Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada, has opened a new premium dining lounge for paid, long-haul business class passengers at Vancouver International Airport.
- Where is it?
- Lounge and dining
- Drinks and bar
- Food
- Other amenities
- Who can access the space?
- Final thoughts
The second location for Air Canada, follows the successful launch of the Signature Suite in Toronto, and offers à la carte dining curated and designed by Vancouver chef David Hawksworth, can seat 105 customers, and is located in a prime location within Air Canada’s international departure gates.
Location at YVR
In Photos: Lounge and dining area
Lounge and dining area 
Dining area 
Lounge
The 4400-square-foot space features gourmet snacks, a comfortable sitting area, concierge service, and full-service cocktail lounge and bar featuring spirits from Diageo, Moët & Chandon Champagne, and other cocktails.
In Photos: Full-service bar
Courtesy: Air Canada 
Courtesy: Air Canada
In Photos: Food
Gourmet snacks 
Salads 
Selection of bites
Other amenities
Passengers accessing this space can appreciate other amenities including local art inspired by and celebrating the Pacific Coast landscape. Pieces include Shape Agenda by Vancouver sculptor Jordy Buckles, as well as photography from Montrealer Nicolas Ruel, Victoria Peak.
Luxury skin care products from Molton Brown are also made available so passengers can freshen up before boarding their flight.
Who can access the space?
The Air Canada Signature Suite is restricted to only paying passengers on Air Canada Signature Class (international business class)—this policy extends to travelling companions, too. This means mile redemption tickets, eUpgrades, and Air Canada Altitude status won’t qualify for visits.
The space definitely feels much more exclusive and premium than other lounges worldwide, and Air Canada passengers will be pleasantly surprised by how this competes with similar offerings by other airlines around the world.
Final thoughts
This is a logical next location for Air Canada as it is the hub for many Asia-bound routes and is a great place for passengers to stop and enjoy a great meal before boarding their long-haul flights.
While access to the Air Canada Signature Suite is more restrictive than I’d like and I’d love to see the ability to bring a guest with a paid long-haul business ticket, this is a great option for those looking to have a culinary experience before boarding their flight for a nice rest.
International business class passengers booked through mile redemptions, eUpgrades, and status who don’t have access to the Air Canada Signature Suite still have access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge.
Let us know what you think of the lounge! Leave a comment below.
