Why This 16-Hour Journey Impressed Me
The verdict? Air Canada’s Singapore-Vancouver route offers surprisingly good value in economy class, with wider seats than expected, genuinely friendly service, and excellent lounge access for Star Alliance members, making the lengthy journey (14.5 hours eastbound, 16 hours westbound) far more bearable than anticipated.
After years of hearing mixed reviews about Air Canada, I wanted to check it out for myself, so I approached my flight from Singapore to Vancouver with cautious optimism. What I discovered was a carrier that’s clearly invested in improving its long-haul economy experience, particularly on this crucial Pacific route.
The Journey: Singapore to Vancouver Direct
Air Canada operates this route with its Boeing 787 Dreamliner, offering one of the few direct connections between Southeast Asia and Western Canada, and the only one from Singapore. The flight time varies with wind conditions – 14.5 hours eastbound from Singapore to Vancouver, and 16 hours on the return journey, making it a proper long-haul test for any airline’s economy product.
Pre-Flight: Star Alliance Lounge Access
One immediate advantage of flying Air Canada is the Star Alliance membership, which granted me access to Singapore Changi’s excellent lounges. The SilverKris Lounge provided a peaceful start to the journey, with proper dining options and comfortable seating – a crucial respite before the long flight ahead.
On the way back, the Canada Air lounge was precisely what I needed to prepare me for the long flight ahead. I grabbed a meal and a glass of wine from the bar and opened up my laptop to do a little work in peace, using the free lounge Wi-Fi – perfect!
The Aircraft and Seating
Air Canada’s 787 economy cabin impressed from the outset. The seats measure 32 inches in pitch with 17.3 inches in width – genuinely wider than many competitors on this route. Whilst hardly business class comfort, the extra width made a noticeable difference during the overnight portions of the flight. The 3-3-3 configuration feels less cramped than the 3-4-3 layout found on many airlines’ 777s.
Each seat features a personal 9-inch touchscreen with Air Canada’s entertainment system, USB ports, and AC power outlets—essential for such a lengthy journey.
Service That Surprised
The most pleasant surprise was the cabin crew’s approach to service. Air Canada’s staff maintained genuine friendliness throughout the journey. I received two meals (well, I think it was three, but I was asleep). They were accommodating when asked questions, friendly when delivering the meal preferences, and patient with the inevitable requests that come with spending 14-16 hours in the air.
Entertainment and Connectivity
The entertainment system offered a decent selection of recent films, television programmes, and music. The screen quality was sharp, and the interface was responsive. Wi-Fi was available for purchase, though at typical airline pricing. (Which I did not need as I slept most of the flight)
Meals and Refreshments
Air Canada provided two full meals plus a light snack service. The initial dinner offered a choice between pasta and a vegetarian meal. The breakfast before landing was standard but adequate. More importantly, the crew maintained regular drink service, and water and snacks were available in the back throughout the flight (including twigz, sandwiches and biscuits)
The Verdict
For lengthy economy flights of 14-16 hours, Air Canada exceeded expectations. The combination of wider seats, genuinely friendly service, and reliable operations made these Pacific crossings surprisingly comfortable. Add in the Star Alliance lounge benefits, and it represents solid value for money on this important route.
Would I fly Air Canada economy from Singapore to Vancouver again? Absolutely – particularly given the direct routing and overall passenger experience.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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so useful, thanks..!