Flying Vancouver to Manila in Air Canada business class sounds like a pretty comfortable way to cross the Pacific. A lie-flat seat, good food, a proper duvet, and a chance to get some sleep before arriving in the Philippines? Sign me up.
Getting into that business class seat, however, was another story.
On my recent Air Canada AC17 flight from Vancouver (YVR) to Manila (MNL), I originally booked Premium Economy using 82,000 Aeroplan points. I then applied for an eUpgrade, hoping to move into Air Canada’s Signature Class cabin for the long overnight journey.
What followed was a failed online check-in, over an hour on hold with Air Canada, an unexpected airport visit, a trip to the casino, and a nail-biting wait for an upgrade that didn’t clear until the gate.
Was it worth the trouble?
Absolutely.
I’ve flown Air Canada’s Boeing 787 business class several times, including on international routes, so I already had a good idea of what to expect. The seats and service were largely unchanged from my previous experiences, but there were a few welcome updates to the amenities, bedding, and onboard dining.
This YVR to MNL review covers what I paid, how I scored the upgrade, my surprisingly good late-night lounge experience at Vancouver International Airport, and whether Air Canada business class is worth it on such a long flight.
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Booking My Vancouver to Manila Flights With Aeroplan Points
My final destination wasn’t actually Manila. I was heading to Okinawa, Japan, and was looking for an affordable way to get to Asia without spending the entire journey in Economy.
As usual, I started by searching Aeroplan redemption options.
Air Canada’s dynamic award pricing can make finding a reasonably priced business class seat a challenge, particularly on popular international routes. I’ve seen some pretty outrageous redemption rates over the years, so I was looking for something that offered better value.
That’s how I landed on Manila.
At 82,000 Aeroplan points, Premium Economy on Air Canada AC17 was the cheapest non-economy redemption I could find for my journey to Asia.
Was that a bargain compared with every possible flight to Asia? Probably not. But for my dates, routing, and preference to avoid Economy on a long-haul flight, it was the best option I found.
I also knew that booking Premium Economy gave me a comfortable backup if my upgrade request didn’t clear.
I’ve flown this cabin before and shared my thoughts in my Is Air Canada Premium Economy Worth It? review. While it’s not the same as having a lie-flat bed, the extra space and more comfortable seat can make a big difference on a lengthy international flight.
My plan was simple: book Premium Economy, request an eUpgrade, and hope for the best.
Of course, hoping for the best doesn’t always mean things go smoothly.
How I Scored an Air Canada Upgrade on AC17
I’ve had some pretty good luck using Air Canada’s eUpgrade program over the years.
On a previous flight from London to Canada, I used my Air Canada eUpgrade strategy to get into business class for considerably fewer Aeroplan points than the outright business class redemption required.
Naturally, I wanted to try the same approach on my Vancouver to Manila flight.
For this journey, the upgrade requirement was 17 eUpgrade credits plus CAD $200, on top of my original 82,000-point Premium Economy booking.
That seemed like a reasonable trade-off for a lie-flat seat across the Pacific. The catch? My upgrade wasn’t confirmed.
Instead, I was waitlisted.
I knew there was a chance I would end up flying in my originally booked cabin, which is why I was comfortable with Premium Economy as a backup.
My Air Canada Upgrade Waitlist Experience
With Air Canada AC17 scheduled to depart at 1:40 AM, I set an alarm to check in right at the 24-hour mark, hoping to get everything sorted early and keep an eye on my upgrade chances. Unfortunately, things didn’t go quite as planned.
Online check-in refused to cooperate, and after spending more than an hour on hold with Air Canada, I eventually decided to head to Vancouver International Airport to sort things out in person.
It turned out I needed to provide proof of onward travel, which I found a little strange considering I’d booked my journey through Air Canada. Once that was sorted, I could finally check in and see where I stood on the upgrade list.
The good news? I was third on the list, with exactly three business class seats available. Not bad odds, but certainly no guarantee, especially with several hours still to go before departure.
A Casino Visit While Waiting for My Upgrade
With check-in finally behind me and some time to kill, I headed to the casino to meet a few friends who were visiting. Of course, I couldn’t resist checking the upgrade list throughout the evening. As more passengers checked in, I kept a close eye on my position, hoping those three available seats wouldn’t disappear.
