Has anyone flown Calgary to London with air transat? Just wondering how they compare to air canada?
Edit... everyone seems down on air canada so I thought I would just clear up what I was looking for... Is there a good entertainment system? Is the food edible? How is the customer service?? Thank you!!

I haven't flown air canada but air transat to me is just like the bargain travel to the UK. It was ok, not BA but not the price either.

Take air canada

Thank you... it’s only a couple hundred dollars difference so it’s nothing major but I just wanted to see if maybe I was missing out on a good and cheap airline!

Anybody is better than AC in my books! air transat are ok, I get cheaper flights on klm or WestJet.

I’ve actually never had any issue with air canada when flying internationally but thank you!!

Lacey make sure it is not air canada rouge which is a discount airline, smaller seat smaller planes and zero services, westjet or klm are better options

I've been overbooked twice, delayed almost every time, lost luggage never to be found! You name it, it's happened. I've rarely had those issues with other airlines, so I avoid them when possible.

I thought rouge was only domestic?? Hm

Lacey no I ended up on it twice international when I had no control of booking and worst flights I have ever been on

air canada uses a 787 from Calgary to London. It is not rouge. Nor will it be! It’s a strong hold flight that makes AC money. They won’t let that go to Rouge.
AC all the way when it comes to International travel. In the last 10 years, I’ve taken 15+ overseas flights, and AC has topped them all.
I am also booking tickets to London out of AMS and have the same questions about Transat. It’s hard to pass up a $650 ticket, compared to the $1100 offered by AC.
But I flew Transat to London like 12 years ago, and I know they have changed. But I really didn’t like Transat back then. But wondering if they’ve changed enough to steal me away?

David I guess it's a case of whether the money is worth it to you. We all apparently have such different standards for our long haul trips. For me, I would pay a couple hundred bucks more than AT for more room/better service, which I get on klm. I would have a hard time justifying paying more than that though, as I go so often. It's 9 hours approx out of your life, and I usually try to sleep, so the cheaper prices work for me, but not for everyone.

David is that a guarantee? I had an American flight booked with AC. They cancelled the flight and rebooked me on a huge rouge plane. I think they just consolidated 2 flights. Worst flight I've ever taken, and I seem to get screwed over by AC every time I take a chance or find a seat sale and give them another shot.

Jen the YYC-LHR-YYC flight a “business” route. That’s what we call it in the biz. They would lose too much money by going to Rouge.
rouge is air canada’s “Leisure” airline. They will fly to places considered “sun destinations” or high tourism “seasonal” destinations. AC could, and often does add a second London flight in Calgary during the summer, and that could be rouge. But they will always keep the business route.

David thanks for clarifying - makes sense. I did, however, NOT book a rouge flight and yet ended up on one. Just one more thing to dissuade me from booking with AC in the future.

Jen they will often switch out aircraft from smaller to bigger on “seasonal and sun destinations” if the demand is there. A regular flight on AC a A320 aircraft holds roughly 156 people. A rouge 767 has room for roughly 262 people. If they can make more $$$ on the same route, they will. And because rouge is a subsidiary airline to AC, and ran as a separate business, AC technically will “lease” the bigger aircraft from rouge (and vice versa) and keep $$$ moving around like that, to ease the burden of tax season. Smart business tactic.but will eventually exhaust its self. Sneaky tho. And not all that transparent if you aren’t in the industry. So I hope I’ve helped.
I’m not a rouge fan, unless an upgrade is involved.

David yes, very sneaky. A lot of families on my flight and a lot were very unhappy about the scaled down service and small seats.

I’ve flown air transat a few times and BA. Can’t say there was too much difference other than price. My friend flew air canada last year. Flight delayed going there and on return flight it was delayed again as they brought sniffer dogs onto flight then when she got to Calgary they had lost her luggage and took 3 weeks to get it back. Everything I’ve heard about air canada has put me off flying with them. Husband flew a few times with them for work and he said they always overbook and people ended up having to rebook a different flight.

We flew to London with them and they are fabulous...air canada sucks...

