This is why Simply Aviation is one of my favourite airline reviewing channel. You guys rarely review the more luxurious sides of airlines, but mainly the more relevant side (Economy)
Agreed, though please do include Premium Economy, @simply_aviation! The difference being we can't go any cheaper than Economy, whereas economy plus/premium is actually viable for many of us, on occasion, so the reviews are actually much more impactful!
The thumbnail asks "why do Canadians accept this?" The answer is that we have very few other choices. Other airlines have tried, but Canada is a really big place with very low population density. It's a hard place to build any service affordably that relies on economies of scale.
on top of tight safety regulation, environmental regulation and high taxes on everything. In short, the only companies able to compete in the Canadian economy are the largest and most powerful.
@@avroarchitect1793 Not just that but international airlines are not allowed to offer domestic flights within Canada. That reduces competition. They should open up the market for the benefit of Canadian travellers similar to what Australia did.
@@zeeshawnali4078 problem is with the proximity to the US. The US companies would be able to undercut the Canadian airlines so much that they get run out of business and we loose yet another domestic industry. The economic power disparity between Canada and the US means that any US company would be able to undercut the Canadian one no matter the industry. Its why we are so protectionist about our economy and do things like manipulating the supply of some goods in Canada. To preserve domestic ownership. We've lost aircraft manufacturing, are loosing automotive manufacturing (despite being branch plants already), and the US corps are going after farming and the dairy industry in particular.
@@thecaynuck Flair is basically a dead airline walking, Bonza (Australian Subsidiary) just went bankrupt two months ago, and Flair is basically only being kept alive by the Summer Travel boom, they'll be dead by October.
@@patriciabouchard5296 yes, I was referring to the announcement in the video where AC is piloting free alcohol and snacks on domestic/transborder flights as a way to compete with Porter head on. However if any of these services stop from Porter, so does service from AC.
Also WestJet just screwing things up. Got the jump on them with free wine and beer right after their announced issues and Ultrabasic fiasco. As a Canadian, where car travel long distance to things suck, this helps a great deal on a red eye haha
My flight with Air Canada was the worst I've ever experienced. The crew were great but the extended time due to delay - 5 hours mostly spent sitting on the tarmac - plus the terrible entertainment meant it was horrendous. The best options were reruns of Friends. I have never taken another long haul flight in economy. Air Canada cured me. And I will never, ever, fly Air Canada again.
Regarding the dimming of the windows drama situation. I work as a flight crew member for a US airline that flies many 787s. I work the 787 a lot. The problem with the dimming of the shades Is caused by conflict within the flight crew. There is constant arguing and bickering whether to control the shades or let the customer control the shades. I cannot tell you how many disputes I have witnessed over this issue. I wish this new invention was never invented.
Noticed this on a WJ Dreamliner. They also don’t dim to opaque so sleeping in the window seat YVR to CDG was impossible. Bright sun and hot the whole time.
What never should have happened is to allow the flight crew to have any control over them, aside from during landing and takeoff. The rest of the time, just like the old manual slide down shades, it should be entirely at the discretion of the passenger.
I am so glad you showcase economy class. Not all of us can afford business or first class. I don’t understand those influencer promoting business and first class.
Near monopoly with greedy management. Avoid Air Canada and WestJet. Do not work or support these companies. Their managers received record setting bonuses under Covid while multiple departments are threatening to strike. That should tell you everything.
this is so false. Just because you don't like your options doesn't mean they have a monopoly. our population isn't that big we will never have 50 airlines
I wouldn't mind the level of quality on Air Canada if they weren't so overpriced. I was hoping to take a roundtrip nonstop economy class PDX-YYZ this summer, but it was so expensive that I ended up doing a PDX-YYZ one-way, then on to EWR with Porter for a week in New York, and back EWR-PDX *in first class* on Alaska, for only $80 more than PDX-YYZ-PDX. They're just so... mid, which is fine, but the pricing definitely doesn't match.
They have a monopoly on the Canadian market. It’s a joke…also fun fact, they pay their pilots 55k starting salary, and no one makes more than 100k in the first 4 years. When you get hired at air Canada, you are taking a pay cut because you will have about 10 years work experience. They charge so much and pay their employees substantially less than other mainline carriers in the world. Truly sad
@@MrRedwingsfan16All horseshit, you don’t know what you’re talking about. They have the biggest market share, but not a monopoly. Do a little research before you spew.
Like many I now avoid AC due to declining service standards for reasons you've cited. My last trip i had my connecting YVR-YYZ cancelled due to scheduling and best offer was a redeye option after about 10 hours or one day layover with no hotel coverage. Porter is a better option where they fly or other carriers.
Air Canada offers expensive prices for a cheap experience. They always have. Yet you will board to a soundtrack telling you how great they are and how many awards they have won.....
Air Canada domestic ticket prices are over priced. I live in Canada and fly to asia quite often. The oceanic flight usually is cheaper then the domestic ticket
@@AnetaMihaylova-d6f Lack of competition. Westjet is really focusing on Western Canada now, and Porter is still pretty limited. Neither is part of an alliance and have limited partners so international itineraries from smaller cities usually mean taking AC.
@@smallmj2886 Porter doesn't seem very limited anymore, they're Canada's fastest growing airline and are expanding their Canada/US route network. They plan to do some Caribbean routes too.
BTW, the International to USA passenger flow is relatively new (last 10 years). And is pretty fancy. Your checked luggage is x-rayed upon arriving and the image associted with your baggage tag/reservation. The suitcase is then automatically sent to a holding area. When you clear US customs, the US customs agent will see the X-Ray picture of your luggage and can then press a button to release the suicase/bin when then gets routed to the departure gate baggage makeup area, or have it brought upstairs for examination by an agent. So for vast majoriry of passengers, it means your suitcase remains on a bin in the automated baggage system between the flights with no need to put it on a carrousel/baggage belt for pickup by a human. You used to have to get your luggage and go through Canada Customs and then to US customs where your checked baggage would be dropped back into belt and then security.
17:50 They also have 18 787-10s on order to replace A330s, once the first 787-10 delivers, they will be the 4th airline in the world to have all 3 variants of 787s
@@MoonbeameSmith You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the wall panel below the window. You will see a red wire - Don't touch that as it could shut off the engines! There will be a grey knob. Pull it out and there will be a blue and grey wires attached to it. Strip about 1.3 cm of both wires and twist them together. Use some duct tape to keep them in contact. Screw the wall panel back on - Be very careful not to pinch off the red wire
We didn't get much snow last winter. It was actually quite mild. You must have flown here on the one or two days we got snow. But it wasn't snowing hard in your video. You can still see.
I actually like how Air Canada dealt with flight cancellations recently. Few weeks ago my wife's next day flight from Amsterdam to Montreal was cancelled, while she was in the hotel in Amsterdam sleeping. She was supposed to continue Montreal-Vancouver next. Air Canada automatically rebooked her on a direct AMS-YVR KLM flight that was leaving AMS 3 hours later and arriving to YVR 4 hours earlier than her original itinerary. She just got email with 'Please confirm the change' button, pressed it, and turned over back to sleep. And KLM is not even the same alliance as AC. Same happened to me with domestic YVR YEG half a year ago. Just an email, please confirm new itinerary, no need to call or do anything.
