Air Canada to offer 'lie-flat' seats on US bound business class

This summer, passengers flying business class between certain American cities will be able to ‘lie flat’ on Air Canada’s new Signature Service line.

Though this service is already available on international flights, it comes with some key perks. With your business class ticket, you’ll be able to get checked-in passed security faster, get onboard the aircraft faster, and receive priority baggage handling. Further, you’re able to take advantage of airport concierge services and special food and beverage selections.

According to Air Canada’s Benjamin Smith, president of passenger airlines, these “transcontinental lie-flat seats” will be offered on red-eye flights to Toronto from Los Angeles, Vancouver and San Francisco.

But there’s even more luxury in store for later this year.

Air Canada will introduce a valet service that takes you from the Signature business class along the tarmac in a BMW, to your connecting international flight. This added amenity will be available to “full-fare premium cabin customers who qualify, starting later in 2018.”

Smith says its designed for customers on long trips with extended itineraries who “place a high value on convenience and comfort” while travelling.

With this move, Air Canada has become the first “North American airline with lie-flat seats on flights to Canada.” Other carriers such as JetBlue and United do offer this service, however, only on domestic flights in the U.S., not across the border.

Some believe this is part of Air Canada’s ploy to attract U.S. customers.

“In recent years, Air Canada has bulked up its schedule to include dozens more international destinations including Taipei, Reykjavík, Mumbai, Lima, and Melbourne, and now offers a free stopover program in Toronto and Vancouver, which lets travelers spend up to one week in either city on their way to or from the U.S. Given the favorable exchange rate—and the news of these lie-flat seats—Canada has never looked better.”