Like I said, I have always had really good experiences with air canada in the past but I only used them as an example!! Maybe I should have put air transat as it compares to most major airlines lol?
I really just want to know if they have a good entertainment system, is the food somewhat edible, is their customer service acceptable?

Lacey Food is edible, they still had free movies etc and staff are great. air transat are decent to fly with.

Thank you

I personally did not like flying AT
Plane was older than dirt

Thank you.

We flew air transat to Mexico last year and I had no issues with the airplanes, I would say pretty comparable to AC flights
I found sunwing airplanes to be subpar in regards to the entertainment and quality

Thank you

If you like air canada so much why do you ask for comparison. People give their opinions and you defend air canada every time. Sounds like you've made up your mind to me..
I think air canada sucks and will never fly them agaib, and prefer any of the other air lines going to Europe myself.

I was simply using that as an example seeing as I fly air canada/lufthansa quite a lot to Europe. I’ve never flown with air transat and I wanted to know how they compare. I don’t think there was any reason for you to be rude.

klm is wonderful.. look into that maybe?

Christin thank you for the recommendation!! I have checked them out but they don’t seem to have any direct flights for my dates and I’m only going for a long weekend so I’m really focusing on getting there and back quickly lol!

oh fair!! haha if you HAD the time thougha wicked layover in Amsterdam isnt all shabby

everytime i fly with AC they ALWAYS lose my luggage, so im a bit bitter towards them. did you check prices on british airways? their seats are decent and the food is on point, great service

I know!! I was so close to telling my boss I had to take extra time off just so I could do a nice little jaunt through the city lol!!

HAHAH right!!

like ooooh sorry did i say 3 days i meant 5..

I have and they’re about 300 more than AC! I’ve always been really lucky I suppose, I’ve never had luggage lost!

Christin right??! Haha

have you loooked on like ... cheapoair.ca, kiwi.com? i love those sites to help get a extra fewb ucks off flights?
kiwi.com
Kiwi.com | Find Cheap Flights & Discover New Destinations

what dates are you planning to go?? (i book travel as a job i can help you search out some deals?
)

I usually stick with momondo and flighthub but I’ll check those too!! I need to leave may 16 in the evening and come home may 21. Thank you for the offer!

Christin DO NOT book through kiwi.com Check their reviews. Scary!
kiwi.com
Kiwi.com | Find Cheap Flights & Discover New Destinations

ive booked with them a few times for internal asian flights, its been breezy for me

I usually fly air transat every year when I go to England. Its alright, for the price. Sleep is my recommendation anyway. All airlines are cutting service and food quality these days!

Flying anywhere these days with any airline is a chance you take. They each have their own issues for sure! Good Luck and enjoy your stay!

Thanks!

My favorite to fly to Europe is lufthansa, their service and airplanes are or were amazing!

We just booked with BA and it was about $600 cheaper than westjet and about $500 cheaper than air canada

Thank you! I’ll check them as well

Lacey we’re flying in September. And doing the red eye both ways

I
red eyes too!! I’m going in May so I will see what they have available

Lacey, my family and I flew to London with air canada 2 summers ago. I found them to be excellent...but have heard their international flights are much better than domestic....just what I’ve heard. Included in our economy ticket was a first checked bag free, seat had a pillow and blanket waiting for us when we got on the plane, and hot meals/snacks...even offered a free glass of wine with our dinner. Would definitely consider flying with them when we return to England

Oh I 100% agree! I have never had a bad experience with air canada internationally but I flew Toronto to Calgary with them and I was one of the worst flights I’ve ever had!

Heard Transat crams you in pretty tight.

I have taken AT a few times to London but found the seats pretty uncomfortable for such a long haul. The last time I went we flew british airways and it was far more comfortable. BA had great service and a nice entertainment system. I would fly with them again.

I have flown air canada, air transat, BA and klm from Calgary to London and no issues with any of them. Transit bumped us up to business class when we went last...so no complaints there!
Of all 4 were good. AT is cheaper but have to go by their schedule the rest have more flights.
I don't fly west jet because we like direct flights.