I don't get it why so many people complain about AC! Flying Air Canada remained one of my favourite moments in flying, and do I fly! I flew Air Canada few years ago, everything was just good and very smooth! I flew three flights, from Frankfurt to Montreal, and back, first on a domestic flight from Montreal to Toronto and then from Toronto to Frankfurt. All three planes brand new, all was on time, good IFE, and good food on intl segments, I mean really good food on int flights, flight attendants really nice. I don't know how can it go wrong on so many accounts with Air Canada for so many other people
My OVERPRICED flight to Europe was CANCELLED ON THREE TIMES ! No way to reach customer service! I think they sadistically enjoyed the misery they made me pay for! THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE EVER AFTER WAITING ON HOLD FOR THREE HOURS. THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR YOUR HOTEL ROOM AFTER THEY CANCEL YOUR OVERNIGHT FLIGHT.
They have no incentive to go above and beyond because they have no noteworthy competition, and are in hands with the government commissions that oversee Canadian aviation… unfortunate reality
Hopefully WestJet keeps stepping it up. I usually fly AC even though I'm in the US. That said, US has 3 major airlines + JetBlue and yet they still aren't very good, especially domestically.
@@hockey1freak but internationally the US big 3 have newer lounges, updated board products and over all better service ( Delta) specifically to be superior to that of air Canada. I’ve seen a ton of air Canada reviews and I’ve seen US airlines international reviews and the U.S. carriers all edge out Air Canada in one of more metric.
@@hockey1freakI wouldn't hold my breath. Example: air Canada & westjet both operate flights between Ottawa & Winnipeg with fares averaging $900 RT which is already ridiculous WJ is usually cheaper by $100 which is hardly competitive. WJ has also been slowly pulling out of the Eastern Canada market since 2019 which shows how non existent competition is.
They're also tightly protected from competition (both domestic and foreign) through various legislation & other protective measures ensuring they have the upper hand in everything including the ability of other domestic competitors to play with them
@@hockey1freak Westjet are "stuck" with 7 787s that they must use but cancelled the rest of the order. They have regrouped their little long haul network to Calgary and reficused their strtegy to be domestic low cost carriers in western Canada , woth leasure flighrts across Canada. So doubtful you'll see the carboard box microwaved meals on 787s get upgraded to real meals. Air Transat, which used to be charter carrier (ultra low cost) is now better than both Westjet and Air Canada for coach so so because because they improved, but more because AC downgraded their coach product.
Just flew with their overhauled service, 2 days after it launched, on flights from Toronto to the west coast. It's great! Their entire menu got an overhaul, and their IFE options are always growing. I really hope this works out for them.
I like what Air Canada offers, mostly because if you fly overseas from the US with a connection in Canada, it's hundreds of dollars cheaper than the big US airlines. I'll buy some snacks in the airport for those savings.
Always a good idea to take some of your own food - you never know what you'll get on board (or not get), and then you've got your own food, guaranteed, if you get hungry, or if you end up getting stuck on board or otherwise delayed.
Back in 2011 or so, I and a bunch of other Air Canada Super Elites (100k flyers) were invited out to the 787 pre-launch event in Toronto. They had a big mixer between their top flyers in and around Boeing's 787 prototype (SN #2). We got to see all parts of the aircraft, sit in the cockpit, go up into the crew rest areas, and see the various seating configurations. Economy would have been glorious had they gone with a 2-4-2 configuration. Instead they went with the 3-3-3 configuration, which is far too narrow for people of average size.
The dunk on 10:25 🤣🤣 I experienced locked windows set on full dim on my first 787 flight back in 2017 with Scoot and it sure tainted my image of the airline and this aircraft model. The message is “you passengers are a nuisance and want you asleep so you don’t bother us with your little stupid demands”.
Air Canada or Qantas from Vancouver to Sydney/Brisbane would be a great review. BTW The small things do add up. I hate the lack of the pre dinner drink service.
It was great when Porter Airlines roasted AC on social media for adding free drinks and snacks on economy class flights within 🇨🇦 🇺🇸, something Porter has done for quote a while now 😂
YVR-SYD on the AC 777-200LR is notoriously miserable with AC's high-density 3-4-3 777 layout... Probably not as bad as the 17hrs nonstop DEL-YYZ on the same plane though.
@conorcorrigan765 was the same when AC had the YYZ-HKG route with the 777-200LR. 15 hours. That route isn't coming back anytime soon because of the closure of Russian airspace to AC.
Great video as always! I'm very happy to say the Disney safety video is gone; they have gone back to the across Canada nature video. Re the hot beverage service, I understand this happens sometimes when the seatbelt sign is turned on. On my recent transatlantic daytime economy flight, they had hot beverage after lunch. I totally agree about pre-lunch drink service!
Interesting what you cover. My strategy in Econ class is to bring something to cover your eyes and ears when you wanna shut down. Download movies to your phone - the audio sucks on planes. Reply as little as possible in airline food. Eat before you go, and shut down, go comatose during the flight. Just skip those 12-18 hours of your life.
They do usually offer tea or coffee after the meal, not sure why they didn’t on your flight. I have done quite a few transatlantic flights between Toronto and Munich/Amsterdam this year, and they always served coffee/tea after the meal.
It is standard procedure to serve coffee and tea after the meal on Air Canada. If it wasn't served, someone thought those who want it can just go grab it from the galley...
I sat in this very plane back in January 15,2019. Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR), 11pm flight. It was a nice flight. Think this aircraft is coming up for retirement soon. However, not so sure with the repaint done. Think they keep their planes in the fleet for about 20 years.
The IFE shown on this flight is the older version. On the 787-9 and 777-200LR (both of which I've recently flown in the last year) has a newer IFE featuring music playlists from Stingray.
18:40 i love the attention to detail of the Wish and Congratulations livery's although slightly out of date now there is also a Golden Oylmpics livery too
Air Canada may not be #1 on the Economy Flight Comfort List but, it sure as heck beats Air France's A350 Service From Paris to Ottawa. AC's flight attendants are a damn sight more pleasant too. I didn't have enough room on the AF flight to open my table. The dipstick in front of me reclined his seat and left it reclined, even through meals and, when brought to the attention of the flight attendants ( who also wears a security badge now ) nothing was done and I was basically told "to bad".
Those scratchy single use covers are beyond awful however, a friend of mine who hates them even more found cloth ones that she carries with her and washes to her preference. It looks like someone figured out there's a niche market for this and went for it.
I like Air Canada and have flown with them for 25 years. I find that economy class is the same with all airlines. I like their staff and always feel safe and cared for.
