1. Overview
This article discusses the luxury experience of flying Air Canada on direct flights to Dubai, featuring insights into business class and premium economy travel aboard the Dreamliner 787. We cover the comforts and services provided during these flights, along with tips for maximizing your travel experience.
We had the chance to sample both business class and premium economy on our direct flights to and from Dubai from Toronto on the Dreamliner 787.
A lot of people will say that you must fly to Dubai with one of the Middle Eastern Airlines to really do it in style. However, Air Canada was a fantastic choice.
We have flown Middle Eastern airlines and have even managed an upgrade or two on them. They were wonderful experiences, but I would like to also say, that you can enjoy luxury and comfort on Air Canada.
Air Canada Direct to Dubai
Air Canada now has direct flights from Toronto Pearson to Dubai International Airport, and it is already hugely popular.
As part of the Star Alliance Network, Air Canada is a great option for Canadians and international travelers.
U.S. customers can earn MileagePlus points (United customers) on Air Canada flights that serve over 50 US markets. Instead of connecting through the States, you can take a short hop over to Toronto instead of connecting through the busy New York, Chicago, or Atlanta hubs.
We Like Air Canada
We like flying Air Canada. When given the choice (and believe me, we have many), we always ask to fly them. For one, it’s because we love gathering points. We are point hoarders, after all. Furthermore, the friendly and comfortable feeling we have whenever we step on the plane adds to the experience, giving us that sense of relief—“Ah, we’re home.”
Air Canada Premium Economy
We flew to Dubai in Premium Economy with a bunch of other Canadians who spent time together in the Air Canada lounge before the flight. It seemed that everyone in the lounge that evening was flying to Dubai. Even the lounge attendant mentioned that the flight was very popular that evening.
Airport Lounge Access
Sitting in the Air Canada Star Alliance lounge is a great way to start a trip. With free food, beverages, and premium WiFi, it’s the perfect place to relax or catch up on work. You can even have a shower to freshen up if you desire.
When boarding the plane, we recognized each other and exchanged friendly nods of hello and how are you? Ten days later, we were back on the plane flying home and noticed that everyone was coming back on the same flight as us. I feel that this could only happen in Canada.
While standing in the departure lounge of the Dubai airport, all of us started talking. We recognized each other from the way there, and everyone was smiling, discussing what a great time we had in the city. It seemed that we were all waiting with baited breath to see if we made the upgrade list, hovering around the counter. To our delight, we flew back from Dubai in Business Class!
Business Class on Air Canada from Dubai
Good news! Every one of our newfound friends were upgraded to business class, and we were ready to enjoy the next 14 hours in style. Since our seats were last-minute upgrades, we were all scattered throughout the cabin. Typically Canadian, we offered up seats to each other to let everyone sit together. Within a few minutes, we were all happy and settled in.
I will admit, there were a lot of “sorrys” being said and apologies made to the flight attendants for our seat changes. However, they just smiled and adjusted the flight plan as if nothing happened. In business class, the flight attendants have a passenger list. When your seat is assigned, they introduce themselves and address you by name, enhancing the personalized service.
Being on the new 787 Dreamliner, we were very excited to experience business class. The Dreamliner is a larger and roomier airplane, and you can feel the difference the moment you board. Even the economy class has more room than usual, so you can imagine how luxurious business class is. The pods in business class on the Dreamliner are immense.
We enjoyed full-size TV screens, wide seats that recline completely into a bed, and the square shape offered a lot of privacy. Once we arrived, we were given a choice of refreshments and reading material.
Dave and I were taking pictures like mad, and nobody looked at us as though we were crazy at all. It’s a Canadian thing! On other flights, we felt embarrassed documenting business class due to the pressure to “act cool.” Nevertheless, this flight had a levity about it, and everyone was in a great mood!
A Bit About the Dreamliner 787
Air Quality on the Plane
The 787 Dreamliner has superior air quality compared to other planes. It filters the cabin air and pulls in fresh air from outside, helping to alleviate issues like dry sinuses on flights.
