Air Canada’s business class has always had a reputation for quietly punching above its weight. As someone who’s compared premium cabins across 70+ countries, I’ve found Air Canada’s product to be one of the most consistent in North America…sometimes even outshining U.S. rivals. The reverse herringbone seats give you genuine privacy, the all-Canadian wine list adds a nice national touch, and the Maple Leaf Lounges make long layovers a little easier to swallow.
On marquee routes like Toronto to London, Vancouver to Tokyo, and Montréal to Paris, the experience really comes together. The big question in 2026 isn’t whether Air Canada Business Class is good…it’s whether it’s competitive enough to tempt you away from Polaris, Delta One, or even European flag carriers on the same routes.
#1 tip to find cheap Air Canada business class tickets
Looking for a steal on Air Canada’s’ business class tickets? For 5 years, I’ve been using this site called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.
Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings. I recommend trying the 14-day free trial and if you enjoy it, use my discount code JON25 to save 25%!
Overview of Air Canada Business Class
Air Canada seriously stepped up their game with business class, and honestly, it’s way better than most people realize. They connect 180+ destinations globally from four main hubs: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary. What’s actually pretty cool is they split their business class into two products – regular Business Class for domestic/North American flights and Signature Class for international long-haul routes.
I’ve flown both versions, and the difference is huge. Signature Class is where the real magic happens with lie-flat pods that convert to 6’7″ beds, while regular business class is more like fancy recliners. The Signature Service runs on their Boeing 777s, 787 Dreamliners, and Airbus A330s to Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. You’re looking at around 40 seats on the 777s, 30 on the 787-9s, and 20-32 depending on the specific aircraft.
What’s new with Air Canada in 2026?
Air Canada is making some huge moves in 2026. If you fly business class, you’re going to want to know about this.
A321XLR with lie flat business class
Air Canada is introducing the Airbus A321XLR, and it’s the first narrow body aircraft in their fleet with lie flat business class seats. They’ll feature 14 Signature Class seats in a 1-2-1 layout with full aisle access on a single aisle plane. This is widebody comfort on a narrow body jet!
The first A321XLR arrives in Q1 2026, and Air Canada expects to get up to 10 more by the end of the year. They’ve ordered 30 total. The inaugural route is from Montreal to Palma de Mallorca starting June 17, 2026, operating four times weekly through October. Air Canada is also converting their Montreal to Toulouse route to the A321XLR year round, and bringing back Montreal to Edinburgh seasonally with the new aircraft.
As more planes arrive, expect new routes from Toronto, Ottawa, and Halifax. This aircraft opens up destinations that couldn’t support a widebody but are too far for regular narrow body jets.
Major European expansion
Beyond Mallorca, Air Canada is launching Montreal to Catania, Sicily. From Toronto, they’re bringing back nonstop flights to Shanghai and Budapest after years away. Prague is getting bumped from three weekly flights to four during peak summer 2026.
Bangkok goes year round
The seasonal Vancouver to Bangkok route is becoming year round with three weekly flights on the 787-9. Air Canada is now the only North American carrier offering continuous nonstop service to Thailand. That’s a pretty big deal for West Coast travelers.
Big US expansion from Billy Bishop
Starting spring 2026, Air Canada is massively expanding service from Toronto’s Billy Bishop island airport. They’re adding multiple daily nonstop flights to New York, Boston three times daily, Washington Dulles once daily, and Chicago. Plus, US Customs Pre-Clearance is finally coming to Billy Bishop, which will save business travelers tons of time.
Air Canada is also upgrading their Dash 8-400 fleet with free wifi, new cabin interiors, and premium amenities. The upgrades finish mid 2026.
More US cities get service
Air Canada is launching Toronto to San Antonio three times weekly starting May 1, 2026, using the A220. Montreal gets daily service to Cleveland and Columbus, both starting May 2026. These are solid business destinations that have been underserved by direct Canadian flights.
Canadian regional growth
They’re adding Vancouver to Fort McMurray three times weekly starting December 2, 2025, perfect for energy sector workers. Toronto to Sudbury increases from two daily flights to three on February 1, 2026, boosting capacity by 50%. Fredericton and Moncton both get new service to Ottawa starting December 15, 2025.
