Flying Air Canada's TRANSATLANTIC PREMIUM ECONOMY! 787-8 Toronto to Edinburgh

[@robm3074]

It looks like a very good product . The only thing I noticed that could be an improvement is metal flatware could be used for the dinner service.. And as you mentioned, that morning snack was probably the best way to go considering you had just eaten 3 hours before.

[@yungkneez]

I flew premium economy in December of 2019 between Calgary and Toronto and at that time they were using metal flatware. I assume the pandemic resulted in this change, but metal flatware made the whole experience way more enjoyable.

[@srpacific]

The “breakfast” is exactly what they give you in economy. Premium is such a waste, just pay for exit seats and buy yourself some noise cancelling headphones and a neck pillow with the change 😂

[@tjk6220]

I flew AC864 (787-9) from Montreal to Heathrow last week and was debating premium economy vs an economy seat in the bulkhead row (18C). Given that the premium economy price was almost double that of an economy seat, I think in this instance I made the right call. The meal service in economy was excellent (maybe except for the yogurt and croissant for breakfast) and the flight attendants were attentive offering extra drinks throughout the flight. Given it being a 6 hour flight, the extra 2" seat width and a slightly better meal option were not worth it in my book. Now for a trans-pacific flight, I think I'd spring the extra money for the product. One thing is for sure... the cabin pressurization for 6000' on the Dreamliner as opposed to 8000' with increased humidity does make a world of a difference on my sinuses !

[@d10230]

I actually disagree, even on a 4-5 hour flight I think premium economy makes a huge difference. The width of the seat makes it a lot more comfortable and not having to sit in a row of 3 also makes a large difference.

[@javar888]

TJ - I agree. As a crewmember, the 8000 foot cabin pressure or 8500 foot cabin pressure takes a lot of wear and tear on the body after a while. Having the cabin pressure at 5000 feet or 6000 feet is dreamy. You just feel a heck of a lot better after a four or five hour flight, than at 8000 feet or 8500’ . Makes a world of difference if you fly a lot like me . Seems like better quality air too . For pilots like myself I’m always concerned about my radiation intake though.

[@gagsdoublej4254]

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[@mdmohitulhaque8648]

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[@gagsdoublej4254]

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[@curtbonnell4308]

A few years ago I flew Premium Economy Toronto to Tokyo Narita. It made a long flight much more comfortable to be sure. When I flew I did have access to the lounge in Pearson which made waiting much more comfortable. I had started my trip in St. John's (YYT) and a fairly lengthy layover in TO.

[@freddiesflightreviews]

Love that light blue Air Canada livery!

[@william20066]

I was wondering if there any differences if you sat in the front row or the back row?

[@mdhazeldine]

Excellent amount of detail compressed into 11 minutes. Nicely done!

[@karlossargeant3872]

Awesome Video Alex keep going man nuff respect to all your on Aviation & Travel there Awesome 100%

[@TeddyBearGaming999]

That chicken meal looks almost exactly the same as what I ate in American "Main Cabin Extra" (economy with extra legroom, NOT premium economy) a couple weeks ago

[@egpx]

Ah, interesting. I was due to fly YYC-LHR on an Air Canada 789 a couple of weeks ago. I think it was supposed to be in seat 13A too. However, I was offered an e-upgrade to business class for £130 (about C$200) on a standby basis and this was confirmed just before boarding. Whilst Premium Economy looked ok, I think it was worth the upgrade to business due to the lie flat bed. As for the AC haters, I’ve found them to be generally good but getting a genuine expenses claim paid from a flight I took in the summer was a complete pain in the arse.

[@steveray8056]

Interesting. I have noticed Air Canada is flying transatlantic routes with their 787-8 Max and A321 single aisle planes. Would be interested in seeing a report from you on one of those flights.

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

Ironically, this very flight WAS supposed to be a MAX but got swapped for the 788 about a month out.