Food sucks on all...unless you go first class. Seating on A.C. is tighter than it used to be (just came back from uk on Jan 1) but comparable with all if in economy.
Entertainment was great on all 4 to be honest. The only difference I really find is the points. I use the travel cards to get points as we go over every year or so. (Family of 4 so it adds up) we always try to book the emergency row too as I have 2 boys over 6 feet.
Honestly I have had great experiences on all 4.
The service at the airport in London on the other hand is definately lacking.

transat is WAY better air canada is bullocks

No leg room on Airtransat. Cannot compare to dreamliner on Aircanada.

Thank you everybody for all of your helpful comments!!

I lied the air transat flight. Good price and great schedule.

I have flown many times on air canada and I have to say never had an issue comfortable seats free entertainment I think they are one of the best airline out there. Inflow westjet and they are ok you pay for everything extra and the seats not so much room unless you pay extra. air transat I have never flown that long distance but over very good

air transit are cheap and cheerful. Seat are small and they are REALLY picky about the weights on hand luggage. Have had to unpack at the gate before. But they are cheaper. Flew air canada at Christmas. Brand new plane and great entertainment. Also look at BA Same plane as air canada great service too.

I have taken air transat multiple times from Calgary to Paris and London and, based on my experience, I would avoid it like the plague. Besides the food (inedible like most plane foods), I have had three planes delayed with them. And I am not talking about a small delay, but a 24 hour delay. I met many flyers who were disappointed with air transat. Planes with mechanical issues, planes missing, etc. Terrible company! Until now their prices were hard to beat but now that west jet is flying to Paris, I will give my business to them.

Agreed! Every flight with every airline at any given time can be different day to day! Id suggest just take the cheapest one u can get its only 9 hrs lol! My sister swears by british airways so we flew them to london and for the fare we pd i was very dissapointed!!! Screaming child in front of us( i know not an airline issue ) not alot of room, food sub par and staff at the end of their rope! Im sure this was not tipacle as my sister still swears by them but like i said for the price id rather have spent 800 vs 1200. Ive had good and bad experiences on A.C.and A.T.so go with best times and rares and enjoy the trip!

Transat has lots of room but watch out they have lots of delays and we just got back from a trip with them and their lots our luggage .

We flew air canada and it was great.

We flew with air canada to Barcelona, it was actually pretty great. It was a "rouge" flight but the plane wasn't cramped, food was surprisingly good. I know everyone hates air canada but we had a good experience flying international with them. That being said we're flying with westjet to London this summer.

Have flown with them three time and all three times have had issues with transat .

air transat is a good company to fly with, I flu from Vancouver to punta cana with them. Food, entertainment all good!

I love air transat

air canada or british airways is best...I prefer BA

I flew with AC to London last year, we had a great flight, honestly couldn’t fault them and they were great with my kids.
My friend flew out to Calgary using Air transact but she went from Manchester last July and she had a terrible experience! She had to get connecting flights, the flight out was delayed, the connecting flight was delayed then on the way back they completely cancelled the connecting flight. They gave excuse after excuse, reasons why it was delayed then eventually admitted the flight was cancelled because they didn’t even have a pilot and that the next flight was a 24hr wait. When asked about somewhere to sleep air transit said they would put everyone up in a hotel then later came back saying every hotel in Toronto was fully booked, she called me and I found her loads of hotels and when she showed this to the staff they then said it’s not our problem anymore you have to find your own accommodation. She said never again.

Oh no!!

I felt so bad for her, it was like 1am and she was exhausted. She flies all the time and has travelled around the world using different airlines and she said the service she received from air transit was one of the worst ever.

That is awful. I understand that things happen but when the customer service is bad it just makes it so much worse!

Totally agree, my mother in law is flying out this summer and is flying with british airways, she has had great service also as she has flown out here a few times with them

air transit is fine, klm is better, I haven’t flown air canada for a long time, don’t like to go through Toronto if I can help it

I agree

After almost 50 countries on countless airlines from around the world.... I love flying air canada! When you travel a lot there are bound to be some hiccups but there is something about getting on that maple leaf emblazoned jet that feels like home.

