Best Guide to Air Canada First Class Seats, Food, and Routes

Flying in the very front of an Air Canada wide-body jet is one of the most luxurious ways to travel. Air Canada officially calls this cabin Signature Class, and it is clearly the airline’s true first-class product, a private, refined, lie-flat cabin designed to compete with top international first-class options.

As Canada’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, Air Canada has chosen not to use the traditional “First Class” name. Instead, it puts all its luxury into Signature Class, making it the highest level of comfort and service the airline offers. In 2025, it will continue to be Air Canada’s most premium way to fly.

Does Air Canada Have First Class?

Yes, but Air Canada named it the Signature Class.

The airline retired its traditional International First Class more than a decade ago and introduced a better, upgraded product: Signature Class. It’s offered only on long-haul international flights and select transcontinental routes in North America. Today, this is Air Canada’s top cabin and the closest thing to first class on the airline.

Air Canada Signature Class Seats: Executive Pod vs Classic Pod

Every Signature Class seat offers direct aisle access and a fully lie-flat bed. Air Canada uses two main seat types:

Executive Pod:

(with privacy doors on most, but not all, installations)

• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9, 787-10, Airbus A330-300 (most units), and some Boeing 777-300ER

• Layout: 1-2-1 (staggered)

• Privacy door: Yes on all 787-9 and 787-10 delivered since 2021, and on many (but not yet all) retrofitted A330s and 777s. A small number of A330s and older 777s still lack doors.

• Bed length: Up to 203.2 cm (80 inches / approximately 6′8″) when fully flat

• Screen: 18–18.5-inch touchscreen

• Features: Wireless charging, adjustable mood lighting, lumbar support + massage function

Classic Pod (no privacy doors):

• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER and 777-200LR (older configurations)

• Layout: 1-2-1 (staggered) on most 777-300ER; some older 777-300ER still use 1-1-1 herringbone

• Privacy: Tall dividers only, no sliding doors

• Bed length: Up to 203.2 cm (80 inches / approximately 6′8″)

• Screen: 18-inch touchscreen

• Features: Same premium amenities as Executive Pod (wireless charging and mood lighting are present on the newest Classic Pod installations)

Common to both versions

• Noise-canceling headphones.

• Mattress pad, duvet, and pillow from Canadian brand Want Les Essentiels.

• Turndown service on night flights.

• Large work surface and multiple power/USB ports.

Also read How to Make Air Canada Reservations

Air Canada First Class vs Business Class: Key Differences

Bottom line: If you're flying across an ocean, Signature Class is far superior.

Air Canada First Class International Routes (2025)

Signature Class is available on almost all long-haul international flights from Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR). Destinations include:

Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rome, Athens, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, and more.

Asia: Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Delhi, Mumbai.

Middle East: Dubai, Doha (codeshare).

South America: São Paulo, Buenos Aires.

Africa: Seasonal Casablanca.

South Pacific: Sydney, Brisbane (seasonal)

All of these routes are flown by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Boeing 777-300ER, or Airbus A330, each equipped with the full Signature Class cabin.

Air Canada First-Class Food: One of the Best in the Sky

The food in Signature Class is one of its biggest highlights. Air Canada works with some of Canada’s most well-known chefs, including:

• David Hawksworth (Vancouver)

• Vikram Vij (Vancouver)

• Jérôme Ferrer (Montréal)

• Antonio Park (Montréal/Toronto)

The menu changes every month and varies by flight, and is “designed by Canadian culinary experts”.

For drinks, you can enjoy:

• Champagne: Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut (served generously) or Dom Pérignon in the Signature Suite

• A wine list curated by Véronique Rivest, one of the top sommeliers in the world

Signature Class also features Dine on Demand, meaning you can order anything from the menu whenever you want, with no set meal times.

Also read Air Canada Business Class: Seats, Menu, Lounges & more

Exclusive Perks Only in Signature Class

• Air Canada Signature Suite (YYZ & YVR): A separate, ultra-luxury lounge with à la carte dining, private spa treatment rooms, a Moët & Chandon bar, quiet areas, and valet parking.

• Complimentary chauffeur service: BMW Chauffeur limited to YYZ and YVR (not broader "select cities") for eligible international connections.

• Priority everything: priority check-in, security, boarding (Zone 1), and baggage.

• Fast-track immigration: available at major Canadian airports for quicker arrivals.

Final Verdict: Book Your Seat in the Sky

If you’ve wondered, does Air Canada have first class? Signature Class is the answer, a modern, elevated version of it. With spacious Air Canada first class seats, chef-designed Air Canada first class food, and exclusive lounges, the experience is far above regular business class. In the Air Canada first class vs business class comparison, Signature Class clearly leads in comfort, privacy, and service. And with a wide range of Air Canada first-class international routes, it remains the best way to enjoy premium long-haul travel with Air Canada.

Ready to experience true luxury in the sky? Book your Air Canada Signature Class flight with Flightsquest for the best fares, easy booking, and 24/7 support. Fly smarter and reserve your seat today with Flightsquest.

FAQs About Air Canada First Class (Signature Class)

Q.1: Does Air Canada still have first class in 2025?

• Yes, it is called Signature Class and is better than the old first class ever was.

Q2: Which aircraft have the best Air Canada first-class seats?

• The Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 – they have the newest Executive Pods with guaranteed privacy doors. Many A330s and some 777s have doors too, but only the 787-9/10 guarantee them. Choose these if the door matters to you.

Q.3: Is Air Canada Signature Class worth the price?

• On flights longer than 8 hours, absolutely. The lie-flat bed, food, lounge, and privacy rival Emirates, Qatar, and Singapore's first class.

Q.4: Can you upgrade to Air Canada first class with points?

• Yes, Aeroplan members can bid with points or cash via eUpgrade (up to 48 hours before departure).

Q.5: Do all international flights have Signature Class?

• Nearly all wide-body long-haul flights do. Narrow-body or regional jets do not.

Q.6: Is the food better than regular business class?

• Yes, meals are created by top Canadian chefs, with anytime dining and premium drinks like Laurent-Perrier Champagne.

Q.7: Is there a chauffeur service?

• Yes, Chauffeur is limited to YYZ and YVR (not broader "select cities"). Signature Class passengers get BMW chauffeur transfers for international connections.