Apr 13, 2018, 4:14 pm
Last edit by: Chowtime
NEW! International Business Class Service Enhancements Eff. April 17 on Wide-Body Aircraft
Possibly to be rebranded Rebranded as Air Canada Signature Service Please see post #51 https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29644079-post51.html
I started this thread and wiki in advance of the rebranding launch in order to preempt the multiple new threads that will be inevitably started, and giving a bit more "glue" to the information mixed in several other threads, as we have already started seeing.
The main purpose is to have all the rebranding information housed under this one thread.
Over time, as the rebranded products and services become mainstay and the norm, I anticipate that topics will go under their regular main threads such as International J meals, amenity kits, etc. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with posting in the other existing threads as well.
My international flying has been limited as of late, so any feedback, information, details, opinions, etc. from the rest here would be appreciated!
Thanks,
- yyznomad
Press release courtesy of tcook052 in post #93:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29650400-post93.html
AFAIK, credit goes to supremekai for posting this information (and providing a useful link to the image!) in the master Amenity Kit thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29633632-post110.html
NEW! International Business Class Service Enhancements Effective April 17 on Wide-Body Aircraft
Amenities - Service Items
Beverage Service
Meal Service
*Please note: International and select route wide-body Business class will be rebranded on April 17 with a new name.
Please note that there have been anecdotal instances of new service/products being introduced prior to the official rebranding launch date:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29611852-post2081.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29579069-post2051.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29580786-post2056.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29635471-post2102.html
June 1 2018 - Post 288
North American Signature Service description now on AC.com
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29820459-post288.html
NEW - Detailed Trancontinental Signature Class Video Review
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
I started this thread and wiki in advance of the rebranding launch in order to preempt the multiple new threads that will be inevitably started, and giving a bit more "glue" to the information mixed in several other threads, as we have already started seeing.
The main purpose is to have all the rebranding information housed under this one thread.
Over time, as the rebranded products and services become mainstay and the norm, I anticipate that topics will go under their regular main threads such as International J meals, amenity kits, etc. At the same time, there is nothing wrong with posting in the other existing threads as well.
My international flying has been limited as of late, so any feedback, information, details, opinions, etc. from the rest here would be appreciated!
Thanks,
- yyznomad
Press release courtesy of tcook052 in post #93:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29650400-post93.html
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/air-canada-elevates-premium-travel-experience-for-international-and-north-american-customers-679968583.html
MONTREAL, April 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today introduced its new Air Canada Signature Service, providing an enhanced and seamless end-to-end travel experience for customers flying in Air Canada Signature Class, the premium cabin of its wide-body aircraft. Available today for international customers and, starting June 1 on select flights within North America, the new service makes Air Canada the first North American airline to designate aircraft with lie-flat seats for premium customers on select non-stop, transcontinental flights within Canada and to the U.S., including overnight daily flights from Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco to Toronto.
Air Canada Signature Service customers will receive priority service at every stage of the journey, including access to airport concierge services, expedited check-in and security clearance, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding. Customers will also enjoy Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access and, for eligible customers travelling to international destinations from Toronto-Pearson, access to the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite, featuring à la carte restaurant dining from a menu created by celebrated Canadian chef David Hawksworth.
"Our new Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class brands reflect the ongoing refinements to our premium travel service. We know our premium customers travelling on longer flight itineraries place a high value on convenience and comfort when in airports or onboard an aircraft, and with Air Canada Signature Service we provide a level of service unsurpassed in North America on every widebody flight," said Benjamin Smith, President of Passenger Airlines, Air Canada.
"Customers travelling Air Canada Signature Class on international itineraries and, beginning in June, on select transcontinental flights within North America, will receive seamless Air Canada Signature Service. They will enjoy added amenities throughout their journey, from curbside-to-curbside and at all points in between."
Available starting today on all Air Canada international flights and beginning June 1 on select transcontinental flights within North America, Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class incorporate and elevate the award-winning attributes of Air Canada's International Business Class, featuring its next generation lie-flat suites. Air Canada Signature Service will be available on select transborder and domestic Canadian transcontinental flights when operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777, Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft. This includes routes between Toronto and the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and between Vancouver and the cities of New York-Newark and Montreal.