So true!! I don’t even really speak French but it never feels quite right to get on a plane and not hear Bonjour Hello lol

Flying air canada to Paris in a few months...then Japan in the fall. I love their service.

Don’t do it. Spend the couple extra dollars to fly air canada. If possible fly klm. Way better experience, better customer service, food, and they have USB chargers.

Thank you!

We paid for extra for the priority luggage and seating with air transat this past September and they still managed to lose our luggage. And the flights both ways to and from London were delayed. After numerous follow-up phone calls and emails, they have yet to re-imburse us so I would choose a different airline. I’ve never had issues with air canada

Look at the type of planes for the dates and routes and compare seats on Seat Guru. That way you can really compare what you are actually getting. air canada and BA fly Dreamliner which are new and nice. If you can afford it go premium economy for a bit more. I would choose a 787 over an older 757/767 any day!

My son flew westjet Calgary to London in the summer with no issues at all. They were great on the return flight as well.

air canada rouge or just normal air canada? Normal international air canada is great. Movies, tvs, complimentary alcohol, food. rouge has tighter thinner seats-i don't even care about the lack of leg space, my ass was numb after just 2 hrs. Only iPads for rent or stream old movies through the wifi on their app/your device.

Just Air Canada... I don’t mean to sound like a spoiled brat but I do not have any urge to take a budget airline for anything longer than a couple hours lol

No but sometimes there is no choice, they only fly rouge to Hawaii now and that is 7 hours. I have also read others booking specific flights solely to avoid rouge and air canada switched planes last minute.

That’s crazy! I would not be happy to be surprised with that!

I would fly ( and do ) air canada over air transit !!!

Had a horrific flight on air transat years ago to Paris. I don’t care how much I will save, will not fly to Europe again with them. Absolutely rude service on the plane, disgustingly dirty bathrooms (might blame that on passengers), very uncomfortable. I will fly klm, lufthansa, british airways, AC...pretty much anything other than resorting to Air Transat.

I've flown air transat for years to UK (because of cost). It's no frills but fine! I pay the extra $60 on the way back for early check in and extra luggage allowance... and wine. I don't mind flying to Gatwick because we take a coach from there to our destination.

I flew to Gatwick airport. It was a great flight

It has been 10 years since I flew with Transat to London. It was okay. Had the middle of the middle on the way back..long flight. Especially since the person in front reclined all the way back the entire flight. Small seats and small leg room.
I like going into Gatwick not as crazy. Train into London easy and convenient

I've flown a lot with AirTransat and feel they have gone downhill in the last couple of years. The plane's seats to London have got much smaller since they moved to the new (very basic) planes and they have become more picky about bag weights. On the plus side, additional sports and photography equipment is free to transport. Entertainment system is adequate but there are no charging points for either power or usb. I have always been lucky with air canada and had a good flight in their slightly more up-market planes (with WiFi and charging ports on every seat). Food is adequate on both airlines with AirCanada being slightly better.

Just flew with air canada to London (literally Friday) and it was a new plane and really comfortable. There was good room and entertainment. The food was good.
air transat made me feel like a sardine and both me and my husband had a panic attack during the flight because we felt so crowded. Personally we prefer to fly BA to London (and we have to visit family a couple times a year so we make the trip often) but air canada has improved for sure.
Also should add the plane had USB charging in the economy seats as well.

Thank you!

We’ve flown air transit twice to London. Excellent service. Free alcoholic drinks and food was good. Entertainment system was old fashioned. But they gave us a travel kit. Included blanket blowup neck pillow and sleep mask.

That sounds really nice!

I love air canada. I fly to Europe every two to three years, and always book with Air Canada.

I know this wasn't an option... but my daughter and I flew west jet direct to London and back last September.. . Everything was so pleasant with them right from the first phone call to the end... as for entertainment.. they have their app which allows you to use your own device to watch. And I've never had an issue with the staff

Thank for that! I’m definitely checking them out as well!

air transat are horrible, I would never fly them again! westjet has a flight in London Gatwick, air canada was also great the last time we flew into London and also british airways. I would fly either of the last three airlines

Flew air transat to Paris - once...never again! My knees were crunched up in my chest for over 7 hours and service was nearly non-existent!

