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'
Jul 4, 2018, 12:09 pm
#422
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
Jul 4, 2018, 6:07 pm
#423
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: Only J via Peasant Points, 777HDPeasant or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance and Narcissism.
Posts: 5,954
Jul 4, 2018, 11:21 pm
#431
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AC SE MM
Posts: 300
Here's a full look at the Transcontinental Signature Class. Disclosure, I was not paid for this review. AC merely provided me an Exec to interview and permission to film in their areas and on the plane. I've flown 8 Signature Class segments in the last month and have honestly been very impressed with the Transcon product especially for short hauls like YVR-YYZ. There were a few hiccups on the first couple of flights most likely due to lack of communication e.g.. Missing linens, amenity kits, crackers. but they've seemed to smooth them out now. I also reviewed an International Signature Class flight as well which will be coming soon. Once again, this was not a paid review and the J Class flight to NRT was out of my own pocket. Enjoy!
Jul 5, 2018, 12:22 am
#432
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: 44,346
Here's a full look at the Transcontinental Signature Class. Disclosure, I was not paid for this review. AC merely provided me an Exec to interview and permission to film in their areas and on the plane. I've flown 8 Signature Class segments in the last month and have honestly been very impressed with the Transcon product especially for short hauls like YVR-YYZ. There were a few hiccups on the first couple of flights most likely due to lack of communication e.g.. Missing linens, amenity kits, crackers. but they've seemed to smooth them out now. I also reviewed an International Signature Class flight as well which will be coming soon. Once again, this was not a paid review and the J Class flight to NRT was out of my own pocket. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
Edit:
Ugh I take that back.
This isn't even a remotely objective review.
"the foodie class" ???
"Don't eat before the flight" ???
The food is fine, but whether someone should eat first is completely dependent on the time of their flight. The quality on board is nowhere near you'd get at a reasonable restaurant.
This is unheard of for a NA flight? Clearly you haven't flown a transcon wide-body in the past two years. The difference is not that huge.
Reviews like this are why legitimate praise-givers aren't taken seriously.
Last edited by canadiancow; Jul 5, 2018 at 12:30 am
Jul 5, 2018, 8:27 am
#433
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AC
Posts: 2,167
Here's a full look at the Transcontinental Signature Class. Disclosure, I was not paid for this review. AC merely provided me an Exec to interview and permission to film in their areas and on the plane. I've flown 8 Signature Class segments in the last month and have honestly been very impressed with the Transcon product especially for short hauls like YVR-YYZ. There were a few hiccups on the first couple of flights most likely due to lack of communication e.g.. Missing linens, amenity kits, crackers. but they've seemed to smooth them out now. I also reviewed an International Signature Class flight as well which will be coming soon. Once again, this was not a paid review and the J Class flight to NRT was out of my own pocket. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
https://youtu.be/enlUZw_8po8
I was not aware that Signature Service offers concierge service, not that I have used them more than once or twice. I did confirm with Air Canada's site that Concierges are indeed available for signature service fliers which means that previously domestic/tb fliers who were not SE had no access to them at all, and now they do provided they have a JCDZP ticket on an eligible flight. Thanks for the info.
Jul 5, 2018, 1:24 pm
#434
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: AC SE MM
Posts: 300
Were you provided the flights as well?
Edit:
Ugh I take that back.
This isn't even a remotely objective review.
"the foodie class" ???
"Don't eat before the flight" ???
The food is fine, but whether someone should eat first is completely dependent on the time of their flight. The quality on board is nowhere near you'd get at a reasonable restaurant.
This is unheard of for a NA flight? Clearly you haven't flown a transcon wide-body in the past two years. The difference is not that huge.
Reviews like this are why legitimate praise-givers aren't taken seriously.
Edit:
Ugh I take that back.
This isn't even a remotely objective review.
"the foodie class" ???
"Don't eat before the flight" ???
The food is fine, but whether someone should eat first is completely dependent on the time of their flight. The quality on board is nowhere near you'd get at a reasonable restaurant.
This is unheard of for a NA flight? Clearly you haven't flown a transcon wide-body in the past two years. The difference is not that huge.
Reviews like this are why legitimate praise-givers aren't taken seriously.
My flights are paid for myself as I stated. I fly transcontinental alot. 8 times just in June. I average 150K miles a year so I think I know the difference. Compared to the food of the pre-Signature menu, I stand by my statement about the food. I couldn't stand the previous menu but the addition of the Hawksworth options are huge in my opinion. Where else can you get this type of service an d lie down on a transcontinental flight. You have to remember, there are a lot of people that don't fly J class like us all the time so for those people, this is HUGE! This video is probably not for you or the people that are flying all the time but for those that haven't or perhaps will be flying soon in J Class to see what they can expect. Thanks for the comment.
Jul 6, 2018, 5:43 pm
#435
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
So, compared to my last batch of AC transcon wide body flights, the last one seemed to have the elements in place.
AC 118 YVR-YYZ July 2018
* Mattress pad was on the seat
* amenity kit provided
* PDB was offered
* Signature Cocktail was offered.
* Cheese plate and Port were offered
PDB faux bubbles
I was offered the Signature Cocktail. I asked for the version @D582 and I had to SFO plus I made some other modifications
- half of the mini bottle of bourbon
- half or less of the packet of maple syrup
- kept the ginger ale
- chose club soda instead of sprite
For me, this was perfect
Took this photo for the audience
Now as far as scary food goes, one bite of this and all you taste is pure salt. Nothing else. So I skipped the meal.
Very nice presentation.
Perfect
AC 118 YVR-YYZ July 2018
* Mattress pad was on the seat
* amenity kit provided
* PDB was offered
* Signature Cocktail was offered.
* Cheese plate and Port were offered
PDB faux bubbles
I was offered the Signature Cocktail. I asked for the version @D582 and I had to SFO plus I made some other modifications
- half of the mini bottle of bourbon
- half or less of the packet of maple syrup
- kept the ginger ale
- chose club soda instead of sprite
For me, this was perfect
Took this photo for the audience
Now as far as scary food goes, one bite of this and all you taste is pure salt. Nothing else. So I skipped the meal.
Very nice presentation.
Perfect
Last edited by 24left; Jul 6, 2018 at 7:03 pm Reason: amenity kit