[@Ben-go1iq]

@@AlexPraglowskiAviation for some reason Edinburgh was absolutely hoping this summer, most QR flights got subbed from 788 to 359&77W , delta went from 763 to 332 and United went from 757 to 767-400

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing your flight.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Flying the Premier Economy in the first section is nice. I do like flying in the seat right behind the bulk head wall there in that first section. That area gives you more calm and comfortable seating.

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Where you able to go the Air Canada Lounge?

[@jcbaily5559]

It has been awhile since I have had the opportunity to fly to Edinburgh so was a real treat for me....thanks for sharing your journey. From the air the city looks pretty much the same as I remember and the airport as well. Take care!

[@TypeOneSpotter]

Continue your work Alex!!!

[@juanmanuelsolveyra7666]

I flew AC Premium economy one year ago from Montreal to S Paulo and Buenos Aires and it was a very good idea to try it . Next month I will repeat this senastion but the round trip this time . Tks for this video , I like it very much Regards from Argentina

[@cooper_fishes67]

Yep, flew from YYZ-LHR on July, 8th on board AC856 IT WAS RIDICULOUS HOW BUSY THE GATES WERE, but we got priority boarding cause my sister had a broken foot

[@christianjlevesque]

I find Air Canada's premium economy to be quite good. However, for "short" flights (under eight hours), I tend to stick to economy. For long haul flight to and from Asia (from Montreal), I take premium or business for the longest segment, which is usually 12+ hours.

[@Tellyawhat4]

Enjoyed your experience along with you, Alex. Thank you for an honest and informative video and commentary. How far back do the seats recline in row 14 against the bulkhead? Do the other rows recline more?

[@karlossargeant3872]

Yup I Love these Trip Reports on Air Canada Boeing 787's from Toronto to Edinburgh Virgin Atlantic Airways operates these flights too but from some Destinations Like The USA & The Caribbean too.

[@peterellis7266]

I'll be flying a United 737-800 from San Francisco to Toronto then an Air Canada 777-300ER from Toronto to Rome on May 19. I'm so excited!

[@roundandroundmyworld]

I flew YVR-LHR a few weeks back on the AC 787-9, Seat 13-D. The 787's cabin environment makes a world of difference for me on a flight which crosses 8 time zones in 8.5 hours. I wasn't nearly as wiped afterwards as I was the last time I flew YYZ-LHR on a 777, 5 time zones in 6.5 hours.

[@habbsterr]

Interesting, gate E70 is where the TLV & LHR flights depart from. They use that gate specifically because if the extra security checks needs for pre-boarding for TLV, and apparently for LHR as well.

[@tjk6220]

Sounds like Gate A60 at CYUL....AC84 to Tel Aviv was boarding just before us and although A60 is on the US security side, they closed off all access to either side and their boarding process seemed very involved and lengthy.

[@habbsterr]

@@tjk6220 A60 is not a US departures gate. Those are C gate, and segregated completely from the international departures area. When the terminal was renovated it was done in such a way to allow for segregated gates, for destinations requiring extra screening. For TLV it's a requirement, for other destinations it varies. I've seen that gate used for secure departures for the AMM and ALG flights as well. Also, it's AC-82/83 for YUL, AC-80/81 for YYZ now. Not sure why they changed from the long standing AC-84/85.

[@linesided]

Great footage of the climb out from Toronto. I've flow Prem Y lots of time with AC and it's totally decent....BUT....I always waitlist for business if I can!

[@HCR_Motorhead]

Done that approach to Edinburgh on flight sim albeit far less professionally and much less butter on landing, it's a good view isn't it! One of my friends flew on the MAX to Scotland (can't remember if it was Glasgow or Edinburgh now) so I was surprised to see the 787 used here, I guess higher than expected demand?

[@NarutoHarryPotter]

I flew Air Canada 787-8 from Brisbane to Vancouver back in 2019, for a 13 hour flight in standard Economy it was still pretty comfortable!

[@wolfjames1345]

Nice video hope to see you expand in the future.

[@fuzzwork]

Agree with your assessment, regular economy is fine for a hop over to blighty, unless you're on an Air Transat A330, then no.

