Air Transat

[Pilotinmydreams]

Hi all. Any experience with the above airline? I have an impending trip to Canada from the UK. There is next to no budget for the trip and these guys seem a country mile less expensive than anyone else. I don't need any frills on this trip, just need to get there in one piece. Feedback from anyone who has recently flown the route would be appreciated. Looking at it, the flight is operated on an A310 which may account for the price. Others are operating 767s and the like.

[PAXboy]

A fairly well travelled friend of mine has used them twice LGW-YYZ with no trouble. Her last trip was in April this year. Not been on them myself.

[ExXB]

They have been flying since 1987 (?) I think. They've had a couple of minor (non-fatal) incidents but certainly no more than any other airline.

Their 'Lajes-glider' was certainly a first for the A330, but their biggest competitor did something similar with a B767.

I'd fly them.

[PAXboy]

Their 'Lajes-glider' was certainly a first for the A330

and was returned to service and has been flying for many years. In fact, my friend was on that very a/c this year!

If I was on a budget to a YY location - I'd use them.

[localflighteast]

family use them when visiting us
general opinion

cheapest option out there
slightly cramped seats but not unmanageable
crappy food

in summary no different to any other airline out there but bring a snack.

If air canada was similar in price I'd go with AC but if they are significantly cheaper the AT are fine

[L4key]

Went to Toronto from MAN two years ago on them, was absolutely perfect. Seat pitch was actually better than I expected (I'm over 6ft) and the service was basic but very good.

I had read some stories before about them consistently overbooking and forcing passengers to wait till the next day but didn't see any of that. It was always an option at the desk, you know get $200 each and a hotel, but I've seen loads of airlines offer that.

Cheap but value for money in my experience & I'll definitely use them again.

[Pilotinmydreams]

Thanks all - i've now read some other reviews online and most seem to be very positive. Looks like their the one on this trip.

[SLF-Flyer]

Water Water

Take a bottle of water onto the plane. It was nearly two hours on one of the hottest days of the year, before we were given a small glass of water. Oh and get a bit slimmer to fit into the seats.

The only other problem I have had, is the check in staff at Halifax, who twice have given my reserved seat to someone else.

Apart from the above they are good value.

[Married a Canadian]

My parents use them all the time when they come to visit me from the UK. They have never had any problems with them. Aircraft types are A310 or the A330.

The seating and food comments do seem to echo (my Dad thought the space on the A330 was a bit less than the A310).....but it is not unmanageable..and as regards to food...eat well at the airport, and take water and snacks onboard. Voila

The only complaint from the YYZ end is that they schedule all their departures to the UK in the evening around the same couple of hours (between 7-10pm)...and then open only afew desks to deal with the couple of thousand passengers that all show up as told at the correct time.
Last time I was there the Transat lineup stretched round the terminal. Same before that aswell. If you are departing from Toronto then arrive well earlier than you need to.

[localflighteast]

To be fair the boarding farce at YYZ aint limited to Airtransat.
trying to board an Air Canada flight is a mess that only AC could create.

you line up to use the check in screens before being allowed to join the main line up to drop off your bags where they ask you the same questions and go through the same palaver you went through 30 minutes ago at the "self check in"

[GROUNDHOG]

Have flown their club class which is bearable though not as good as say BA or VS premium economy, in fact it is the same as the old Thomas Cook premium which Canadian Affair use. It is cheap, adequate and I would have no hesitation in saying go for it if that is what you need.

Always been on time friendly and nice crews.

No experience of economy to report I am afraid

[Pilotinmydreams]

Got back from my Gatwich > Toronto > Gatwick trip using Air Transat last Monday. I have to say what a great experience it was. Comfortable seats, very pleasant staff and an over all good experience. No seat back entertainment but the screens were plentiful in the aisle and easy to see. I understand that Air Transat are upgrading their fleet and someone else I spoke to on the plane said his last trip had seat back entertainment so you may get lucky.

Only gripe was a large guy sitting next to me thinking he could invade my seating area with his arms as his seat wasn't big enough for him. A quick "would you mind keeping your arms over your side please" sorted that out though and I had a decent sleep for 5 hours or so.

Food was reasonable and the soft drinks were offered frequently.

Price was much less than Air Canada so if I have to go again, Air Transat will be getting my money.

[PAXboy]

Thanks for reporting back. That is really helpful for others that visit to ask the same question. (Providing they use the search facility!)

[SLF-Flyer]

Refurbishment

Does any one now far have Air Transat got with the refurbishment, of the A330 and A310.

[Pilotinmydreams]

The passenger next to me said that his previous flight with them was an A310 and had seat back entertainment. That wasn't my experience either way but I guess they must have already completed some of them.