-rated movies, TV shows, podcasts, music, and more. You can control your seat with the touchscreen to the right of your seat.
Food & Beverage Service
As a passenger in Signature Class, you’ll enjoy a unique dining experience. You’ll be served a multi-course meal, including an appetizer, salad, warm bread, entree, and dessert, with wine pairings alongside the food.
You can choose from various beverages, including sommelier-curated wines, beer, spirits, and espresso drinks.
Special meals can be ordered up to 24 hours before departure for those with dietary restrictions (like Air Canada’s vegetarian meal, which is known to be pretty good!).
How to Book An Air Canada Business Class Flight
Now you’ve read about it and want to experience that first-class feeling. But how can you book an Air Canada Signature Class flight without spending tons of money?
Business class flights are notoriously expensive and, sometimes, not even worth it. For example, this flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Madrid (MAD) with lie-flat seats costs almost $7,700 if you book it in cash.
However, booking the same flight with Aeroplan points gets you this flight for about 324.1k points. Each Aeroplan point is worth about 2 cents, so the flight would have cost about $6,482.
Note that this is NOT a good deal. Sometimes, you need to look around and compare for the best deals. For example, we found another flight operated by Air Canada’s partner airline, Egyptair. There is a stopover in Cairo, but both flights are in business class and cost only 90k Aeroplan points–a much better deal.
Note that if you take a business class flight on an Airline that is not Air Canada, you won’t get to experience the Signature Class cabin, but the partner airline’s business class cabin.
Here’s an example of a Signature Class flight that’s definitely worth it:
You could pay $1,000 for a Signature Class seat on a direct Air Canada flight from Toronto to Vancouver, or:
Redeem 51.7k points for the same flight, which would be the equivalent of just over $1,000. So, a fair points redemption.
Flying Signature Class between Toronto and Vancouver is one of the best ways to use your points, as you can experience both Signature Class lounges in YYZ and YVR airports as well as the in-flight business class benefits.
It can be difficult to know where and how to find the best business class points deals, but we’ve got you covered in the Chexy Rundown. Every week, we highlight the best Air Canada business class flights you can redeem with Aeroplan points. Subscribe here and below.
Another top tip: Always check the Aeroplan flight reward chart to ensure you’re getting the best deal. We explain more on how to redeem your points for the best value in this article, but basically, you take a look at the flight chart and determine the estimated cost of the flight in points based on the mileage. If it’s on the lower end of each class, you’re getting a good deal.
You can also use the Points Finder Tool to see where your Aeroplan points can take you.
If you’re an Aeroplan Elite member, you may also be able to upgrade to business class using eUpgrade credits.
How do you earn Aeroplan points?
The best and fastest way to earn Aeroplan points is by using an Aeroplan or American Express credit card, which we’ll get into below. American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan, which is the best use of your points.
Besides using a credit card to earn points, you can also shop at partner stores (like LCBO, Starbucks, and Uber) or buy Aeroplan points–although we don’t recommend this, unless you’re in dire need of points!
Best Travel Credit Cards to Use With Air Canada
Aeroplan has co-braded credit cards with American Express, TD, and CIBC. You can use these cards to earn Aeroplan points on all your purchases, plus use them when booking flights to reap the many travel benefits.
Here are the best credit cards for earning Aeroplan points (they almost always have a generous welcome bonus, too!):
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card comes with quite a hefty $599 annual fee, but it is the best of the best in terms of earning points and the many benefits you get.
You can earn:
3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
2x Aeroplan points on dining and food delivery
1.25x Aeroplan points on everything else
Besides earning points, this card has got you in terms of Air Canada benefits. No matter if you book business class or not, you get access to select Maple Leaf Lounges, priority airport treatment, free checked bags, and an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card also has a $599 annual fee with exceptional benefits. You can earn:
2 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on Air Canada bookings
1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, travel, and dining
1.25 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on everything else
Airport benefits include Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport treatment, an annual round-trip companion pass, Visa Infinite benefits, and more.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
With a lower annual fee of $149, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is packed with benefits such as travel insurance, access to select Maple Leaf Lounges, a free first checked bag, and more.