To note, Air Canada Signature Service with lie-flat suites to provide a full night's rest will be available daily on the following North American non-stop overnight flights beginning June 1.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Aircraft
AC126
Vancouver 22:35
Toronto 05:55 + 1 day
Boeing 777
AC788
Los Angeles 22:15
Toronto 05:52 + 1 day
Boeing 787
AC754
San Francisco 22:45
Toronto 06:37 + 1 day
Boeing 787
Air Canada Signature Class also introduces new amenities to make the journey even more comfortable, including:
Updated onboard menu items from chef David Hawksworth, including for the first time on flights serving lunch and dinner in North America Air Canada Signature Class starting June 1, and a South Asian menu by chef Vikram Vij on flights to Mumbai and New Delhi, complemented by an expanded wine selection chosen by Air Canada sommelier Véronique Rivest; service on new restaurant style dishware and glassware;
For transcontinental travellers, enhanced wine and spirits, and the added option of espresso and cappuccino served with dessert or a new cheese selection, while for international travellers Air Canada will now offer Laurent-Perrier champagne; on all routes, customers will be able to enjoy the new Air Canada Signature Cocktail;
For international travelers, personal comfort items by Canadian brands, including enhanced amenity kits by Want Les Essentiels, with premium care products by vitruvi;
Mattress pads to enhance the sleep experience;
At Air Canada's Toronto-Pearson global hub, full fare Air Canada Signature Class customers departing on International flights will have access to the Air Canada Signature Suite. The suite is an exclusive airport retreat, where eligible customers can dine à la carte at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by chef Hawksworth, or enjoy, Moet & Chandon champagne, fine wines and premium cocktails in an intimate, Canadian-designed and decorated setting;
For full fare premium cabin customers originating in Toronto-Pearson or arriving at Toronto-Pearson originating from a domestic flight with onward international travel, Air Canada will also provide Air Canada Valet Service, powered by BMW, starting later in 2018. It is the first dedicated service offered by an airline in North America for customers booked in a premium cabin, where a dedicated fleet of BMW sedans whisk customers over the tarmac to connect, making connecting at Toronto-Pearson truly exclusive and seamless.
MONTREAL, April 17, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada today introduced its new Air Canada Signature Service, providing an enhanced and seamless end-to-end travel experience for customers flying in Air Canada Signature Class, the premium cabin of its wide-body aircraft. Available today for international customers and, starting June 1 on select flights within North America, the new service makes Air Canada the first North American airline to designate aircraft with lie-flat seats for premium customers on select non-stop, transcontinental flights within Canada and to the U.S., including overnight daily flights from Vancouver, Los Angeles and San Francisco to Toronto.
Air Canada Signature Service customers will receive priority service at every stage of the journey, including access to airport concierge services, expedited check-in and security clearance, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding. Customers will also enjoy Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge access and, for eligible customers travelling to international destinations from Toronto-Pearson, access to the exclusive Air Canada Signature Suite, featuring à la carte restaurant dining from a menu created by celebrated Canadian chef David Hawksworth.
"Our new Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class brands reflect the ongoing refinements to our premium travel service. We know our premium customers travelling on longer flight itineraries place a high value on convenience and comfort when in airports or onboard an aircraft, and with Air Canada Signature Service we provide a level of service unsurpassed in North America on every widebody flight," said Benjamin Smith, President of Passenger Airlines, Air Canada.
"Customers travelling Air Canada Signature Class on international itineraries and, beginning in June, on select transcontinental flights within North America, will receive seamless Air Canada Signature Service. They will enjoy added amenities throughout their journey, from curbside-to-curbside and at all points in between."
