{"id":51374,"date":"2026-06-18T15:54:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T05:54:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=51374"},"modified":"2026-06-18T16:02:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T06:02:54","slug":"air-canada-boeing-787-flight-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/air-canada-boeing-787-flight-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Tim Tams & Pancakes: Air Canada’s Sweet Service From Brisbane to BC"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For flights as smooth as maple syrup, Air Canada knows how to make passengers feel right at home aboard its Boeing 787-9.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My first long-haul flight across the Pacific bridges Australian and Canadian kindness, thanks to thoughtful Air Canada<\/a> service and noticeably jovial conversation on this friendly flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seat and the route<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Brisbane (BNE) to Vancouver (YVR). Seat 36C on a Boeing 787-9.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13 hours 15 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a loyalty scheme?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aeroplan<\/a> members can earn points with Air Canada and any of its 45+ partner airlines, including Virgin Australia, Emirates and United Airlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a founding member of the Star Alliance, Air Canada allows its passengers to share select loyalty program benefits and privileges \u2013 I enjoyed watching the points roll in to my Velocity Frequent Flyer account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How was the airport experience?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I bypass The Coffee Club, McDonald\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there lounge access?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There is no Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge<\/a> at Brisbane Airport, but multiple pay-per-use lounges are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Plaza Premium Lounge<\/a> on level 3 near Gate 77 of the international terminal offers a morning and evening sitting \u2013 6am to 12pm or 5.30pm to 11pm \u2013 and all international travellers are welcome to discover why airport lounges are worthwhile<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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