By the time all the Premium Economy and Business Class passengers had checked in, I was still sitting in third place with three seats available. Things were looking promising, but I wasn’t about to celebrate just yet. I’ve learned not to count on an upgrade until it’s officially confirmed, and this one went right down to the wire.
Thankfully, my upgrade finally cleared at the gate, securing me a seat in Air Canada Signature Class for the long flight to Manila. After the failed online check-in, more than an hour on hold, and an evening of refreshing the upgrade list, it was a pretty satisfying result.
Not exactly the smoothest start to a trip, but I’ll happily take a little airport drama when it ends with a lie-flat seat across the Pacific.Air Canada eUpgrade vs.
Air Canada Bid Upgrade: What’s the Difference?
If you’re looking for an upgrade on Air Canada, it’s worth understanding that eUpgrades and the airline’s bidding system aren’t the same thing.
My upgrade on AC17 was an eUpgrade, using credits available through Air Canada’s Aeroplan Elite Status program.
An Air Canada bid upgrade, on the other hand, allows eligible passengers to make an offer using money or Aeroplan points for a higher cabin.
Both can potentially get you into business class, but the requirements, timing, and costs are different.
With eUpgrades, the number of credits and any applicable cash add-on depend on factors such as your original fare, route, and requested cabin. If your request doesn’t clear in advance, it may be assessed at the airport.
With AC Bid Upgrade, you submit an offer and wait to see whether Air Canada accepts it. A high bid doesn’t guarantee success.
You can read more about both options through Air Canada’s official upgrade information.
For me, the eUpgrade approach made sense because I already had the credits and was happy to fly Premium Economy if it didn’t work out.
My biggest advice? Don’t book a cabin you would hate to fly in simply because you’re counting on an upgrade. If you absolutely need a lie-flat seat, booking confirmed business class is the safer option.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Vancouver International: A Pleasant Surprise
With a 1:40 AM departure, I wasn’t expecting much from the lounge situation at YVR. In fact, I thought the International Maple Leaf Lounge was supposed to close at 11:30 PM.
To my surprise, it remained open until 1 AM on my visit. That was a huge bonus.
I’d been out of my place since noon because of an Airbnb check-in, so by the time I got to the airport, I’d already had a very long day.
All I really wanted was somewhere comfortable to sit, something decent to eat, and ideally a shower before boarding.
Thankfully, the lounge delivered on all three.
I’ve reviewed this space in detail in my Vancouver International Maple Leaf Lounge review, so I won’t repeat the full rundown here.
But there were a few things worth mentioning from this particular visit.
A Much-Needed Shower Before My YVR to MNL Flight
Being able to shower before a long overnight flight is one of those little luxuries that makes a surprisingly big difference.
After being out of my place since noon, I was more than ready to freshen up. The lounge was clearly winding down for the night, and the only towels available were small ones.
Not ideal.
Still, considering I wasn’t expecting the lounge to be open at all, I was grateful for the opportunity. A shower, even with a less-than-generous towel, was much better than heading straight onto a long-haul flight after such a long day.
Great Food, but an Awkward Espresso Experience
The food was another pleasant surprise.
For a lounge that seemed to be closing down for the evening, the selection was great, and I was happy to get a proper bite to eat before my flight. There was, however, one odd interaction.
The self-service coffee machine had already been shut down for the night. No problem, I thought. There’s a proper espresso machine behind the bar. So I went over and asked the bartender for an espresso. She gave me a strange look and suggested I use the coffee machine instead.
I explained that it had already been shut down. She seemed annoyed by the request, to the point where I literally asked, “Is that OK?” It was a weird little exchange.
I’m not sure why asking for an espresso at a bar equipped with an espresso machine was such a problem, but there you go.
That aside, I was still very happy with the lounge visit.
The extended opening time, good food, and shower access made the pre-flight experience much better than expected. And to be clear, the lounge staying open until 1 AM was what happened on my visit. I wouldn’t count on that being its regular closing time.
Other Air Canada Lounges and Cafés at YVR
If you’re flying through Vancouver, Air Canada has other lounge and café options worth knowing about.
I’ve previously checked out the Air Canada Café at YVR’s C50 gates and shared another Air Canada Café Vancouver review.
Those reviews are useful if you’re comparing Air Canada’s airport offerings, although you should always check which facilities you can actually access from your terminal and ticket.
I’ve also visited the airline’s Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International Airport, which offers another point of comparison.
For this trip, though, the International Maple Leaf Lounge at YVR was exactly what I needed before a late-night departure.
