I travel a lot internationally and while all Canadians, especially those in Western Canada, love to bash Air Canada, I've always been very happy with their staff and equipment. Service is very Canadian -- friendly crew in an understated way, safety first, nice meals in business and clean aircraft. I've been on this route between Vancouver and Hong Kong in AC business and enjoyed it. And whenever we travel to Asia from North America we choose Vancouver Airport over any US airport. Lower stress and more pleasant surroundings.
Flew back Cathay Pacific HK to Toronto Business Class in April and found this video very informative. I flew Air Canada economy YVR to Sydney which wasn't too bad but no match for business class!
I always hear about how Canadians don't have a highly positive view on Air Canada overall but it's crazy the value you can find in the Aeroplan program for pts redemptions. Thanks for the info + video!
Thanks! I agree that AeroPlan is one of the best out there. I just end up using United’s MileagePlus for status reasons. Sounds like most Canadians either love or hate air Canada though for sure
Access to SS is limited to people with a paid business class ticket/flexible rewards business ticket on AC longhaul flights or first class ticket on Emirates so it's actually a lot more strict than the polaris lounge
I've flown AC once, in the mid-teens, ORD-YYZ-MUC and the return TLV-YYZ-ORD. Heading east, the bartender at Pearson was a legend, but the food on the long haul was the worst I've had in the air - rubber fish. On the return long haul, the French Canadian flight crew were a blast. The rear galley was hangout between meal services and the time flew by. Overall, AC was excellent except for the fish. Even as a single guy, I know microwaving fish seldom ends well.
Wow Vancouver airport is beautiful, Toronto needs to step up its game, its boring, nothing like this. Impressive. My husband and myself had an awesome experience with Air Canada, we were in their larger plane and had a isle seat for my husbands legroom. We had zero complaints about them, but i hear alot of horror stories. Thank you for this lovely detailed video.
Wow, welcome to Vancouver and Hong Kong! I grew up in both cities and spent a lot of time on AC 7/8 (back when it was a 777) and on CX 888/837... never up front though, maybe sometime I'll have to try.
A minor correction, Cantonese or Mandarin, are spoken languages (dialects) only. The written form is standard Chinese. So it's incorrect to say "written in Cantonese ".
Standard Chinese is basically close to Mandarin. In theory, it is possible to write Cantonese using Chinese characters that are unique, which some Hong Kong tabloid magazines sometimes use. However, in a school setting, students would get scolded by their teachers if they attempted to write Cantonese.
I hope you will fly Westjet in their business class cabin to Asia or Europe. It is usually a better price than AC and they offer low one-way fares which don't make you buy the return ticket.
Around '96 or '97, I worked for Motorola University and was asked to deliver a Six Sigma presentation (Motorola-invented quality management program) to AC's union managers. They had 4 strong unions who weren't exactly the best of friends. I wonder how all of that turned out, what the current relationships between corporate and union management and between the unions themselves. I've flown AC a number of times, starting in the late '80s when I worked for Amoco Oil (now BP) and had a bunch of work to do in Calgary and Edmonton.
very enjoyable video. I'm Canadian and choose Air Canada over WestJet for most of my flying as I think they have better service and resources to mitigate technical and other issues that can affect operations. I've been fortunate to be able to fly on AC business class for about the last five years on long haul flights from YYC to various European destinations as well as to Australia last fall. By and large i find AC to be extremely enjoyable. The longest flight I've had on any European airline was a 7hr flight from YUL to VIE on Austrian Airlines and its was excellent, especially the food.
Patrick definitely got lucky on AC, he lucked out and got on a flight without the frequent AC issues that make for an unpleasasnt experience for the passenger. The best I can say about AC is that it gets the job done, as in delivering you from A to B in a safe manner....most of the time. Service is mediocre at best. Not necessarily always terrible, but not great either. Given the expensive tickets and frequent delays, Canadians arguably aren't getting their money's worth on AC, especially since AC is inferior service-wise to even the US majors (Delta especially has improved in service over the years). AC certainly falls behind substantially behind some other flag carriers in terms of overall service.
