Air Transat

Club Class YVR to Paris June 17 newer interior. Club Class is 80% of AC biz class quality at a fraction of the price (200 each way for transatlantic flight). Staff very friendly and attentive bypassed all lines like access to nexus lots of extras during the flight incl dedicated bathroom food good and presented nicely. When you consider the add ons people pay for in econ like seat selection and extras you have to pay for Club Class is (by far) the way to go from what I've seen in other reviews. I'm spending 5 figures to take a family of 4 on a one time trip to Europe so the additional cost was easily justified with the astonished look on my kids faces with the treatment we received from start to finish.

Toronto to Glasgow on June 8. Bought the ticket (family member passed away) the night before and was surprised how many seats were still available. Staff were friendly cheerful. Seats were large enough even for my ample bottom. The food was as expected just palatable but there were 4 choices and the meals were hot. I'd suggest bringing ear plugs as they are not available on board and should you have a family of screaming kids for the entire flight (as we did) you will need them. The staff although friendly gave no suggestions or assistance to the screaming children. I must admit that thankfully not all children were unhappy mine was kept entertained with electronics I brought with us and there were many others that were wonderful travelers. The flight left and arrived on time plane was clean staff was friendly. Only downside was limited number of toilets. Would travel with them again.

Booked family of 4 trip to Birmingham UK - requested a vegetarian meal for myself but couldn't do that until we had reserved seating @ $25/pp both ways - another $200 over and above what seemed like reasonable fares - only to find on board a vegetarian meal is standard offer as part of the meal! The plane to UK was extremely old and the seating very cramped - we were exhausted by the time we reached our destination. On our return flight the plane was a newer model and the seating we had selected was nothing in comparison to the layout online - although alot more comfortable than before. The inflight entertainment was not well placed as the screen was either too close for proper viewing or too far which my younger child was unable to view due to the seat in front of him.

YVR-LGW-YVR. Checked in online outbound which was quick and efficient. No special check-in machines at LGW but the airline has a dedicated set of well staffed check-in desks so it was quick and easy. Aircraft A300-200 were in very good condition. Booked seats ahead of time to get into the 2 abreast at the rear of the plane. Generous leg room and the wider aisle. Worth booking the seats ahead of time in spite of the fee but they are all doing that now. Started boarding well before departure which meant we were ready to go on time. Pleasant young cabin crew in both directions a refreshing change from the somewhat more mature attendants on the rival carrier. Drinks cart soon after take off. Meals not gourmet but quite adequate. Plenty of visits with drinks. Cabin crew quite attentive. Good entertainment system and a working flight map. Altogether a good flight and the price was right.

Gatwick to Calgary. Dirty old planes cramped lights flashing in the cabin due to fault poor screens paid for extra legroom - was cramped against a wall. Food was awful. Will never use them again. One thing to note is that the Canadians do you make you feel very welcome when you arrive. Back in the UK - not one 'welcome' in the airport by staff. All very miserable and you need a pound coin for the luggage trolley.