I'm surprised they have a Disney themed in-flight safety video. What does that have to do with Canada? It seems like Air Canada sold Disney some advertising space. That's a very odd situation. I would've thought they'd do something similar to Air New Zealand or Qantas, where the video is used as a way to 'show off' the country whilst also speaking about safety. P.s. loved the joke about American beer being 'sparkling water'. There's an old Australian joke - "drinking American beer is like making love in a canoe - it's f*cking close to water".
Air Canada used to have a in-flight safety video that showed every province/territory up until last summer but I guess they sold ad space to Disney... I mean a lot of Canadians will go down to Florida for a sun vacation so it makes sense for the advertising though...
The Disney video is only on most flights to Florida and LA, select trans-oceanic flights into major hubs, plus a handful of other flights seem to play it at random. The Canadian tour video is still played on most flights
Canadians have no choice as our glorious country limits airline competition as they do with telecommunications, dairy, eggs, and a whole host of other things. We are destined to accept mediocre as how we define Canada.
We limit domestic routes. There are many foreign airlines you can take for many international trips. Also, it's no different in Canada than the US or EU on their domestic or short haul flights. In fact it's worse in the EU because their carry on luggage size and weight is less than N America. And if you have traveled economy on any US airline domestic flight it is the same shit service and sardines in a can seating.
Just the other day, I listened to a video in BNN about airline business. These are the main points which may explain why there's little competition in Canada : 1) Evidently it's not the easiest nor profitable business for start-up. The joke is if you are a billionaire and start an airline, you'll become a millionaire. However allowing American airlines to run in Canada will eventually lead to merging into a bigger airline which definitely does not help competition. 2) To be profitable, every flight needs to be 75-85 % full. 3) With Canada being the second biggest country in the world (in area) yet with scarce population (10 %of U.S.), it's not easy to offer flights all over the country like Air Canada. 4) It's easier for smaller airlines choosing only big cities or specific profitable routes. 5) Air Canada lost money during the pandemic years and is still trying to make up for all the loss. That explains the reason why Air Canada stock still is tanking into all time low while the TSX is at all time high.
I came here to make the same comment. Canada is a vast country, virtually empty north of the border with the United States. A few giant companies are permitted to monopolize key industries including telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, and food. Enjoying a cozy relationship with whichever party happens to be in power, the country’s ludicrously underpowered Competition Bureau is hindered at every turn from doing anything substantial to change the status quo. That being said, the United States also restricts foreign companies from flying point-to-point within the country’s borders, as do most other countries. If Canada were to change tack and allow the entry of foreign carriers to provide service between Canadian cities, this would be a welcome and dramatic departure from norms. I doubt Air Canada would survive for long in its current form amid such competition. But Canadians would surely benefit from lower prices.
If the price of the ticket matches with the quality of service offered on-board, AC can be tolerated. Unfortunately, AC cannot even match its in-flight service to any of the European carriers like BA or Lufthansa. Expecting them to match carriers middle east and air india is a fantasy.
Just flew this exact flight from Vienna to Toronto two days ago. Overall very pleased with the flight particularly the quality of the crew and service. Snacks and drinks were offered numerous times beyond meal service.
I really enjoy Air Canada's 787 for international routes. The planes are clean, the entertainment selection is broad, and I always find the crew very friendly. It's also nice they have a few staff who speak the language of the arrival destination (Cantonese for Hong Kong, Arabic for the Dubai route, and German for the Germany/Austria flights). They've revamped their food, which was mediocre before but looks good now. They could still be far better. The turnaround times are the biggest issue. And there's nothing that solicits a "wow!" when flying them. They're above average, but nothing to write home about.
they reintroduced the food and drink services in domestic and USA flights because of Porter Airlines. XD. They really arent trying to be competitive since the Caribbean flights remain unchanged
In Aprill I flew 5 consecutive AC flights, short, medium and long haul, most in economy (the last, Vancouver-Incheon, in Premium), and they weren't very good. There was no food at all on the Toronto-Vancouver leg (well over 4 hours), because of problems with their supplier in Toronto. The seats were mostly pretty uncomfortable; the Premium seat was OK, but the service was terrible, and the food mid-range economy standard, and the wine selection poor. It was a great relief to get on an Asiana flight (also economy) from Incheon to Manila, which was significantly better on all counts than AC s-called 'Premium'.
Last May I flew from Pearson YYZ to Narita NRT and my flight was 6.5 hours late to leave. I talked to the flight crew on the way over. Apparently they booked the flight but didn't book pilots. After failing to get pilots for 5.5 hours, they took the pilots from a different flight to Tel Aviv. By that point all the flight crew had gone home so they had on-call flight crew come in. Then the food went bad because it was sitting too long so they had to restock that. I ended up landing at close to 11pm and was unable to do any of the essential things I needed to, forcing me to waste my next day. I also checked in at my hotel way after checkin time ended which was extremely embarassing. I dislike Air Canada a lot.
I have to agree, I also were disappointed when flying with AC, is like they do not make absolutely any effort to make you feel pleased, it is almost like a low cost at high cost.
1 thing you must realize. Planes, NOT JUST AIR CANDA. are rebranded when maintenance is required and the plane is taken out of service for either an A B or C Check. to keep an airline going you can not have every plane going into services at the same time or you wouldn't have an airline specially with a B or C check to make sure YOUR flight are safe.
Side Note on the Free Beer/Wine and Snacks mentioned at 22:00 . This is just to compete with an upcoming Airline in Canada who has been doing this for years, Porter Airlines. Thats why its only for in-Canada flights. I give AirCanada 0 props for this move, if they could do without it, they would. Air Canada can get Bent.
A couple notes since I fly AC fairly often, including transatlantic. First off, the catering was good because you were coming from Europe. I've taken two trips across the pond in the last few months, and the catering leaving Toronto is horrendous, but is much better leaving Europe. Maybe that says more about the state of our catering companies. As for the IFE, I noticed that the screens in your second flight are running the newer software, which I find to be more responsive. I'm sure the selection is the same, but even things like the map mode feel more complete. Overall, I agree that AC gets the basics right, but having also taken trips on European and Asian long haul carriers, it's sad to see what we're missing out on. I hope Porter can continue to push them to increase the level of service
Honestly, I find KLM and Lufthansa rather sad on transatlantic flights from Canada and not better than Air Canada. Especially comparing with what they used to be 20 years ago
They would be my last resort to fly anywhere that is more than six away. Especially to and from Asia, where they are about at the same level as the second or third tier airlines. They are really all hat and no cattle
The premium economy product on AC (especially the 787s) is probably my favorite, it has the best service, very comfortable, spacious and we had our own bathroom by the doors
The little details 100% matter! I’ve paid slightly more to fly some airlines over others because I knew when I flew with them I was going to get more value for my money.
I ve travelled AC a number of times return from Vancouver to Heathrow. And every time the AC gate at Heathrow is way way at the end of terminal 2. An almost 20 minute walk. Who decides where planes should go? I always thought it was the ground controllers? But (silly question), you make it sound as if the airline maybe somehow requests a far away gate? Is that correct? Or am I misunderstanding?
