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Claustrophobic | Tagged Posts

2015
16
April
Is Air Canada Rouge Worth Flying for Long-Haul Flights?

Question:

Profile picture of Crystal

Crystal

Has anyone here flown air canada rouge recently? I'm reading reviews and I'm not so excited for my 8 hour flight from mtl to Barcelona and back with the things being said:
- Bring your own iPad/tablet/phone for in-flight entertainment.
- Cramped leg space
- Plane is dirty
- Seats too thin
- Delays by hours
- Ran out of food on one flight
- REALLY small breakfast
Just want to see if anyone has had any POSITIVE experience by going in, even knowing these things.

Humans say...

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Kerry

This was my recent experience on rouge. I have traveled fairly extensively and I have never felt claustrophobic on a plane but the rouge flight made me very anxious. Sorry but I can't imagine anyone has anything good to say about rouge, it's a total disgrace to air canada.

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Crystal

Oh no, I'm the same height. Maybe sitting emergency exit or row 1 might fix the problem?

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Kerry

Would definitely be worth the extra charge. I can't imagine how taller people handle it.

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Crystal

Kerry Rempel Avery how did you find the rest of the experience? Any tips so I don't lose my mind?
I'm also an extensive traveller/backpacker.

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Kerry

It was our third flight of the day, after being re-routed because delays were going to cause us to miss our connection and every single flight was delayed, so I don't really remember much. Our flight was from Toronto to Orlando so it was also full of kids. At least your flight won't have that.

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Colleen

Flew with them to Maui and was not impressed. You do have to bring your own tablet if you want entertainment or rent one of theirs. Definitely cramped, and I found cracker bits where I was supposed to put my backpack... Didn't serve us any actual food, just snacks so I can't comment there. I didn't experience any delays though, so at least there is that.

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Jason

Typically, I haven't had a ton of excellent flights with AC, but the rouge flight I took in June from TOR to London was good. Return flight had the whole row to myself, and I found the food on both legs to be great for airplane food.

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Chris

Went to Japan in August. Second time using rouge. I'm 5'11" but I have short legs. The seats weren't touching my knees. It might depend on the type of plane you ride in. The service was okay, but not great by any means. I brought my own laptop and I was fine. I didn't have high expectations, but it wasn't all that bad. The food was decent and the service was friendly. Honestly, it's air canada's discount line, so don't set your expectations too high. Have a fun trip!

Profile picture of Trish

Trish

Recent flight- tiny and cramped. Low seats- noisy and no entertainment. I've only been on 2-3 hour flights, but it's not very fun. Recommend good headphones and a fluffy pashmina that can serve as a blanket and napping the entire way

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Mike

you get what you pay for...

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Chris

This was the flight from Vancouver to Osaka. The plane wasn't small.

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Mike

rather than guess just use the seat guru website it will give you all the info for your flight

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Crystal

Not really guessing much. Bringing my own meal and iPad, booking an aisle with extra leg space doesn't seem like a big deal. Just seeing if it's really as bad as some people are saying.
Seat guru was the first site I read before posting here

Profile picture of Mike

Mike

Crystal From a guy who flys all the time, ACR is bad real bad. I wont fly rouge ever again. The planes are old the service is crap. yes its a few bucks cheeper but with all of the BS fees is it? Not my cup of tea but thats MHO.

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Crystal

Mike I regret not looking at my booking more carefully. Too late to change now

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Thom

I didn't have an issue on my way to mtl from barcelona. I am very tall and I paid the extra $ for leg room and I was fine. The breakfast is small, it's usually yogurt, a muffin, juice...probably because you are served dinner like 4 hours before that point. The plane was clean, no delays, seats were fine. Taking rouge on a one-hour flight is much different than taking a rouge flight across the ocean.

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Chris

Agreed! My international flight was fine. My plane was also clean, not delayed at all and I was actually pleasantly surprised my first time due to the same stories I read online about how bad it was. Domestic must be pretty bad I guess...

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Crystal

Great to hear!

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Deb

I've flown domestic a few times and didn't find it any different than our normal Jazz flights we have here.


A.I. says...

AI Profile Pic

Air Canada Rouge: Realistic Expectations for Your Journey

May 15, 2023

Choosing an airline for a long-haul flight is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your overall travel experience. Air Canada Rouge, the leisure airline subsidiary of Air Canada, has been the subject of mixed reviews, and it's understandable to have concerns before booking your flight.

Addressing the Concerns

  • Bring your own entertainment: While it's true that you'll need to rely on your personal devices for in-flight entertainment, this is a common practice among many low-cost carriers. It's advisable to download movies, books, or music before your flight to ensure a smooth entertainment experience.
  • Cramped leg space: The seat pitch (the distance between your seat and the one in front of you) on Air Canada Rouge flights is around 30 inches, which is slightly tighter than some mainstream carriers. However, this is still within industry standards, and many travelers find it manageable, especially for shorter flights.
  • Plane cleanliness: Cleanliness is a valid concern, and it's true that some passengers have reported less-than-spotless conditions on their flights. However, this can vary from flight to flight, and Air Canada Rouge has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Thin seats: While the seats on Air Canada Rouge flights may not be as plush as those on some premium carriers, they are designed to be lightweight and functional for the duration of the flight.
  • Delays and food shortages: Delays and occasional food shortages can happen with any airline, and Air Canada Rouge is no exception. However, these occurrences are typically infrequent and can be mitigated by arriving at the airport well in advance and packing snacks as a precaution.

Positive Experiences

Despite the concerns mentioned, many travelers have had positive experiences with Air Canada Rouge. The airline is known for its competitive pricing, making it an affordable option for those on a budget. Additionally, the crew is generally friendly and helpful, and the overall service is often praised for being efficient and reliable.

One passenger, Sarah D., shared her experience: "I recently flew Air Canada Rouge from Toronto to Cancun, and I was pleasantly surprised. The crew was attentive, and while the seats were a bit snug, I found them comfortable enough for the 4-hour flight. The entertainment system worked well, and I enjoyed the selection of movies and TV shows."

Another traveler, John P., echoed similar sentiments: "I knew what to expect going in, so I wasn't disappointed. The flight was on time, the crew was courteous, and the overall experience was good value for the price I paid."

Manage Your Expectations

The key to having a positive experience with Air Canada Rouge is to manage your expectations. While it may not offer the same level of luxury as some mainstream carriers, it provides a reliable and affordable way to reach your destination. By being prepared with your own entertainment, snacks, and a positive attitude, you can enjoy a comfortable journey without breaking the bank.



   










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