Tbh I’d say the major North American carriers are on a similar level and receive similar complaints. I’d still choose most of them over European carriers at least 🤷♂️ but that’s just me
@@PatrickSheaAviation But US majors is often cheaper than AC. If you factor in the more expensive ticket, more frequent delays and cancellations (AC is on record being worst in those categories), then objectively AC is worse than the US majors.
An important part of Air Canada's history that you missed is that Canada used to have two major international airlines being, Air Canada and Canadian Airlines International (formed in 1987 as a merger between Pacific Western Airlines and Canadian Pacific Airlines). In 2000, Canadian Airlines International merged into Air Canada which turned Canada's major airline landscape into a monopoly. Some of Air Canada's current international routes and even flight numbers (the single and double digit ones) used to be that of Canadian Airlines.
21:11, It's similar to my China Eastern flight that I flew last June from Ho Chi Minh to Shanghai on the Airbus A330-300 (B-8972) in the newer cabin, the flight is okay, 3 and a half red eye flight, but it's uncomfortable because the seatlbelt sign is on for the whole flight, but some passengers, including me use the lavatory, even though there is no turbulence.
Canadians love to bash AC. It's gotten to the point of being childish at this point. AC is my usual airline and out of over 50 flights (all business) last year they were all good with only a few delays. No cancelations or downgrades. Bottom line is that AC is good. Not as good as the middle east airlines but not as expensive either.
couldn't agree more, except being expensive. It uses its monopoly to charge so much for an 6-8 hour flight to Europe where you a get the same price ticket all the way to Qatar or UAE. But AC is not that bad at all!
Yes, some complaints are a little excessive. But the truth is, AC Is not as good as the US majors (American, United, Delta) never mind Emirates, Qatar, JAL, ANA, Singapore Airlines, EVA or Cathay Pacific. They have little incentive for real improvements in onboard service given their almost monopolistic control of Canadian air travel market. Hence the expensive tickets, frequent delays and cancellations. (As for your personal experience, maybe you were just lucky).
Oh child ! It was cheaper to fly to Sydney Australia in business class at Christmas from Vancouver bc than to fly Vancouver to Halifax. Air Canada sucks. Canada sucks. I’m so glad I got my us citizenship
The lack of pajamas on ultra long haul flights is perplexing given the cost of business class seats. I did however like the looks I got on Singapore Airlines when I changed into my AA First pajamas. I'm hoping to get in a flight to Hong Kong next year.
Ha bringing AA pjs onto Singapore is hilarious (even if it seems somewhat blasphemous 😂). I always appreciate when airlines give out pjs on flights of this length for sure
The old AC paint scheme is one of my favorites of all time. Sad they had to throw it away for something that looks like it was on the shelf at the livery store next to Delta.
I enjoy flying with Air Canada and recently flew to Singapore with them. I found the staff friendly and provided good service. I also like they are a member of Star Alliance so I've been connected with Singapore Airlines which was wonderful. I also agree the the iFE is excellent with lots of great choices.
Great video Patrick - Having flown them several times across the Pacific - it’s the same old story - most of the “seniors” who bid for these trips just aren’t interested in providing a premium service- they just do what they have to and disappear - zero interest in people I have found
Yea. It sucks, but it’s true. It does make the truly good flight attendants stand out. Had a crew on a UA flight to Singapore last year that I still remember to this day, just because they actually interacted and engaged with passengers
In regards to the last bit N American or European, I tend to agree, but I hope Europeans have Asian competition in sight for catching up than N American
Lufthansa Group and Air France cabin upgrades definitely give me hope. Although North America and Europe will probably still be behind the Asian carriers who also keep renovating their already great products
Looks pretty decent. I've also only done regionals and narrowbodies on AC so this was interesting to watch. Hawaiian still has my vote as chart topper among North American carriers.