Long-haul Airline typically has preassigned gates at major airports, and where they are is based on importance of the airline to the airport and the level of clout the airline carries :) Gates is a hot commodity, much international traffic to popular airports was controlled by gates availability.
As a frequent flyer of Air Canada, it was really fun and informative to watch. I am always disappointed that transborder flights even do not provide any complimentary meals or snacks even with a 5-6 hours flight, but I am surprised that they will introduce the service. Thanks for the updates ;)
I flew Toronto to Montego Bay, Jamaica, last November on this 787. Economy would be OK for children, but for guys like me (6'-0", 300 lb) economy is a can of sardines. Do yourself a favor and pay for an upgrade, or fly another airline.
I have always been a pro Canada through and through but here's an example of idiocy with Air Canada. I was booking a flight from Vancouver to Texas. I tried several websites for prices and also called Air Canada directly (sometimes routing can greatly effect the cost) Ultimately the best prices I could come up with was around $800.00 CAD. So just for fun I decided to check a few American companies, AA, United, Delta, and I discovered that all of them for the same routing, same day, same seat class was about $350.00 CAD. So of course I bought the ticket from an American company. Here is the amazing thing though the actual plane that I was on was a Air Canada airplane. There is a thing called a Code Share where different airlines 'borrow' other airlines` equipment. The upshot of this is if I bought my ticked on Air Canada I would pay about$800 but if I bought from an American company the price was almost 70% less even though I was sitting in the Exact same seat on the exact same airplane. The ONLY difference is buying, and supporting, a Canadian company would cost me 3 Times as much.. So much for buy Canadian products!!!
AC also routinely oversells ALL of their domestic flights (not sure about Intl) and there are routinely paying customers tossed off flights by status members and other metrics. Unless you have one of the higher status levels, you’re basically an annoyance to human trash to them. Their staff are cut out of most of their system so they bear the brunt of poor management but have no ability to solve problems. Also most of AC’s customer service is now third party and/or overseas.
10 years ago I would almost always take AC over Westjet. Since 2020 I've been taking their new 787-9's, and the service has only gotten better. I wish AC would step up and improve their service, particularly the soft product.
Once there was light rain to New York, where I was flying to using Air Canada, and probably because of staffing issues, the flight was cancelled. United and Delta still operated the same flight routes normally with a slight delay. Air Canada rebooked the flight for three days later.
That particular plane sure gets around, been from Osaka to Frankfort and many points in between this week alone. Amazing workhorse. The week before Argentina. Wow.
Truth be told, I prefer flying with them over many of the alternatives within Canada. A trip to Winnipeg from Toronto last year was only $91 each way, and I had zero problems whatsoever. Everything was decently comfortable, bang on time, and I had no service issues.
Just imagine the normal Canadians flying through it... The problem with Air Canada is nothing too difficult to surmount technologically or management wise, is just simply there is a lack of competition I just hope for Porter coming in stronger
I spend ~30 hours a month aboard AC flights and I’m always underwhelmed with every aspect of the experience. Asian airlines (including some smaller Chinese carriers) offer way more comfort and superior service.
This is why Simply Aviation is one of my favourite airline reviewing channel. You guys rarely review the more luxurious sides of airlines, but mainly the more relevant side (Economy)
I would actually like to see more premium economy videos by them, not gonna lie
And don't create unnecessary drama like other review
Agreed, though please do include Premium Economy, @simply_aviation! The difference being we can't go any cheaper than Economy, whereas economy plus/premium is actually viable for many of us, on occasion, so the reviews are actually much more impactful!
Take that non stop dan
The 'more relevant side'? Yeah, I guess if you are poor.
The thumbnail asks "why do Canadians accept this?"
The answer is that we have very few other choices. Other airlines have tried, but Canada is a really big place with very low population density. It's a hard place to build any service affordably that relies on economies of scale.
on top of tight safety regulation, environmental regulation and high taxes on everything. In short, the only companies able to compete in the Canadian economy are the largest and most powerful.
Porter? WestJet? Air Transat? Flair for a ULCC carrier? There's plenty of options, especially domestically and to the US.
@@avroarchitect1793 Not just that but international airlines are not allowed to offer domestic flights within Canada. That reduces competition. They should open up the market for the benefit of Canadian travellers similar to what Australia did.
@@zeeshawnali4078 problem is with the proximity to the US. The US companies would be able to undercut the Canadian airlines so much that they get run out of business and we loose yet another domestic industry. The economic power disparity between Canada and the US means that any US company would be able to undercut the Canadian one no matter the industry. Its why we are so protectionist about our economy and do things like manipulating the supply of some goods in Canada. To preserve domestic ownership. We've lost aircraft manufacturing, are loosing automotive manufacturing (despite being branch plants already), and the US corps are going after farming and the dairy industry in particular.
@@thecaynuck Flair is basically a dead airline walking, Bonza (Australian Subsidiary) just went bankrupt two months ago, and Flair is basically only being kept alive by the Summer Travel boom, they'll be dead by October.
The only reason Air Canada is offering free beer & wine + snacks? Simple.
Porter
International flights have ALWAYS given free alcohol, you are referring to domestic and transborder flights. (US)
@@patriciabouchard5296 yes, I was referring to the announcement in the video where AC is piloting free alcohol and snacks on domestic/transborder flights as a way to compete with Porter head on. However if any of these services stop from Porter, so does service from AC.
Also WestJet just screwing things up. Got the jump on them with free wine and beer right after their announced issues and Ultrabasic fiasco. As a Canadian, where car travel long distance to things suck, this helps a great deal on a red eye haha
Just took Porter from YYZ to LAX. No more Air Canada for me.
They've been doing that long before Porter existed.
That was probably the most honest and realistic review of Air Canada. Expect very little and you won't be disappointed, sad but true !!
My flight with Air Canada was the worst I've ever experienced. The crew were great but the extended time due to delay - 5 hours mostly spent sitting on the tarmac - plus the terrible entertainment meant it was horrendous. The best options were reruns of Friends.
I have never taken another long haul flight in economy. Air Canada cured me.
And I will never, ever, fly Air Canada again.
Regarding the dimming of the windows drama situation. I work as a flight crew member for a US airline that flies many 787s. I work the 787 a lot. The problem with the dimming of the shades Is caused by conflict within the flight crew. There is constant arguing and bickering whether to control the shades or let the customer control the shades. I cannot tell you how many disputes I have witnessed over this issue. I wish this new invention was never invented.
Never encountered crew fighting for control of shades.
Noticed this on a WJ Dreamliner. They also don’t dim to opaque so sleeping in the window seat YVR to CDG was impossible. Bright sun and hot the whole time.
@@patriciabouchard5296They are not physical shades. The “glass” can be controlled electronically to change the amount of opaqueness.
What never should have happened is to allow the flight crew to have any control over them, aside from during landing and takeoff. The rest of the time, just like the old manual slide down shades, it should be entirely at the discretion of the passenger.
You are cabin crew not flight crew. Please learn your title and your position !
I am so glad you showcase economy class. Not all of us can afford business or first class. I don’t understand those influencer promoting business and first class.