I’ve been there a couple of times with Transat. Book Club class if you can. Well worth the extra $$. Also they fly direct from YYC to Gatwick

I always go air transat. They are a good choice if you are looking for economy.

We fly almost exclusively with air transat from Calgary to UK. They're great. Its not first class by any means but its worth it for the price. There are personal entertainment systems for each seatt, and the food has always been decent (for airline food). We usually upgrade for the Options Plus package, which allows you to choose your seats, get s you a couple extra drinks, skip the line for luggage and boarding, etc. We also make sure to choose the non-stop flights for an ever more seamless experience. Check out seat guru for seat choices to make sure you get one you'll like. We avoid anything near the toilets, people are savages.

Thank you! That’s very helpful.
and so true about people lol!

We are flying them to london in June we flew then a few times before like anything it depends on the stewardesses and counter staff but cant beat their price. We sometimes upgrade to option plus or club class. Option plus we added for Calgary to Amsterdam and back via Paris last year it was nice and we splurged and did their club class to Mexico before that was pretty cool but they have nice planes and def arent any worse than Air Canada.

air transat is significantly worse than air canada in every respect from our past experiences.

air canada are absolutely awful and will never fly with them again after our experience last month. klm are Good, british airways better.

Flew Calgary to London AT never again. Always fly AC and have always had excellent service etc. Food is typical airline food- I've had worse and I've had better.

I do every time. AirTransat has the best customer service

I fly air canada a lot and I think they’re great! Our son has flown air transat because it can be cheaper but you’re packed in like sardines.

The aircraft on air transat doesn't even come close to air canada who flies the Dreamliner to LHR. No comparison. The Dreamliner is amazing.

It's ALL about the Dreamliner!!!

Great

We flew air transat to amsterdam, definitely a bit tighter than air canada but overall they are pretty similiar, there was an entertainment system on our flight and food was fine. We didnt have to deal with any customer service outside of our flight and it was good. No delays or challenges with the company. We would fly with them again.

I hated air transat. They cancelled a flight and moved me to a different one for my connection and then they lost me. So I almost missed my flight as they tried to find me in their system. I found the seats were uncomfortable, the food was meh.. Guess it depends on the person but the ONE thing I could have stomached they didn't have. Not that they were out they just didn't bring it along. Their options were minimal and I just was not having a good time. Won't be going through them again.

Thank you!

air transat was fine YYC to London. Flew alone with my 8 year old there and back. As long as you aren't a princess and have flown international to Europe before - you'll be just fine!

We flew with with air transit from YYC to Gatwick and LOVED it! We got the club seating and it couldn't have been nicer - lovely food, beverages, wine, real utensils and great service. We upgraded the tickets and it was surprisingly very inexpensive and most worth it.

Do you remember the upgrade price?

I don't know why but it was super cheap - it was around $300.00 for both of us round trip.

That’s great! Thank you.

klm or British, avoid headaches.

air transat

Try westjet. I've had awful experienceS with air canada and air transat I believe was the airline with the drunk pilot.

In the last 12 years I've flown to London eight times, seven with air canada and once with BA. I found AC and BA comparable for food and service and inflight entertainment, so pretty decent. I find AC international better than domestic. I tried to fly air transit once but they cancelled my flight less than two months before it was scheduled to fly SO I haven't tried them again. I did like the heathrow terminal that BA flies out of better than the one AC flies out of. Enjoy!

If you're over 5'6" and have any hips you will be uncomfortable. My husband who's that height and has a tiny butt found the seats uncomfortable (for me it was a torture test both ways as I'm 5'9" and a bigger gal). westjet has gotten a lot better in the past year for the direct YYC to Gatwick flights. I would only fly Transat if I was going in their "plus" seating, but then it negates the savings on the flights. Spend a bit extra and fly AC, westjet or BA. Also, Gatwick is only a quick express train ride away from London!