Boarding Air Canada AC17 From Vancouver to Manila
After the lounge visit, it was finally time to head to the gate.
By this point, the most important part of the evening had already happened: my eUpgrade had cleared. I was no longer wondering whether I’d be spending the journey in Premium Economy or Business Class.
I was heading across the Pacific in Air Canada Signature Class.
Given the late departure, my priorities were pretty simple. Get settled, have something to eat, enjoy a little entertainment, and hopefully get some decent sleep.
I’ve flown Air Canada’s 787 business class enough times that the cabin felt familiar. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Sometimes, particularly when you’re tired and facing a long journey, knowing exactly what to expect is a good thing.
Air Canada 787-9 Business Class Seats: Familiar and Comfortable
If you’ve read my previous Air Canada 787 business class review from London to Calgary, you’ll know I’m a fan of the Dreamliner.
I find the 787-9 one of the more comfortable aircraft in Air Canada’s long-haul fleet, and this flight did nothing to change my opinion.
The business class cabin features reverse herringbone seats, giving passengers direct aisle access and a good amount of privacy.
The seat converts into a fully flat bed, which is the real selling point on an overnight international flight.
There’s enough room to get comfortable, the controls are familiar, and the overall setup works well for both relaxing and sleeping.
Rather than repeat every seat feature, storage compartment, and control from my previous review, I’ll keep this part short. The seats were largely unchanged, and I was perfectly happy with that.
I’ve also flown the aircraft on a shorter North American route, which you can read about in my Air Canada 787-9 Business Class Vancouver to Toronto review.
Of course, not every Air Canada business class experience is the same. The airline operates different aircraft with different cabin layouts, including the Air Canada 737 MAX 8 business class product.
For a long overnight flight like Vancouver to Manila, though, the lie-flat Dreamliner seat is the one I’d want.
What Does Air Canada Business Class Include?
One of the biggest reasons to book or upgrade to Air Canada Signature Class is the overall package.
On my YVR to MNL flight, the highlights included a lie-flat seat, comfortable bedding, an amenity kit, slippers, onboard meals, and a large entertainment selection.
The onboard service was largely consistent with my previous Air Canada 787 experiences, which was reassuring.
There were, however, a few changes to the amenities that caught my attention.
Updated Air Canada Business Class Amenity Kit
On my original London to Calgary review, Air Canada provided a WANT Les Essentiels amenity kit.
This time, the airline had switched things up. I received a reusable amenities sac with a distinctly Canadian theme. Inside were items including socks and a red eye mask.
Was it the most luxurious amenity kit I’ve received in business class? No. But I’m not mad at it.
I actually appreciate receiving something reusable rather than another fancy case that will eventually sit in a drawer.
Air Canada also provided black slippers with a red logo. I wanted to take them home, but I also wanted to wear them during the flight. Decisions, decisions.
It’s a small detail, but slippers are genuinely useful on a long flight. Being able to walk around the cabin without putting your shoes back on every time makes the experience a little more comfortable.
Comfortable Bedding for the Long Flight
The bedding was another highlight.
Air Canada provided a pillow, duvet, and mattress padding, which made the lie-flat seat much more inviting. The mattress padding, in particular, helps soften the seat surface and makes the bed feel more like somewhere you actually want to sleep.
On a flight departing in the middle of the night, that matters. I’ve been on premium flights where the seat itself was excellent, but the bedding felt like an afterthought.
That wasn’t the case here. Between the privacy of the seat and the comfortable bedding, I had everything I needed to settle in for the long journey.
Air Canada 787 Business Class Food and Drink: The Duck Was a Winner
Air Canada’s business class food can be a bit hit or miss, depending on the route and menu.
I’ve had some perfectly decent meals over the years, along with a few that were less memorable. On this flight, though, the menu looked very appealing.
The meal got off to a great start with the smoked trout appetizer, which was easily one of the highlights of the onboard dining experience. For my main, I went with the Maple Glazed Duck Leg, and it was delicious.
Between the two dishes, Air Canada really delivered on the food front this time around. I wouldn’t go as far as saying the airline has the best business class catering in the world, but this was certainly one of my better meals in the sky.
Funny enough, I’d later get my fill of duck while visiting Kanazawa, Japan, but I wasn’t mad about it. I love duck, so the more the merrier!