Air Canada has a near monopoly in Canada and it shows.
Near monopoly with greedy management. Avoid Air Canada and WestJet. Do not work or support these companies. Their managers received record setting bonuses under Covid while multiple departments are threatening to strike. That should tell you everything.
WestJet, strike exception, is getting better. Covid killed our favourite flight 4 years ago but it is back on now. Yay.
Exactly. Where ever you need to fly, Air Canada has to be involved.
I second this
this is so false. Just because you don't like your options doesn't mean they have a monopoly. our population isn't that big we will never have 50 airlines
I wouldn't mind the level of quality on Air Canada if they weren't so overpriced. I was hoping to take a roundtrip nonstop economy class PDX-YYZ this summer, but it was so expensive that I ended up doing a PDX-YYZ one-way, then on to EWR with Porter for a week in New York, and back EWR-PDX *in first class* on Alaska, for only $80 more than PDX-YYZ-PDX. They're just so... mid, which is fine, but the pricing definitely doesn't match.
They have a monopoly on the Canadian market. It’s a joke…also fun fact, they pay their pilots 55k starting salary, and no one makes more than 100k in the first 4 years. When you get hired at air Canada, you are taking a pay cut because you will have about 10 years work experience. They charge so much and pay their employees substantially less than other mainline carriers in the world. Truly sad
@@MrRedwingsfan16All horseshit, you don’t know what you’re talking about. They have the biggest market share, but not a monopoly. Do a little research before you spew.
@@MrRedwingsfan16Canada is a third world country in disguise
@@MrRedwingsfan16Air Canada is headquartered in Quebec,so is Bell.
Alaska has First Class? 😮
"different brand of sparkling water" 😂
Like many I now avoid AC due to declining service standards for reasons you've cited. My last trip i had my connecting YVR-YYZ cancelled due to scheduling and best offer was a redeye option after about 10 hours or one day layover with no hotel coverage. Porter is a better option where they fly or other carriers.
AC is quite mediocre service wise. It's not the worst airliner on Earth for sure.It's just that there is nothing remarkable about them.
I think you hit the nail when you say mediocre… hehehe
It’s not the worst. AC is just “there”.
Its just exist, its okay, not the worst but certainly not the best
The best are in Middle east @christian8782
But terrible given the high prices they charge
I worked at AC as an AME for 35 years, thank you for your appreciation of our work.
WestJet has it's own problems, Porter (Canada's 3rd largest Airline now) is by far the best option, and will likely be joining OneWorld shortly.
Canadians aren’t okay with this. The reputation is horrible we despise our national carrier and the near Monopoly position that they occupy
Add cellular and internet service to that as well.
I appreciate you acknowledging the ramp staff and the job they do irrespective of how bad the weather is.
Air Canada offers expensive prices for a cheap experience. They always have. Yet you will board to a soundtrack telling you how great they are and how many awards they have won.....
It's easy to accept as a Canadian because we have no choice. We have no competition. The airlines can do whatever they want.
Air Canada domestic ticket prices are over priced. I live in Canada and fly to asia quite often. The oceanic flight usually is cheaper then the domestic ticket
Why is that
@@AnetaMihaylova-d6f monopoly
@@AnetaMihaylova-d6f Lack of competition. Westjet is really focusing on Western Canada now, and Porter is still pretty limited. Neither is part of an alliance and have limited partners so international itineraries from smaller cities usually mean taking AC.
Landing fees too expensive in the country. More expensive than Dubai
@@smallmj2886 Porter doesn't seem very limited anymore, they're Canada's fastest growing airline and are expanding their Canada/US route network. They plan to do some Caribbean routes too.
I recently flew on a Air Canada 787-8 (C-GHPQ), and the crew dimmed the windows darker than C-GHPY, seems to be a problem on that plane.
BTW, the International to USA passenger flow is relatively new (last 10 years). And is pretty fancy. Your checked luggage is x-rayed upon arriving and the image associted with your baggage tag/reservation. The suitcase is then automatically sent to a holding area. When you clear US customs, the US customs agent will see the X-Ray picture of your luggage and can then press a button to release the suicase/bin when then gets routed to the departure gate baggage makeup area, or have it brought upstairs for examination by an agent. So for vast majoriry of passengers, it means your suitcase remains on a bin in the automated baggage system between the flights with no need to put it on a carrousel/baggage belt for pickup by a human.
You used to have to get your luggage and go through Canada Customs and then to US customs where your checked baggage would be dropped back into belt and then security.
17:50 They also have 18 787-10s on order to replace A330s, once the first 787-10 delivers, they will be the 4th airline in the world to have all 3 variants of 787s
If they don't start phasing out 787-8s at the same time.
@@antonh1709 That might not happen until at least mid-late 2030s
Can't wait for them to get rid of the 330s
@@tropichydra7190 Not happening for a long time even if/when the -10 comes. Too much has been invested into that fleet and to much life is left in it.
Ugh I was hoping they’d order some NEOs.
The dimming windows in 787s are my most hated airplane thing ever. Well actually not the dimming but the fact that they are always locked
You can override them. Idk how people don’t know this.
@@jackp-w3886 Spill the secret.
@@MoonbeameSmith You will need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the wall panel below the window. You will see a red wire - Don't touch that as it could shut off the engines! There will be a grey knob. Pull it out and there will be a blue and grey wires attached to it. Strip about 1.3 cm of both wires and twist them together. Use some duct tape to keep them in contact. Screw the wall panel back on - Be very careful not to pinch off the red wire
@@stvdagger8074 not a job for the colour blind..
@@jackp-w3886You don’t even know this.
Great catch of that luggage falling off the belt @ 19:43. 😂
hahaha, using the wrong cart in the slippery weather
We didn't get much snow last winter. It was actually quite mild. You must have flown here on the one or two days we got snow. But it wasn't snowing hard in your video. You can still see.
The 787’s wings are so beautiful
Air Canada: we're not satisfied until you're unsatisfied
Air Canada’s motto is:
We’re not happy until you’re not happy.
I actually like how Air Canada dealt with flight cancellations recently. Few weeks ago my wife's next day flight from Amsterdam to Montreal was cancelled, while she was in the hotel in Amsterdam sleeping. She was supposed to continue Montreal-Vancouver next. Air Canada automatically rebooked her on a direct AMS-YVR KLM flight that was leaving AMS 3 hours later and arriving to YVR 4 hours earlier than her original itinerary. She just got email with 'Please confirm the change' button, pressed it, and turned over back to sleep. And KLM is not even the same alliance as AC. Same happened to me with domestic YVR YEG half a year ago. Just an email, please confirm new itinerary, no need to call or do anything.
