I'm retired, so I don't have the super heavy flying schedule I once did, but 20-25 years ago, I did a little consulting to Air Canada and learned enough about them to avoid them like the plague for flights in and out of Canada. Back then, and maybe still today, Air Canada had four strong unions who were not on the best terms with management or with each other. And that showed up in the passenger experience. They were expensive, and still are, from what I've heard. You can do better. Much better.
They could do better. But there the only airline that can fly from Calgary or other smaller cities to the rest of the world. I’d fly anything else if AC wasn’t so convenient
I fly AC very, very often as a minority. If you think flight service is racist you're just looking to be a victim. Of my last maybe 20 flights with them, yea, 1 flight attend has been sub par. The rest have been better than any other airline I've flown in recent memory including a few US carriers. @@QZQZ144
From the US, now in Canada. I've flown AC in economy both domestic and international numerous times now and, certainly compared to my upbringing with US carriers, I find AC to be more friendly, polished/updated, and consistent. They've always been at the door upon entry, most planes have been well kept, and meals have admittedly been average but never awful/inedible. I recently flew Emirates and was astounded at the difference, but still feel AC sits in the upper-middle of the pack in many respects. They definitely have a lot they can approve upon but, similarly to Canada at large, progress takes time. Enjoyed the video and your insights!
Great video! I loved the history bit. I can confirm that AC crew do normally greet up upon boarding. That catering was definitely subpar for AC Signature class. Normally it's excellent, and especially on daytime flights back from Europe.
I'm a 25 year air canada business traveller and do this route many times a year. I think part of the issue is that you were on a late night flight, although that doesn't excuse lack of service friendliness, etc. The food on Air Canada has ALWAYS been lackluster. They've just changed their menu in the last week or so to update it after a decade or so - except that horrid breakfast - which has been around for years and years and every frequent AC flier knows of it. With AC on European flights - it is always hit or miss with service, food is always sub-par but the hard product is on par with similar airlines - so your review is spot on!!!
You are spot on and I dont have much hope for the new menu that have change too. Sometimes is better to bing your own food flying business class :) One thing I have to ad is that the crew on 99% of the flight I have taken is fantastic. Friendly and helpful. Management on the other hand dose not have any regards for their customers.
Another great video Kevin. Just to clarify if you book an Aeroplan ticket as a Business Class Flexible Reward you get access to the Signature Suite . You get great food and randomly a LH-esque car escort off the plane . 😂. Also any FC reward tkt qualifies for access . So if you have a Star connecting flight in FC you get access too .
I have a soft spot for AC as its my country's flag carrier and my first biz experience was with them. After flying other business class products i think AC's business class is like the baseline for a "good" business class product its smack dab in the middle or, just as you said; Average. Its a solid B grade biz. Thanks for another great report Kevin.
So many missed opportunities, the catering looked truly appalling…They didn’t even bother to present it nicely. The trays looked messy and carelessly put together. At least the hard product looked decent 😅 Thank you for another great review, loved the music ☺️🙏🏼
Funny that in the weeks after my flight I saw other passangers on AC European legs posting the exact same food I had in various forums- and theirs was all much prettier and served course by course 😅 Oh well, I suppose sleep was the priority on this one!
I recently flew from SJO to YYZ in business with AC...I would agree with you, food wasn't the best and the crew were a wee bit short with a lot of people. Not the best experience but it is AC so it's their normal.
Oh God eh… went to College in Canada and travel to China once a year in J class to Visit my son. Your review was spot on, Catering and In-Flight service is Below average, you’ve have been quite a trooper reviewing North American Airlines. The approach into LHR shots were magnificent. Stay Healthy!! Keep Flipping Flopping ATW
A very fair rating for a rather average experience. For me, the food offerings get a higher priority, so I wouldn't have given 82 points. Great to see you inching closer to 100K well deserved subscribers, Kevin.
Thanks for doing this specific trip report, we are doing MSP->YYZ->LHR with the same YYZ->LHR flight you just reviewed (in Signature class) in about a month, so it was great to see your review of the same flight!
Your video captures are certain subset of AC crew fairly well. I've experienced the same with other "legacy" carriers and with the big 3 in the US. In my experience you often find them on these type or routes/times. Great report!
I’ve seen better from air Canada in other reviews but they’re so inconsistent and your video captures it perfectly. For the cost of the fare the dinning experience is sub par. Also the cancellations and tardiness is something of a problem. Multiple reviewers have mentioned how their flights arrive late, or had to be rebooked automatically.
@@tfft I’ve seen that too. I think it’s just a crew by crew basis. You leaving very late to Europe and the crew coming in with the mindset of just putting everything on the platter and serve it so they can be done with diner service quickly is why I don’t like to take the late night departure to Europe. I hate to say it but it’s laziness and it happens a lot of western carriers. At least give the customer the option to enjoy the dinning experience or offer dine on demand.
I've been flying since 1965. I've seen such a huge change in service since then. To me flying is nothing but expensive torture. So long as nothing goes wrong, I'm just happy to be at the destination as fast as possible. Flying to me is like driving... an unpleasant experience that we have to go through. So paying for luxury is a wasted effort.
You described AC to the tee. They are not the best, but they are kind of what you can expect. Here in Canada, people like to complain about AC but compared to American airlines like AA, Delta, etc, they always choose AC. Kind of like the saying "It might be a piece of sh*t, but it is our piece of sh*t.'
I've flown with AC several times. They serve everything course by course normally, but you had a late flight so maybe they adjust, just like you said. My biggest problem with this seat is that it's hard to sleep on the side, there isn't enough vertical space for the legs. Everything else was perfectly fine. Not amazing, but I'd still say above average.
Flied their 787 business class from Toronto to Seoul and back few months ago. Food is poor, movie selection is limited. But they beat other airlines in prices
That was Signature (Business) Class? What a lunch bag letdown! I would be pissed if I had paid cash for that flight. If you haven't already, try Singapore Airlines - their Business Class is stellar!