[@beachboysswiftie]

I flew from SFO-YYZ-ATH in June 2022 and the second leg to Athens was on an Air Canada 777, it was alright (the first leg to Toronto went completely fine, it was an A330 iirc and it was great). The pillows they give you weren’t very comfortable or big (I was in economy btw) so i barely was able to sleep on that red eye. we did the same route back (ATH-YYZ-SFO) and on the first leg to Toronto the inflight wifi didn’t work at all even after we tried paying for it twice which we were reallyyyy pissed about because it was expensive and a 10 hour daytime flight. also, the screens on the back of our seats didn’t work, they kept freezing up. On the second leg to sfo it was a smaller plane and I was finally able to sleep. So basically I didn’t have the greatest experience flying transatlantic with air Canada

[@lordfoogthe2st227]

Is AC the only airline now flying direct to Edinburgh??

[@michaelbeck3766]

with ytour extreme height you need the premium economy legroom, right? was it sufficient for a long flight across the pond?

[@wolfgangbing2497]

The premium eco on AC Transatlantik flight is alright. You have good space, it’s a little cabin, the meal is better than in the eco. It’s fine so far!

[@johnmiller622]

We flew Sydney Aus Vancouver return in June a 16 hour flight I’m really glad we flew premium economy first leg 777LR and back on a 787-9 I was impressed with the seats service and the food. Will fly them again as no issues.

[@Tellyawhat4]

That's very reassuring! I'm flying Premium Economy on this exact same route next year and hope it's as pleasant and impressive as you state. Also nice to read that AC is finally trying to improve its service. It'd be a shame for the national air carrier of Canada to have a bad reputation. Like all national air carriers, AC is, after all, an ambassador on the global stage and its mandate, besides making a profit, should be to represent Canada in a positive light.

[@jasminderpinder]

Excellent report. Well done and thank you.

[@WillAviation]

Flew C-GHQQ back in March LAX-YYZ. Great video!

[@hankmeg1]

Very well done thank you!!

[@masterseems8005]

I've never had a problem with AC. When flying economy for short haul, I know the food is not going to be gourmet & there will be some luggage restrictions. But for flying long haul, I like to look for deals in Premium Econ. My brother was always an AC hater & always used WS, but this past summer, he had to take AC to Vancouver & back. He encountered no problems at all which shook him to his core. LOL

[@thegotlandisfarmer8774]

That breakfast looks like a Swedish breakfast, but we mostly only have some bread and coffee/tea and nothing more we are really minimal

[@alasdairblack393]

I would love to see the A220 fly the short hop from St Johns YYT to the UK, it’s only 5 1/2 hours flight time. Right now we have to fly 7 hours in the wrong direction to Torontoor Montreal before flying over Newfoundland once again which is a waste of fuel and my time.

[@InfiniteHorizons]

IKR, I miss the YYT-LHR flight so much. I flew it on it many times as a child as my father is from Scotland, we’d fly to LHR, then up to ABZ

[@theshow399]

Just out of curiosity, did you take a via rail train from London to Toronto on October 28th. I saw I really tall dude taking pictures. Just curious.

[@andreforcier97]

Funny… almost flew that fin LHR-YYZ back in 2015, was on Fin 805, some pics on SeatGuru. That flt got J but not a window 😡. One of my last buddy passes 🥺… No more SA travel… 🥳 Great report BTW! 👍✌️🍻seeing you where coming back from the UK 🇬🇧 😉

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

Awww the dreaded row 5 on the 788 :(

[@davidh9844]

Very nice review. I've never flown AC, but we are off to Dubai next week, complements of AC. When I booked months and months ago, reviews of AC were spotty at best. We are going business/signature, considering the duration of the flight, my concerns were A) Price of a business class fare, B) a flat bed, and C) half way decent meal. American carriers didn't come close! Well, we transited Pearson back in June, Atlanta to Vancouver, and bless Canada, Pearson was about as ghastly as Laguardia or Newark. 20th Century torture chambers, wrapped around 3rd world ambiance. Anyway, AC's PE seems to be a solid product. Decent seat, leg room, palatable inflight meal. But for a 6hr flight, I have to say the price differential makes it somewhat absurd. For a fraction of the price of 21st Century luxury, book a hotel room the day before you arrive, and crash in comfort upon arrival. It's almost a no brainer. Still, a great, very informative review. (Only 2 pieces of veal? Fly Air France next time! Their veal [and duck] in business are great!)

