How I love Jamaica! One of my favourite spots, with the warm, crystal clear water, the wonderful music, the amazing food, and the lovely climate. So, what is it like to travel Air Canada Business Class during the pandemic? A few things have changed, but, before I get to that, I have to get to the airport.
Since my flight was at a more civilized time, I could take the UP Express. For those not near Toronto, this is the train that goes from Union Station to Pearson Airport in 25 minutes. It is cheap and effective. I was pleased to see that they had added plexiglass dividers between the seats for added safety. Of course, at 6 in the morning, it was sparsely populated anyway.
The Priority check-in was easy, although the agent wasn't really familiar with the requirements for the Jamaica travel authorization she had to check. It's new; she'll get accustomed. I only knew what was going on with it because I've attended the travel agents' webinars. Nexus and priority lane security screenings are not available right now, but the lines are pretty small anyway.
The Maple Leaf Lounge was my next stop. It now has table service. There is a QR code on each table, and you order through your phone. Bonus, though, they now offer hot breakfast (it's not great, but it is a bit of an improvement over their previous offerings).
On to the plane, both figuratively and literally. I was one of the last to board. As far as business class seats go, these were somewhat middle of the road, and since it was Rouge, there were no seat-back screens and no air show. The seats adjusted three ways: recline, seat part forward, and lumbar adjustments. The controls were manual and a little stiff.
Once we reached altitude, they started breakfast service. Surprisingly, food was served first, then they came around with the drinks. The breakfast was served cold in individual boxes, but thankfully, it was all food that should be served cold. There were plain yoghurt with fruit and seeds, a cheese plate with crackers and produce, a croissant, a fruit bread, and assorted condiments. Too much food for me, but good variety, and delicious.
The drink service was presented without delay. In addition to the soft drinks that are available in economy, business also has the choice of beer or wine. The only beer is Molson Canadian, but what are you gonna do? There was more of a selection of wine, but I know I'd be drinking Red Stripe when I landed, so I figured breakfast beer would be a wiser choice.
I like an aisle seat, but there was no one next to me, so I could take pictures out the window this time.
I cannot stress enough how much better arrival and departure are in Montego Bay if you go through Club Mobay. The arrival service includes meet and greet between the ramp and customs. They then whisk you through customs, help you find your luggage, and give you a nice place to sit and relax and have a few beers or rum punches and snacks until you're ready for your transportation to your resort. Worth every penny.
Departure works in reverse. You get expedited through security, and then get to sit in a full service lounge with a full bar, and snacks and meals until they announce boarding for your flight.
All too soon it was boarding time. I was in the bulkhead row this time. Not my preference because I hate lifting my case up and down, but I'll live. 😀 Once again, the seats were roomy, and there were no screens. I should mention that iPads with movies on were freely available to us, but I still had a whole bunch of vacation reading I wanted to do.
This time drinks service was first, and I asked if I could be served dinner later. I had just had lunch in the lounge, and we were going to be landing just after dinner time. No problem. Again, there were wine and beer available to business class only. I'm a firm believer in paying for upgrades, because I like my little luxuries.
Speaking of, dinner was pretty good considering they're not cooking these days. There were two salads: one with smoked salmon and vegetables, and a mixed greens salad with balsamic and olive oil. The roll was a roll. I usually save some of the dressing for it. The chicken wrap was a little bland, but fresh. And the dessert seemed to be a sort of crème brûlée type thing.
I was very tired by the time we landed, so I was overjoyed that the Nexus kiosks were open, and my luggage arrived quickly. Then, into a taxi home, and quarantine begins.
Next - Montego Bay Part II - Secrets Wild Orchid
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