My first long-haul flight across the Pacific bridges Australian and Canadian kindness, thanks to thoughtful Air Canada service and noticeably jovial conversation on this friendly flight.
The seat and the route
Brisbane (BNE) to Vancouver (YVR). Seat 36C on a Boeing 787-9.
13 hours 15 minutes.
Is there a loyalty scheme?
Aeroplan members can earn points with Air Canada and any of its 45+ partner airlines, including Virgin Australia, Emirates and United Airlines.
As a founding member of the Star Alliance, Air Canada allows its passengers to share select loyalty program benefits and privileges – I enjoyed watching the points roll in to my Velocity Frequent Flyer account.
Onboard, Aeroplan members gain access to free Wi-Fi and texting, allowing travellers to stay connected with family back home as Brisbane fades into the distance.
How was the airport experience?
My trip actually begins down south at Melbourne Airport (MEL), where self-check-in and bag drop is seamless and foolproof. I triple check my bag tag lists Vancouver as its final stop and a subsequent email notification offers the confirmation I need for some peace of mind.
Arriving in Brisbane, a convenient shuttle bus whisks me from domestic arrivals to international departures. The driver is exceptionally chipper, announcing each stop for clarity.
I bypass The Coffee Club, McDonald’s and a few boutique cafes to grab a yoghurt and lentil salad from Hudsons Coffee. This lands me in front of Gate 81 where I sit to watch my flight approaching.
Is there lounge access?
There is no Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Brisbane Airport, but multiple pay-per-use lounges are available.
The Plaza Premium Lounge on level 3 near Gate 77 of the international terminal offers a morning and evening sitting – 6am to 12pm or 5.30pm to 11pm – and all international travellers are welcome to discover why airport lounges are worthwhile.
There is also Brisbane Airport Escape Lounge on level 4. It offers complimentary food and drink, as well as Wi-Fi and charging ports. It’s open every day from 6am to 1am, bookings can be made online or you can decide on the day.
How were the cabin and seat?
My aisle seat in Economy Class in row 36 has me well placed for the full Air Canada experience. At over six-foot tall, I appreciate being able to stretch out my legs.
The seat’s sturdy, adjustable headrest and five-inch recline (approx. 13cm) make for a relatively comfortable sleep as we cross the International Date Line, while the 17-inch (44cm) seat width is enough to separate my shoulders from 36B.
Passengers in a window seat hold more power than ever before when flying onboard a Boeing 787-9 thanks to the electronically dimmable window (EDW) system that does away with traditional pull-down shades.
How was the in-flight dining and service?
Having accidentally missed the 48-hour pre-flight cutoff for dietary requirements (vegetarian, guilty), I make do with some leftover lentil salad as my main meal. In a terrific turn of events come breakfast time, the flight attendant from dinner service remembers my predicament and offers me second serve of fluffy pancakes with a berry jam. While there’s no maple syrup, it’s a lovely introduction to Canadian hospitality.
As one of 298 passengers (247 in Economy) on the trans-Pacific flight, I didn’t expect such considered service, but a surprise tray table Tim Tam is another sign Air Canada shows great care for its guests.
My aisle mates don’t miss out and enjoy a beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, which I am informed hit the spot. Their mid-flight snack of chicken, mayo and cucumber sandwiches also look the part while I enjoy a couple of corn fritters with my tea.
How was the in-flight entertainment?
The hero of my 13-hour flight is quality and depth of Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment. Despite not being able to access the onboard Wi-Fi, I’m well entertained between naps with an impressive offering from Apple TV, Disney+, Audible and Apple Fitness. I manage eight episodes of Ted Lasso.
There is even guided meditation for those keen to reach Zen at 35,000 feet above sea level.
For sports fans, Air Canada also has wall-to-wall live coverage, courtesy of TSN, RDS and Sportsnet which allow me to catch the Roland-Garros Women’s Singles final on my return to Australia.
A final thought
Considerate staff, impressive entertainment options and very limited turbulence made for a comfortable flight from Brisbane to Vancouver.
If you can sit through twice as many in-flight announcements as usual (English and French) then Air Canada is the airline for you.
The writer travelled with the support of The Rocky Mountaineer.