Available starting today on all Air Canada international flights and beginning June 1 on select transcontinental flights within North America, Air Canada Signature Service and Air Canada Signature Class incorporate and elevate the award-winning attributes of Air Canada's International Business Class, featuring its next generation lie-flat suites. Air Canada Signature Service will be available on select transborder and domestic Canadian transcontinental flights when operated with Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777, Boeing 767 and Airbus A330 aircraft. This includes routes between Toronto and the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, and between Vancouver and the cities of New York-Newark and Montreal.
To note, Air Canada Signature Service with lie-flat suites to provide a full night's rest will be available daily on the following North American non-stop overnight flights beginning June 1.
Flight
Departs
Arrives
Aircraft
AC126
Vancouver 22:35
Toronto 05:55 + 1 day
Boeing 777
AC788
Los Angeles 22:15
Toronto 05:52 + 1 day
Boeing 787
AC754
San Francisco 22:45
Toronto 06:37 + 1 day
Boeing 787
Air Canada Signature Class also introduces new amenities to make the journey even more comfortable, including:
Updated onboard menu items from chef David Hawksworth, including for the first time on flights serving lunch and dinner in North America Air Canada Signature Class starting June 1, and a South Asian menu by chef Vikram Vij on flights to Mumbai and New Delhi, complemented by an expanded wine selection chosen by Air Canada sommelier Véronique Rivest; service on new restaurant style dishware and glassware;
For transcontinental travellers, enhanced wine and spirits, and the added option of espresso and cappuccino served with dessert or a new cheese selection, while for international travellers Air Canada will now offer Laurent-Perrier champagne; on all routes, customers will be able to enjoy the new Air Canada Signature Cocktail;
For international travelers, personal comfort items by Canadian brands, including enhanced amenity kits by Want Les Essentiels, with premium care products by vitruvi;
Mattress pads to enhance the sleep experience;
At Air Canada's Toronto-Pearson global hub, full fare Air Canada Signature Class customers departing on International flights will have access to the Air Canada Signature Suite. The suite is an exclusive airport retreat, where eligible customers can dine à la carte at a complimentary, full-service restaurant from a menu created by chef Hawksworth, or enjoy, Moet & Chandon champagne, fine wines and premium cocktails in an intimate, Canadian-designed and decorated setting;
For full fare premium cabin customers originating in Toronto-Pearson or arriving at Toronto-Pearson originating from a domestic flight with onward international travel, Air Canada will also provide Air Canada Valet Service, powered by BMW, starting later in 2018. It is the first dedicated service offered by an airline in North America for customers booked in a premium cabin, where a dedicated fleet of BMW sedans whisk customers over the tarmac to connect, making connecting at Toronto-Pearson truly exclusive and seamless.
AFAIK, credit goes to supremekai for posting this information (and providing a useful link to the image!) in the master Amenity Kit thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29633632-post110.html
NEW! International Business Class Service Enhancements Effective April 17 on Wide-Body Aircraft
Amenities - Service Items
- Matress pads folded in plastic wrap and placed at Pods by Cabin Services for customers to lay out themselves
- New amenity kit by Montreal-based WANT Les Essentiels including premium eyeshades, microfibre cloth and vitruvi lip balm and lotion
- Redesigned menu
- New dishware and glassware (no change to cutlery, cups, champagne glass in J or stemmed wine glass in PY at this time)
- New premium skincare products by Vancouver-based vitruvi in the J lavatories: soap, hand loation, facial mist
Beverage Service
- Mimosa offered as a pre-departure beverage on breakfast flights (replaces sparkling water)
- New signature cocktail (1 mini of bourbon, 1 sachet of maple syrup (packets in bar carts), 1-part Sprite and 2-parts ginger ale, served over ice, stirred and garnished with 2 slices of lemon)
- New Champagne brand
Meal Service
- Garlic bread as a third selection (international only)
- Spring/summer wine program
- Chef Hawksworth's new signature dishes
*Please note: International and select route wide-body Business class will be rebranded on April 17 with a new name.
Please note that there have been anecdotal instances of new service/products being introduced prior to the official rebranding launch date:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29611852-post2081.html
I overheard a flight attendant and pax talking about some huge launch on April 17th. All new drinks (including Mimosas) as well as all new food menus. Has anyone else heard this? I didn’t see anything in here about it. What was interesting was that they were talking about a re-branding if Business Class... I didn’t know if it was just the food or something else.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29579069-post2051.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29580786-post2056.html
Two very notable changes there.
