Almost all of the flights between Canada and Japan is equipped with stylish product— so-called ”Signature Suite”. This time I chose to fly from Tokyo to Vancouver with its highest grade class to enjoy the new service, which Air Canada has upgraded a few years before. This product is now introduced to B77W, B788, and B789. However, you need to be careful when it comes to booking with Air Canada Rouge (the sub-company of Air Canada), because their long-distance aircraft, B767, does not introduce this renovated product.
Flight: AC004 (B787-9)
Route: Tokyo (NRT)- Vancouver (YVR)
Time: 18:40- 10:20(+1)
Duration: 8h40min (4681 miles)
Seat&Class: 3A (Signature Suite)
Business class passengers can go through the fast track at terminal 1, which is sometimes crowded in the morning. However, it is no problem at all, considering that Tokyo (Haneda) Airport does not have a fast track for Star Alliance business class passengers.
There are one United Airlines Lounge and two ANA Lounges at the T1 departure area, both of which are my favourite. The business class lounge is situated on the same floor, while the Global First Lounge is on the upper floor.
While United Club is crowded in the evening, ANA in the morning from my experience. This is because United operates much of its flights to the US in the evening and ANA to Europe and to the US in the morning. I like United Club’s relaxed and traditional style, but ANA Lounges, which have a variety of snacks and sophisticated facilities, are also preferable.
In addition, you can order Japanese style noodles such as Ramen or Udon, and Curry and rice at the ”Noodle Bar”, which I think is really nice.
I am delighted with the amenity of SHISEIDO, which is provided in the shower room. This facility is always kept clean, but be careful… as it is always crowded, especially in the noon and in the evening. What you have to do first is to make a reservation here!
This service is what I like the best amongst the lounges at Tokyo (Narita) Airport. The so-called ‘Sushi Chef Service’ is from around 3 to 4 p.m., at satellite 5 and is from 5 to 6 p.m., at satellite 4. Tuna, salmon, and prawn were served at that time.
Signature Suite is more or less between the normal first class and business class, although it is technically classified as business class. This is because Air Canada defines its highest product as Signature Suite (business class), which means they do not offer first class. More and more airlines abolish first class and refurbish business class.
The onboard dining, especially entrée and the main course, was nice. Personally speaking, I wanted to have more variety of desserts at the end… but this does not matter as a whole!
The seat was really comfortable, although I felt a little bit confined when I stretched my legs to have a nap. I came to like this functional Executive Pod.
Overall Impression
The flight was good on the whole. They provide us with the functional conveniences, nevertheless, the crew was nice to us. The business class seat is one of the best products throughout the world airliners. Seemingly, the new product is equipped with most of the flight to Asia, Europe, Australia, and with some of the Canadian transcontinental flights. I recommend you to select B777, B788 or B789 when having some options to choose from.