My experiences with Air Canada staff have always been strange. Lufthansa's customer service is exceptional. They care for every customer, regardless of their class of travel.
Me and my friends unfortunately never had a good experience with Air Canada. The staff needs to be more professional and courteous. Since they are Union they don’t bother to do their job. I remember asking for water and hostess pointing towards the rack to fetch it myself. 😂
The AC business class breakfast is really disappointing, but sadly it's been on the menu for ages, and they won't change it! I heard that it's because the top tier Air Canada elites love it so much that they petitioned to make it stay... weird taste that they have if you ask me.
Hey Kevin. Great video as always. You probably received about as good as can be expected on AC these days. The fact that the crew even rated as average was surprising, they're usually the element that drags the whole experience into the realm of utter garbage.l believe the slogan is " We're not happy .. till you're not happy."
You were very kind about the lounge too. It has a very strong "railway station waiting room" vibe. Wonder what lounge Emirates asks it's business class passengers to use at YYZ? They must be prefacing the offer with an apology I am sure!
Love your reviews! Just note two things, You should mention the individual air nozzles. To me, this is very important on flights. Less and less airlines have this. Secondly I never pick the second cabin in J class. Why you ask? People boarding steal stuff from the seats. That is why you didn't have an amenity kit and you had to ask for another one.
When I flew this route (opposite direction) during the day time the service was great and the food even better. I also don't remember getting amenity kit though. The food was served and looked very nice (I had butter chicken). Maybe a daytime flight has better service or maybe I got lucky/you got unlucky. I found it to be better than SAS and any other north/latin American carrier I've been on.
I fly Air Canada Business class between Toronto and South East Asia several times a year. Usually there is someone to greet you at the plane, at least in all the times I have flown with them. Could have just been one of those days... knowing Air Canada very well she was probably more annoyed that someone didn't do their job and have it ready for you. I have, on a couple of occasions, asked for a 2nd one and they were more than happy to provide if there were any extras. Food has always been hit and miss. I have flown the EVA route numerous times and found a better food selection and wine, however, It is now almost impossible to get an EVA ticket through Aeroplan.
Another great video Kevin....I'm trying to get my head around why the baggage handler (at 5:00 in your video) is diving in circles next to the plane...
Lol, that's how they line up the containers in tight spaces. Form the circle and keep driving in it until the correct one is lined up. Either that, or he's paid by the km 😅
AC only puts half the bags on the plane anyway, the other half wind up in... wherever. They have lost my luggage three times, out of 4 flights with them. @@tfft
They are just doing their job and following the load sheet which specifies the placements of the containers inside the plane. For example, a container with priority bags or connection bags would be loaded last so they can then be offloaded first at their destination.
Air Canada flts -I’ve been on several. I recently flew first class ORD to YVR- truly awful. The only compensation AC offered was a $150 account credit. I no longer fly Air Canada. Too many issues with delayed flights, lack luster service, etc. However, it seems air travel across most airlines lately is a costly,ordeal.
I think your title would be more appropriate for a domestic or transborder flight rather than one headed overseas. In all likelihood, your revised ticket would have been pulled from the higher award bucket and thus given you access to the Signature lounge, though the MLL receptionist would have(or should have if this was the case) referred you to the better lounge.
Have to agree it's just OK. I flew from Vancouver to Zurich for my Birthday and had a horrific flight and when I got back to Canada I wrote a 3 page letter explaining what happened and did not even get a response. After that I fly anything But Scare Canada . Even though two of my best friends work for this Airline I wont ever fly with them again . 😊
As a Canadian, I'm truly sorry for your experience! I've had some amazing flights with Air Canada, with a few abysmal ones tossed in. Unfortunately, you seem to have encountered the latter!
That is very Canadian of you 😅 But no need to appologize on behalf of your airline putting profit over all else- God knows I'm not making any excuses for my home town airlines haha.
Thanks for the informative review. I've never flown AC but from the information you gave and my own experience I think United has the best Business Class among North American carriers.
To be fair, only 7 US cities have the same and the US population is 10x more... so we could say Canada has more representaiton to non-London cities haha.
@@tfftWhich 7 would those be? I know that Boston and Orlando have direct flights to Manchester, and I'd presume that New York and Washington DC have flights to other UK cities, so that leaves 3. My guess is that those would be Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth
Your experience duplicates mine with over 30 years of business class flying. The soft product hovers between sub-par and average. Part of the issue, in my opinion as a born and raised Canadian, is that our country just does not have a service culture the way other countries do. Whether it’s flight attendants, retail assistants, restaurant workers or fast food, I’m afraid Canada is usually service with a slight edge or sneer.
Kevin how does this compare to its fellow Star Alliance partner United Airlines Polaris? If you put this alongside the East Asian partners of United you would have seen this result BR🇹🇼 Royal Laurel Class = TG🇹🇭 Royal Silk Class SQ🇸🇬 Raffles Class = NH🇯🇵 Business Class = OZ🇰🇷 Business class = CA🇨🇳 Business 🇨🇦AC Signature Class > UA🇺🇲 Polaris
I think this video helped me make up my mind to NOT bid for an upgrade from PE 😅 If I had a ton of points or a better travel reward card, it might be a different story. Thanks for sharing 😊
Please note that you can get access to the Signature Lounge when redeming Aeroplan points but you need to choose the higher 'Flexible' verses the 'Lowest' reward booking - it is more points but not a huge amount and the Signature Lounge is worth it. 100% agree with your review. I do think that the staff are great - food is OK. If you've flown Singapore Airlines or Etihad - it will ruin AC for you. Compared to the other North American airlines it's not bad.
Yah someone else reminded me of that but in my experience Flex rewards are always around 10k-20k more points per one way ticket on a fare like this. That would be a very expensive lounge access haha.