You can earn:
2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada bookings
1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, EV charging, groceries, travel, and dining
1.25x Aeroplan points on everything else
If you’re a savvy traveller and want to upgrade to business class (which you definitely are if you’re reading this!), the fastest way to get there is using a travel credit card like the ones above.
Charging your everyday purchases plus large expenses to your credit card will earn you points in the fastest amount of time. If you’re a renter in Canada, use your credit card to pay your rent with Chexy and earn points you can use towards a business class flight. Plus, get access to other perks like credit building, rent splitting, and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for up-to-date credit card, travel, and rental content.
FAQs
Does Air Canada Rouge have business class?
Air Canada Rouge, a lower-cost subsidiary of Air Canada, does not have the same business class as normal Air Canada flights. However, you can fly in Premium Rouge, a step above Economy. This gets you priority check-in and boarding, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, wider seats in the cabin, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Is it worth upgrading to business class on Air Canada?
In most cases, it is worth upgrading to business class on Air Canada flights if you are booking with Aeroplan points and find a good deal, or you’re using eUpgrade credits. Upgrading to Signature Class gets you lie-flat seats, access to the airport lounge, and premium service, which is worth it for most people.
Do you get pyjamas on Air Canada business class?
No pyjamas are provided, so bring your own if you want to sleep comfortably on the flight. However, a mattress cover, duvet, and pillow are provided for you.
Air Canada’s business class stands out as one of the best in North America, from priority treatment to gourmet dining and exclusive lounge access.
While business class tickets are often pricey and may seem out of reach, enjoying this luxurious experience doesn’t have to break the bank.
In this Air Canada business class review, we’ll dive into how you can get a Signature Class ticket, plus all the perks that come with it–from the moment you walk into the airport to when you're flying 35,000 feet in the air.
Air Canada Signature Class – An Overview
On long-haul international flights, Air Canada offers an elite business class experience called Signature Class, an exclusive cabin formerly known as International Business Class. Signature Class is offered on long-haul flights on the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A330 aircraft.
There are so many benefits to flying Signature Class, from priority treatment at the airport to lie-flat seats and exclusive access to the Signature Class lounges.
Air Canada also offers a lower tier of business class seats, only on some flights in North America and to and from the Caribbean and Central America. You get all the benefits of Signature Class, but there are no lie-flat seats, and you don’t have access to the Signature Class lounge.
In this post, we’ll focus on Air Canada’s Signature Class and all its benefits.
At the Airport
Signature Class service starts before you even board the plane. Here’s what your experience will look like pre-departure:
Priority Services
All airports have dedicated priority check-in counters for accelerated service. If you’re departing from a Canadian airport, you’ll receive a personalized check-in service from an Air Canada agent. Better yet, if you’re departing from Toronto Pearson Airport, you’ll enjoy a full-service check-in space with kiosks and comfortable seating.
You’ll get priority boarding and baggage handling, meaning you’ll speed through security, board first with Zone 1, and your bags will be among the first on the carousel upon landing.
As a Signature Class passenger, you get two checked bags for free.
Air Canada Signature Class Lounge
If you’re flying from Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International airports, consider yourself lucky as you can access the Air Canada Signature Suite, which is reserved only for Signature Class passengers.
In this lounge, you get:
A complimentary sit-down meal from the a-la-carte menu
Complimentary signature cocktails
Premium amenities
A quiet, relaxing work area
The Signature Suite in YVR Airport
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
You get access to the Maple Leaf Lounges as a Signature Class customer. There are 26 lounges across 19 airports in Canada, the US, and Europe. These lounges aren’t as exclusive, but they do come with great benefits, including:
Complimentary light snacks and beverages
High-speed Wi-Fi
Showers and amenities
Business centres
News and entertainment
Normally, you can buy a one-time access pass if you’re flying in Premium Economy or a higher class. The Maple Leaf Lounge costs $49 to $95, depending on your ticket class.