>After a long and successful run the Drappier is being retired and Laurent-Perrier Champagne is being introduced
>The Hawksworth Chocolate Fondant bids adieu in favour of a new dessert. Brown Sugar Tart with Custard.
The fabulously popular Duck Leg Entree makes a return.
FYI - the launch of the above has been delayed slightly till mid month (April).
>After a long and successful run the Drappier is being retired and Laurent-Perrier Champagne is being introduced
>The Hawksworth Chocolate Fondant bids adieu in favour of a new dessert. Brown Sugar Tart with Custard.
The fabulously popular Duck Leg Entree makes a return.
FYI - the launch of the above has been delayed slightly till mid month (April).
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29635471-post2102.html
June 1 2018 - Post 288
North American Signature Service description now on AC.com
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29820459-post288.html
NEW - Detailed Trancontinental Signature Class Video Review
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
Int. Business Class & select wide-body N. America aircraft become 'Signature Service'
Oct 7, 2018, 1:38 am
#467
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
Enjoy our newest signature cocktail made with Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, gin and cranberry cocktail, garnished with lemon.
Oct 7, 2018, 11:08 am
#468
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
It was sweet, but not too sweet, and quite alcoholic.
Also, when I asked for "the new Signature Cocktail", she made the old one. It wasn't until she poured in the ginger ale that I said anything. The SD and her colleagues were completely unaware that there was a new one. Apparently, they get too many messages to keep track of them all.
And yet, there's a certain SD on FT who was aware of this more than a week ago
Oct 7, 2018, 1:28 pm
#469
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YEG
Programs: AC Lifetime SE100K, 3MM, SPG Lifetime Plat, Hertz PC, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,901
So forgive me if I missed the answer but I started to glaze over on Page 11 of this thread. My question is... Mrs T and I are looking at travelling YVR-GIG-SCL-YVR in Dec/Jan in J. Despite SCL-YVR costing at least 50% more than YVR-GIG, we are still leaning towards AC but I would like to know how the service in J from YVR-YYZ-YVR in a narrowbodied aircraft compares these days to taking a widebody. I realise the difference in the seating but how does the narrowbodied onboard service and food and wine compare? Is it worth trying to stick with a widebody for the transcon flights? Any wisdom will be much appreciated.
Oct 9, 2018, 7:54 am
#470
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: YQB
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, Bonvoy Gold, HHonors Diamond, VIA Premier, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 816
It was roughly what I expected. The booze covered the taste of the cranberry, and the cranberry prevented me from tasting the booze.
It was sweet, but not too sweet, and quite alcoholic.
Also, when I asked for "the new Signature Cocktail", she made the old one. It wasn't until she poured in the ginger ale that I said anything. The SD and her colleagues were completely unaware that there was a new one. Apparently, they get too many messages to keep track of them all.
And yet, there's a certain SD on FT who was aware of this more than a week ago
It was sweet, but not too sweet, and quite alcoholic.
Also, when I asked for "the new Signature Cocktail", she made the old one. It wasn't until she poured in the ginger ale that I said anything. The SD and her colleagues were completely unaware that there was a new one. Apparently, they get too many messages to keep track of them all.
And yet, there's a certain SD on FT who was aware of this more than a week ago
Oh and I also flew First Class on AC on that flight according to the SD and an FA. They were answering a question from the pax sitting behind me who wanted to know if AC 77W J cabin was First Class or Business Class. Both the SD and FA said it was just different words to describe the same thing. Just wow.
And on that "AC First Class" flight, PDB were served in plastic cups... Memorable
Oct 9, 2018, 9:21 am
#471
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,820
It was roughly what I expected. The booze covered the taste of the cranberry, and the cranberry prevented me from tasting the booze.
It was sweet, but not too sweet, and quite alcoholic.