1. How does Air Canada business class compare to the 3 main legacy carrier business classes? (United, American, Delta). (Seat comfort, IFE, meal, service)? 2. How frequent are delays and cancellations for Air Canada compare to the three US legacy carriers? I heard Air Canada is pretty bad in terms of delay and cancellation frequencies. 3. Price. Air Canada is more pricey compare to the three legacy carriers right? Due to lack of competition in Canada? Doesn't sound such like a worthwhile trip for a very average flight for a pricey ticket.
If you can’t offer better service at-least offer a better hard product or ground experience. Those three metrics Air Canada falls short, only Delta gets plus marks on all and they’re actually renovating their lounges and done a better job at the adjusting the food offerings, on domestic and international flights. Actually inflight service can be a hit or missed opportunity on all 4 airlines. The business class lounge in Toronto looks really dated and that’s their top end business class lounge compare to say American at JFK with 3 Newly opened lounges all better than any in Toronto alone. United too have been doing a better job with ground experience for their Polaris passengers and actually are up there with some of the best inflight seating, bedding and comfort. Unless you’re going to Canada as an American I wouldn’t go out of my way to fly Air Canada when they’re not better then the three legacy US carriers and are very inconsistent with their tardiness and cancellations.
@@JeanClaudeCOCO Exactly. Air Canada actually fall short of the 3 US legacy carriers in some respects. Yet they charge more for what is essentially a poorer end product. I mean in other aspects Air Canada isn't necessarily the worst or that terrible, but factor in the hefty price for a very average product, and its hard to justify for a passenger. In short, you don't feel like you get the service you paid for.
I have flown many times on Air Canada Exec class from Vancouver to Europe and Asia. None of those flights was like yours. I have experienced exemplary service. The IFE system is lacking, though. I have flown with other airlines on the same routes and have been disappointed.
I find their Signature crews hit and miss in the service department. Some will go out of their way to make it a great flight and others won't give you the time of day. AC likes to schedule night flights to Europe and Australia/Far East, which really cuts down their service requirements. It is common for the crews to shut everything down and turn out the lights as soon as possible after the initial meal service with the hope of never seeing you again for hours. I have even had crew restricting the front bathrooms because they didn't like to be disturbed while they were eating or reading their book. Often they will skip the snack portion of service and just put out the basket of KitKats and Miss Vickie's chips. Their Premium Economy offerings are often similar service levels and are a much better money or points deal on flights less than 10 hours.
Flights booked on points are eligible to access the Signature Lounge: "Aeroplan flight rewards booked as a Business Class Flexible Reward or a First Class Flexible Reward (in J, C, D, Z, P, I booking classes) are eligible for access"
Sure for flex tickets, but with little other benefits- that would be one of the most expensive lounges you could possibly enter. Access to Al Safwa First Class lounge would be cheaper lol.
Our last AC trips were Toronto/Tokyo return for $16,000 cad. I fully agree with your food assessment except on the return they ran out of Business class dinners and later breakfasts so ended up with Economy food. As for the crew comments, I agree. Excellent service on AC does occasionally happen but it’s very rare. It makes no sense, especially in Business or Premium to not serve dinners in courses. But the crew’s objective seems to get it all done and disappear. My opinion is this is the result of the lack of competition in Canada and strong unions in AC. WestJet, the other major carrier in Canada is just as bad as AC for pricing, fees customer service practices but the non union crews usually provide good to excellent service.
You know, I've never heard of of an airline running out of business class or better meals- economy yes, but any premium? Really odd- aside from a a catering error (pretty unusual) - that would be a pretty serious error, too. I would say that I service on AC is hit or miss, however I'm surprised no one has mentioned Porter yet- I haven't travelled with them recently, but in my experiences with them, the cabin crew was very friendly.
That is a massive price to pay just to access a lounge lol. I don't even consider their flex points tickets to be standard tickets. But that's just me. Thanks for watching 🩴
Another great video! Thank you for (briefly) visiting Canada. Hope you come out West sometime, I'm on Vancouver Island, would love to show you all the beauty we have to offer. Ps. BOG-YYZ-YYJ last spring, 2 out of 4 amenity kits for our family were missing from our J seats. FA found one more so wife and kids were able to get the keepsakes at least
I love how many people noticed this 😂... he's just lining up with the end of his bins. Had the clip show 2 seconds earlier and 2 seconds later, it would be much less exciting lol
I’m in Canada. I would not of eaten anything sending it back I fly Westjet- it flies to London Air canada has gone down over the years West Jet is a go
Ah, Toronto...when it's on television, squint and pretend it's New York City. Congrats of the sponsorship. I'll probably buy a cheap suitcase while in Thailand to check on my way back from SEA next month. Souvenirs, Vietnamese coffee, and some Bangkok exclusive 7-11 snacks won't all fit in my carry on. I have a flight next week on SQ's A350-900 ULR. I expect some weird looks from the crew when I change into my AA First pajamas. I sure hope my food is better than what was on your flight. It doesn't matter the airline, SFO based catering is hit or miss.
Best I don't know, I usually fly signature class, but seriously the Industrial look is so bowring, a Little bit of nice colours would have been nice. It's a nice product but nothing to roll on the floor
Why are Air Canada flight attendants always so rude and angry? I had flight attendants act this way the last few times I flew with them. I have been flying Air Canada since I was a child in the '70s. Service was impleccable until about the late '90s. Why do AC flight attendants need to act like they are doing us a huge favour if we request something? I truly understand where you are coming from when you said the fight attendant looked annoyed because you asked about an amenity kit. Give me a break!
Very easy, there are certain airports (PHL included... all of the US included? idk...) which the Candaian airports "Trust"... and so you just goto this little kiosk and scan your stuff and you're through. No security check.
I was denied in Air Canada from flying because my son passport expires in 5 months. Got stuck in Toronto. Downtalked by the gate agent manager. Had to pay a new ticket price. Never again. Unless they are cheaper significantly.
Flying international? Nearly every country on earth requires 6 months of passport validity for entry. Air Canada did you a favor, the alternative would have been denied entry and being sent back on the next flight at your expense.