Maple Leaf Lounge in YYT airport
As a Signature Class ticketholder, you also get access to Air Canada Cafe. There are only two locations as of yet, located at Toronto’s Billy Bishop and Pearson International airports. They are similar to the Maple Leaf Lounge, but most people say they have a better food and drink selection and have a different, more relaxed vibe.
Air Canada Cafe at Pearson International Airport
If you’re a Signature Class customer departing from Toronto or Vancouver, go for the Signature Suite–it’s way more luxurious.
Read more about Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges here.
Concierge Service
If you’re departing from Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver airports, you’ll get access to a dedicated concierge if you need help with check-in. They can also help you with tight connection times between flights.
Chauffeur Service
Air Canada has a premium chauffeur service for select passengers only. If you’re chosen as one of the lucky ones, you’ll be met by one of the Concierges and taken across the tarmac to visit the Signature Suite.
This service is only available for passengers departing from Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International airports, arriving from within Canada and connecting to Asia, Europe, or South America. There is no way to book this service, so cross your fingers and hope for the best.
But in reality, this only saves you a 5 to 10-minute walk to the lounge yourself–it’s not that big a deal if you don’t experience it.
In-Flight
Now, here’s the part of the Air Canada Signature Class review you’re probably looking forward to the most: the flight itself.
Cabin and Seat
Depending on your flight, you’ll get the Executive Pod (on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Boeing 777 aircraft) or the Classic Pod (on the Airbus A330 aircraft).
The only real difference between them is that the Executive Pods are a newer version and are in a 1x2x1 configuration, while the Classic Pods are a bit older and in a 2x2x2 configuration.
The seats have lumbar support and a massage function, which can convert to a fully flat bed up to 6’7” long. Upon arrival, you get a pillow, duvet, and mattress pad with an amenity kit by Acqua Di Parma containing all the essentials.
Air Canada’s Signature Class Cabin
In-Flight Entertainment
Your seat comes equipped with a touchscreen entertainment system with hundreds of hours of top-rated movies, TV shows, podcasts, music, and more. You can control your seat with the touchscreen to the right of your seat.
Food & Beverage Service
As a passenger in Signature Class, you’ll enjoy a unique dining experience. You’ll be served a multi-course meal, including an appetizer, salad, warm bread, entree, and dessert, with wine pairings alongside the food.
You can choose from various beverages, including sommelier-curated wines, beer, spirits, and espresso drinks.
Special meals can be ordered up to 24 hours before departure for those with dietary restrictions (like Air Canada’s vegetarian meal, which is known to be pretty good!).
How to Book An Air Canada Business Class Flight
Now you’ve read about it and want to experience that first-class feeling. But how can you book an Air Canada Signature Class flight without spending tons of money?
Business class flights are notoriously expensive and, sometimes, not even worth it. For example, this flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Madrid (MAD) with lie-flat seats costs almost $7,700 if you book it in cash.
However, booking the same flight with Aeroplan points gets you this flight for about 324.1k points. Each Aeroplan point is worth about 2 cents, so the flight would have cost about $6,482.
Note that this is NOT a good deal. Sometimes, you need to look around and compare for the best deals. For example, we found another flight operated by Air Canada’s partner airline, Egyptair. There is a stopover in Cairo, but both flights are in business class and cost only 90k Aeroplan points–a much better deal.
Note that if you take a business class flight on an Airline that is not Air Canada, you won’t get to experience the Signature Class cabin, but the partner airline’s business class cabin.
Here’s an example of a Signature Class flight that’s definitely worth it:
You could pay $1,000 for a Signature Class seat on a direct Air Canada flight from Toronto to Vancouver, or:
Redeem 51.7k points for the same flight, which would be the equivalent of just over $1,000. So, a fair points redemption.
