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 2025 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 over 200 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.
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, you’ll access the exclusive Signature Suites, which are honestly incredible.
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 within 24 hours of departure and I’ve seen them as low as $300-600 for domestic 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. Let’s delve into what you can expect from each type:
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 Dreamliner (787-9 and 787-8)
The 787-9 has 30 seats, the 787-8 has 20. These planes are newer and quieter, plus those electronic window shades are pretty cool. Avoid seats 5A and 5K on both versions – they’re missing windows completely. The best solo seats are 8A and 8K on the 787-9 for 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.
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.
Baggage Allowance with Air Canada Business Class
Business class gets you two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each, which is pretty standard. If you’ve got Aeroplan elite status, it gets better – 25K members keep the two-bag limit, but 35K and above get three bags up to 70 pounds each. That’s actually 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.
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 that actually work.
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 actually pretty cool with proper barista coffee and fresh food.
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, Moët & Chandon champagne, 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 Acqua di Parma amenity kits are actually useful – I still use the glasses cleaner from my last flight.
Wi-Fi is free for Aeroplan members, and starting in May 2025, they’re rolling out faster streaming-capable internet. 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
Aeroplan elite status is actually one of the better North American programs, especially if you fly Air Canada regularly. The 25K level gets you 20 eUpgrade credits, priority services, and those crucial preferred pricing benefits. 35K and above is where it gets really good with lounge access and better upgrade priority.
The “Everyday Status Qualification” lets you earn 25K status without flying by accumulating 100,000 Aeroplan points through credit card spending, which is pretty unique. The eUpgrade system is still one of the best ways to score cheap business class, though availability has tightened up on popular international routes.
Higher tiers get better upgrade clearance rates, more baggage allowance, and additional perks like Signature Suite access for companions. If you’re based in Canada and fly internationally a few times a year, it’s definitely worth pursuing.
Air Canada Signature Class vs. Business Class: What’s the Difference?
This is where a lot of people get confused. Signature Class is only available on international long-haul routes using wide-body aircraft (777s, 787s, A330s). It’s the premium business class with lie-flat pods, enhanced dining, and access to Signature Suites.
Regular Business Class is on domestic and North American flights using narrow-body aircraft like the A220s and some A320 family planes. These are basically fancy recliners, not lie-flat beds. Still comfortable for shorter flights, but definitely not the same luxury experience.
If you’re flying internationally to Europe, Asia, Australia, or South America, you’ll get Signature Class. Flying within North America (including US, Mexico, Caribbean), you’ll get regular business class. The pricing and benefits are different too, so make sure you know which product you’re booking.
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.
Is Business Class worth it on Air Canada?
Air Canada offers one of the best business classes in 2024. The extra comfort, top-notch service, and amenities like lie-flat seats make a big difference. If you value space, privacy, and quality dining in the air, it’s definitely worth it.
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.