In all, 2026 is all about the A321XLR for Air Canada. The lie flat business class on a narrow body jet completely changes the game for transatlantic routes. If you’re booking Montreal to Europe, check if your flight is on the new XLR. The product is going to be significantly better than the current narrow body business class, which is just a recliner with a blocked middle seat. Also keep an eye on Billy Bishop if you’re based in Toronto. With US Pre-Clearance and upgraded planes, it’s becoming a viable option for business travelers heading south.
Air Canada’s Business Class Benefits
The perks are actually pretty solid, though some are better than others. You’ll get dedicated check-in counters at major airports, priority security lines, and first boarding. The Maple Leaf Lounges are decent – nothing groundbreaking but they’ve got good food and an open bar.
If you’re flying internationally from Toronto or Vancouver on a paid business class ticket (or certain Aeroplan redemptions), you’ll access the exclusive Signature Suites, which are honestly incredible. Just note that if you upgrade using bids or last-minute purchases, you won’t get Signature Suite access.
The Porsche ground transfer service at Toronto and Vancouver is real, though it’s pretty hit-or-miss on availability. I got it once and felt ridiculous being driven across the tarmac in a Porsche, but it was definitely memorable. Priority baggage handling works well, and your bags actually do come out first most of the time.
Tips for Booking Air Canada Business Class Tickets
Here’s where things get interesting – there are way more ways to save money than most people know about. The AC Bid Upgrade system lets you bid for upgrades starting around 48 hours before departure. I’ve successfully bid as low as $400 CAD for transcontinental upgrades, which is way cheaper than buying business class outright.
Last Minute Upgrade Purchase can be a steal if you’re flexible. These pop up between 1-24 hours before departure (timing varies by route), and prices vary wildly depending on the flight. I’ve seen domestic upgrades range from $300-$800+, and international routes from $200-$800 for shorter flights. For Aeroplan members with elite status, eUpgrades are still one of the best deals around, though availability has gotten tighter on popular international routes.
The Going.com (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) tip is legit – their Elite version actually finds business class deals that can save you thousands. I’ve personally used it to snag Toronto to London business class for around $2,200 roundtrip when the regular price was over $6,000.
- Read next: How to Find Cheap Business Class Flights
Air Canada’s Fleet: A Detailed Comparison
Air Canada’s Signature Class business class product is available on a variety of aircraft, each offering a unique experience. For 2026, the fleet is expanding with some exciting new additions. Here’s what you can expect from each type:
Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner (NEW for 2026)
Air Canada is introducing the 787-10 with 42 business class seats across 11 rows – that’s 40% more business seats than the 787-9. The first row features premium “business plus” suites with significantly more space and privacy than standard business class seats. These include personal wardrobes, larger screens, and extra room. You’ll pay a surcharge for these front-row suites (similar to what other airlines charge), but they’re worth considering for long-haul flights. The 787-10 will also debut Air Canada’s new “Glowing Hearted” cabin design standard and may feature doored suites.
Airbus A321XLR (NEW for 2026)
This is Air Canada’s first narrow-body aircraft with lie-flat Signature Class seats – 14 of them in a 1-2-1 configuration with full aisle access. It’s bringing wide-body comfort to a single-aisle plane, which means Air Canada can now fly longer routes to smaller European cities and leisure destinations that don’t justify a 777. The inaugural route is Montreal to Palma de Mallorca starting June 2026, with Montreal-Toulouse and Montreal-Edinburgh also getting the XLR treatment.
Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR
These are the workhorses with 40 business class seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. The pods are spacious and the beds are actually comfortable for sleeping. If you’re flying solo, grab seats 1A or 1K for extra legroom, or 7A/7K for more privacy. The middle seats (D and G) work well for couples, though you can’t lower the divider between them.
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Currently has 30 business class seats in the same reverse herringbone layout as the 777s. These planes are newer and quieter, plus those electronic window shades are pretty cool. Avoid seats 5A and 5K – they’re missing windows completely. The best solo seats are 8A and 8K for privacy. Note that the 787-9 will eventually get the new cabin design as well, but existing aircraft will keep the current Signature Class product for now.
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
The smaller version with 20 business class seats. Same configuration as the 787-9, just fewer rows. Any window seat in Rows 1-4 works well for solo travelers. Again, avoid 5A and 5K due to missing windows. For couples, seats 5D and 5G at the back offer the most privacy.