I don't get it why so many people complain about AC! Flying Air Canada remained one of my favourite moments in flying, and do I fly! I flew Air Canada few years ago, everything was just good and very smooth! I flew three flights, from Frankfurt to Montreal, and back, first on a domestic flight from Montreal to Toronto and then from Toronto to Frankfurt. All three planes brand new, all was on time, good IFE, and good food on intl segments, I mean really good food on int flights, flight attendants really nice. I don't know how can it go wrong on so many accounts with Air Canada for so many other people
My OVERPRICED flight to Europe was CANCELLED ON THREE TIMES ! No way to reach customer service! I think they sadistically enjoyed the misery they made me pay for! THERE IS NO CUSTOMER SERVICE PHONE EVER AFTER WAITING ON HOLD FOR THREE HOURS.
THEY WILL NOT PAY FOR YOUR HOTEL ROOM AFTER THEY CANCEL YOUR OVERNIGHT FLIGHT.
They have no incentive to go above and beyond because they have no noteworthy competition, and are in hands with the government commissions that oversee Canadian aviation… unfortunate reality
Hopefully WestJet keeps stepping it up. I usually fly AC even though I'm in the US. That said, US has 3 major airlines + JetBlue and yet they still aren't very good, especially domestically.
@@hockey1freak but internationally the US big 3 have newer lounges, updated board products and over all better service ( Delta) specifically to be superior to that of air Canada. I’ve seen a ton of air Canada reviews and I’ve seen US airlines international reviews and the U.S. carriers all edge out Air Canada in one of more metric.
@@hockey1freakI wouldn't hold my breath. Example: air Canada & westjet both operate flights between Ottawa & Winnipeg with fares averaging $900 RT which is already ridiculous WJ is usually cheaper by $100 which is hardly competitive. WJ has also been slowly pulling out of the Eastern Canada market since 2019 which shows how non existent competition is.
They're also tightly protected from competition (both domestic and foreign) through various legislation & other protective measures ensuring they have the upper hand in everything including the ability of other domestic competitors to play with them
@@hockey1freak Westjet are "stuck" with 7 787s that they must use but cancelled the rest of the order. They have regrouped their little long haul network to Calgary and reficused their strtegy to be domestic low cost carriers in western Canada , woth leasure flighrts across Canada. So doubtful you'll see the carboard box microwaved meals on 787s get upgraded to real meals.
Air Transat, which used to be charter carrier (ultra low cost) is now better than both Westjet and Air Canada for coach so so because because they improved, but more because AC downgraded their coach product.
Just flew with their overhauled service, 2 days after it launched, on flights from Toronto to the west coast. It's great! Their entire menu got an overhaul, and their IFE options are always growing. I really hope this works out for them.
I like what Air Canada offers, mostly because if you fly overseas from the US with a connection in Canada, it's hundreds of dollars cheaper than the big US airlines. I'll buy some snacks in the airport for those savings.
Always a good idea to take some of your own food - you never know what you'll get on board (or not get), and then you've got your own food, guaranteed, if you get hungry, or if you end up getting stuck on board or otherwise delayed.
Back in 2011 or so, I and a bunch of other Air Canada Super Elites (100k flyers) were invited out to the 787 pre-launch event in Toronto. They had a big mixer between their top flyers in and around Boeing's 787 prototype (SN #2). We got to see all parts of the aircraft, sit in the cockpit, go up into the crew rest areas, and see the various seating configurations.
Economy would have been glorious had they gone with a 2-4-2 configuration. Instead they went with the 3-3-3 configuration, which is far too narrow for people of average size.
Lol, canadians of average size are simply fat... 3-3-3 rulez !
The dunk on 10:25 🤣🤣
I experienced locked windows set on full dim on my first 787 flight back in 2017 with Scoot and it sure tainted my image of the airline and this aircraft model. The message is “you passengers are a nuisance and want you asleep so you don’t bother us with your little stupid demands”.
18:55 ANA, United, and British Airways
Air Canada or Qantas from Vancouver to Sydney/Brisbane would be a great review.
BTW The small things do add up. I hate the lack of the pre dinner drink service.
It was great when Porter Airlines roasted AC on social media for adding free drinks and snacks on economy class flights within 🇨🇦 🇺🇸, something Porter has done for quote a while now 😂
YVR-SYD on the AC 777-200LR is notoriously miserable with AC's high-density 3-4-3 777 layout...
Probably not as bad as the 17hrs nonstop DEL-YYZ on the same plane though.
@conorcorrigan765 was the same when AC had the YYZ-HKG route with the 777-200LR. 15 hours. That route isn't coming back anytime soon because of the closure of Russian airspace to AC.
AC really doesn't have that many 787s
The LAX flight is usually on an A321 or 737. You're lucky you got a 787
AC doesn’t have 737s
They literally have 40 737 Max 8s@@FastGuy1
@@FastGuy1
Yeah they do.
They have max-8’s
@@CongressSux1776 oh sorry. I was thinking 737NG’s 😅
@@CongressSux1776 But are they going to order any 737-9Max??
Great video as always! I'm very happy to say the Disney safety video is gone; they have gone back to the across Canada nature video. Re the hot beverage service, I understand this happens sometimes when the seatbelt sign is turned on. On my recent transatlantic daytime economy flight, they had hot beverage after lunch. I totally agree about pre-lunch drink service!
Interesting what you cover. My strategy in Econ class is to bring something to cover your eyes and ears when you wanna shut down. Download movies to your phone - the audio sucks on planes. Reply as little as possible in airline food. Eat before you go, and shut down, go comatose during the flight. Just skip those 12-18 hours of your life.
The dimmable windows are why I seek out the A350 and A380 for long haul flights over the 787.
They do usually offer tea or coffee after the meal, not sure why they didn’t on your flight. I have done quite a few transatlantic flights between Toronto and Munich/Amsterdam this year, and they always served coffee/tea after the meal.
It is standard procedure to serve coffee and tea after the meal on Air Canada. If it wasn't served, someone thought those who want it can just go grab it from the galley...
Enhanced food/drinks in Y due to competition from Porter on select North American routes which offers such inflight service.
One of the best Aviation review channels out there . keep em coming .
I sat in this very plane back in January 15,2019. Toronto (YYZ) to London (LHR), 11pm flight. It was a nice flight. Think this aircraft is coming up for retirement soon. However, not so sure with the repaint done. Think they keep their planes in the fleet for about 20 years.
The IFE shown on this flight is the older version. On the 787-9 and 777-200LR (both of which I've recently flown in the last year) has a newer IFE featuring music playlists from Stingray.
Air Canada Express also has Stingray.
18:40 i love the attention to detail of the Wish and Congratulations livery's although slightly out of date now there is also a Golden Oylmpics livery too
Air Canada may not be #1 on the Economy Flight Comfort List but, it sure as heck beats Air France's A350 Service From Paris to Ottawa. AC's flight attendants are a damn sight more pleasant too. I didn't have enough room on the AF flight to open my table. The dipstick in front of me reclined his seat and left it reclined, even through meals and, when brought to the attention of the flight attendants ( who also wears a security badge now ) nothing was done and I was basically told "to bad".
Those scratchy single use covers are beyond awful however, a friend of mine who hates them even more found cloth ones that she carries with her and washes to her preference. It looks like someone figured out there's a niche market for this and went for it.
