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Air Canada suffered damage to its reputation recently when a flight attendant was filmed losing control of her temper on a plane bound for Montreal from Morocco.
The service was cancelled and Air Canada issued a statement saying it “deeply regretted” the incident. Meanwhile, many readers commented that they were not surprised to hear about the crisis and cited their own negative experiences with the airline.
But was the Morocco incident an indicator of an airline in decline?
A fascinating review of a three-way cabin by travel experts The boy with the points offers some evidence that the airline has room for improvement in several areas. They board an Air Canada Dreamliner from Heathrow Terminal 2 to Mumbai and film their experiences in business class, premium economy and economy.
There are plenty of positives, but in one cabin the crew “weren’t the friendliest” and in another the food was “a real disappointment” and the seat “could have been better with more padding”. Scroll down for the full verdicts.
ECONOMY
Putting the economy to the test was Editor at Large Nicky Kelvinwho paid £254/$330 for his ticket.
What were the advantages? First of all, the registration process.
He told MailOnline Travel: “Due to the size and efficiency of Heathrow Terminal 2, the experience, even as an economy passenger, was excellent. Check-in and security were quick and it was a pleasant terminal to spend time in.”
A fascinating three-cabin analysis by travel experts at The Points Guy offers evidence that Air Canada has room for improvement in several areas. Above: The team’s Dreamliner to Mumbai at Heathrow Terminal 2
Editor-at-large Nicky Kelvin put Air Canada’s economy to the test by paying £254 or $330 for his ticket. He said his seat was “particularly comfortable.”
And on board?
Nicky continued: ‘The deep recline and soft, movable headrest were features that made this budget seat particularly comfortable.
‘The meal, meanwhile, with tandoori chicken as the main course, was complete, very fresh and very tasty.
‘The Indian touch was perfect for this route and it’s the kind of food that works really well on a plane.
‘Also, the second meal service was larger than usual.’
What is Nicky’s verdict on the food? He said: “The meal (with tandoori chicken as the main course) was complete, very fresh and very tasty.”
Any disadvantages? Quite a few, it seems.
Nicky commented: ‘The crew were efficient, but not the friendliest. You could feel they were on a longer journey and wouldn’t be returning home for some time.
‘And the IFE (in-flight entertainment) screen was quite small compared to some competitors, although it worked well.’
Premium Economy
Travel content creator Maz Green put premium economy class to the test (above)
“I found the seat provided a good level of space and comfort,” Maz said.
Maz said her flight to India was “easy and relaxed”
Travel content creator Maz Green put premium economy class to the test by posting about her experiences on instagram.com/where.to.find.meThe points guy paid £576/$749 for this ticket.
What were the advantages?
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘I was impressed with the food, although I must mention that I later found out that I had kindly been provided with a business class meal for my first meal service. However, it was a pleasure to enjoy a dish like lamb on the flight and the second meal service was equally tasty.
“In addition, I found the seat to provide a good level of space and comfort, allowing me to have an easy and relaxing flight to India.”
Maz also praised her “lovely” cabin attendant.
Were there any disadvantages? Maz mentioned a few.
She commented that the amenity kit was “a little disappointing, provided in a slightly quirky carry-on bag” and was surprised that “the entire crew was playing a guessing game as to what food options were on offer” as there were no menus on board.
She added: “I was later informed that the reason I was provided with a business class meal was because the meal option I requested was not available, which was surprising considering how small the premium economy cabin is.”
BUSINESS CLASS
In the most luxurious seat, in business class, was Liam Spencer, and The Points Guy spent £1200/$1562 to secure his berth.
Liam was impressed with how customizable his seat was.
In the most elegant seat, in business class, was Liam Spencerwith The Points Guy spending £1,200/$1,562 to secure his berth.
Liam noticed many positive aspects.
She told MailOnline Travel: ‘Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounge at Heathrow Terminal 2 was the perfect space to relax before my flight. It was quiet, spacious and offered great views of the runway. I would highly recommend checking out the waffle station if you get the chance to visit.
‘On board I was impressed by how customisable my seat was. In the reclining position, I could choose to inflate or deflate my bed to my preference, and it even included a massage function.
“And the amenities that came with my seat (including noise-cancelling headphones, slippers and an amenity kit) were all top-notch.”
Any negative aspects? Several.
Liam explained: “The meal service was the real letdown on this flight. The potatoes were undercooked, the lamb was overly salty and the sour pudding tasted like it had been recently frozen. However, the second meal service was much more enjoyable.”
Liam complained that the potatoes in his starter (above) were “undercooked.”
“The second meal service (above) was significantly more enjoyable,” Liam said.
And there’s more.
Liam commented: “I also felt that the crew were not informed about the food options available on board. There were no menus available so the crew should have at least been able to provide me with a full description of what I was eating.”
The lack of a privacy door in the seat was also bothersome, along with the padding situation.
Liam added: “Any business class product that doesn’t have a fully closing sliding door is going to feel a bit dated, especially on a long haul flight. I also thought the headrest could have had more padding to increase the level of comfort.”
To see the full video click here hereFor more information about The Points Guy, please visit thepointsguy.com/travel-to-the-uk.
Nicky, Maz and Liam meet at Terminal 2 before leaving for India.