Hi Kevin! Out of curiosity- what is the international to international transfer like at YYZ? Passport check and/or security check before you're dumped back into the terminal?
There’s a list of certain airports which the Canadian airports “trust”- not sure if it’s all US airports but it was PHL… in that case just scanned my boarding pass and passed directly into the terminal. No security.
This airline, once an international pride, quickly became a total shame as soon as Hollis Harris took over the commands. Adding the disastrous management of Robert Milton through the 9/11 events, leading the original Air Canada to bankruptcy, thus creating ACE Aviation (with taxpayers money), to its sad historical records, ACE (Air Canada) has, since then, voluntarily opted for a low quality (hard and soft) product, all along. This depressing travel report is a vivid proof of such a reality. For having been a loooooong time premium costumer (First class) from the Vanguards, DC-9 and DC-8 days and first runs of 747-133 and Lockheed 1011, up until the early 2000s, what I see and hear about ACE / Air Canada today, is a total disgrace. I will NEVER spend a dime flying a premium product of this airline until MAJOR improvements occur. But, I am afraid it's not about to happen. Definitely, BA is a far better option for any Canada - England ride... even in coach.
Great review. Thank you. Regarding the padding in the seat. Did you use the firmness adjustment for the seat (on the electronic panel)? It fills more air into the seat padding. Not sure if your seat was set low. Flying DEN-YYZ-SCL all on AC later this year and appreciate the overview of what to expect. I had a choice of AC or AA and went with AC. We will see if that was the right choice.
Tbh I never use the balloon seat function as I've never found a version that doesn't randomly self adjust (for reasons I'll never understand) and wake me up each time it does it.
good review! Air Canada is average, probably better than other NA business class, but below the Asia/Middle East airlines. But overall a decent product for long haul flights. Taking it later this year to Seoul.
Yikes! I have travelled with so many airlines (except AC) in business class, but this is the worst meal (dinner and breakfast) I have ever seen in any flights I have taken. Feel sorry you had to consume some of that. Never taking AC!
4:50 That baggage handler looks like he had fun.
Whatever it takes! haha
Haha I noticed it as well! :D
AC's motto: "We're not happy until you're not happy!"
😂😂 Almost spit out my coffee
I'm retired, so I don't have the super heavy flying schedule I once did, but 20-25 years ago, I did a little consulting to Air Canada and learned enough about them to avoid them like the plague for flights in and out of Canada. Back then, and maybe still today, Air Canada had four strong unions who were not on the best terms with management or with each other. And that showed up in the passenger experience. They were expensive, and still are, from what I've heard. You can do better. Much better.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
They could do better. But there the only airline that can fly from Calgary or other smaller cities to the rest of the world. I’d fly anything else if AC wasn’t so convenient
As you stated, you are living in the past.
@@xkr510 it’s still a terrible airline, no matter what you say. They are rude, sometimes racist, impolite and unprofessional
I fly AC very, very often as a minority. If you think flight service is racist you're just looking to be a victim. Of my last maybe 20 flights with them, yea, 1 flight attend has been sub par. The rest have been better than any other airline I've flown in recent memory including a few US carriers. @@QZQZ144
From the US, now in Canada. I've flown AC in economy both domestic and international numerous times now and, certainly compared to my upbringing with US carriers, I find AC to be more friendly, polished/updated, and consistent. They've always been at the door upon entry, most planes have been well kept, and meals have admittedly been average but never awful/inedible. I recently flew Emirates and was astounded at the difference, but still feel AC sits in the upper-middle of the pack in many respects. They definitely have a lot they can approve upon but, similarly to Canada at large, progress takes time.
Enjoyed the video and your insights!
Appreciate that! Thanks for sharing ✈️
Great video! I loved the history bit. I can confirm that AC crew do normally greet up upon boarding. That catering was definitely subpar for AC Signature class. Normally it's excellent, and especially on daytime flights back from Europe.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
nice video, every time you upload it makes my day better !
Appreciate that! 🙏
I'm a 25 year air canada business traveller and do this route many times a year. I think part of the issue is that you were on a late night flight, although that doesn't excuse lack of service friendliness, etc. The food on Air Canada has ALWAYS been lackluster. They've just changed their menu in the last week or so to update it after a decade or so - except that horrid breakfast - which has been around for years and years and every frequent AC flier knows of it. With AC on European flights - it is always hit or miss with service, food is always sub-par but the hard product is on par with similar airlines - so your review is spot on!!!
You are spot on and I dont have much hope for the new menu that have change too. Sometimes is better to bing your own food flying business class :)
One thing I have to ad is that the crew on 99% of the flight I have taken is fantastic. Friendly and helpful. Management on the other hand dose not have any regards for their customers.
Yeah I'm sure the late night timing didn't help... but someone should have just told the crew that we weren't the ones that chose the time haha.
Wjat excellent and truthful reporting! This is what we need to judge future airlines! Well done! Very professional Flip.!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Another great video Kevin. Just to clarify if you book an Aeroplan ticket as a Business Class Flexible Reward you get access to the Signature Suite . You get great food and randomly a LH-esque car escort off the plane . 😂. Also any FC reward tkt qualifies for access . So if you have a Star connecting flight in FC you get access too .
Ah yeah fair enough, but that would be like throwing points out the window and/or one very expensive lounge entry haha. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tffttbh I’ve only had access to the Signature suite on a FC reward . YYZ-LHR-FRA-BKK (access to FC terminal in FRA and SS in YYZ ).
@@tfft Agree, but to do it once is worth it
@@tfft Not exactly throwing points out the window - flexible reward allows you to cancel without any penalty
…let the AC slagging begin!!! 😂… fyi Kevin…. it’s Z’d (with a D) …. no Zee here! 😝😝😝
I'll call majority rules here lol
1:46 Reward flights booked on Business Flex also gains access!