Of course, Air Canada’s onboard menus change, so there’s no guarantee the smoked trout or Maple Glazed Duck Leg will be available on your Vancouver to Manila flight. Still, a good meal is a welcome part of the business class experience, especially when you can follow it up by stretching out in a lie-flat bed for the rest of the journey.
Air Canada Business Class Entertainment and Service
Air Canada’s entertainment selection was excellent, as I’ve come to expect from the airline. There was no shortage of movies and TV shows to keep me occupied, whether I wanted something to watch over dinner or wasn’t quite ready to call it a night.
It’s one area where Air Canada consistently gets things right, especially on long-haul flights where a decent entertainment selection can make the hours fly by.
As for the service, it was much the same as my previous Air Canada 787 business class experiences, which isn’t a bad thing. Everything felt familiar and consistent, and while that might not sound particularly exciting, I don’t need every flight to reinvent the wheel.
Give me a comfortable seat, good food, plenty to watch, and attentive service, and I’m a happy traveller. On this Vancouver to Manila flight, Air Canada delivered exactly that.
Vancouver to Manila Flight Time: How Long Is YVR to MNL?
One of the first things people research when planning this route is the Vancouver to Manila flight time.
It’s a long journey across the Pacific, and the overnight schedule makes choosing the right cabin especially important.
Air Canada’s published 2025–2026 timetable shows AC17 operating with a Boeing 787-9, with scheduled times varying by season. For example, one published schedule lists a 1:55 AM departure from Vancouver and a 6:20 AM arrival in Manila the following day, which works out to approximately 13 hours and 25 minutes when accounting for the time difference.
My flight was scheduled to depart at 1:40 AM, so don’t rely on those example times for your own booking.
Always check your exact flight date, particularly because seasonal schedules and time-zone changes can affect the published departure and arrival times.
The important thing is that you’re spending a significant amount of time on an aircraft.
And when your departure is in the middle of the night, having somewhere comfortable to sleep becomes even more valuable.
That was one of the biggest reasons I was so pleased when my upgrade cleared.
Premium Economy would have been perfectly acceptable, but being able to stretch out in a proper bed was a definite improvement.
How to Find Vancouver to Manila Cheap Flights
If you’re searching for Vancouver to Manila cheap flights, my biggest suggestion is to compare more than just the cash price of an Economy ticket.
There are several ways to approach this route, depending on your flexibility, available points, and willingness to connect.
For starters, compare direct flights with one-stop itineraries. A connecting flight may be cheaper, but it also means additional travel time and potentially another airport to navigate.
Next, compare Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class prices.
Sometimes the difference between Economy and Premium Economy is small enough to justify paying extra for the additional comfort, particularly on a long-haul route.
If you collect Aeroplan points, check redemption options too.
That’s how I ended up booking Premium Economy for 82,000 points. It wasn’t necessarily the cheapest way to get to the Philippines, but it offered a better balance of comfort and value for my particular journey.
And because I had eUpgrade credits available, it also gave me a chance to move into business class without booking a full business class award.
If you need to top up your Aeroplan balance, it’s worth keeping an eye on opportunities to earn extra points through the Aeroplan eStore.
I’ve previously covered the Air Canada Black Friday eStore bonus, and I’ll be watching for similar opportunities in 2026.
Just remember that earning opportunities and promotional bonuses change, so check the current terms before making a purchase.
Looking for Vancouver to Manila flights? Compare dates and cabin prices using the flight-search link below before deciding whether cash, Aeroplan points, or a combination of points and eUpgrade credits offers the best value.
Is Air Canada Business Class Worth It From Vancouver to Manila?
So, is Air Canada business class worth it on a long-haul route like Vancouver to Manila?
For me, yes.
But there’s a difference between saying the experience is worth having and saying it’s worth paying any price for.
I wouldn’t automatically redeem an enormous number of Aeroplan points or pay thousands of dollars more simply to sit in business class.
Value matters.
On this flight, my original Premium Economy redemption cost 82,000 Aeroplan points. Moving into business class required another 17 eUpgrade credits and CAD $200.
That’s a combination I was happy with.
The upgrade gave me a fully flat bed, comfortable bedding, an excellent meal, and a more relaxing way to cross the Pacific.
The fact that I also enjoyed a shower and good food in the International Maple Leaf Lounge made the overall experience even better.
Of course, the process wasn’t perfect.