Airbus A330-300
This is where it gets tricky – Air Canada operates two versions. The modern one has 32 seats in 1-2-1 layout and it’s great. The old version has a 1-1-1 configuration that’s basically outdated and should be avoided at all costs. The good news is there aren’t many of the old ones left. On the modern A330s, the middle dividers actually work, making it the best option for couples among the current fleet.
Airbus A220-300
This is for shorter flights with 12 recliner seats in 2-2 configuration. They’re comfortable for domestic routes but don’t expect lie-flat beds. Honestly, it’s fine for flights under 4 hours, and Air Canada has been upgrading these with free wifi and new cabin interiors through mid-2026.
Baggage Allowance with Air Canada Business Class
Business class gets you two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each. If you’ve got Aeroplan elite status, it gets more interesting, but there’s a major change coming February 1, 2026. Starting in 2026, Aeroplan 25K members will get one additional checked bag beyond what’s included with their economy fare (up to two bags total). This is a downgrade from the previous policy where 25K got two bags automatically. Meanwhile, 35K and above still get three bags up to 70 pounds each, which remains really generous compared to other airlines.
Star Alliance Gold members get one free bag even on economy tickets, which is a nice bonus. Military personnel get three bags up to 70 pounds each. I’ve never had issues with the baggage allowance being too restrictive, especially in business class where two 50-pound bags covers most travel needs.
Air Canada Business Class Airport Experiences
The airport experience varies wildly depending on where you’re flying from. Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary have the best setups with dedicated business class check-in areas and priority security lines.
The Maple Leaf Lounges are solid but not spectacular. They’ve got decent food, full bars, and comfortable seating. The Air Canada Café in Toronto for domestic flights is pretty cool with proper barista coffee and fresh food. Good news for 2026: Vancouver is getting two new Air Canada Cafés (one opened fall 2025, second in early 2026), and Montreal’s getting one in the transborder area.
But the real star is the Signature Suite in Toronto and Vancouver. These are legitimately some of the best lounges I’ve ever experienced – à la carte dining by chef David Hawksworth, premium champagne (selection rotates but often includes brands like Moët & Chandon and Taittinger), and Molton Brown amenities. You need a paid business class ticket or flexible award ticket to get in, but it’s worth every penny.
- Read next: Best Airport Lounges in the World
In-Flight Comfort & Amenities on Air Canada Business Class
The Signature Class pods are legitimately comfortable for sleeping. The beds extend to 6’7″ and I’m 6’2″ – I can stretch out fully. The seats have massage functions, adjustable firmness (though honestly, I can’t tell much difference), and plenty of storage space.
Every seat has USB ports, power outlets, and a decent-sized personal TV. The entertainment system isn’t the best I’ve seen, but it’s got enough movies and shows to keep you busy. The amenity kits are fantastic, and I still use the glasses cleaner from my last flight!
Wi-Fi is free for Aeroplan members and it’s excellent. They rolled out fast, streaming-capable internet in May 2025 on North American, Mexico, and Caribbean routes. In 2026, they’re expanding it to international long-haul flights. If you’re not an Aeroplan member (and why wouldn’t you be – it’s free to join), you can still purchase Wi-Fi at reasonable rates. The bedding is comfortable with proper pillows, duvets, and mattress pads.
On-board Dining with Air Canada Business Class
The food is hit or miss, but when it’s good, it’s really good. Chef David Hawksworth, Antonio Park, Jérôme Ferrer, and Vikram Vij create the menus, and you can taste the difference from typical airline food. The wine selection by sommelier Véronique Rivest is excellent, especially the Canadian wines.
I’ve had some stellar meals – the roasted salmon is consistently good, and the lamb dishes are usually solid. The multi-course service feels properly premium, not rushed like some airlines. They’ve partnered with Lavazza for coffee, which is way better than the usual airline swill.
Make sure to request special meals at least 24 hours in advance if you have dietary restrictions. The vegetarian options are actually creative, not just pasta with marinara sauce.
- Read next: Cheap Airlines in Canada
Air Canada Business Class Beverage Selection
The wine list is legitimately impressive with selections from Gerard Bertrand and Drappier Champagne House. They’ve got a good mix of Canadian and international wines, plus a full bar with premium spirits. The cocktails are well-made, not just wine and beer like some airlines.
Beer selection includes Canadian craft options alongside the usual suspects. The non-alcoholic choices are solid too with fresh juices and premium soft drinks. The Lavazza coffee and espresso drinks are actually good enough that I don’t feel like I need to wait until landing for decent caffeine.
