Experience Luxury: A Business Class Flight to Asia with Air Canada

My first experience flying Business Class to Asia with Air Canada: Experience luxury on your journey…

Flying for extended hours can be quite challenging. After flying to Thailand in coach and suffering for 15 hours straight… I decided that paying for a business class flight to Asia with Air Canada was an investment worth making. My next 18-hour flight to Korea & Japan would be the perfect opportunity to experience luxury. So, I decided to sell a bodily organ for the flight upgrade. Here is what I experienced.

Before the Flight

We first arrived at the airport and was happy to get checked into a separate empty counter. A counter exclusive to individuals in business and first class. We both checked in, not One but TWO overweight bags for free!! After getting rid of our barely rollable bags, we walked through TSA and preceded to Air Canada’s lounge. I must say, the ambiance was pure sophistication. It gave miserably rich vibes. The food was not only aesthetically pleasing but also quite tasty. The service was what you would expect from business class. It was excellent and attentive.

Boarding the Flight

Once it came time for our flight, we got a notice from inside the lounge, that boarding had started. We were in zone 1 (of course). We got there a bit late as they were already boarding zone 3. However, there was a separate counter for us, so we walked in right away. I felt like this was a total big black shades moment, that I missed!

Entering The Flight

The business section was just lovely. Once entering the plane, we were sectioned off to the left. This was nice, as it avoided the awkward stares from people walking by. I’m sure we’ve all done it before. Walking past & staring at those very fortunate souls. The ones that would have the option of reclining flat and sleep comfortably, the whole flight. Instead, the journey would include painfully sitting in a matchbox seat, with knees practically touching chest. All while being at risk for catching a blood clot…but I digress.

We walked up to single-seat rows, each chair having its own little cubicle. On each chair, were little gifts. These gifts included slippers, a small yellow bag with toiletries, socks, headphones (that wasn’t ours to keep)…and a hotel quality pillow and blanket.

We were lucky because we were seated right next to the windows. We each had two windows. Apparently, the seats in row 1 & 5 only have one window (so maybe avoid). These windows had a transition option between clear or a beautiful translucent purplish-blue tint. This tint was dark enough to block the outside light. This replaced the pull-down shield. I loved this, as it was beautiful to watch.

Once seated, we were greeted by our last names, by our designated flight attendant. She walked over holding a tray of water & champagne glasses. The seat itself had numerous setting options to choose from. From sitting straight up, to sitting mid-way reclined, to fully lying flat… It even had massage features, along with softness/firmness options. It granted us the ability to pick how soft we wanted the chair to be. Crazy cool Right?

Meals and Entertainment

We were given a menu that had at least 5 entree options. We had 3 mealtimes. These times included, dinner, a late-night snack and of course breakfast. My favorite meal was the chicken pot pie (a late-snack option). This menu option could be requested anytime during the flight. I must say, Air Canada’s pot pie was so delicious. Eating it felt like a grandmother’s hug, on the inside. I still have yet to find anything like it.

For dinner our appetizer was salmon with salad and garlic bread. I chose chicken with teriyaki noodles for dinner. It tasted pretty good. However, I felt like it was missing something, maybe bread or potatoes. But that could also be because I’m obsessed with carbs. Desert was either a brown sugar tart, cheese, grapes and crackers, or fruits (I chose the cheese tray). Later I ordered their wedged potatoes, that also included a very dark chocolate bar…(Lindth 70% cacao- bitter but delicious).

The entertainment was as expected. Endless movies and show options. A touchscreen TV, that also had a handheld remote that could not only operate the television, but also the lighting, and the call bell.

Nap Time

Sleeping was just lovely. Lying flat on a plane to Asia was everything!!! The pillow was fluffy, and the blanket was very cozy. Even though I was very comfortable in a flat lying, soft-setting chair, I was way too excited get into a real deep sleep. I went from reading a book for 5 minutes to watching a movie for 10 minutes, then going book to the book for 2 minutes, followed by ordering more delicious food.

So needless to say, I might have slept for about 10 minutes. The flight was perfectly quiet & peaceful. I was still very grateful for the little naps that I was able to take.

Final thoughts

Although business class seat would be considered a luxury, sometimes for extended flights, it is rather a true necessity. It truly was an exhilarating experience. We flew business on Air Canada and it was like being at a spa on a plan.

Now it’s true that not all flights are created equal. I was reminded of this on my way back, when having to make a last-minute change flying with United Airlines. This was due to a significant delay with Air Canada’s flight, which would cause me to be stuck in Texas. After experience the level of luxury with Air Canada’s flight, I was left wanting more on United Airlines. Although the seats did fully recline, the food and even customer service was subpar.

Air Canada’s business class was worth every penny I spent, and an experience I will never forget. I hope to make it a yearly splurge, if the good Lord permits. No one ever remembers the money they spent on an experience (unless their still making payments, lol). So, buy that expensive ticket, wear those extra-large black shades, pack 2 overweight bags, and fly in absolute luxury. Even if it’s once in this lifetime. DO IT! I promise it will be an unforgettable experience you will forever treasure.

Written By:

Stephanie Marshall

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