On the Ground: For years I have suggested travelers who do not live close to an airport with direct service should look to Air Canada as an option. If you have to transfer through an airport in the United States to connect to your flight to Asia, Canada might be a better option. I found it easy and less congested than many of the airports in the United States. My flight was a quick 55 minutes from Philadelphia to Toronto Pearson International Airport, where you land and connect in the same terminal. All I had to do was go through the connecting immigrations desk and walk to my gate, no additional security. The flight out of Philadelphia was at 6 a.m., and checking in online was easy with aircanda.com. I was at the gate in plenty of time, checking emails.
Pre-Flight: When I arrived in Toronto, I exchanged some U.S. dollars for Hong Kong dollars before heading to the Maple Leaf Lounge. Having eaten breakfast on board, I was good to go but took notice of the offerings available, including hard-boiled eggs, fresh fruit, cereals and pastries. The lounge has a great deal of reading material; I picked up a Globe and Mail for the flight and selected one of the work stations to do a little business on my laptop. In less than an hour, I walked to the gate and was on board in a jiffy through the business-class access lane. In seat 2A, I put my hand luggage away and sat down to get organized. My jacket was immediately taken by Christian, who along with his team looked out for me during my entire flight. They served juice, water and sparkling wine and distributed more papers; this gave me a few minutes to catch up on the South China Morning Post. I liked the way the headsets were all pre-plugged — great idea, as I often scramble in the darkness of the cabin to find the outlet. Amenity kits, pillows and blankets were pre-distributed on the seats.
In-Flight: At first glance, I was not sure if the Air Canada Executive First Suite (business-class) seat was long enough. I am over 6 feet tall and can have some issues fitting into some seats. When fully reclined, however, I had more than enough room, and the back portion of the seat where your shoulders lie is very roomy. As we were preparing for takeoff, the crew took drink orders for cruising altitude and distributed menus. In the menu, Air Canada was proud to have Chef Jonathan Goodyear’s winning appetizer from Top Chef Canada — a seared albacore tuna. The choices for lunch were stir-fried pork loin strips, braised chicken, sautéed Atlantic salmon and grilled beef tenderloin. I chose the pork, which was tasty but filling, with the salad and appetizer prior. The meal was accompanied by a selection of wines purveyed by Ken Chase, whose selections always fare very well at Global Traveler’s Wines on the Wing airline wine competition. I selected the Santa Ema Terroir Estate Sauvignon Blanc, which went well with my lunch. The meal was followed by a cheese course and a warm chocolate pecan brownie with a dollop of whipped cream.
After eating, I decided it was time to nap on the flat-bed seat, which was comfortable. Kudos to Boeing for continuing to keep air vents controllable to passengers on the Boeing 777; I was able to remain cool during the flight. After my nap, I attacked business for many hours and was pleased with the easily reachable power outlet. I remember the days when I used to travel with three backup batteries for my laptop. After I completed my work while watching a few films, I took another nap until breakfast was served and we prepared for landing.
The Experience: Seems like a no-brainer to me — easy connections through Toronto; a fine business-class flat-bed seat; and a seasoned, professional and friendly crew. I would recommend Air Canada for your next flight to the Pacific.
GT Checklist
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged bags
- Airport lounge
- Complimentary in-lounge food
- Priority boarding
- Helpful and courteous flight attendants
- Pre-flight beverage service
- Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
- Extensive on-demand menu
- Self-serve in-flight pantry
- Amenity kits
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Mattress and comforter
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
A New Perspective on Incentive Travel
Incentive travel has long been a way for organizations to drive sales and reward employees with opulent trips to exotic destinations. Today it encompasses even more.
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis