Air Canada’s motto is “we’re not happy until you’re not happy”. On a recent business class flight from Tokyo to Toronto they ran out of business class dinners and later, breakfasts by the time they got to my wife’s seat. And all for a $8,000 pp airfare.
Loved the review, always love to see what premium economy looks like for different airlines. Business is way to expensive for me so this is the next best thing. 😄
I’m so happy you put out this review for the premium economy cabin, because tomorrow I will be flying on it so it’s nice to know that I will be getting my moneys worth from it thank you!
@@airedition Hello, it’s been more then 2 weeks since I’ve flown on Air Canada premium economy from Toronto to Frankfurt for the first time, my over all thought about the seat was quite good to say the least, I loved how much space I had for storage as well as the generous recline I had, I also appreciate the little amenity kit and hot towel provided on board, when it came down to food, I thought it was mediocre not the best, but not horrible either, over all I say my flight went pretty well however, if there’s one criticism I can give to Air Canada it would be to invest in there catering, all in all I paid $1800 cad for this trip, I would definitely fly in premium economy again!
This video came in handy, not that I fly from Montreal although I am just 200 miles south in upstate NY and watch flights from EWR - YUL with help from FR24. I enjoyed your review of a “premium economy” seat. I am guessing this one is more than likely similar to other airlines. I usually fly Business class but as I stated to you once before, I did consider this level of service. So this was a helpful video. This is why I enjoy your channel. BTW: the Dreamliner is the most gorgeous aircraft on the outside to me but that damn window! I have had problems with them too. Thanks - Jim
I fly Air Canada PE transatlantic regularly, and this flight is entirely typical. The seats are good if not astounding, and you always get one meal that is premium-ish, and one that is the same as economy (either yoghurt and cake to Europe, or a curry pastry heading to Canada). It's a good option, particularly on Air Canada's 777s, where the economy seats are extremely narrow and cramped.
I very recently flew AC premium economy from YYZ to MAD, return, and had a great experience. The flight was smooth as silk, the cabin crew was nice and the food was actually pretty tasty (the breakfast was a letdown though). I also had a spare $50 AC gift card that I used at the Maple Leaf lounge and it was a madhouse, I doubt I’d ever pay for it with my own money.
It looks pretty reasonable, like mid-line compared to the other options. There's certainly better seat options out there in competitor's premium cabins. Food looked great though. Considering it's a direct non-stop, it seems a very reasonable option at the right price. Another great video!
Love flying on the 787, quiet, and such a smooth aircraft in flight. My only bug-bear is the dimmable windows, it's a gimmick and pointless feature, not only the fact the crew control this and as a passenger it drives me mad, but also the maintenance costs for the airlines as it does go faulty a lot with burnt out window filaments. I wonder if this will be a feature never to be seen again on the Boeing line up.
Agree they are usually very annoying both for pax and airlines! And yet the A350 is introducing them now, so maybe they’ve figured out the tech to make them more reliable? Dunno 🤷♂️
Ok, I’m back again for a 3rd Air Canada story. Canada suffers from a lack of competition when it comes to airlines. I’m on a one way TAP 0:10 flight from Toronto to Barcelona on Wednesday. Air Canada wanted $6,500. My TAP Business class is $2,600 fully refundable lie flat.
I took the AC premium econ about a year ago on an overnight flight, I was able to get a bit of sleep and I don't sleep in economy seats, so it was worth it in that regard, but overall the service was horrible. They didn't offer much in the way of food/drink and I didn't get an amenity kit plus no pillow or blanket (maybe they had them but I never ask nor saw anyone around me with them). The west jet premium econ on their dreamliners is better, they just don't have many of them.
It's a similar business breakfast to be honest, maybe with fresh fruit and an French toast or pancake. I few AC from Montreal to London and had that pre arrival , however the coffee was freshly made in a mug
@@airedition hmmm , in business ( i have the menu photo i took ) I got an omelette, sausage, cottage cheese, roasted potatoes, yoghurt, croissant. It was a HUGE upgrade from economy or premium economy. I've only flown business 3 or 4 times with air canada, I think twice PE, the rest economy but I have flown AC hundreds of times.
For now our favorite Pr /Econ product is from KLM (LAX based flights) We have taken. Virgin Atlantic (2), United (3) and older 777 Air France is (4). We are looking to try Business across the Atlantic. JetBlue, SAS, Condor seem to be the lowest priced options for business around June 2025 (Family of 4)
Hey, nice video. I found your video to be right on the mark - regarding your question if the whole premium economy class seating is worth the $. I find it not bad. (It's definitely better than being back with the cattle in economy. [I hope that doesn't get me in trouble, saying that.] I've only been flying recently in premium economy and find that it's worth that little bit extra $ from the straight up economy ticket.) I also didn't mind the recline angle of the premium economy seating and was able to get a good cat nap in during some recent flights (15+ hours). Upon a very recent flight I splurged for a business class seat. I found that this seat offered me less comfort when I tried to sleep on my long flight leg, but found the service exceptional, actually making that flight worth the $ spent. I just slept with the seat reclined rather than put fully down. Now, would I splurge for business class from now on? I think not. The carrier was also Air Canada.
Interesting that you found the business class seat less comfortable! I like to put it laying flat but then bring the headrest up a few degrees, that's the best angle for sleeping I think. But to each their own!
The 3-hour lounge access policy is only for passengers originating from the home airport and not if one is connecting/transitting. Lounges have become overcrowded post-COVID and has become almost universal among North American airline lounges. (YUL’s lounges are far too small for all the new overseas flights being introduced but there’s no expansion space for either that or the domestic Maple Leaf Lounge.) The PE seats are pretty much what are used for domestic business. Main course is the same as offered in business, rest of the tray and breakfast is as in Y. And no, amenity kits are not given in Y. Bulkheads are overrated! So it’s a hybrid between J and Y…which is what PE is all about on just about all airlines.
I don't know, I found it somewhat uninspiring but perfectly fine both times I flew with them this year. Very much in line with US carriers, which are also mostly fine. Business class review on the same route (opposite direction) coming soon!
Indeed. AC is my last choice out of YVR when flying internationally to Asia, so many far superior airlines at lower price points normally. Quite like China Air's PE product, used to get fares in the $1400-1500 CAD range in PE pre-covid from YVR-BKK; AC would be asking more than $2k for the same class.
I purchased premium economy and air Canada assigned me economy while still showing and selling premium economy seats at higher price. Gate advised me I have to wait unt 1 hour before flight and if any seats left not purchased then I would get my paid premium economy seat but at one hour no seats left and I was put in last row of economy. What a scam
Now I need to what 3 days and. air Canada will compensate my lower paid ticket price of $3200 round trip or $1600 one way to Economy price of $1000 while Air Canada sold at $4000. So they make $4000 - $600 compensation to me . What a scam. They should half to honour ticket sold and not allowed to sell at higher price and move me to economy !!!
😬😬 yeah I know, but for me its especially that euro connection after an overnight that I can’t stand. Also connections in the US in the other direction, having to go through immigration and re-check bags at the port of entry. Avoid those at all costs! But other connections I don’t mind as much.
For Premium Economy, that offering for breakfast is atrocious. Get your act together Air Canada. Doesn't look like Premium Economy is worth it on Air Canada.
Air Canada Maple leaf lounge in UK Heathrow is really nice they offer tons of choices unlike the one in YVR. If you can afford Premium economy and signature class go for it especially for long haul travel.
@@airedition I am Canadian. I will not fly AC unless there is absolutely no other choice. AC always includes a virtual guarantee that your flight will be miserable. I think it’s a corporate head office thing, I am also sure they treat their staff poorly. I wish they would fail entirely so we could start over.
Air Canada’s motto is “we’re not happy until you’re not happy”. On a recent business class flight from Tokyo to Toronto they ran out of business class dinners and later, breakfasts by the time they got to my wife’s seat. And all for a $8,000 pp airfare.
That is definitely not okay!
Loved the review, always love to see what premium economy looks like for different airlines. Business is way to expensive for me so this is the next best thing. 😄
Thanks glad it was useful!
man the music fit so good. another great job here!! you really know which music you need to play and especially when!
Thanks a lot! Inevitably some will complain about any music choice, since tastes vary a lot, so all I can do is put in what I want to hear.
I’m so happy you put out this review for the premium economy cabin, because tomorrow I will be flying on it so it’s nice to know that I will be getting my moneys worth from it thank you!
Ok nice! Report back if you can, I’m curious what you thought.
@@airedition Hello, it’s been more then 2 weeks since I’ve flown on Air Canada premium economy from Toronto to Frankfurt for the first time, my over all thought about the seat was quite good to say the least, I loved how much space I had for storage as well as the generous recline I had, I also appreciate the little amenity kit and hot towel provided on board, when it came down to food, I thought it was mediocre not the best, but not horrible either, over all I say my flight went pretty well however, if there’s one criticism I can give to Air Canada it would be to invest in there catering, all in all I paid $1800 cad for this trip, I would definitely fly in premium economy again!
This video came in handy, not that I fly from Montreal although I am just 200 miles south in upstate NY and watch flights from EWR - YUL with help from FR24. I enjoyed your review of a “premium economy” seat. I am guessing this one is more than likely similar to other airlines. I usually fly Business class but as I stated to you once before, I did consider this level of service. So this was a helpful video. This is why I enjoy your channel. BTW: the Dreamliner is the most gorgeous aircraft on the outside to me but that damn window! I have had problems with them too. Thanks - Jim
Nice, glad it was potentially useful for you, and that’s cool you live along the NYC-YUL flight path!
I fly Air Canada PE transatlantic regularly, and this flight is entirely typical. The seats are good if not astounding, and you always get one meal that is premium-ish, and one that is the same as economy (either yoghurt and cake to Europe, or a curry pastry heading to Canada). It's a good option, particularly on Air Canada's 777s, where the economy seats are extremely narrow and cramped.
Good to know, thanks for the comment!
Your eyebrow lift is KILLING ME. Love you man. Xoxo
Haha thanks!
I very recently flew AC premium economy from YYZ to MAD, return, and had a great experience. The flight was smooth as silk, the cabin crew was nice and the food was actually pretty tasty (the breakfast was a letdown though). I also had a spare $50 AC gift card that I used at the Maple Leaf lounge and it was a madhouse, I doubt I’d ever pay for it with my own money.
Thanks for the info! Glad you enjoyed the flight.
It looks pretty reasonable, like mid-line compared to the other options. There's certainly better seat options out there in competitor's premium cabins. Food looked great though. Considering it's a direct non-stop, it seems a very reasonable option at the right price. Another great video!
Yeah, I think that’s correct. Very middle of the road. I don’t think it was worth $1200 in this case. But $800 or so and I’d be a repeat buyer.
Love flying on the 787, quiet, and such a smooth aircraft in flight. My only bug-bear is the dimmable windows, it's a gimmick and pointless feature, not only the fact the crew control this and as a passenger it drives me mad, but also the maintenance costs for the airlines as it does go faulty a lot with burnt out window filaments. I wonder if this will be a feature never to be seen again on the Boeing line up.
Agree they are usually very annoying both for pax and airlines! And yet the A350 is introducing them now, so maybe they’ve figured out the tech to make them more reliable? Dunno 🤷♂️
Another top review Mr LeiGh 👍🏿
Thank you!
Another great video, well done Gabe
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ok, I’m back again for a 3rd Air Canada story. Canada suffers from a lack of competition when it comes to airlines. I’m on a one way TAP 0:10 flight from Toronto to Barcelona on Wednesday. Air Canada wanted $6,500. My TAP Business class is $2,600 fully refundable lie flat.
Yeah, TAP is famous for those low fares to entice people to travel via Lisbon to/from Europe. Often very good deals!
@ And the problem is?
@@barryhaley7430what do you mean?
@@airedition I’m sorry this was a response meant for someone else. Did not intend it for you. I apologize.
I took the AC premium econ about a year ago on an overnight flight, I was able to get a bit of sleep and I don't sleep in economy seats, so it was worth it in that regard, but overall the service was horrible. They didn't offer much in the way of food/drink and I didn't get an amenity kit plus no pillow or blanket (maybe they had them but I never ask nor saw anyone around me with them). The west jet premium econ on their dreamliners is better, they just don't have many of them.
I would like to try that out!
It's a similar business breakfast to be honest, maybe with fresh fruit and an French toast or pancake. I few AC from Montreal to London and had that pre arrival , however the coffee was freshly made in a mug
Interesting! 🤔
@@airedition hmmm , in business ( i have the menu photo i took ) I got an omelette, sausage, cottage cheese, roasted potatoes, yoghurt, croissant. It was a HUGE upgrade from economy or premium economy. I've only flown business 3 or 4 times with air canada, I think twice PE, the rest economy but I have flown AC hundreds of times.
I Fly A Lot Premium Economy.Great Video And Info
Thanks for watching!
Great video, love that hat as well. ❤
Thank you!
For now our favorite Pr /Econ product is from KLM (LAX based flights) We have taken. Virgin Atlantic (2), United (3) and older 777 Air France is (4). We are looking to try Business across the Atlantic. JetBlue, SAS, Condor seem to be the lowest priced options for business around June 2025 (Family of 4)
Thanks!
Yes, the yogurt and cake thingy are the exact same thing they serve in Y class. For a 10 hour flight from YYZ to ATH...
Hmm not very enticing!
Great video Gabe, I feel like a footrest can be helpful when flying premium economy. I flew the UA product on SFO-CHC which was...bearable 😂
Indeed, though how useful that footrest is depends how tall you are. That's a long one to CHC!
It is funny to see that most of the premium economy seats have the same design😂
Yep it’s true, extremely rare to find one that looks different!
flew AC in economy only recently, and yes, right, that is the co breakfast.
That is sad even for economy!
SAS used to fly ORD-ARN non-stop but it's been dropped. Hoping SAS will re-launch the flight in '25 .
Yeah shame about that. I’m not hopeful they’ll relaunch it though, since they can just send everyone there through Copenhagen.
Hey, nice video. I found your video to be right on the mark - regarding your question if the whole premium economy class seating is worth the $. I find it not bad. (It's definitely better than being back with the cattle in economy. [I hope that doesn't get me in trouble, saying that.] I've only been flying recently in premium economy and find that it's worth that little bit extra $ from the straight up economy ticket.) I also didn't mind the recline angle of the premium economy seating and was able to get a good cat nap in during some recent flights (15+ hours). Upon a very recent flight I splurged for a business class seat. I found that this seat offered me less comfort when I tried to sleep on my long flight leg, but found the service exceptional, actually making that flight worth the $ spent. I just slept with the seat reclined rather than put fully down. Now, would I splurge for business class from now on? I think not. The carrier was also Air Canada.
Interesting that you found the business class seat less comfortable! I like to put it laying flat but then bring the headrest up a few degrees, that's the best angle for sleeping I think. But to each their own!
The 3-hour lounge access policy is only for passengers originating from the home airport and not if one is connecting/transitting. Lounges have become overcrowded post-COVID and has become almost universal among North American airline lounges. (YUL’s lounges are far too small for all the new overseas flights being introduced but there’s no expansion space for either that or the domestic Maple Leaf Lounge.) The PE seats are pretty much what are used for domestic business. Main course is the same as offered in business, rest of the tray and breakfast is as in Y. And no, amenity kits are not given in Y. Bulkheads are overrated! So it’s a hybrid between J and Y…which is what PE is all about on just about all airlines.