Thanks for sharing ✈️
What a refreshing opening Kevin. Love it!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I have a soft spot for AC as its my country's flag carrier and my first biz experience was with them. After flying other business class products i think AC's business class is like the baseline for a "good" business class product its smack dab in the middle or, just as you said; Average. Its a solid B grade biz. Thanks for another great report Kevin.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
So many missed opportunities, the catering looked truly appalling…They didn’t even bother to present it nicely. The trays looked messy and carelessly put together. At least the hard product looked decent 😅 Thank you for another great review, loved the music ☺️🙏🏼
Funny that in the weeks after my flight I saw other passangers on AC European legs posting the exact same food I had in various forums- and theirs was all much prettier and served course by course 😅 Oh well, I suppose sleep was the priority on this one!
What time was your departing flight? I am flying to Europe. Ext month and just received an email from Air Canada and your veal was on the menu again
I recently flew from SJO to YYZ in business with AC...I would agree with you, food wasn't the best and the crew were a wee bit short with a lot of people. Not the best experience but it is AC so it's their normal.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Oh God eh… went to College in Canada and travel to China once a year in J class to Visit my son. Your review was spot on, Catering and In-Flight service is Below average, you’ve have been quite a trooper reviewing North American Airlines. The approach into LHR shots were magnificent. Stay Healthy!! Keep Flipping Flopping ATW
Oh I'm just getting started haha. Fly Egyptair a few times and it just makes everything else smell of roses 😂
@@tfft You‘re our Hero!!!!!! Keep Flipp Flopping!!👊👊👊
A very fair rating for a rather average experience. For me, the food offerings get a higher priority, so I wouldn't have given 82 points.
Great to see you inching closer to 100K well deserved subscribers, Kevin.
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Thanks for doing this specific trip report, we are doing MSP->YYZ->LHR with the same YYZ->LHR flight you just reviewed (in Signature class) in about a month, so it was great to see your review of the same flight!
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
Your video captures are certain subset of AC crew fairly well. I've experienced the same with other "legacy" carriers and with the big 3 in the US. In my experience you often find them on these type or routes/times. Great report!
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I’m not an Air Canada fan but their Signature lounge in Pearson is truly outstanding! Too bad you didn’t get to visit it.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I’ve seen better from air Canada in other reviews but they’re so inconsistent and your video captures it perfectly. For the cost of the fare the dinning experience is sub par. Also the cancellations and tardiness is something of a problem. Multiple reviewers have mentioned how their flights arrive late, or had to be rebooked automatically.
Yeah I saw my exact meal served in courses in other reviews after I was on the flight lol.
@@tfft I’ve seen that too. I think it’s just a crew by crew basis. You leaving very late to Europe and the crew coming in with the mindset of just putting everything on the platter and serve it so they can be done with diner service quickly is why I don’t like to take the late night departure to Europe. I hate to say it but it’s laziness and it happens a lot of western carriers. At least give the customer the option to enjoy the dinning experience or offer dine on demand.
I've been flying since 1965. I've seen such a huge change in service since then.
To me flying is nothing but expensive torture. So long as nothing goes wrong, I'm just happy to be at the destination as fast as possible.
Flying to me is like driving... an unpleasant experience that we have to go through. So paying for luxury is a wasted effort.
I wholeheartedly disagree... and I love driving lol
You described AC to the tee. They are not the best, but they are kind of what you can expect.
Here in Canada, people like to complain about AC but compared to American airlines like AA, Delta, etc, they always choose AC. Kind of like the saying "It might be a piece of sh*t, but it is our piece of sh*t.'
A polished frostbitten turd, one might say 😅
I've flown with AC several times. They serve everything course by course normally, but you had a late flight so maybe they adjust, just like you said. My biggest problem with this seat is that it's hard to sleep on the side, there isn't enough vertical space for the legs. Everything else was perfectly fine. Not amazing, but I'd still say above average.
It's incredible how many of these comments are mentioning them being "fine" and "average"... might need to rename them Air Average! haha
From AMM to DXB on Emirates in Business. Great video as always!
✅ Thanks very much 🙏🏻
I’ve only taken Air Canada once on a short hop from YVR to YEG.
I wish CP Air is still in existence to compete with AC.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Flied their 787 business class from Toronto to Seoul and back few months ago. Food is poor, movie selection is limited. But they beat other airlines in prices
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Such fun! Hmmm...maybe not so much. I would have thought that Air Canada would be better than your experience. Great review - thank you.
Me too! Lol
That was Signature (Business) Class? What a lunch bag letdown! I would be pissed if I had paid cash for that flight. If you haven't already, try Singapore Airlines - their Business Class is stellar!
I have like 8 Singapore Airlines business class videos on the channel lol
Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks for watching 🩴
As a Canadian, that was a very bang on analysis.
Especially regarding the service.
I enjoy your videos.
Haha thanks very much!
My experiences with Air Canada staff have always been strange. Lufthansa's customer service is exceptional. They care for every customer, regardless of their class of travel.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I remember ACA business class being really bad. good to see they've improved
Hopefully they continue to as well! Thanks for watching 🩴
Me and my friends unfortunately never had a good experience with Air Canada. The staff needs to be more professional and courteous. Since they are Union they don’t bother to do their job. I remember asking for water and hostess pointing towards the rack to fetch it myself. 😂
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Sorry you are incorrect on signature suite access. Full flexibility Biz redemption on Aeroplan points also has access.
Yes, true- but that would be a very hefty entrance fee, with no other tangible benefits. Thanks for watching 🩴
The AC business class breakfast is really disappointing, but sadly it's been on the menu for ages, and they won't change it! I heard that it's because the top tier Air Canada elites love it so much that they petitioned to make it stay... weird taste that they have if you ask me.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Level 8 luggage is really good!
Currently 49 flights and 7 trains in with my carry on and happy as can be!
Yes! I HAVE always wondered why Y and YYZ are called that!! Thanks!!
Haha no problem!
I miss London. Love AC. Safe airline.
Thanks for watching 🩴
I remember in the late 90’s they had weekend specials on American Airlines from JFK to YYZ for $39 r/t.
