The fastest (most relaxing) route to NYC might surprise you.

New York might be the world's most exciting city, but getting there - especially travelling through LAX - can sometimes be a bore.

What many Australians might not realise is that one of the fastest (and most comfortable) routes to the Big Apple is via Vancouver, which Air Canada now serves with direct services from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Not only can Air Canada get you to the US east coast quickly, it can do so in style, with luggage checked all the way through to NYC, US Customs fast-tracked at Vancouver Airport and a luxurious flat-bed experience laid out for the entire journey.

We asked Air Canada General Manager Australia and New Zealand Vic Naughton to explain why Air Canada has been named 'Best Airline in North America' seven times in the past nine years:

Q: How many flights does Air Canada currently operate to/from the Australian market?

“We now offer daily non-stop services from Sydney and Brisbane to Vancouver, and fly three times a week from Melbourne, which will go to four times a week in November.

“From Vancouver we provide convenient and seamless connections to more than 60 airports across Canada and more than 55 in the US, including New York, Boston and Las Vegas. In fact, in almost every case it is quicker to fly with us from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to New York via Vancouver than via LAX. And we also offer the fastest service to key US west coast cities such as Seattle”.

Q: What aircraft does Air Canada use on its Australian routes?

From Brisbane and Melbourne we use state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, and from Sydney we use a Boeing 777. All of the aircraft offer the same outstanding inflight experience and three classes of service: Signature Class (Air Canada's new international business class), Premium Economy and Economy.”

Q: How does the Air Canada inflight experience compare to competitors?

“With the recent introduction of Signature Class, I'm proud to say Air Canada has really elevated the international premium travel experience across the Pacific.

“We focused not just on the aircraft seat and the on-board experience – two elements that are vitally important – but every touch point along the way, from the moment the passenger arrives at the airport to the moment they arrive at the gateway, and beyond if they need any assistance.

"It all starts at the airport with our unique Air Canada concierges, who are dedicated solely to serving our Signature Class customers Signature Class customers also receive access to our Maple Leaf lounges, expedited check-in and security clearance, priority baggage handling and preferential boarding. On-board they can relax in our lie-flat executive pods, which are arranged in a one-two-one configuration offering all-aisle access.”

Q: Is Premium Economy available on all of Air Canada’s Australian services?

“Yes, and it’s an increasingly popular option for corporate travellers because Premium Economy provides more legroom and recline, along with wider seats equipped with enhanced definition intuitive touch personal entertainment screens.

“In addition, Premium Economy passengers enjoy a separate cabin, premium meals and priority check-in and baggage delivery at the airport.”

Q: Is the international product also available on your trans-continental flights?

"It is, and that's an important point.

"Australian passengers know that with some airlines you can book business class all the way but what you actually end up getting is different business class products on different sectors, especially in North America. So you never quite know what you are going to get. But with Air Canada, passengers can be confident they will enjoy the same quality Signature Class across our widebody fleet. That means a lie-flat bed all the way from Australia to New York.”

Q: Why is Vancouver International Airport emerging as such a popular gateway to North America?

“Vancouver International Airport has been named by Skytrax as 'Best Airport in North America' for the past nine consecutive years. One reason is that its US immigration and customs clearance facilities provide a fast, convenient and much-friendlier way for international travellers to enter the US.

“Another important feature that really sells Vancouver as a gateway to the US is the fact that, unlike US airports such as LAX, passengers don’t need to collect their bags when transiting. So, for instance, upon arrival in Vancouver, Australians travelling to New York simply pass through the airport's uncrowded US immigration and customs facility, board their connecting flight and then collect their luggage once they land in New York.”

Q: Frequent flyer points are a major driving force for Australian travellers. How does Air Canada recognise and reward passengers?

By joining Air Canada’s frequent flyer scheme, Aeroplan, passengers can accumulate and redeem points on all our services to and from Australia.

Air Canada is also a founding member of Star Alliance, the world's largest airline alliance. That means passengers can use the frequent flyer points they earn with Air Canada on other Star Alliance member airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Air New Zealand, Thai Airways, Lufthansa and Air China.

Air Canada is also forging a relationship with Virgin Australia. As part of a strategic cooperation agreement we now codeshare on Virgin Australia flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne to destinations across Australia and New Zealand.

Air Canada offers a variety of corporate programs tailored to the specific needs of Australian
business, providing discounted savings, simplicity, control and flexibility for business travellers.
For more information contact...

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Sarah Constable
Sales Account Manager – Corporate
C +61 (0) 478 833 180
sarah.constable@aircanada.ca