cece

I found a reasonable business class fare to Rome. I've never flown Air Canada -- for those who have -- did you like it? Is the service good? Any comments would be welcome.

LarryJ

I am a frequent flyer both domestic (USA) and to Europe and have flown to Europe on United, US Airways, Northwest, Alitalia, Delta and Air Canada. I have always considerated there to be very little difference in airlines but having used Air Canada several times in recent years I think they really are just a little better. Slightly better food and friendly flight attendants. All things being equal in pricing and schedules I would choose Air Canada. I have 2 flights to Paris booked with them in the next 6 months.

Larry J

AnselmAdorne

cece, I have made quite a few trips across the Atlantic in AC's business class. Cabin crews are typically unpretentious, friendly, and competent. The food is, well, it's airline food.

The big variable is equipment. If I remember correctly, the Toronto-Rome route is flown with B767s. It's an old fleet with down-at-heel cabins. AC is gradually refurbishing these with very nice lie-flat seats and up-to-date in-flight entertainment systems. Trouble is, you really can't tell what will be on your flight until you board. At the moment, the odds are against finding a re-furbished plane.

I'd be interested in hearing your route and what you consider a "reasonable" business class fare.

You might also consider asking your question on the Air Canada/Aeroplan forums at www.flyertalk.com

Anselm

rkkwan

Yes, one thing is whether you can get a refurbished plane or not.

Second, you will have to go through Canadian immigration both ways. So, two more queues to line up for.

travel2live

We always fly Air Canada. The one problem we frequently have with them is their changing flight times without notifying us. We have learned to check times frequently prior to all flights, right up to the day before. It really got us into a major pickle a couple of years ago.

I was violently ill on one of our flights last year - constant vomiting, etc. It was so bad that the flight attendants paged for a doctor (none on the flight) and contacted one on land. They watched over me like a hawk - waited on me hand and foot. All humiliation of vomiting repeatedly on a plane disappeared quickly. The staff were unbelievably kind and did everything in their power to help.

grandmere

LarryJ,
Hi, how are you?

Can you tell us your flight itinerary for trips via Air Canada? When I try to plug in PIT to CDG, I get a message saying that something is not right, implying that they don't fly out of PIT.
Also, if you don't mind my asking, is the price a lot better than flying USAirways?

I'm retiring in Sept. (finally!) and would like to plan a trip.

Merci!

LarryJ

Hi Grandmere,

My flights are still all on freq.flyer points earned during my more active working days. I am finding it increasingly difficult to book award flights on US Airways so I use the "Star Alliance" partner airlines and most often Air Canada. So I don't know about cost.

Here is the itinerary for my next to trips on Air Canada and note that the last segment from Toronto to Pittsburgh is on US Airways.

AC 7969 PIT-YYZ (Toronto) 11:20 am-12:40 pm

AC 880 YYZ-CDG 7:40 pm-8:15 next am


AC 881 CDG-YYZ 11:40 am-2:10 pm
US 4373 YYZ-PIT 6:10 pm-7:39 pm

Let me know when you guys are coming.

Larry J