Love air Canada. My favourite transit would be Narita rather than Hong Kong. ICN would be a close second. On Thursday Im flying to SIN via YVR with Air Canada then with Scoot to DVO, All in the effort of avoiding MNL... 😉
21:47, Nice. I love when airlines on the Dreamliner install window inside the lavatory, which is nice and awesome and I wish all airlines and fleets besides the Dreamliner have window inside the lavatory. I wish they have external camera, even on United and Jetblue, they don't have external camera, which is a little disappointing.
I'm canadian. Air Canada Trans pacific and Atlantic is great. I can't say the same for domestic and US routes. I also recommend WestJest and Porter airlines.
And I wish I can say the same about Delhi Montreal flight . My sister in law who flew from Delhi to Montreal this morning had to wait 3 hours at Montreal airport for wheelchair assistance and air hostesses were making fun of her inability to walk . That is inhuman .
14 hours!! Heck no 😂 I don’t know how y’all do it. I can’t even keep still on a 5 hour flight from HNL to LAX/SFO. Ain’t no way I’ll survive that long. I’ll take a layover any day .
That's a weird timing on that YVR HKG flight. I much prefer the ones that leave in the late evening and arrive in the early morning. I find it is much easier on my biological clock. Leaving at 12 noon would mess me up. Most of the flights I've ever taken to Australia at least always left at night.
Although I will say that this was nice to just wake up and head to the airport. Made it all feel a bit more natural, then I just slept on my next flight....
How cool, Patrick! Air Canada is nothing for vegetarians.😁When I read the menu @ 15:17, I was like: OK, Beef, Chicken, Cod, vege... oh, yet another beef dish. I love it!👍 I totally agree with you that American carriers trump Europeans. But, as you said, nothing trumps Asian or Gulf carriers. Yet again, another great video! Keep 'em coming!
Thanks! Traveling with dietary restrictions is tough. I have a fair amount of them, and I have to go against them when traveling sometimes, but BOY have I suffered the consequences of my own actions at times lol
Thanks! Traveling with dietary restrictions is tough. I have a fair amount of them, and I have to go against them when traveling sometimes, but BOY have I suffered the consequences of my own actions at times lol
Cutie pie doesn’t drink booze 😃😃😃 I fully agree that European longhaul business class cabins are clearly behind US and Canadian products, only Air France has already phased out the dreaded no aisle access seats but on the other hand has a bad safety reputation for a reason. So, you should stick to North American Airlines for a while.
I don’t mind Air Canada but it is inconsistent. Some days you have exceptional service, some days you’ll get uncoordinated/rushed service. Other days, it’s really uneventful. Some of my worst have been Long Haul though. At its worst, I’ve seen senior flight attendants on AC act like a) the customer is an inconvenience b) there’s room to just slack off and pretend no one sees how unprofessional they are. Overall though I like Air Canada more than ever and some of the best service has been domestic/transborder with AC. Signature Class is great. Food is generally good though the breakfast can be really rough - for many years the infamous parsley omelette seems to always stay as a menu item and though can be good sometimes, it’s the only savoury option (usually the other being sweet pancakes or waffles) like you said, the entertainment and relative privacy of the pod is a win for me! Anyways look forward to seeing more of your reports!
Thanks! Great notes. Sounds similar to most major carriers in North America and Europe. Business classes can be made or broken by the crew you have on the flight. Definitely has been a few flights where it genuinely felt like the FAs didn’t want half the pax on board 🤷♂️
Also, Hong Kong isn't the world's most smoggy city. Granted, air pollution can get pretty bad there, but there are also many clear days. It depends a lot on the season and which way the wind is blowing. You just happened to land on those days with worse visbility. There are MANY cities around the world with worst air pollution than Hong Kong.
Hi Patrick, I love your videos. Just a question that I’ve had for a long time. Are you supposed to tip when at an a La carte airport lounge restaurant? Do you tip? Thanks. Look forward to more great videos.