Also, when I asked for "the new Signature Cocktail", she made the old one. It wasn't until she poured in the ginger ale that I said anything. The SD and her colleagues were completely unaware that there was a new one. Apparently, they get too many messages to keep track of them all.
And yet, there's a certain SD on FT who was aware of this more than a week ago
It was sweet, but not too sweet, and quite alcoholic.
Also, when I asked for "the new Signature Cocktail", she made the old one. It wasn't until she poured in the ginger ale that I said anything. The SD and her colleagues were completely unaware that there was a new one. Apparently, they get too many messages to keep track of them all.
And yet, there's a certain SD on FT who was aware of this more than a week ago
Would you ever order it again or is it a "one and done" kind of drink?
Oct 9, 2018, 9:39 am
#472
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,354
Oct 9, 2018, 9:46 am
#473
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,428
Oct 9, 2018, 4:38 pm
#474
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: TK *G
Posts: 3,099
My experience as well when I asked for the new Signature Cocktail on October 3rd.
Oh and I also flew First Class on AC on that flight according to the SD and an FA. They were answering a question from the pax sitting behind me who wanted to know if AC 77W J cabin was First Class or Business Class. Both the SD and FA said it was just different words to describe the same thing. Just wow.
And on that "AC First Class" flight, PDB were served in plastic cups... MemorableSignature "First Class" Service.
Oh and I also flew First Class on AC on that flight according to the SD and an FA. They were answering a question from the pax sitting behind me who wanted to know if AC 77W J cabin was First Class or Business Class. Both the SD and FA said it was just different words to describe the same thing. Just wow.
And on that "AC First Class" flight, PDB were served in plastic cups... Memorable
Oct 9, 2018, 10:20 pm
#475
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
When airlines started to eliminate first class, many airlines position and advertise their new business class as something between business and first. I am sure AC has no hesitation to call their signature class "above and beyond" business class. They are the best airline in NA after all. \S
Oct 10, 2018, 5:33 pm
#476
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: YQB
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, Bonvoy Gold, HHonors Diamond, VIA Premier, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 816
When airlines started to eliminate first class, many airlines position and advertise their new business class as something between business and first. I am sure AC has no hesitation to call their signature class "above and beyond" business class. They are the best airline in NA after all. \S
And I find this behaviour only serves to perpetuate misconceptions that infrequent passengers have about business and first class. AC may call it Signature Service but certainly not First Class.
Oct 10, 2018, 5:37 pm
#477
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Oct 10, 2018, 6:05 pm
#478
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
On one of my AC TPACs departing from YVR a few months ago, I was at the gate and saw someone walk up and ask about upgrading. The GA said that First Class was full.
It would have been more amusing had a First Class seat been available for sale on my flight in Air Canada flight.
It would have been more amusing had a First Class seat been available for sale on my flight in Air Canada flight.
Oct 10, 2018, 6:51 pm
#479
Join Date: May 2004
Location: yyz
Programs: AC*SE 1MM. a bunch of hotel programs.
Posts: 1,592
When airlines started to eliminate first class, many airlines position and advertise their new business class as something between business and first. I am sure AC has no hesitation to call their signature class "above and beyond" business class. They are the best airline in NA after all. \S
AC J is close to CX and BR. the hard product is par, service still isnt. however, I flew YYZ-EZE return last week and i found service levels very good. in fact, one FA went out of his way for an issue I had.
Oct 10, 2018, 7:39 pm
#480
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: LotusLand...
Programs: AC Elite50k, BAEC Blue, Amex Plat, RBC Black Tin Visa
Posts: 635
Thanx to all for your help...
So it's all done and dusted. Outbound YVR-YYZ-GRU-GIG 773 all the way through in P ('cept for the last hour on Avianca..) and SCL-YYZ-YVR in PE 789 and 773 with a sleepover in YYZ ( the Business Class fare inbound alone basically doubled the P and PE combo). Excited to try the new Signature Service inc the Suite. Will try and do a comparison Trip Report if I can learn how to upload photos.... Thanx again for everyone's help. This place is truly a goldmine.