Air Canada Announces Improvements To Customer Experiences

In an announcement on Thursday, October 27, 2022, Air Canada confirmed there will be improvements coming to the customer experience for passengers from the front to the back of the plane.

The changes, including enhanced economy catering and more in-flight entertainment, will be brought in as of November 2022.

“Air Canada is committed to elevating the customer experience and offering the kind of world-class services Canadians can be proud of from their flag carrier,” said Mark Nasr, Senior Vice President of Products, Marketing, and eCommerce at Air Canada. “Accordingly, we are investing in all aspects of the journey to make travel even better for customers, including in our Economy and Premium cabins.

Here are the new experiences you can expect to enjoy on your upcoming Air Canada flights.

Changes To Air Canada’s Customer Experience

Whether it’s through the return of Air Canada’s chauffeur service or enhancements to the inflight experience, there’s something in Air Canada’s customer experience update that will benefit everyone.

Economy Cabins

The change that will affect most passengers is the exciting update to Air Canada’s international and North American economy class menus which will come into effect from November 1, 2022.

Destination-inspired appetizers and an entrée created by Chef Jérôme Ferrer will feature on the menu of international flights (excluding to the U.S.).

Passengers flying economy on flights within North America will enjoy new Bistro menu options such as a brioche bagel smoked salmon sandwich, a Montreal smoked meat sandwich, and a new farro salad and spiced chickpea wrap for vegans.

Premium Cabins

From November 1, 2022, and after a hiatus of over two-and-a-half years, hot towels, pre-departure drink presentation, and the hanging of coats and jackets will return for passengers flying in business class on international flights (excluding the U.S.).

The same passengers will also receive a new line of Acqua di Parma amenity kits while those traveling in international premium economy and on overnight flights in North America Signature Class will enjoy a tote bag filled with some basic amenities.

Both the new amenity kit and tote bag have been designed to minimize single-use plastics.

IFE

Passengers flying Premium Rouge (almost comparable to a domestic first class) on Air Canada’s low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge will enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access.

Further improvements to in-flight entertainment will come from 2023 by way of a 25% increase in entertainment content as well as live TV, Bluetooth audio connectively, and — 1 for the AvGeeks — an outside camera feature.

More details, including which aircraft will boast the IFE improvements, will be released by the airline in due course.

Airport Lounges

Select Maple Leaf lounges now have priority access to provide speedier access for Super Elite and business class passengers

Once inside, all of Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges at hub airports have returned to a full buffet service with the addition of some internationally-inspired cuisine such as stir fry and curries.

Inside Montreal’s Maple Leaf lounge you’ll find some local classics like poutine — arguably 1 of the best comfort foods in the world.

Final Thoughts

Changes are afoot across the board for Air Canada passengers.

Most noticeably should be the addition of Chef-curated meals in economy class, while the return of all service elements, inducing the chauffeur at Vancouver, in business class will certainly be welcomed by premium passengers.