Environmental Consciousness
If you care about the environment (and you should), it’s good to know that the Dreamliner fleet may be larger, but they are also engineered for better aerodynamics. Their new engine technology reduces emissions and enhances fuel economy.
Windows
The windows are 33% larger, contributing to a more spacious cabin feel. I love the new electronic dimmer control that allows you to dim your windows while still being able to see outside. It’s not merely about having windows open or closed; now you can dim them.
Entertainment System
The screens and touchscreen system are larger and more advanced, offering an extensive variety of shows, movies, and games. Notably, Air Canada boasts my favorite entertainment system among all airlines. It’s easy to navigate, and you can start watching your favorite program the moment you board—there’s no need to turn it off until the doors open.
About Business Class
If you have ever flown business class, you know how difficult it is to revert to economy. We don’t get the chance to fly it all the time, but when we do, we savor every minute, because your vacation genuinely begins the moment you arrive at the airport.
With priority check-in, lounge access, and priority seating, you are truly treated like a star.
While others stood in line at the busy Dubai airport, we breezed through the Elite status lounge and were relaxing in no time. The Air Canada Lounge in Dubai was under construction during our visit, but I am sure it will be ready shortly, especially since Air Canada is a highly sought-after flight into the city.
We didn’t have to wait long until our flight began boarding. When it did, all the business class passengers boarded the plane first.
Business Class Premium Boarding
When flying business class, you have an entire overhead compartment dedicated to yourself, eliminating the scramble for space. Additionally, there is ample room in your pod for personal items, although you really don’t need to stow much nearby as everything you require is provided.
There is even a comfort care package that includes lip balm, hand creams, socks, and eye masks for added convenience. A bottle of water awaits you to sip on, and the flight attendants regularly circulate with drinks. Plus, a very comfortable duvet and fluffy down pillow are supplied to enhance your sleep experience.
Meals in Business Class
The meal service is exceptional, making you feel as if you are dining in a five-star restaurant. The food in both international lounges and the meal service offered in premium economy and business classes on flights departing from Canada features a new menu created by Canadian celebrity chef David Hawksworth.
In business class, meals are served on white linen and fine china. You start with an appetizer choice, and tonight we had an Arabic Mezze plate with walnut, halloumi cheese, and baba ghanoush.
The meal continues with a fresh salad of mixed greens, accompanied by a small bottle of balsamic vinaigrette dressing and bread. I enjoy dipping my bread into the balsamic dressing—delicious!
Main course options include garlic-crusted beef fillet with thyme shallot sauce, Middle Eastern chicken, seared cod fillet with tomato and olive ragout, or mushroom and ricotta-filled ravioli. By now, you might feel stuffed, but there’s more!
Cheese Cart
After each meal, flight attendants bring around a cart filled with cheese. I can’t get enough cheese, and naturally, I always request a sample of everything. Then it’s time to finish off with dessert of the day, ice cream, or seasonal fruit. Yum!
Usually, I enjoy my meal while watching a movie, but while flying in the 787 business class, I found myself unable to catch a wink due to the delightful choices of movies available. I laughed and cried into my duvet.
Whenever the munchies hit, I’d order a hot snack of chicken skewers. When I went to the washroom (which you never have to wait for in business), I grabbed a chocolate bar and a bag of chips. I know, this is getting ridiculous—I haven’t stopped eating for eight hours!
As I drifted off to sleep in my cozy little corner, I stretched my legs and rolled over, a luxury only possible when flying business class. It’s a life of luxury on Air Canada from Dubai, and that’s exactly how it should be.
When traveling to and from one of the world’s most expensive and exciting cities, shouldn’t you do it in style? If there is one time to splurge on an upgrade, it should be during your travels to Dubai. Start your dream trip off right and enjoy Dubai in style.
For more information on direct flights from Toronto to Dubai, visit AirCanada.com.
Our trip to Dubai was sponsored by Expedia.com as part of the Expedia Viewfinder program.