We have always flown with air transat to the UK. My mum is coming over with klm in May with a stop over at Amsterdam as she is flying from Manchester. I have heard of Luthansa to offer UK flights too.

My family comes to Canada from Manchester and I'm so sad that they got rid of the direct flight to Calgary

I know me too. They still have it but you have to fly to Toronto first or Vancouver

I hope they bring it back one day.

Over the years, I learned to not rely on the planes amenities. Bring your own entertainment (movies/music) food/snacks to avoid disappointment.

Tried them back in 2012. One way for $256 so couldn't really complain. Food was OK entertainment was the old communal TVs. If you keep your expectations of them as a budget airline should be OK. Can't speak to their customer service but I had no issues

air transat sucks at every level. They are FAMOUS for the worst legroom in the air. Their chairs are thin and uncomfortable. Even crappy air canada rouge is better than Transat.

Fly to Dublin on west jet then take the ferry North to Liverpool ( because it is cooler than London) if you must take the train to London. air canada is a horrific nightmare.

Loving that you said Liverpool is cooler than London. That's my home city.

As a person who works in the aviation industry, I will let you know that you will get good or poor service at some time with any and every airline. Keep in mind that because air transat is not a scheduled carrier, but a scheduled charter airline, they operate unders some different "rules" than a scheduled airline like AC or BA. air canada does tend to shine at their long haul flights and I would encourage you to fly with them over AT if at all possible. My last flight to the UK was with British Airlines on a 787...the aircraft is pressurized to a lower altitude so you feel less jetlag, the seats are incredibly comfortable and the food and service are outstanding. If price is your selling point, I would recommend booking BA or AC instead of AT even if there is a bit of a price different. I am not wealthy by any stretch, but would personally spend $200-300 more to fly on BA or AC for this flight. I am not a fan of being crammed in like a sardine for 7-9 hours just to save a few dollars. The journey to my destination is part of the trip as well and nothing can get an adventure off on the wrong foot like a terrible flight. Hope that helps and you have a great time!

Do t fly with air transit if you have a connecting flight. If the are late taking off you will miss you flight and they will not help you with trying to find another flight , plus you will have to repay for the other flight, it happened to us last may they where late by 8 hours leaving yyc , hope that helps

air canada it is. Thanks everyone!

The customer service is mediocre. The entertainment system was non-existent the last time I flew with them, and the food was forgettable

It’s all good

Recently flew westjet Yyc to Gatwick & service was horrible, flight attendants were rude! Don't expect any extras on that flight so if u have low expectations u should be ok
My gf flew transat at same time & she said it was pretty good service & food not bad

Seats and leg room are a bit tighter on air transat. westjet and air canada have a wee bit more seat and leg room.

I've flown air transat and the food wasn't super, but I don't expect a lot on a plane. Last time I flew, I took klm, and it was pretty good in regards to entertainment, and it felt like they were always bringing food and drinks by.

Lots of Heineken

I flew to Dublin on westjet last summer and returned from Gatewick.. I thought it was fine.

Used to travel air transat always. Last time it was unbearable! The seats are diabolical! They take your money and run

I'd take air transat over Thomas Cook any day! OMG please tell me Thomas Cook doesn't fly YYC-LGW anymore because it is good riddance from me! I took west jet to London in November, it wasn't bad, quite a bit of legroom, but next time I'm not doing layovers!

Don't think Thomas Cook does those flights anymore

When I fly YYC to HRW I fly BA

Are u flying an actual BA plane? Or just a share with AC? Last time we flew to London I flew BA and husband flew lufthansa- we sat next to each other on the same AC plane hagaha. I asked him "how's ur lufthansa service" haha

lufthansa is an air canada code share partner, british airways BA is not, Brussels airlines is a partner.

Mine has always been BA there and back.
Lol that’s too funny!!

We just flew with air canada from YYC to Paris on Saturday (returning to YYC tomorrow On lufthansa). Seats on AC were insanely small with 0 leg room. After we boarded we asked for different seats and they accommodated us kindly. Great service (but still small
Seats, of course). Food was fine. In flight entertainment was fine - lots of variety.