Recently, I flew Air Canada’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Bangkok to Vancouver in its Signature Business Class.
The Space
The Air Canada 787-9 business class cabin is configured in a 1-2-1 layout, with the two middle seats sharing some open space. As a solo traveler, I chose seat 8A, a window seat in the last row. Compared to other window seats, this one offers a bit more side space for extra storage, such as for a laptop or books. While some suggested the last row could be noisy since it’s next to the galley, I didn’t notice any significant noise during my trip.
Originally, this seat wasn’t available for selection because I was redeeming a rewards ticket; however, it opened up just days before my flight. I’m not sure if it was previously held for cash bookings or if someone simply changed their itinerary.
Regarding connectivity, Air Canada has provided onboard Wi-Fi for some time, though the speed isn’t amazingly fast. A test showed it at 6 Mbps, which is just enough for email and social media.
The Comfort
The seat itself allows for position adjustments and zone-based firmness. There is also a built-in massage mode, though its weak intensity makes you wonder if it’s actually doing anything.
Each seat comes with standard amenities from Acqua di Parma (socks, eye masks, and other single-use items) along with a mattress pad, pillow, and blanket (which are all very clean).
While most features are standard, the thing I liked least was the footwell space. Before turning the seat into a bed, there is ample room to move around. However, once converted into a bed, the foot area feels as small as a shoebox. If you are 6'2" like me, you might find it quite uncomfortable to fully lie down.
The Service
Normally, when you upgrade from a 4-star to a 5-star hotel, you expect more to discover other than the hardware upgrade. That wasn't the case here. As global airlines look for ways to cut costs, business classes are essentially just providing a bed for the night and nothing more.
This was true for Air Canada as well. The staff were generally helpful and followed standard procedures, welcoming passengers much like they do in economy, but I didn't find anything beyond that. I suppose for most business travelers whose minutes are tightly scheduled, it’s important to have a standard SOP where everything is provided as expected, without any surprises.
The Food
Two warm meals were served during the 13-hour flight. I ordered the chicken chow mein and the beef curry; both had very nice flavors. I would rate the food 9/10, which is nearly on par with a casual restaurant in a downtown area—roughly in the $30–$40 per person price range.
Between meals, the snack tray was stocked with various items from Canadian brands, ranging from salty to sweet. I was happy to find ginger shots drink provided among them. The strong ginger easily clears up my blocked airways; I’d 100% recommend it if you suffer from sinus issues during flights like I do.
Verdict
Overall, I would rate the experience 8/10. The service is adequate but not exceptional, the hardware is functional and thoughtful but modest, and the amenities are detailed but not premium.
Is it worth it?
It’s a solid choice for business travelers who prefer a standardized travel experience. However, if you usually fly economy and want to treat yourself to an occasional upgrade, I wouldn't suggest this one. Instead, you might get more value by upgrading your hotels from 4-star to 5-star or use the extra money for nicer restaurants during your trip.