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Flew this route back in June on the 787-8 and it was decent.

[@PLANEMANIA747]

I got hungry seeing the food 😋 Beautiful video ❤❤

[@snotina]

Thanks! first time viewing your channel. Good info, a suggestion though, I find that you spoke quite quickly going from one topic to the other, for us newbies it is hard to follow along at times. As well, it may be a challenge for those who have english as second language.

[@jaketaylor9961]

Air Canada is really trying in my opinion! They are much better than they used to be, the meals are so much nicer (hotter and bigger!!!), the cleaning is wayyyy more thorough and overall it just feels like they're giving themselves a big overhaul!

[@millkkkkk]

Well on ac 787-8 and -9 in that toothpaste livery i think they look pretty nice.

[@RayleighCriterion]

I flew premium economy from LAX to YYZ on the red-eye flight and it was worth the $150 upgrade price as the food was better and the legroom was much nicer for me as I'm 194 CM tall, while not as tall as Alex, but every inch of legroom counts.

[@Perfectlyhonest22]

Flew that class from Toronto to Frankfurt several years ago and was disappointed on menu choice not available when sitting in last row. Had only one item left. So told them to give me an economy meal

[@naturallyherb]

Very cool!

[@ManualFlying]

Did you notice how AC 777 and 787 pilots do not come on the PA at all? Years ago when I asked, it was because of their contract agreement... not sure if that is still true today

[@Butterbean32]

I will defend the remote in premium. While the screen is not as much of a stretch to reach as the business class one, it's still more comfy to use the remote instead of reaching the screen, especially if you are just sitting there trying to decide what to watch

[@Lindenwilliamsrox]

I have an appointment seven 87-3 and I was in first class and it was so brilliant

[@gtpyyz]

Great video . Thumbs up 👍

[@radiohead2206]

Skipping the video...what's that thingy at the top? Some kinda radar? I am guessing Wifi? Satellite 📡?

[@barryhaley7430]

Air Canada’s motto is “we’re not happy until you’re not happy”.

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

How much $ was the ticket?

[@Ozinater]

I haven't flown on the AC 787 overseas (only transcontinental domestic), but found the environment in the cabin to be quite nice (very little noise, lower cabin altitude). Was in Edinburgh this summer but flew Transat YYZ-GLA and then took the train, I had no idea AC flew to Edinburgh. Definitely will consider it next time!

[@Miftahjaya96]

Fantastic video friend....safe flight

[@Frank_T]

I took premium economy from Vancouver to soul and was disappointed in the seat quality lots of room but it was like sitting on plywood it’s time to re stuff the seats I was expecting at least a little stuffing for that price

[@NikonF5user]

I LOVE flying, and I REALLY love a window seat... but sitting next to a powerplant like that scares the hell out of me. If that thing flies apart...

[@brucemckean2848]

Ah, but the blogger in him wants the engine view. And, really, the number of passengers killed by flying fan blades...well, not zero but really really low!

[@NikonF5user]

@@brucemckean2848 years ago I ended up with a window seat in the last row of an MD-81 flying to Costa Rica. Excited about the prospect of watching the approach into such a beautiful place, I was confronted with nothing but the front of a turbo fan outside the window! It was disappointing on all sorts of levels!! 🤣😂

[@javar888]

as a commercial pilot , I have to sit near the wing and engine . I love seeing with the deflection rates are on the spoilers, ailerons, another control services as well as the general health of the engines. This is something the crew doesn't see a lot of the time as they're more preoccupied with the IFR element and their workload upfront

[@NikonF5user]

@@javar888 oh I definitely love sitting behind the wing, watching control inputs. I am also a pilot, although a private pilot. Still, it is enchanting in a flight to understand all of the dynamics that can be observed within and on a wing!

