NOT all airlines are created equally. Which ones are worth splashing your hard earned cash on? That depends where you’re heading.
Last year Air Canada was named the best airline in North America by Skytrax, pipping mega rivals like Delta, United and JetBlue to the post.
Referred to by aviation geeks as ‘The Oscars of travel’, a Skytrax award is certainly an accolade to boast about.
And this carrier has several under its belt for 2025, including Best Cabin Crew in Canada & North America and Best Business Class Lounge Dining in not just this region but the entire world.
This is something I can attest to.
The airline only has two of these luxury Signature Suite lounges: one in Vancouver and one in Toronto, which took home the golden title.
While I haven’t dined in the award-winning Toronto lounge, I have been to its sister lounge – and my word, I ate (and drank) very well indeed.
So well, in fact, that I turned down my evening meal on the nine-hour flight home, even in business class where dinners are served with miniature dressings for your side salad, followed by fancy cheese platters.
I was still too full from my lobster tortellini, which had been so elegantly decorated with dill fronds and droplets of orange oil that it looked like it had been plated in a Michelin-star kitchen as opposed to a clinical airport.
The airline lounge’s head chef, David Hawksworth, certainly knows his game.
I washed dinner back with a Smoking Daisy, a deep purple cocktail made with mezcal, lime and hibiscus. And then another – this time a West Coast Trail, made with honeyed whisky, mezcal and rosemary – all while soaking up views of aircraft taxi’ing across the tarmac.
Generally speaking, you have to be travelling in business class to enjoy this luxurious lounge.
So, how does the on board experience compare?
The Signature Class seats may not have taken home a trophy at the travel Oscars – Best Business Class Seat went to Qatar Airways – but they do elevate the overall experience.
I’m very lucky to be able to say I’ve flown in business class with several airlines, including the aforementioned Qatar Airways.
And while Air Canada’s pods don’t have sliding doors for privacy, like some others, they do still feel cosy and comfortable.
Ample space was the first thing that stood out to me.
I’m above average height for a female Brit, at 5’7, and I still couldn’t reach the footstool with my tippy toes unless adjusting the seat into a more relaxed position. Big tick for leg room.
There’s plenty of storage too, and charging ports in convenient places, as with most airlines.
Not every airline has massage tools integrated into the chair, though, and this is a big plus for Air Canada, in my opinion.
When you’re stuck on a long haul journey, massage features offer light respite and the slow and gentle pressure on my lumbar spine was an extra touch I didn’t know I needed.
The ultra-plump pillow helps with comfort, too.
If I were to be really analytical, Air Canada’s pillow is definitely larger and softer than others, offering a decent amount of support. Another big tick.
So what about the amenity kits?
Some travellers believe that this is the best part of flying in a fancier cabin class and those of that opinion won’t be disappointed with the Signature Class pod.
Kits come with luxury Acqua di Parma toiletries, including a heavily-scented hand cream and lip balm, plus the usual eyemask, ear plugs and tooth brush.
The food was of a good standard too. On my flight from London, I tucked into well-seasoned prawns, with a lemon wedge for drizzling, followed by fish with a wonderfully-crispy skin (don’t ask me how they manage that in a microwave-style oven at 38,000 ft!).
The star of the show was the Biscoff tart, though. Caramel-like and deliciously gooey.
I had an easy time kicking back and relaxing post meal.
Despite being a bit of a fusspot when it comes to plane TV, I was pleasantly surprised by the great and varied selection of genres, shows and blockbuster movies.
I fell asleep watching a Christmas classic on a rather comfy flat bed.
It may not have been the widest of business class seats, but the padded seat cover (that acts as a slim sort of mattress) was foamier than others and came with an elasticated edge, meaning it stayed securely on my seat, rather than move around each time you roll over. One final big tick.
So, what really makes Air Canada sing?
It’s lounges, for sure. I’m still dreaming of that lobster pasta.