Come to Asia, we still have fares like that haha.
Come to Asia... we still have flights for that price haha
I loved this video’s music.
Appreciate that!
Hey Kevin. Great video as always. You probably received about as good as can be expected on AC these days. The fact that the crew even rated as average was surprising, they're usually the element that drags the whole experience into the realm of utter garbage.l believe the slogan is " We're not happy .. till you're not happy."
Exactly my experience on AC. Amazing seats good and wine but rude nasty staff.
Just seems so unCanadian of them lol
Ohh! This is sooooo true.
I did Air Canada to the UK in economy (777) last week.
IFE was very good. Responsive and had lots of choice.
Food was terrible.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
You were very kind about the lounge too. It has a very strong "railway station waiting room" vibe. Wonder what lounge Emirates asks it's business class passengers to use at YYZ? They must be prefacing the offer with an apology I am sure!
Perhaps I enjoy train stations haha.
Looks good, but I would say Delta One is best in North America! Great video🎉
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Kevin, I have always wondered what YYZ stands for. Thanks for letting us know.
Glad I've scratched the itch!
Love your reviews! Just note two things, You should mention the individual air nozzles. To me, this is very important on flights. Less and less airlines have this. Secondly I never pick the second cabin in J class. Why you ask? People boarding steal stuff from the seats. That is why you didn't have an amenity kit and you had to ask for another one.
The air nozzles got like 6 seconds of air time, no pun intended lol
@@tfft Damn, I must have missed it somehow! LOL
When I flew this route (opposite direction) during the day time the service was great and the food even better. I also don't remember getting amenity kit though. The food was served and looked very nice (I had butter chicken). Maybe a daytime flight has better service or maybe I got lucky/you got unlucky. I found it to be better than SAS and any other north/latin American carrier I've been on.
My guess is London also has better catering. Thanks for watching 🩴
I fly Air Canada Business class between Toronto and South East Asia several times a year. Usually there is someone to greet you at the plane, at least in all the times I have flown with them. Could have just been one of those days... knowing Air Canada very well she was probably more annoyed that someone didn't do their job and have it ready for you. I have, on a couple of occasions, asked for a 2nd one and they were more than happy to provide if there were any extras. Food has always been hit and miss. I have flown the EVA route numerous times and found a better food selection and wine, however, It is now almost impossible to get an EVA ticket through Aeroplan.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I just wish they’d address their interior. It feels so clinical with the mostly white and grey cabin.
Well, those are their colors now haha.
"Hi there! And welcome to Kathmandu. The first time I get to say that on the channel!."
That will actually be said by my later this year lol.
4:57 why is the luggage guy randomly driving around in circles lol?
Just lining up.
Another great video Kevin....I'm trying to get my head around why the baggage handler (at 5:00 in your video) is diving in circles next to the plane...
Lol, that's how they line up the containers in tight spaces. Form the circle and keep driving in it until the correct one is lined up. Either that, or he's paid by the km 😅
AC only puts half the bags on the plane anyway, the other half wind up in... wherever. They have lost my luggage three times, out of 4 flights with them. @@tfft
They are just doing their job and following the load sheet which specifies the placements of the containers inside the plane. For example, a container with priority bags or connection bags would be loaded last so they can then be offloaded first at their destination.
Air Canada flts -I’ve been on several. I recently flew first class ORD to YVR- truly awful. The only compensation AC offered was a $150 account credit. I no longer fly Air Canada. Too many issues with delayed flights, lack luster service, etc. However, it seems air travel across most airlines lately is a costly,ordeal.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
I think your title would be more appropriate for a domestic or transborder flight rather than one headed overseas. In all likelihood, your revised ticket would have been pulled from the higher award bucket and thus given you access to the Signature lounge, though the MLL receptionist would have(or should have if this was the case) referred you to the better lounge.
Well, the title was a question 😉- strange about the lounge situation though, why would you assume it automatically bumped up the fare class?
Have to agree it's just OK. I flew from Vancouver to Zurich for my Birthday and had a horrific flight and when I got back to Canada I wrote a 3 page letter explaining what happened and did not even get a response. After that I fly anything But Scare Canada . Even though two of my best friends work for this Airline I wont ever fly with them again . 😊
Thanks for sharing ✈️
As a Canadian, I'm truly sorry for your experience! I've had some amazing flights with Air Canada, with a few abysmal ones tossed in. Unfortunately, you seem to have encountered the latter!
That is very Canadian of you 😅 But no need to appologize on behalf of your airline putting profit over all else- God knows I'm not making any excuses for my home town airlines haha.
If you asked me, I would have told you Kevin that at best the flight will be nothing memorable hovering around “they transported me”…
Perhaps, "they transported me + now I know I enjoy a Canadian red" lol
Pros: Good gate communication - Cons: Limited gate communication
You've uncovered the first of 8 clues in solving today's puzzle! 😅
AC is great if you are Super Elite in their Aeroplan program. Otherwise…
I never really saw their elite levels as all that great lol.
Thanks for the informative review. I've never flown AC but from the information you gave and my own experience I think United has the best Business Class among North American carriers.
🤐 lol
I've noticed that Toronto seems to be the only Canadian city with direct flights to other UK cities besides London
To be fair, only 7 US cities have the same and the US population is 10x more... so we could say Canada has more representaiton to non-London cities haha.
