Air Canada is the flag carrier and easily the largest airline of Canada. The airline has four main hubs in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, and flies to nearly 200 destinations around the world. Due to the country’s size and the number of sparsely populated villages scattered around, Air Canada as a hugely diverse fleet of aircraft from Bombardier, Beechcraft, Embraer, Boeing and Airbus. Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance and codeshares with Air New Zealand. In the Canadian winter months, Air Canada operates a large number of charter flights to Mexico and the Caribbean.
The Difference
- Air Canada claims a number of firsts including the first airline to go smoke free, the first airline to install phones in seats, the first airline to use an electronic ticket and the first to use self service check in kiosks.
- Most Air Canada flights show the inflight safety briefing in both English and French due to Canada’s bilingual status.
- In 1961 Air Canada became the first commercial airline to use a jet engine powered aircraft, on flights Montreal and Vancouver.
- Air Canada operates the brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its flights to Australia.
- Don’t be surprised to spot a pooch or pussy cat, Air Canada allows pets to travel in the cabin as long as they’re small enough to fit in their cage under a seat.
The Classes
PREMIUM ECONOMY In Premium Economy you’ll receive priority check in, priority boarding, a premium meal service, amenity kit, pillow and blanket, a universal jack for your earphones etc, a larger seat with more leg room and reclining space, a private cabin and priority luggage return.
BUSINESS CLASS In addition to the benefits of Premium Economy, in Business Class you’ll receive pod style seats which recline to fully lie flat position, a larger screen on the entertainment system, guaranteed aisle access, lounge access, an upgraded food and drink offering, newspapers, and priority security clearance. Checked luggage allowance is two pieces at 32 kilograms each.
Destinations
Air Canada does not yet fly to New Zealand themselves, but the do codeshare with Air New Zealand on direct flights between Auckland and Vancouver. Air Canada flies directly from Vancouver to Brisbane and Sydney.
The Hub
VANCOUVER AIRPORT. Kiwi travellers will most probably only experience Air Canada’s Vancouver airport hub, which thankfully, is a good experience. The airport is very modern, has lots of windows letting in natural light, and is not crowded. Canadian custom/security officials can be very strict. An excellent innovation is the location of American customs and security officials in the airport, meaning you go through all that process before you fly, and upon arrival in the US you can simply grab your bag and head on out. The airport is linked by an express train service to the central city.
