With a short notice trip across Canada came last-minute prices that had me looking at using points instead. Aeroplan options weren’t much better leaving me with a redeye flight. Since after every redeye flight I take I vow it will be the last, I decided to bump my flight up to business class. Although this was done with the idea of comfort and rest in mind, truthfully I did it so I could bring you this Air Canada 777 business class review.
I know, so selfless of me. You’re welcome
2022 Update – Vancouver to Cancun
Before getting into my original post between YVR and YYZ, I want to share my takeaways from a recent Air Canada 777 business class between Vancouver and Cancun. This was the first leg on my crazy Aeroplan booked trip covering eight countries on three continents and my first international trip in 2+ years due to the pandemic.
For the most part, my experience between Vancouver and Toronto remains similar with the seats and service. Meal service was different (and much better) due to duration and not being a red-eye flight. This included a very good fruit compote and maple butter-topped pancake along with fresh fruit. The Caesars still flowed freely and, despite having to deal with pandemic restrictions, the staff was attentive and friendly. Thanks to the pod seats, given the option I would take this 777 vs the 737’s Air Canada and Westjet typically run on this route.
And now, back to the YVR-YYZ review.
Seats
Now if this flight would have been the same as my last Air Canada business class review I would’ve passed on the extra 12.5 K points to upgrade. Thanks to sites like seatguru.com I was able to confirm that the seats on this Air Canada 777 business class review we’re going to be the newer pod style.
Sold.
My first impression of the seats was that they are well laid out and spacious. They recline flat, which was great for my overnight flight, and have the most elaborate seat controls of any business class flight I’ve ever taken.
One downside of these pods, for me at least, was the sliding meal tray was in a locked position. This only allowed me to lay on my back and made me feel a little claustrophobic in an otherwise spacious seat. Now obviously as I type this it seems pretty stuck up to say that I could only lay completely flat and stretched out on my back in an airplane seat (poor Shaun), but with the amount of space available in these pods, this does seem like a bit of a design flaw.
Service
Again, the great layout of the pods on this Air Canada 777 business class review made the flight. Possibly the best part was the storage cabinet. This left things like my phone, notebook, and headphones easily accessible. Service was a touch lacking. The only time I pressed the service button was to get a drink. Instead of coming to my seat to check it off, they waited till they rolled the cart around almost 10 minutes later.
Again, poor Shaun.
Food & Drink
Without hopes of getting a meal at the Vancouver Maple Leaf Lounge dashed before our flight we said, “oh well, they will feed us on the plane.” Not so much…but they did give us a menu…
This was a redeye flight so I understand that there was no dinner service but I should’ve looked into it first. They did give us an assortment of very Canadian snacks, then breakfast before landing.
Entertainment
In-flight entertainment on this air Canada 777 business class review was another highlight. The screens are the largest I’ve seen in any of my business class reviews and there were plenty of movies, games, and TV shows to keep me entertained.
Overall
Overall, this trip was worth the extra 12.5 K points. The comfort to get some shut-eye and entertainment were pluses but was let down by the underwhelming service and “claustrophobic” pod. I should have also looked ahead (or on my booking reference) about meal service. My bad.
What say you?
Thoughts on this Air Canada 777 Business Class Review?
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For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE.
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