@@tfftWhich 7 would those be? I know that Boston and Orlando have direct flights to Manchester, and I'd presume that New York and Washington DC have flights to other UK cities, so that leaves 3. My guess is that those would be Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas/Fort Worth
Your experience duplicates mine with over 30 years of business class flying. The soft product hovers between sub-par and average. Part of the issue, in my opinion as a born and raised Canadian, is that our country just does not have a service culture the way other countries do. Whether it’s flight attendants, retail assistants, restaurant workers or fast food, I’m afraid Canada is usually service with a slight edge or sneer.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Kevin how does this compare to its fellow Star Alliance partner United Airlines Polaris? If you put this alongside the East Asian partners of United you would have seen this result BR🇹🇼 Royal Laurel Class = TG🇹🇭 Royal Silk Class SQ🇸🇬 Raffles Class = NH🇯🇵 Business Class = OZ🇰🇷 Business class = CA🇨🇳 Business 🇨🇦AC Signature Class > UA🇺🇲 Polaris
My experience on United always hinges on whether or not the crew feels inclined to work that day... lol
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🩴
Some facts:
YYZ was named after the Rush song, YYZ
Toronto is the largest pepperoni on the Canadian slice of earthly pie
Here I though Toronto was a cheese curd.
@@tfft That's wut tptb WANT you to think, Kev bro
I think this video helped me make up my mind to NOT bid for an upgrade from PE 😅 If I had a ton of points or a better travel reward card, it might be a different story. Thanks for sharing 😊
haha fair enough!
Please note that you can get access to the Signature Lounge when redeming Aeroplan points but you need to choose the higher 'Flexible' verses the 'Lowest' reward booking - it is more points but not a huge amount and the Signature Lounge is worth it. 100% agree with your review. I do think that the staff are great - food is OK. If you've flown Singapore Airlines or Etihad - it will ruin AC for you. Compared to the other North American airlines it's not bad.
Yah someone else reminded me of that but in my experience Flex rewards are always around 10k-20k more points per one way ticket on a fare like this. That would be a very expensive lounge access haha.
I really dislike reverse herring bone seats, i like to look out of the window for stretches of the flight!
…why can’t you look out the window from a reverse herringbone seat?
1. How does Air Canada business class compare to the 3 main legacy carrier business classes? (United, American, Delta). (Seat comfort, IFE, meal, service)?
2. How frequent are delays and cancellations for Air Canada compare to the three US legacy carriers? I heard Air Canada is pretty bad in terms of delay and cancellation frequencies.
3. Price. Air Canada is more pricey compare to the three legacy carriers right? Due to lack of competition in Canada? Doesn't sound such like a worthwhile trip for a very average flight for a pricey ticket.
I feel like I'd need to produce a 16 minute video just to answer your questions lol.
@@tfft Hahaha, well, those are questions travelers do wonder about.
If you can’t offer better service at-least offer a better hard product or ground experience. Those three metrics Air Canada falls short, only Delta gets plus marks on all and they’re actually renovating their lounges and done a better job at the adjusting the food offerings, on domestic and international flights. Actually inflight service can be a hit or missed opportunity on all 4 airlines. The business class lounge in Toronto looks really dated and that’s their top end business class lounge compare to say American at JFK with 3 Newly opened lounges all better than any in Toronto alone. United too have been doing a better job with ground experience for their Polaris passengers and actually are up there with some of the best inflight seating, bedding and comfort. Unless you’re going to Canada as an American I wouldn’t go out of my way to fly Air Canada when they’re not better then the three legacy US carriers and are very inconsistent with their tardiness and cancellations.
@@JeanClaudeCOCO Exactly. Air Canada actually fall short of the 3 US legacy carriers in some respects. Yet they charge more for what is essentially a poorer end product. I mean in other aspects Air Canada isn't necessarily the worst or that terrible, but factor in the hefty price for a very average product, and its hard to justify for a passenger. In short, you don't feel like you get the service you paid for.
I have flown many times on Air Canada Exec class from Vancouver to Europe and Asia. None of those flights was like yours. I have experienced exemplary service. The IFE system is lacking, though. I have flown with other airlines on the same routes and have been disappointed.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
It all seemed very average..that’s all I can manage… thanks though for the excellent commentary
Key word! Thanks for watching 🩴
I find their Signature crews hit and miss in the service department. Some will go out of their way to make it a great flight and others won't give you the time of day. AC likes to schedule night flights to Europe and Australia/Far East, which really cuts down their service requirements. It is common for the crews to shut everything down and turn out the lights as soon as possible after the initial meal service with the hope of never seeing you again for hours. I have even had crew restricting the front bathrooms because they didn't like to be disturbed while they were eating or reading their book. Often they will skip the snack portion of service and just put out the basket of KitKats and Miss Vickie's chips. Their Premium Economy offerings are often similar service levels and are a much better money or points deal on flights less than 10 hours.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
Flights booked on points are eligible to access the Signature Lounge: "Aeroplan flight rewards booked as a Business Class Flexible Reward or a First Class Flexible Reward (in J, C, D, Z, P, I booking classes) are eligible for access"
Sure for flex tickets, but with little other benefits- that would be one of the most expensive lounges you could possibly enter. Access to Al Safwa First Class lounge would be cheaper lol.
Our last AC trips were Toronto/Tokyo return for $16,000 cad. I fully agree with your food assessment except on the return they ran out of Business class dinners and later breakfasts so ended up with Economy food.
As for the crew comments, I agree. Excellent service on AC does occasionally happen but it’s very rare. It makes no sense, especially in Business or Premium to not serve dinners in courses. But the crew’s objective seems to get it all done and disappear.
My opinion is this is the result of the lack of competition in Canada and strong unions in AC.
WestJet, the other major carrier in Canada is just as bad as AC for pricing, fees customer service practices but the non union crews usually provide good to excellent service.
You know, I've never heard of of an airline running out of business class or better meals- economy yes, but any premium? Really odd- aside from a a catering error (pretty unusual) - that would be a pretty serious error, too. I would say that I service on AC is hit or miss, however I'm surprised no one has mentioned Porter yet- I haven't travelled with them recently, but in my experiences with them, the cabin crew was very friendly.
@@lindaa9005 I know this is a first world problem but when you are paying $8,000 per person you shouldn’t run out of one meal let alone two!
That's crazy to completely run out of all options.
@@tfft Especially at $8,000 a ticket.
If you bought the second level point ticket, you could have gotten into the SS lounge.
