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Int. Business Class & select wide-body N. America aircraft become 'Signature Service'

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Old Apr 13, 2018, 4:14 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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

Originally Posted by tcook052
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.


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
Originally Posted by BarrieTravelGuy
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
Originally Posted by Rundosrun
When did AC switch to serving Laurent-Perrier Champagne Brut onboard instead of the stuff they normally serve. It seems the menus for flights in April are showing a change. Did I miss this?? I much prefer the new Champagne on offer.

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29580786-post2056.html
Originally Posted by ACYYZ/SD
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).

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29635471-post2102.html
Originally Posted by lallied
I had garlic bread on AC34 on the 11th. Nice and herby. Not sure whether just SYD or the change as no mimosa and didn’t check bubbles . They also said will be mattress pads for J seats.

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
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Int. Business Class & select wide-body N. America aircraft become 'Signature Service'

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Old Mar 6, 2019, 5:14 pm
  #541  
RZR
 
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Omelette is the best meal on any AC flight !
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Old Mar 6, 2019, 5:18 pm
  #542  
 
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Originally Posted by FlyingBehr
Hello. I was hoping to get some advice from the forum regarding breakfast options when flying Signature Service. I've been flying with AC now for a while, and it still surprises me that AC still offers the same parsley omelette (and if we get lucky) the pancake option. Having had both of these more times than I'd like, I was wondering if anyone in the forum has had any experience pre-ordering any meals. Now I realize taste is personal, but I'm curious to see what others have had. Thank you.
You can always try ordering special meals.
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Old Mar 6, 2019, 8:13 pm
  #543  
 
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I am with RZR; love the omelette, especially since they brought back the cheese, but did like the bigger old sausage better. Now add a ceasar when I am going on holiday and that is my favourite meal.
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Old Mar 7, 2019, 6:35 am
  #544  
 
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Originally Posted by FlyingBehr
Hello. I was hoping to get some advice from the forum regarding breakfast options when flying Signature Service. I've been flying with AC now for a while, and it still surprises me that AC still offers the same parsley omelette (and if we get lucky) the pancake option. Having had both of these more times than I'd like, I was wondering if anyone in the forum has had any experience pre-ordering any meals. Now I realize taste is personal, but I'm curious to see what others have had. Thank you.
Luck has nothing to do with it

Breakfast A La Carte (Canada>Europe) "The Card" The omelette is the standard hot option
Full Breakfast (Canada>South America, etc) omelette and pancakes are the standard.
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Old Mar 7, 2019, 6:00 pm
  #545  
 
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Thanks

Thanks everyone for your comments. I'm just tired of having the same omelette over and over again, so I was looking for any other options. I agree that ordering a special meal is an option. Has anyone in here tried a special breakfast meal and if so, what are your thoughts? Thanks again!
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Old Mar 7, 2019, 6:13 pm
  #546  
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Originally Posted by FlyingBehr
Thanks everyone for your comments. I'm just tired of having the same omelette over and over again, so I was looking for any other options. I agree that ordering a special meal is an option. Has anyone in here tried a special breakfast meal and if so, what are your thoughts? Thanks again!
@FlyingBehr

Have you seen the Special Meal thread yet? (I haven't kept tabs on it since it isn't relevant to me)
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ls-thread.html
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Old Mar 7, 2019, 6:14 pm
  #547  
 
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Originally Posted by FlyingBehr
Thanks everyone for your comments. I'm just tired of having the same omelette over and over again, so I was looking for any other options. I agree that ordering a special meal is an option. Has anyone in here tried a special breakfast meal and if so, what are your thoughts? Thanks again!
Special vegetarian meals breakfast is hit or miss. I've had some good ones but also at times I wished they just give me the fruit plates.
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Old Mar 12, 2019, 2:49 pm
  #548  
 
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I'm flying with a 3 year old on a 789. I've booked the middle pair of seats. Unfortunately he's old enough to *probably* figure out how to unbuckle his belt but not old enough that he knows he has to keep it locked. I'm a little worried he's going to try and unbuckle himself. Is the divider low enough that I'll be able to hold his seatbelt on during takeoffs and landings?

I can bring a carseat that he can't unbuckle... but that's it's own hassle.

Or has anyone tried the CARES belt on these seats?

Amazon Amazon

Any other solution to keep a toddler strapped in? Some duct tape around the buckle?