Gonna fly it from Toronto-Vancouver-Toronto-Vienna. Not sure what to expect
I´m going to fly FRA-YYZ in October with AC on their Airbus A330. I guess it will be just fine like the Video stated.
Already flown on AC from LAX and the IFE took as long as the coffee to come 😂😂😂
Keep those expectations low. VERY low. If they actually do a good job, it will be mediocre & at least you won't be disappointed.
@@brodietaym8475 Thank you
@@brodietaym8475 A typical economy flight. Just expect to get from where you are to where you need to be, but not much beyond that.
I like Air Canada and have flown with them for 25 years. I find that economy class is the same with all airlines. I like their staff and always feel safe and cared for.
Totally agree. Economy reviews is what we want and the nonsense reviews like thosenof Noel Philips.
I'm surprised they have a Disney themed in-flight safety video. What does that have to do with Canada? It seems like Air Canada sold Disney some advertising space. That's a very odd situation. I would've thought they'd do something similar to Air New Zealand or Qantas, where the video is used as a way to 'show off' the country whilst also speaking about safety. P.s. loved the joke about American beer being 'sparkling water'. There's an old Australian joke - "drinking American beer is like making love in a canoe - it's f*cking close to water".
Air Canada used to have a in-flight safety video that showed every province/territory up until last summer but I guess they sold ad space to Disney... I mean a lot of Canadians will go down to Florida for a sun vacation so it makes sense for the advertising though...
@@harrisonhschanit’s still on most flights. The Disney one is on random flights it seems.
The Disney video is only on most flights to Florida and LA, select trans-oceanic flights into major hubs, plus a handful of other flights seem to play it at random. The Canadian tour video is still played on most flights
Having flown AC across Canada several times recently, I too was wondering what the Disney theme has to do with Canada!!!
Sold some to Bell too. I bet that bell offer has a catch. bell always has a terrible catch. Never do bell.
I've absolutely experienced that coziness on my many nighttime de-icing stints leaving Pearson in a snowstorm... Great video!
Just arrived on a AC flight from LAS to YVR and beer (not sparkling water) was free.
I usually only fly Air Canada to/from Dubai/Canada because I’m a member of Aeroplan and it gets me my points on AC and other Star Alliance carriers.
Canadians have no choice as our glorious country limits airline competition as they do with telecommunications, dairy, eggs, and a whole host of other things. We are destined to accept mediocre as how we define Canada.
We Canadians are victims of our own cultural modesty. We don't want to offend anyone else by endeavoring to be better than them LOL
We limit domestic routes. There are many foreign airlines you can take for many international trips. Also, it's no different in Canada than the US or EU on their domestic or short haul flights. In fact it's worse in the EU because their carry on luggage size and weight is less than N America. And if you have traveled economy on any US airline domestic flight it is the same shit service and sardines in a can seating.
Just the other day, I listened to a video in BNN about airline business. These are the main points which may explain why there's little competition in Canada :
1) Evidently it's not the easiest nor profitable business for start-up. The joke is if you are a billionaire and start an airline, you'll become a millionaire. However allowing American airlines to run in Canada will eventually lead to merging into a bigger airline which definitely does not help competition.
2) To be profitable, every flight needs to be 75-85 % full.
3) With Canada being the second biggest country in the world (in area) yet with scarce population (10 %of U.S.), it's not easy to offer flights all over the country like Air Canada.
4) It's easier for smaller airlines choosing only big cities or specific profitable routes.
5) Air Canada lost money during the pandemic years and is still trying to make up for all the loss. That explains the reason why Air Canada stock still is tanking into all time low while the TSX is at all time high.
A better citizen would be happy with what’s provided comrade. Go Blue Jays.
I came here to make the same comment. Canada is a vast country, virtually empty north of the border with the United States. A few giant companies are permitted to monopolize key industries including telecommunications, aerospace, transportation, and food. Enjoying a cozy relationship with whichever party happens to be in power, the country’s ludicrously underpowered Competition Bureau is hindered at every turn from doing anything substantial to change the status quo.
That being said, the United States also restricts foreign companies from flying point-to-point within the country’s borders, as do most other countries. If Canada were to change tack and allow the entry of foreign carriers to provide service between Canadian cities, this would be a welcome and dramatic departure from norms. I doubt Air Canada would survive for long in its current form amid such competition. But Canadians would surely benefit from lower prices.
So from your video this seems perfectly fine. Gets you to your destination in relative comfort.
If the price of the ticket matches with the quality of service offered on-board, AC can be tolerated. Unfortunately, AC cannot even match its in-flight service to any of the European carriers like BA or Lufthansa. Expecting them to match carriers middle east and air india is a fantasy.
Just flew this exact flight from Vienna to Toronto two days ago. Overall very pleased with the flight particularly the quality of the crew and service. Snacks and drinks were offered numerous times beyond meal service.
Can you do a Brutally Honest on Air Serbia Belgrade 🇷🇸 to Tianjin 🇨🇳?
That’s so random so I don’t think so 😭
I really enjoy Air Canada's 787 for international routes. The planes are clean, the entertainment selection is broad, and I always find the crew very friendly. It's also nice they have a few staff who speak the language of the arrival destination (Cantonese for Hong Kong, Arabic for the Dubai route, and German for the Germany/Austria flights). They've revamped their food, which was mediocre before but looks good now.
They could still be far better. The turnaround times are the biggest issue. And there's nothing that solicits a "wow!" when flying them. They're above average, but nothing to write home about.
23:03 hahaha you purposely focused on the LAX In 'n Out! 😂😂
they reintroduced the food and drink services in domestic and USA flights because of Porter Airlines. XD. They really arent trying to be competitive since the Caribbean flights remain unchanged
In Aprill I flew 5 consecutive AC flights, short, medium and long haul, most in economy (the last, Vancouver-Incheon, in Premium), and they weren't very good. There was no food at all on the Toronto-Vancouver leg (well over 4 hours), because of problems with their supplier in Toronto. The seats were mostly pretty uncomfortable; the Premium seat was OK, but the service was terrible, and the food mid-range economy standard, and the wine selection poor. It was a great relief to get on an Asiana flight (also economy) from Incheon to Manila, which was significantly better on all counts than AC s-called 'Premium'.
At 19:45 a suitcase fell 😂
Icy moment LOL 😂
lol 😂😂
The suitcase: WHEEEEEEE!!!!
Wow good eye! That’s funny 😂.
1:58 what are the metrics of the study? I'm surprised not to see Porter
Photo at planespotters from 25th May - already new paint :D
Last May I flew from Pearson YYZ to Narita NRT and my flight was 6.5 hours late to leave. I talked to the flight crew on the way over. Apparently they booked the flight but didn't book pilots. After failing to get pilots for 5.5 hours, they took the pilots from a different flight to Tel Aviv. By that point all the flight crew had gone home so they had on-call flight crew come in. Then the food went bad because it was sitting too long so they had to restock that. I ended up landing at close to 11pm and was unable to do any of the essential things I needed to, forcing me to waste my next day. I also checked in at my hotel way after checkin time ended which was extremely embarassing.