Loyalty Rewards: Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Membership
Big changes are coming to Aeroplan in 2026. The program is moving to a revenue-based system effective January 1, 2026. Instead of tracking miles, segments, and dollars separately, everything now runs on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). You earn SQC based on how much you spend on flights (up to 4 SQC per dollar on Air Canada), plus you can earn up to 25,000 SQC annually through Aeroplan credit card spending and another 25,000 through partner activity.
The status thresholds for 2027 (earned in 2026) are: 25K needs 25,000 SQC, 35K needs 40,000 SQC, 50K needs 65,000 SQC, 75K needs 100,000 SQC, and Super Elite needs 125,000 SQC. The new Milestone Benefits system kicks in every 10,000 SQC you earn, letting you choose perks like eUpgrades, Priority Rewards, bonus SQC, and more.
The “Everyday Status Qualification” still exists for 25K – you can still earn it without flying by accumulating 100,000 Aeroplan points through credit card spending. The eUpgrade system remains one of the best ways to score business class upgrades, though availability is tight on popular international routes.
Higher tiers still get better upgrade clearance rates, more baggage allowance (though 25K dropped to one free bag as of February 2026), and additional perks like Signature Suite access for companions at 75K and above. If you’re based in Canada and fly internationally regularly, status is definitely worth pursuing – you just need to think about it differently now with the revenue-based model.
Air Canada Signature Class vs. Business Class: What’s the Difference?
This is where a lot of people get confused. Traditionally, Signature Class was only on international long-haul routes using wide-body aircraft (777s, 787s, A330s) – that’s the premium business class with lie-flat pods, enhanced dining, and access to Signature Suites. Regular Business Class on domestic and North American narrow-body flights (like the A220s) had fancy recliners, not lie-flat beds.
But here’s what’s changing: The new Airbus A321XLR arriving in 2026 is Air Canada’s first narrow-body with lie-flat Signature Class seats – 14 of them in a 1-2-1 layout. These will fly international routes to smaller European cities like Palma de Mallorca, Toulouse, and Edinburgh. So now you can get true Signature Class on select narrow-body international routes.
The breakdown for 2026: If you’re flying on a wide-body (777, 787, A330, or 787-10) to Europe, Asia, Australia, or South America, you’ll get Signature Class. If you’re on the A321XLR to select European destinations, you’ll also get lie-flat Signature Class. Flying within North America on narrow-bodies like the A220 or older A320 family planes, you’ll get regular business class with recliners.
Make sure you check which aircraft is operating your route, because the experience and pricing can be very different depending on whether you’re getting recliners or lie-flat pods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Air Canada’s Business Class
Are you still curious about which airline is the best in Canada? Here are some popular questions (and answers) I get that will help decide whether Air Canada business class is the right option for you.
Do Air Canada Business Class seats lay flat?
Yes, they do. In business class on most long-haul flights, the seats convert into fully lie-flat beds. This is a game-changer for getting good rest on overnight flights.
Is Business Class on Air Canada the same as First Class?
Air Canada doesn’t offer a separate First Class on its flights. Their Business Class, particularly the Signature Class on international routes, is the highest level of service. This offers premium amenities that are typically associated with First Class on other airlines.
Does Business Class give you access to the Air Canada lounge?
Yes, when you fly Business Class with Air Canada, you get complimentary access to Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges. On select international flights, you will be able to access the Air Canada Signature Suites. These lounges offer a comfortable space to relax, dine, or work before your flight.
Which airline in Canada has the best Business Class?
As Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada have the best Business Class, especially for international travel. Their combination of service, comfort, and amenities, like the Signature Class, sets them apart from other Canadian airlines.
What are the amenities on Air Canada business class?
In Air Canada business class, you’ll enjoy lie-flat seats on long-haul flights, perfect for a good night’s sleep. Each seat has a personal touch-screen for entertainment, loaded with movies and shows. You’ll get an amenity kit with essentials like an eye mask and skincare products. The dining is top-notch, with multi-course meals and a great wine selection. Noise-canceling headphones, USB ports, and power outlets are standard. The bedding is cozy, ideal for the lie-flat beds. Wi-Fi is available, though it’s not free. Plus, there’s plenty of storage space for your items.
- Looking to find international business class flights for under $1,300 roundtrip? You’ll want to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (Going.com). While the free version is great for economy deals, the Elite version is what you’ll need to find cheap business and first class deals.