[@luciasaunders9736]

Honestly, this used to be economy standart. Now, AC made economy totally suck and that's why Premium Economy seems like a good deal....but it's not. I flew AC from T.O. to Vienna in July /2022 and was tempted to purchase Premium Economy si ce it's long haul...but the price was $3000 which I think (despite high season) was waaayyy overpriced, so I flew economy which was still quite pricey in comparing with pre-Covid prices. I fly this route regularly for past 32 years so I really know all the changes in Airline industry. Economy is barely bareable now but if I have to fly often I have to watch prices. AC stripped economy not to bare minimum but below bare minimum which is sad.

[@dmitripogosian5084]

Yep, I remember when what is now discussed as premium economy was par for the course in regular economy.

[@slukas1375]

Not often you see takeoffs from 15L at YYZ.

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

No kidding, there was some bad weather coming through so I suspect that had something to do with it.

[@randomchannel326]

First! Also, keep up the great work alex!

[@willarddevoe5893]

At home, I have most of my meals in bowls, not wide plates. On a plane, this would mean no need for a tray table. With no TV, it would be even less cluttered. The seats should be less novel and thicker, like good tourbus seats. Why don't long flights just serve hero sandwiches? It would be so much simpler and you wouldn't wind up with your neighbor's asparagus juice and flounder on you. Beautiful 787-8. Let's see what snacks my Cessna 150 serves up, when it's restored. There's no premium class and leg room is moderate.

[@davidrussell5918]

Wow, having just viewed several other Airlines Premium Economy Videos it seems AC have really cheaped out compared to the competition. Poor amenities, average pillow/blankets, and meals barely above Economy standards. Not sure the extra cost is warranted if this is the level of service provided.

[@protocolofficer2629]

Poor old you and leg room. The leg room on this flight looked uncomfortable for you. Hope you didn’t cramp up. Alex, as usual, a really excellent review. Cheers, Colin.

[@r12004rewy]

A friend recently flew Heathrow to Toronto a few weeks ago in economy, he said it was the worst trans Atlantic he has ever had and has vowed never to fly them again,unfortunately his return flight from Vancouver on AC was just as bad.

[@igdes1]

Alex, you've been up high many times now. Is the earth a ball in space?

[@JoshMainka]

Edin-bro!!! 🤭

[@x01macmilsim86]

So I flew premium Toronto to Nashville ... Was not this comfortable looking, and got amenities kit lol

[@kylemarshall4559]

6’8?! Hahah I didn’t know that!

[@ianjohnson1300]

Surprised you didn't comment on the seats. They are awful, particularly for overnight flights. There are no adjustable wings on the headrests, the front edge of the seat cushion actually tilts down, rather than up for thigh support, and the footrest is completely useless for anyone average height or greater.

[@rivetandbrodie]

Does anyone ever use the coat hook on these seats? I'm betting most people don't even know what it is.

[@traustipriv6688]

nice vid

[@maxenceleboeuf]

I mean, at least the croissant and yoghurt are better that their banana bread...

[@aidanmullan]

Did it annoy your friend when you kept saying "EdinBro"?

[@nafeekarim2780]

I didn't know that Air Canada would travel to Scotland.

[@SpottingTLV]

3:23 for those who say that the annoying Vatsim kids screaming into their mic will never be real pilots. Think again 😆

[@BetsyBigNose]

Nice video. They should take the croissant out of the plastic wrapping in premium economy, I really don't like the use of plastic with the excuse of "safety", especially after the last 3 years. The last time I flew Air Canada Premium was August 2019 (I am 6ft 4in) , so maybe I get back to Canada this year now that all the mask safety theatre has stopped.

[@sylviegroleau4027]

I wonder if they can change their meals for vegetarians and vegans ?

[@Jstreets6]

Sit in front of someone who hard taps the screen over and over looking for a movie and you'll wish they used their remote.