I dislike Air Canada a lot.
old livery looking so much better imo
Which is the old one, the turquoise or white one?
@@altacalifornia2580 turquoise one
Nah, the black one looks way more bolder and stands out
@@WesNishiI'm a big fan of the new look especially the cockpit eyeliner.
Air Canada. You probably won't die on this flight. You will just feel like you did on the inside by the time you land!
based.
0:09 am I seeing things or there’s a dent in the tail?
I have to agree, I also were disappointed when flying with AC, is like they do not make absolutely any effort to make you feel pleased, it is almost like a low cost at high cost.
Flew with this airline in 2000, promised myself never ever again. I think 24 years later it still stands true.
1 thing you must realize. Planes, NOT JUST AIR CANDA. are rebranded when maintenance is required and the plane is taken out of service for either an A B or C Check. to keep an airline going you can not have every plane going into services at the same time or you wouldn't have an airline specially with a B or C check to make sure YOUR flight are safe.
Side Note on the Free Beer/Wine and Snacks mentioned at 22:00 . This is just to compete with an upcoming Airline in Canada who has been doing this for years, Porter Airlines. Thats why its only for in-Canada flights. I give AirCanada 0 props for this move, if they could do without it, they would. Air Canada can get Bent.
I remember flying the AC 787 last year. I was to sad to be leaving Italy to paid attention to anything else, though.
A couple notes since I fly AC fairly often, including transatlantic. First off, the catering was good because you were coming from Europe. I've taken two trips across the pond in the last few months, and the catering leaving Toronto is horrendous, but is much better leaving Europe. Maybe that says more about the state of our catering companies. As for the IFE, I noticed that the screens in your second flight are running the newer software, which I find to be more responsive. I'm sure the selection is the same, but even things like the map mode feel more complete. Overall, I agree that AC gets the basics right, but having also taken trips on European and Asian long haul carriers, it's sad to see what we're missing out on. I hope Porter can continue to push them to increase the level of service
Honestly, I find KLM and Lufthansa rather sad on transatlantic flights from Canada and not better than Air Canada. Especially comparing with what they used to be 20 years ago
They would be my last resort to fly anywhere that is more than six away. Especially to and from Asia, where they are about at the same level as the second or third tier airlines. They are really all hat and no cattle
The premium economy product on AC (especially the 787s) is probably my favorite, it has the best service, very comfortable, spacious and we had our own bathroom by the doors
Air Canada motto…Were not happy until you’re not happy. But charge top dollar for the “service”.
The little details 100% matter! I’ve paid slightly more to fly some airlines over others because I knew when I flew with them I was going to get more value for my money.
I ve travelled AC a number of times return from Vancouver to Heathrow. And every time the AC gate at Heathrow is way way at the end of terminal 2. An almost 20 minute walk.
Who decides where planes should go? I always thought it was the ground controllers? But (silly question), you make it sound as if the airline maybe somehow requests a far away gate? Is that correct? Or am I misunderstanding?
Long-haul Airline typically has preassigned gates at major airports, and where they are is based on importance of the airline to the airport and the level of clout the airline carries :) Gates is a hot commodity, much international traffic to popular airports was controlled by gates availability.
Anyone remembers Wardair? And the full economy service with China and steaks omg what a difference
As a frequent flyer of Air Canada, it was really fun and informative to watch. I am always disappointed that transborder flights even do not provide any complimentary meals or snacks even with a 5-6 hours flight, but I am surprised that they will introduce the service. Thanks for the updates ;)
Damm i did the same flight in march from vie then transferred in Toronto to chile and for me it was just normal. Nothing special nothing bad.
I flew Toronto to Montego Bay, Jamaica, last November on this 787. Economy would be OK for children, but for guys like me (6'-0", 300 lb) economy is a can of sardines. Do yourself a favor and pay for an upgrade, or fly another airline.
I have always been a pro Canada through and through but here's an example of idiocy with Air Canada. I was booking a flight from Vancouver to Texas. I tried several websites for prices and also called Air Canada directly (sometimes routing can greatly effect the cost) Ultimately the best prices I could come up with was around $800.00 CAD. So just for fun I decided to check a few American companies, AA, United, Delta, and I discovered that all of them for the same routing, same day, same seat class was about $350.00 CAD. So of course I bought the ticket
from an American company. Here is the amazing thing though the actual plane that I was on was a Air Canada airplane. There is a thing called a Code Share where different airlines 'borrow' other airlines` equipment. The upshot of this is if I bought my ticked on Air Canada I would pay about$800 but if I bought from an American company the price was almost 70% less even though I was sitting in the Exact same seat on the exact same airplane. The ONLY difference is buying, and supporting, a Canadian company would cost me 3 Times as much.. So much for buy Canadian products!!!
AC also routinely oversells ALL of their domestic flights (not sure about Intl) and there are routinely paying customers tossed off flights by status members and other metrics. Unless you have one of the higher status levels, you’re basically an annoyance to human trash to them. Their staff are cut out of most of their system so they bear the brunt of poor management but have no ability to solve problems. Also most of AC’s customer service is now third party and/or overseas.
Was your departure on time?
They may get you where you need to go, maybe not on time... more than 1/3 arriving 15 minutes late
*lands in toronto 25 mins ahead of schedule*🙄
10 years ago I would almost always take AC over Westjet. Since 2020 I've been taking their new 787-9's, and the service has only gotten better. I wish AC would step up and improve their service, particularly the soft product.
I had the same issue with yellow tinted 787 windows on American. Really weird.
Once there was light rain to New York, where I was flying to using Air Canada, and probably because of staffing issues, the flight was cancelled. United and Delta still operated the same flight routes normally with a slight delay. Air Canada rebooked the flight for three days later.
That particular plane sure gets around, been from Osaka to Frankfort and many points in between this week alone. Amazing workhorse. The week before Argentina. Wow.
Truth be told, I prefer flying with them over many of the alternatives within Canada.
A trip to Winnipeg from Toronto last year was only $91 each way, and I had zero problems whatsoever.
Everything was decently comfortable, bang on time, and I had no service issues.
That's also an extremely short flight. When you're spending over six hours in the cheap seats, it's a different kind of suffering.
@@cdpondthat's why it's better to fly Business Class.
@@cdpond It is not an "extremely short" flight, it is 2.5 hours. You cover most of Europe in that time, especially if you start in Frankfurst
7:53 I feel like the window shades problem might not just be Air Canada’s. I recently board a Jetstar 787 and it had the same issue there
Just imagine the normal Canadians flying through it...
The problem with Air Canada is nothing too difficult to surmount technologically or management wise, is just simply there is a lack of competition
I just hope for Porter coming in stronger
As a Canadian, I haven't flown Air Canada for over 20 years. I live close to the US and fly the US airlines.
There should be no lounges for members only at airports. Services at airports should be for all passengers.
I spend ~30 hours a month aboard AC flights and I’m always underwhelmed with every aspect of the experience. Asian airlines (including some smaller Chinese carriers) offer way more comfort and superior service.