I know some people think this about bulkheads. But I’m team bulkhead 4 life! 😁
I booked Stockholm Toronto but on the economy class using 36,400 Aeroplan Points & $127 CAD, window exit row seat which gives me enough leg room
That sounds like a great deal!
I love AC but those breakfasts arriving into Europe are absolutely dreadful.
They should really step it up with the breakfast yeah!
Better than those savoury things coming back to canada... yuck!
For the seats in economy the older a330 got a more comfortable one than the 787 I believe
I would believe that. A330 economy is almost always more comfortable than 787.
would be nice to know the price difference between economy and premium economy
It varies so much, but in this case it was about $400 usd more one way.
such a disgrace with the dirty window. i can really relate... but i cant imagine how it is for a reviewer like you.. must be really frustrating
Haha yeah that’s tough. Similarly annoying: night landings when they leave the lights on and the glare kills any window shot 😅
@@airedition 😂😮💨💀 true
does this seat have the directional air vents above ?
Pretty sure yes!
Are alcohol drinks unlimited ?
I wonder if they’d cut you off at some point haha. Technically unlimited yes.
@airedition I guess as long as I behave 😅
The seat is ok but the food is way too bland for premium economy. AC is definitely not my first choice for a flight.
Yeah you definitely don't fly that product for the food, it's true.
I would never fly AC even if it is free. AC customers experience is the worst. They need to take a page from Asian airlines.
I don't know, I found it somewhat uninspiring but perfectly fine both times I flew with them this year. Very much in line with US carriers, which are also mostly fine. Business class review on the same route (opposite direction) coming soon!
Indeed. AC is my last choice out of YVR when flying internationally to Asia, so many far superior airlines at lower price points normally. Quite like China Air's PE product, used to get fares in the $1400-1500 CAD range in PE pre-covid from YVR-BKK; AC would be asking more than $2k for the same class.
I purchased premium economy and air Canada assigned me economy while still showing and selling premium economy seats at higher price. Gate advised me I have to wait unt 1 hour before flight and if any seats left not purchased then I would get my paid premium economy seat but at one hour no seats left and I was put in last row of economy. What a scam
Now I need to what 3 days and. air Canada will compensate my lower paid ticket price of $3200 round trip or $1600 one way to Economy price of $1000 while Air Canada sold at $4000. So they make $4000 - $600 compensation to me . What a scam. They should half to honour ticket sold and not allowed to sell at higher price and move me to economy !!!
Wow that cap, I grew up in the Plateau, 28 years and thouse baggles were heaven
Nice! Yep I loved the bagels there and I’m from NYC originally so I should know 😁
Twigz!
Amaing what we’re willing to put up with for a direct flight vs. connection! Just confirmed Air Canada isn’t worth it in any class!
😬😬 yeah I know, but for me its especially that euro connection after an overnight that I can’t stand. Also connections in the US in the other direction, having to go through immigration and re-check bags at the port of entry. Avoid those at all costs! But other connections I don’t mind as much.
For Premium Economy, that offering for breakfast is atrocious. Get your act together Air Canada. Doesn't look like Premium Economy is worth it on Air Canada.
It’s very borderline it’s true.
That snack was awful. And only one beverage service? Jeez.
Yeah pretty basic…
Air Canada Maple leaf lounge in UK Heathrow is really nice they offer tons of choices unlike the one in YVR. If you can afford Premium economy and signature class go for it especially for long haul travel.
Will have to check it out one time!
Air Canada....the absolute worst airline in the world.
Haha there's a lot of Air Canada hate in the comments on both my AC videos. They seem to have pissed off a lot of people!
@@airedition I am Canadian. I will not fly AC unless there is absolutely no other choice. AC always includes a virtual guarantee that your flight will be miserable. I think it’s a corporate head office thing, I am also sure they treat their staff poorly. I wish they would fail entirely so we could start over.