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It’s Jun 9, 2026, and I have just completed the inaugural AC A321XLR flight from YUL to YYZ in the economy cabin. And for good measure, I got an opportunity to experience the new glowing-hearted standard in the Signature cabin on the way back from YYZ to YUL. Having seen the aircraft at a sneak peek event last week, my entire focus during the inaugural segment was on the experience rather than the aesthetics of the aircraft, which I think are excellent across cabins and set the template for the future of AC’s narrowbody fleet in the most positive and exciting way possible.
Inaugural Air Canada A321XLR – Gate 7 at YUL
Note that I was invited by Air Canada to the inaugural flight as part of the media, and I did not pay for the flight myself. Following is an honest account of my experience.
Inaugural Air Canada A321XLR: YUL to YYZ
The inaugural flight festivities started at the gate well in advance of boarding time. The area was teeming with excitement, both among AC staff and among the unaware bystanders who were keen to learn about the occasion. Specially designed cookies showcasing the airports and airline brands, along with baked goodies and drinks for all to enjoy and soak in the occasion.
Gate 7 at YUL
AC and Airbus A321XLR cookies
My favourite spot at the gate was the A321XLR banner backdrop, with fun props that let everyone there take part. Following brief messages from executives, boarding was announced to much fanfare, as each passenger on the packed flight received a beautiful goody bag that included an Air Canada XLR-branded bottle, ball cap, keychain, and a lovely postcard showcasing the XLR and the upcoming summer routes (TLS, BER, NTE). As expected, boarding was slower than usual but much more social, as everyone was trying to capture their experiences in photos and videos.
Air Canada goody bag for all passengers
I was seated in a middle Preferred+ seat 13B for the first leg of my journey today. And just when I thought it couldn’t get better, I saw Scott O’Leary (VP, Loyalty & Product – Air Canada) seated in 13A. As expected, Scott was keener to ask me about my experience than I was to probe him about all things Aeroplan :). Scott to the left, a deadheading crew member to my right, let’s just say I was full of questions and curiosity for the next 90 minutes spent on the aircraft.
Preferred+ Seats – Row 13
As I had shared in my first impressions of the aircraft, the economy cabin, and the preferred+ seats in particular offered excellent leg room, a full inch more than any other narrowbody in the AC fleet. For the short flight, I found the seat’s ergonomics comfortable, and I didn’t even feel the need to recline, as it was comfortable in its standard position. The IFE screen was just wow- crisp, responsive, and really lent itself beautifully to the dual camera feed, the front and down live feed. Not just the camera feed, but the new features on the IFE allow every passenger to enjoy the cockpit view, Pilot’s HUD, and even right and left window views. These features will be an absolute delight for every AvGeek who boards the XLRs. Every passenger in the row in front had their camera feeds up as well, and the excitement in the cabin was palpable as we made our way to the runway and took off towards Toronto. It didn’t take long as we hit cruising altitude and speed to realize how quiet the cabin was. The A220 and now the A321XLR may be the quietest narrowbody aircraft in the sky. I checked my decibel assessment with the cabin crew sat next to me, and she, too, remarked on how quiet it felt compared to other narrowbody aircraft she had worked on.
Pilot’s HUD view on the IFE
The bi-fold table and the personal device stand, which opens right under the IFE screen, were welcome amenities, along with multiple USB-C outlets under the screen. Perhaps room for improvement would be to add an anti-slip feature to the personal device flap, as my coverless phone kept slipping and would not stay upright, whereas those around me with covers on their phones had no such issues.
Bi-fold table
USB-C connectivity and Phone/tablet holder
Shortly after hitting cruising altitude, the crew were up and running with the standard economy service, which includes a snack and a drink for everyone. I wished the inaugural flight had been on a longer segment so I could experience a proper meal service. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until the aircraft starts crossing the Atlantic next week, en route to TLS. Wi-Fi service in-flight was excellent, given the heavy presence of media and airline executives, who were all exchanging notes and messages across the aircraft.
Short-haul drink and snack service
While I didn’t get a chance to try out the toilet mid-flight, I did get a chance to photograph it before boarding began. 3 toilets in the back, and 1 in the front. This, in my opinion, will be the weakest point of the experience on the long-haul flights, as onboard crew will have minimal space to manage meal service while folks try to access all three toilets in the back. Also, I would not want my seats in the last two rows, which are bound to have heavy foot traffic on longer flights. Same with upfront – 1 toilet shared between 14 passengers, crew, and pilots is a poor ratio on any flight longer than 3 hours.
3 Toilets in the back
Airbus A321XLR Toilet
As soon as the landing announcement came on, every screen in my eyeline promptly switched to the live camera feed, and it was a spectacular AvGeek activity in 4K resolution. I secretly hoped we would clap collectively on touchdown, but it wasn’t to be.
Air Canada A321XLR: YYZ to YUL
My wish for landing claps was answered on the return journey from YYZ to YUL, where I was seated in the signature cabin. Cabin aesthetics are fantastic, as I covered in my first reactions post, but my biggest worry was the near-sideways takeoff and landing, since I get motion sick very easily. But to my surprise, it was quite smooth, and while it will take me a few more times to get used to it, the angled takeoff and landings were thankfully uneventful for me.
Signature Cabin A321XLR
Seat 6F on AC 422
Device holder with power connectivity
Seat Controls
Wireless Charging console
The meal option for the 1-hour flight was a simple grilled cheese sandwich, and I quite enjoyed its texture and taste. Albeit narrow, the signature seats were very comfortable, and I have no reason to believe it wouldn’t make for a wonderful bed on long-haul flights. The privacy in the seat is quite impressive for a narrowbody, as the seats are stacked against the windows, away from the aisle, and the “pathway” to the seat has a slight bend which offers additional privacy since you do not see the passenger across from you at all. While I wish I could see out the window without stretching my neck muscles at unusual angles, the IFE screen and the features kept the avgeek in me more than satisfied.
Hot towel service
Grilled Cheese Signature Service
Meal Tray and Screen deployed
Take Away
The inaugural Air Canada A321XLR was an excellent experience, and the product struck a great balance between comfort and Avgeek features that everyone will appreciate. Of course, it has its pain points, like the toilet-to-passenger ratio up front and concentration in the back. But the overall experience was mostly positive. The aircraft is simply the most comfortable narrowbody experience I have had, including in economy. You have to try it to believe it.