The failed online check-in and long phone call were frustrating. Waiting until the gate to learn whether my upgrade had cleared wasn’t particularly relaxing either.
And the odd espresso interaction at the lounge certainly wasn’t the premium service moment I was expecting.
Still, those issues didn’t overshadow the flight itself.
Once I was onboard, I had the comfortable, familiar Air Canada Signature Class experience I’d hoped for.
If you’re travelling overnight, have eUpgrade credits available, and can book a Premium Economy fare you’re happy with, this can be an excellent way to get more value from your points.
Just remember that upgrades are never guaranteed.
Air Canada Vancouver to Manila Business Class FAQs
Is Air Canada business class worth it on YVR to MNL?
In my experience, yes, especially for an overnight flight. The lie-flat seat, comfortable bedding, meals, and entertainment make a noticeable difference on a long journey. Whether it’s worth the cost depends on your ticket price, points redemption, and upgrade options.
What does Air Canada business class include on the Boeing 787-9?
On my flight, Air Canada Signature Class included a fully flat seat with direct aisle access, a pillow, duvet, mattress padding, amenity kit, slippers, meals, and an extensive entertainment selection. Lounge access is also generally available with eligible Signature Class travel, subject to the airline’s access rules.
Can you get an Air Canada upgrade from Premium Economy to Business Class?
Yes, eligible Premium Economy bookings may qualify for an upgrade using eUpgrade credits, an accepted bid, or other available upgrade options. I booked Premium Economy for 82,000 Aeroplan points and successfully used 17 eUpgrade credits plus CAD $200 to move into business class.
How long is the Vancouver to Manila flight time?
Air Canada’s published schedules have shown a flight time of approximately 13 hours and 25 minutes on certain AC17 departures. The exact duration and schedule can vary by date, so confirm the details when booking.
Is an Air Canada bid upgrade better than using eUpgrade credits?
It depends on your situation. If you have Aeroplan Elite Status and available eUpgrade credits, that may offer better value. If you don’t have credits, AC Bid Upgrade may be an alternative on eligible flights. Neither guarantees an upgrade, and the two programs have different rules.
Vancouver to Manila Air Canada Business Class Review – Final Thoughts
My latest Air Canada 787-9 business class flight reminded me why I keep coming back to this product. It might not be the flashiest business class experience in the sky, but Air Canada gets a lot of the important things right.
The lie-flat seats are comfortable, the bedding is excellent, and the entertainment selection and service are consistently good. On this flight, the smoked trout appetizer and Maple Glazed Duck Leg were particular highlights, while a great, fresh breakfast before landing in Manila was the perfect way to finish the journey.
I also appreciated the updated reusable amenity kit and slippers, while the International Maple Leaf Lounge at YVR turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Being able to grab a shower and enjoy some good food before a 1:40 AM departure made a huge difference after such a long day.
Sure, the check-in issues and last-minute upgrade confirmation weren’t ideal, but those frustrations quickly faded once I settled into my business class seat. For 82,000 Aeroplan points, 17 eUpgrade credits, and CAD $200, I was more than happy with the result.
There’s something particularly satisfying about scoring a lie-flat seat across the Pacific without redeeming the full number of points for business class. Of course, upgrades aren’t guaranteed, so my biggest advice is to book a cabin you’d be comfortable flying in if things don’t work out.
So, is Air Canada business class worth it from Vancouver to Manila? In my experience, absolutely, particularly if you can find a good Aeroplan redemption or make an eUpgrade work in your favour.
Between the comfortable seat, excellent meals, and familiar service, Air Canada delivered another enjoyable long-haul flight. Would I fly Signature Class from YVR to MNL again? Without hesitation.
More Air Canada Reviews and Travel Tips
If you’re planning a similar journey, check out my other Air Canada reviews for more details on the seats, lounges, and ways to maximize your Aeroplan points.
My Air Canada 787 business class review from London to Calgary covers the Dreamliner seat and cabin in more detail, while my Air Canada eUpgrade guide explains the strategy I’ve used to get into premium cabins for fewer points.
And for anyone departing Vancouver, don’t miss my YVR International Maple Leaf Lounge review for a closer look at the lounge I visited before AC17.
- READ MORE: Is Westjet Premium Economy Worth It?
- READ MORE: Oman Air 787-9 First Class Review
- READ MORE: Is WestJet Ultra Basic Good?
- READ MORE: Is Porter Airlines any Good?
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