My two cents when it comes to north American carriers vs European I think it depends. Put North American carriers vs Lufty group, IAG group, TAP or SAS the North American carriers win. In the ring against Air France/KLM, Virgin, Condor (not a typo they a did a good job with their refresh), Turkish, or Finnair the North American carriers have some trouble.
There’s definitely a few exceptions. I have mostly flown Lufthansa Group and IAG, which just seem to be multiple strides behind UA and DL at this point
Since 1958 I have flown with TCA/Air Canada and can honestly say I have NEVER had a bad flight and have always been treated with professionalism, thoughtfulness and courtesy. I cannot say the same about some of my trips on US airlines. As said several times below, but worth repeating, many Canadians make it a hobby to criticize anything Canadian thinking it makes them appear worldly and in the know, when all it does is to show them for what they are....childish simpletons. Air Canada couldn't have grown into the international airline it is by providing bad service. Knowledgeable travellers know what is good or bad and choose Air Canada more often than not when travelling to and from Canada. PS: On an Air Canada flight from London to Toronto, about 15 minutes prior to arrival, one of the Cabin Attendants very thoughtfully announced, "I understand that there are a number of people on board today heading to Canada to start a new life. On behalf of my fellow Canadians both aboard this plane and waiting in Canada, I would like to welcome all of you to Canada and your new home." The cabin erupted into applause. The person who did that spontaneous gesture demonstrated who we are and what Canada is all about. Chimo
US carriers have indeed gone a long way toward improving hard and soft product post-pandemic, whilst most European carriers have not. I fly between the UK and US several times a year and now think United, JetBlue and Delta have a better product than BA, especially in premium class. American hasn't improved as much as United or Delta. I've never flown Air Canada on any flight longer than 2 hours, but their long-haul product looks on par with United and Delta. I'm flying to Sri Lanka next month on Turkish Airlines - my first trip on TK. How do you think TK compares to other airlines you've flown?
Hey Patrick. That was a great review of an airline that will never be described ( or describe itself ) as the Worlds Favorite Airline. My experience is that it's very hit or miss, probably their weakest point is staff and inflight service. I thought you did an admirable job of staying neutral on an airline that is bound to create a lot of comments !!! Love your content.
Thanks! Seems like all North American carriers have a reputation for being hated by half, and loved by the other half. All in all, not a bad experience, just suffers compared to Asian carriers
@@PatrickSheaAviation I guess what makes it more relevant, is that Canada has in the past had quality airlines, just shows how far we've fallen. Again, thanks for a great neutral review !!
I agree with the Canadians that dislike AC. I had an awful experience on AC from MIA to YUL. Their ground staff don’t know their arses from their elbows.
Forget to mention the merger with Canadian Airlines International, also another low cost airlines iteration, Zip… Otherwise, I enjoy your videos as usual. Thanks for sharing.
As a Canadian I only fly with AC only when I don't have other choice or they are a lot cheaper. Service sucks. Just been voted among the most customer service of all airlines in North America
@@Brandon-jp5ow surveys or no surveys services inflight and ground service sucks. Just flew with Air Transat to Lima Haven’t travelled with them a long time, we were surprised how good the services on both level were and much cheaper .
Interesting. Although at least on this particular day is was smog. It shows up differently in the aviation weather reports as a visibility restrictor rather than a cloud layer
Aside from not liking the AC cabin (but that’s my personal preference) , my experience with AC crew is super hit and miss. They can be wonderful, or the complete opposite and miserable. The way I’ve heard them speak to other passengers has been outrageous and always leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
@@Brandon-jp5ow I fly weekly between Western Canada and Europe for work. Oh don’t get me wrong, passengers can be horrendous and deserve to be spoken back to at times. Other times it’s uncalled for. Sure, everyone has bad days. I’ve come across crew who are obviously tired or just not feeling it, but there’s a certain snarky/ impatient attitude that in my experience I only sometimes see with AC. Eg. “Excuse me, my headset isn’t working” “Oh. That’s a shame” “Is there another? “No” “Oh. Well this is going to be a long flight” “Sure is” (FA walks away). I offered the person my headset as I had my iPad and personal headphones. Another. Everyone was eating their main meal service. Old lady across from me didn’t have anything (Looked over 80). She kept trying to wave down the FAs when they were around. Eventually I pressed my call button and said the lady needed some assistance. The FA looked at her saying “why wouldn’t you press the call button? What do you want?”. The lady motioned to her mouth looking confused. The FA repeated herself in French. The lady obviously didn’t speak either well if at all. The FA said “Well I can’t help you if you don’t speak English or French” at which point another passenger turned around and said “She wasn’t given any food”. The FA says “why wouldn’t you just say that?”.
