Home > Air Canada > 2003 > Review

Taken December 2003 from Vancouver - YVR to Hong Kong, Chek Lap Kok - HKG2

Almost missed my flight due to miscommunication between the Aeroplan frequent flyer's program and Air Canada's ticketing office. A two-thumbs-up for the ladies at the ticketing office at YVR who were very helpful to help getting me on the flight. No time to go to the Maple Leaf Lounge so I just settled for the pre-departure drink on board.

I know Air Canada is still trying to get out of bankrupcy so I didn't expect anything close to standard of service offered by, say, CX. Nontheless, the much hailed revamped executive first service was definitely overrated from what I have read about:

My scallop maincourse was cooked to death and oversalted. Portions are generally small, but adequate. Wine was plentiful and quite nice.

The reburbished seats, as big as they are (60 inches for seat pitch and 21 inches wide), are really antiquated. The entertainment system is still non-AVOD on the first generation small screen, offering nothing spectacular in comparison to AVOD installed by some carriers even in Y class, let alone what is offered in C or F classes.

Service was quite good. And one big plus: The new route which flies above part of Russia and China cut almost an hour off the usual 13.5-14 hours.

All in all, I wished I had used my points on another Star Alliance partner. I do hope Air Canada will get out of bankruptcy soon and beef up her service standard. As much as it maybe (one of) the best in North America, AC is definitely not in the same league with many of the world's best airlines.

As for flying with AC again (which will be Y class), I will definitely fly CX on my next trip to Hong Kong (for service and entertainment) or try Eva Air's Evergreen Deluxe class (for seat pitch and leg support) for about the same fare.