That is a massive price to pay just to access a lounge lol. I don't even consider their flex points tickets to be standard tickets. But that's just me. Thanks for watching 🩴
What happened to Terminal 2?
Ran away
Another great video! Thank you for (briefly) visiting Canada. Hope you come out West sometime, I'm on Vancouver Island, would love to show you all the beauty we have to offer.
Ps. BOG-YYZ-YYJ last spring, 2 out of 4 amenity kits for our family were missing from our J seats. FA found one more so wife and kids were able to get the keepsakes at least
And here I thought Canadaians were too nice to steal something like an amenity kit! haha
WHY is that guy driving that cart pulling other carts with luggage (?) next to the plane at 5.45 driving in circles? It's pretty funny to see.
I love how many people noticed this 😂... he's just lining up with the end of his bins. Had the clip show 2 seconds earlier and 2 seconds later, it would be much less exciting lol
I’m in Canada. I would not of eaten anything sending it back
I fly Westjet- it flies to London
Air canada has gone down over the years
West Jet is a go
Well the alternative was no dinner- in which case, it was downable lol
Ah, Toronto...when it's on television, squint and pretend it's New York City.
Congrats of the sponsorship. I'll probably buy a cheap suitcase while in Thailand to check on my way back from SEA next month. Souvenirs, Vietnamese coffee, and some Bangkok exclusive 7-11 snacks won't all fit in my carry on.
I have a flight next week on SQ's A350-900 ULR. I expect some weird looks from the crew when I change into my AA First pajamas. I sure hope my food is better than what was on your flight. It doesn't matter the airline, SFO based catering is hit or miss.
At least you'll have Book the Cook!
Best I don't know, I usually fly signature class, but seriously the Industrial look is so bowring, a Little bit of nice colours would have been nice. It's a nice product but nothing to roll on the floor
Agreed
Air Canada didn't give you any compensation for the video...now that's funny 😂
I try :)
Why are Air Canada flight attendants always so rude and angry? I had flight attendants act this way the last few times I flew with them. I have been flying Air Canada since I was a child in the '70s. Service was impleccable until about the late '90s. Why do AC flight attendants need to act like they are doing us a huge favour if we request something? I truly understand where you are coming from when you said the fight attendant looked annoyed because you asked about an amenity kit. Give me a break!
I reckon it's becuase they are tired of everyone always assuming they're so nice bc they're Canadian 😅
How was the connection/transfer at YYZ? Did you have to go thru another security check?
Very easy, there are certain airports (PHL included... all of the US included? idk...) which the Candaian airports "Trust"... and so you just goto this little kiosk and scan your stuff and you're through. No security check.
My disdain for AC continues.
I wouldn't say it was thattt bad.
I was denied in Air Canada from flying because my son passport expires in 5 months. Got stuck in Toronto. Downtalked by the gate agent manager. Had to pay a new ticket price. Never again. Unless they are cheaper significantly.
Flying international? Nearly every country on earth requires 6 months of passport validity for entry. Air Canada did you a favor, the alternative would have been denied entry and being sent back on the next flight at your expense.
AC are not happy unless your unhappy...apparently.
Seems so unCanadian of them lol
Hi Kevin! Out of curiosity- what is the international to international transfer like at YYZ? Passport check and/or security check before you're dumped back into the terminal?
There’s a list of certain airports which the Canadian airports “trust”- not sure if it’s all US airports but it was PHL… in that case just scanned my boarding pass and passed directly into the terminal. No security.
@@tfft you’re amazing, replied before I even finished the video! Keep up the awesome videos!
This airline, once an international pride, quickly became a total shame as soon as Hollis Harris took over the commands. Adding the disastrous management of Robert Milton through the 9/11 events, leading the original Air Canada to bankruptcy, thus creating ACE Aviation (with taxpayers money), to its sad historical records, ACE (Air Canada) has, since then, voluntarily opted for a low quality (hard and soft) product, all along. This depressing travel report is a vivid proof of such a reality. For having been a loooooong time premium costumer (First class) from the Vanguards, DC-9 and DC-8 days and first runs of 747-133 and Lockheed 1011, up until the early 2000s, what I see and hear about ACE / Air Canada today, is a total disgrace. I will NEVER spend a dime flying a premium product of this airline until MAJOR improvements occur. But, I am afraid it's not about to happen. Definitely, BA is a far better option for any Canada - England ride... even in coach.
Thanks for sharing ✈️
"Oil pillow."
A specialty of the Great White (with black stains) North.
Wait they have 109 aircraft on order!?
Actually up to 118 since I wrote the script.
@@tfft Really? Where can you see that? Mind sending a link?
If you reach 100k, you will be upgraded to The Sock & Shoes Explorer!
Ironically when I hit 100k, there will be a video coming out explaining why that'll never happen lol
Great review. Thank you. Regarding the padding in the seat. Did you use the firmness adjustment for the seat (on the electronic panel)? It fills more air into the seat padding. Not sure if your seat was set low. Flying DEN-YYZ-SCL all on AC later this year and appreciate the overview of what to expect. I had a choice of AC or AA and went with AC. We will see if that was the right choice.
Tbh I never use the balloon seat function as I've never found a version that doesn't randomly self adjust (for reasons I'll never understand) and wake me up each time it does it.
good review! Air Canada is average, probably better than other NA business class, but below the Asia/Middle East airlines. But overall a decent product for long haul flights. Taking it later this year to Seoul.
Enjoy your trip 🗺️
As for the sausages 😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂
I'm confused, was the menu different from the actual offerings?
Besides the guac that was actually ‘wasabi’, no… why?
Where is terminal 2?
In 2007 lol
AC…take note. Time for some seat, menu revamps. Getting dated and falling behind.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Yikes! I have travelled with so many airlines (except AC) in business class, but this is the worst meal (dinner and breakfast) I have ever seen in any flights I have taken.
Feel sorry you had to consume some of that.
Never taking AC!
Ah no worries, I've actually had much much worse, quite a few times lol
damn! 😄@@tfft