@@PatrickSheaAviation I don’t hate Air Canada, I just fly them enough to have formed a fairly solid opinion (which others may disagree with, and that’s fine). Here in Western Canada, we only really have 2 choices and my work generally puts me on AC. I’m also not Canadian (or American) so I don’t have some engrained bias for any carriers here either. It’s just like anything though, people’s experiences are all different but all valid at the same time.
Air canada is not the same as it used to be. Until the 1990’s, even in economy you got white glove treatment even on shorter flights. Those days are gone. Except for tiny snacks and free non. Alcoholic drinks cost. Meals also aren’t free as they used to be. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the crew is always helpful, friendly and professional.
I've only flown Air Canada once. YVR/LAX. This was in 2006. Everything was shoddy...airport, equipment and crew. And after traveling thru Japan, Korea, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan...only got sick from food consumed in the YVR airport. Thought I may have to delay flight...gastric distress. There was one bright moment. US CBP pre clearance. Your experience dispelled any residual negative thoughts.
Tbh at this moment, I’d choose most North American carriers over European carriers with a couple exceptions. Asian carriers are ahead of both of them, but to say something like Lufthansa is better than Air Canada or United is an interesting take
ermagerd an AC coverage lol so er um square pillows are a German thing eh #whoknew and ew weird smell? 🤣placement of the snack trays on the bulkhead look awkward (right in front of someone's seat ) window in the loo is the best. AC domestic can be atrocious and yes most Canadians can't stand AC. for me it's more of a love-hate thing: love it when they're on point, hate them when they're not, which domestically is typically the trend, i just roll my eyes or fly WestJet (which i'll be doing Wed hehe ; )
I would not fly on a B787 dreamliner for the simple reason that the cabin crew are able to blank out the windows and the view whenever they feel like it as you, yourself discovered. I'm sorry, I've paid a lot of money for the flight and I want to be able to see out when I want not when the cabin crew want me to. It's Airbus for me whether it be an A330, A380 or the A350 which is far superior to the 787.
The Canadians that complain about Air Canada probably have not travelled International Business Class. Domestic, they are like any other North American airline. If I'm flying overseas, I always choose AC Business. However, since I moved to Calgary from Toronto, we do not have a Signature Lounge at this airport - YET!! Hoping it will come soon. Thanks for the great review!!
As far as the seatbelt sign is concerned, I think it has to do with the litigious nature of North Americans. Everyone tends to be sue happy in order to get a quick payday.
Canada doesn't have an issue with frivolous lawsuits, which are much more common stateside compared to Canada. The big difference is that Canadian law requires the loser to pay the victor's legal fees in addition to the damages, whereas this isn't the case in the US.
By Asian carriers I take it you mean Singapore because if you compare the offerings on Southern China, Dragonair, or the Chinese carriers I have flown on good God I have had better experiences in 1980s trains with vinyl seats carrying as many live chickens as they did people
Hating Air Canada is a national pastime. Sadly, it's mainly a Western attitude and reflects (1) I hate Ottawa and Trudeau (which has nothing to do with the airline) and (2) nostalgia for Wardair and CP Air (which I understand but they are history). AC compares very well with its international competition to Europe. It's been awhile (too long) since I've flown to Asia although my last trip on Air New Zealand to Australia was excellent.
