When Air Canada sent me an exclusive invite to go on one of their aircrafts, I was so in! This is travel agent life! I love going to the international airport, seeing all the travellers with excitement on their faces and the anticipation of visiting a new destination. And as a travel advisor there’s nothing better than having firsthand experience to share with my clients for their own journeys.
My Air Canada Experience
Getting up early on a crisp winter’s day in Brisbane I took the Airtrain to the International airport. It was a breeze to sit on a train which arrived directly at the terminal. No driving and getting stuck in traffic along the motorway, no going around in circles trying to find a park…as soon as I stepped off the airtrain it was only a 20 metre walk directly into the departures hall.
I meet the wonderful Janis from Air Canada for a coffee and smashed avo, and we chatted all things Canada while looking out at gate 80 which had a lovely view of AC36, the direct flight which departs at 10.00am six days a week to Vancouver.
When boarding the aircraft I was greeted directly by the pilots and flight attendants who were all so friendly and chatty as they were setting up the cabins for the flight. I walked straight into business class of course; it was fun to sit in the business class seats and stretch out my legs, they were very comfortable and have heaps of leg room.
I also checked out the separate Premium Economy cabin which is a lovely private space. The seats have very good seat width…no more shoulders getting knocked by trolley carts and people walking by to the bathrooms.
The economy cabin is light and well appointed with a large screen, good arm rests, phone chargers and they provide cushions and blankets to keep you comfy.
Air Canada Services from Australia
The last time I travelled to Canada it was the long way as there were no direct flights from Brisbane. However now Air Canada has six direct flights a week between May-Oct and from Nov they are daily. Sydney to Vancouver currently has daily services and from Dec-March they have 10 weekly services. Auckland to Vancouver has four weekly services during peak season between late Nov-March.
For Western Australia travellers Air Canada offers an alternative option instead of flying to Sydney or Brisbane and onto North America, travellers from Perth can fly up to Singapore on a code share flight and connect on a direct Singapore to Vancouver flight with Air Canada. Also another great option is Perth to Auckland code share, and Auckland to Vancouver, which can break up the journey nicely. This is a great option for Perth travellers to fly via Singapore or Auckland as the transit process is easy because its going from an international flight to another international flight, instead of via east coast of Australia from a domestic flight transiting to an international flight, air terminal changes.
If you’ve ever arrived at LAX and had to transit to another flight and said to yourself that you’ll never do that again as it was so stressful, Air Canada now has over 100 destinations within North America and Vancouver airport is a breeze compared to the craziness that is LAX!
If you’re landing at Vancouver airport and have an onwards journey with Air Canada, you don’t need to get your baggage as they check it through to your final destination in Canada and America. US customs and immigration is within Vancouver airport, with friendly Canadians doing US customs which makes it so much easier and pleasant.
The Aircraft from Brisbane
Air Canada from Brisbane fly on the beautiful Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner widebody. Inside the cabins the feel is very light and spacious.
Checked Baggage allowance:
There’s also the handy option to pre-purchase additional baggage in Canada before your trip home if you’ve done lots of shopping on your trip.
Economy class recently won the best in-flight entertainment award from Skytrax!
And for Premium Economy and Business class, you can pre-order what meals you’d like from the menu before you depart.
Flight Times
When flying Air Canada from Brisbane you’ll arrive at Vancouver in 13 hours and 45 minutes.
And from Sydney you’ll arrive at Vancouver in 14 hours and 35 minutes.
Loyalty Memberships
When you fly Air Canada you’ll be able to earn Virgin Velocity points and status credits.
Gold & Platinum Velocity members have access to the Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges. At Brisbane airport the code share lounge is at the beautiful Air New Zealand airport lounge.
If you’re looking for a Canada travel specialist…
Hello I’m Bernadette, your personal travel agent with TravelManagers where I’ve taken my extensive experience from working in corporate travel to now arranging personal holidays creating lifetime memories for my clients.
Please reach out and let’s chat all things Canada:
Mobile: 0491 689 870
Email: [email protected]
Website: travelmanagers.com.au/BernadetteAndrews
Happy Travels!