TIA.
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Old Mar 12, 2019, 3:06 pm
  #549  
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Originally Posted by ride red
I'm flying with a 3 year old on a 789. I've booked the middle pair of seats. Unfortunately he's old enough to *probably* figure out how to unbuckle his belt but not old enough that he knows he has to keep it locked. I'm a little worried he's going to try and unbuckle himself. Is the divider low enough that I'll be able to hold his seatbelt on during takeoffs and landings?
In addition to having to reach over the divider, there is also the side-table/surface (with the cubby box where the "remote" and peripheral plug-ins are) area between your seat and the divider, and the mirror of that on the other side. In my (non-expert, but very experienced) opinion, it will be a challenge. There are no shoulder restraints on these seats.
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Old Mar 12, 2019, 3:27 pm
  #550  
 
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Originally Posted by ride red
Or has anyone tried the CARES belt on these seats?

https://www.amazon.com/Child-Airplan.../dp/B0012E4FV8

Any other solution to keep a toddler strapped in? Some duct tape around the buckle?

TIA.
CARES harness is not allowed in the pods. Only in PY and Y seats. From AC.com...




And I doubt duct tape on the buckle would be allowed for obvious security reasons in case of an emergency evacuation.
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Old Mar 12, 2019, 3:49 pm
  #551  
 
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Originally Posted by ride red
I'm flying with a 3 year old on a 789. I've booked the middle pair of seats. Unfortunately he's old enough to *probably* figure out how to unbuckle his belt but not old enough that he knows he has to keep it locked. I'm a little worried he's going to try and unbuckle himself. Is the divider low enough that I'll be able to hold his seatbelt on during takeoffs and landings?

I can bring a carseat that he can't unbuckle... but that's it's own hassle.

Or has anyone tried the CARES belt on these seats?

https://www.amazon.com/Child-Airplan.../dp/B0012E4FV8

Any other solution to keep a toddler strapped in? Some duct tape around the buckle?

TIA.
Air Canada rule is that a parent has to sit right behind a child between 2 and 7 years old in J pods: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...-children.html. There was quite a bit of discussion about it on one (or more) of the threads. They may not always enforce this, but they might. Our experience is that our 7-year old prefers having a parent right across the aisle so that she can interact with one of us. The other parent sits behind her to satisfy Air Canada regulation. But that is not doable if only two people (including the child) are flying together.
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Old Mar 12, 2019, 4:13 pm
  #552  
 
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Originally Posted by jasdou
CARES harness is not allowed in the pods. Only in PY and Y seats. From AC.com...

Ah, thanks.


Originally Posted by jasdou
And I doubt duct tape on the buckle would be allowed for obvious security reasons in case of an emergency evacuation.
Oh, no problem there, I was just going to bring a sharp knife or scissors, or a lighter to burn the tape off. Or some knitting needles even.
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Old Mar 12, 2019, 4:37 pm
  #553  
 
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Originally Posted by escherfan
Air Canada rule is that a parent has to sit right behind a child between 2 and 7 years old in J pods: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...-children.html. There was quite a bit of discussion about it on one (or more) of the threads. They may not always enforce this, but they might. Our experience is that our 7-year old prefers having a parent right across the aisle so that she can interact with one of us. The other parent sits behind her to satisfy Air Canada regulation. But that is not doable if only two people (including the child) are flying together.
Ah, thanks for that. I think we'll be ok there...
  • When occupying a Classic or Executive Pod in Air Canada Signature Class, a child age 2 to 7 must be seated directly in front of, directly behind or in an adjacent seat facing the accompanying parent or guardian.
Mom has the window seat in the same row (7)... so he'll be between the two of us. But mom will have a baby on her lap, so it will be mostly up to me.
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Old Mar 24, 2019, 10:37 am
  #554  
 
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Has the mattress pad been removed from domestic service? Haven't had one at my seat for weeks now and have had to ask a FA to find one.
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Old Mar 24, 2019, 11:08 am
  #555  
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Originally Posted by YVRtoYYZ
Has the mattress pad been removed from domestic service? Haven't had one at my seat for weeks now and have had to ask a FA to find one.
Last June, we boarded our AC morning flight to SFO and there were none on the seat. I asked the FA and was told they don't have them. We reminded the FA that they are part of the Signature Service on PLH transcon routes. He went off to an OH bin and "found" them.

I've had none on my seats on recent transcon flights. One SD told me they are "on demand" only.

Who really knows.

But then see the AC page:


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