Flying Signature Class between Toronto and Vancouver is one of the best ways to use your points, as you can experience both Signature Class lounges in YYZ and YVR airports as well as the in-flight business class benefits.
It can be difficult to know where and how to find the best business class points deals, but we’ve got you covered in the Chexy Rundown. Every week, we highlight the best Air Canada business class flights you can redeem with Aeroplan points. Subscribe here and below.
Another top tip: Always check the Aeroplan flight reward chart to ensure you’re getting the best deal. We explain more on how to redeem your points for the best value in this article, but basically, you take a look at the flight chart and determine the estimated cost of the flight in points based on the mileage. If it’s on the lower end of each class, you’re getting a good deal.
You can also use the Points Finder Tool to see where your Aeroplan points can take you.
If you’re an Aeroplan Elite member, you may also be able to upgrade to business class using eUpgrade credits.
How do you earn Aeroplan points?
The best and fastest way to earn Aeroplan points is by using an Aeroplan or American Express credit card, which we’ll get into below. American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred 1:1 to Aeroplan, which is the best use of your points.
Besides using a credit card to earn points, you can also shop at partner stores (like LCBO, Starbucks, and Uber) or buy Aeroplan points–although we don’t recommend this, unless you’re in dire need of points!
Best Travel Credit Cards to Use With Air Canada
Aeroplan has co-braded credit cards with American Express, TD, and CIBC. You can use these cards to earn Aeroplan points on all your purchases, plus use them when booking flights to reap the many travel benefits.
Here are the best credit cards for earning Aeroplan points (they almost always have a generous welcome bonus, too!):
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
The American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card comes with quite a hefty $599 annual fee, but it is the best of the best in terms of earning points and the many benefits you get.
You can earn:
3x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
2x Aeroplan points on dining and food delivery
1.25x Aeroplan points on everything else
Besides earning points, this card has got you in terms of Air Canada benefits. No matter if you book business class or not, you get access to select Maple Leaf Lounges, priority airport treatment, free checked bags, and an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card also has a $599 annual fee with exceptional benefits. You can earn:
2 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on Air Canada bookings
1.5 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on gas, groceries, travel, and dining
1.25 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on everything else
Airport benefits include Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority airport treatment, an annual round-trip companion pass, Visa Infinite benefits, and more.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card
With a lower annual fee of $149, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card is packed with benefits such as travel insurance, access to select Maple Leaf Lounges, a free first checked bag, and more.
You can earn:
2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada bookings
1.5x Aeroplan points on gas, EV charging, groceries, travel, and dining
1.25x Aeroplan points on everything else
If you’re a savvy traveller and want to upgrade to business class (which you definitely are if you’re reading this!), the fastest way to get there is using a travel credit card like the ones above.
Charging your everyday purchases plus large expenses to your credit card will earn you points in the fastest amount of time. If you’re a renter in Canada, use your credit card to pay your rent with Chexy and earn points you can use towards a business class flight. Plus, get access to other perks like credit building, rent splitting, and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter below for up-to-date credit card, travel, and rental content.
FAQs
Does Air Canada Rouge have business class?
Air Canada Rouge, a lower-cost subsidiary of Air Canada, does not have the same business class as normal Air Canada flights. However, you can fly in Premium Rouge, a step above Economy. This gets you priority check-in and boarding, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, wider seats in the cabin, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Is it worth upgrading to business class on Air Canada?
In most cases, it is worth upgrading to business class on Air Canada flights if you are booking with Aeroplan points and find a good deal, or you’re using eUpgrade credits. Upgrading to Signature Class gets you lie-flat seats, access to the airport lounge, and premium service, which is worth it for most people.
Do you get pyjamas on Air Canada business class?
No pyjamas are provided, so bring your own if you want to sleep comfortably on the flight. However, a mattress cover, duvet, and pillow are provided for you.