[@johnmcisaac7905]

I don’t like those windows in the washrooms. I was on a similar flight and about half way thru I needed to use the washroom. There I am doing my business. I look up and there’s somebody peering in the window ! How embarrassing. I complained to Air Canada, but not even a return call !

[@BoatsOfCenturion]

Hay Alex I was on a flight yesterday with WestJet from YYC-YYZ-MCO the first flight off was fine ws650 but the delay of ws1224 was bad if you can make a vid about it but you don’t need to listen to me just a suggestion thx

[@Beans-on-toast]

i had the chance of flying on an air canada 787 but then my flight got cancelled and i got rebooked onto a 777

[@colinrenfrew48]

Hey, the first thing I’d suggest is how to pronounce Scotlands capital city. It’s not Edinboro, it’s Edinbraah.

[@kycongamingandsports5693]

At least he didn’t pronounce it with like the end of “Pittsburgh”

[@hammerjoe2008]

I think that Alex has to be too careful about being too critical otherwise hes put on a no fly list pretty quick, because I find it very odd that a guy with the flying experience that he has presents us such a positive review about Air Canada when folks like me that use it every year knows very well what Air Canada provides for service. Alex has the flights and experience to compare the service/flight between the different airlines and could provide a more truly balanced review. This review being too optimistically positive about Air Canada made me weary of being biased.

[@louiscy]

Dinner seems a little too small for an adult?

[@stevencanden2911]

No veg option? interesting

[@srpacific]

Every single other airline I’ve taken transatlantic has been better than AC. Sadly our flag carrier is a miserable collection of cabin crew awaiting their pensions, and an interior less inviting than a TD bank waiting lounge. And the mush they call food..yikes. Of course, they know Canadians will never complain so….

[@Jaspa-hw6wd]

First to comment 🎉

[@peterfinn6098]

The meal looks terrible for premium economy. What a world away from Wardair economy service during the late 80s to the UK

[@ehsankhandaker]

Air Canada- the WORST airline- said by the passengers siting next to me on transatlantic flight! I AGREED! Close this airline!

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

Its pronounced Edinburra not Edinbro

[@petern6808]

The “breakfast” is embarrassing…..not even butter or jam!

[@hogsbass4817]

I flew London to Calgary in Premiun Economy , not worth the extra cost at all, save your money,! I even complained to the CEO about the poor value, but got totally ignored, don't believe the hype.

[@willmears1111]

Double the price for a basic meal and croissant. Not value in my book.

[@NishadBrahmbhatt]

Very bad experience with aircanada . Due to their mistake I lost my 5000$ .I don't suggest such irresponsible flight management. Staff is also rude...they are not ready to refund after giving proofs ...

[@tilaman3]

Air Canada was voted best airline in North America!! What does it that say about all North American Airlines.😜😜👎

[@javar888]

AC is hell. They recognize you or you got lucky. Poor service, expensive and a government sponsored airline attitude. Sorry truth stings sometimes. Crew “ nice enough “ , could you be a little more direct? Did you have to go through the French nonsense?

[@Bureaucromancer]

I mean... literally the last time a flight blogger covered them the ground agents recognized him, walked him on, was greeted by flight crew... and then the moment the doors closed the lead FA lost his shit and said he'd be calling the police about the cameras.

[@TheUnforgiven69]

Completely agree with your comment. Nicely said.

[@thatweirdguy_ben]

Maybe for you, but I’ve mainly had good experiences with AC. Crew is always quite friendly and the food is okay, and their IFE has quite a decent selection.

[@MarcAlexandrePaquette]

Could you elaborate on the "French nonsense"?

[@bashira1234]

I used to work for Air Canada. Yes it sucks and I quit. They treat their employees as slaves with barely minimum wage. It's modern day slavery

[@davedaniel4824]

A flight review done professionally. Not like Trek Trendy and Josh Cahill. They don't do flight reviews, it's a drama channel.

[@darksid356]

Idk if it’s just me but the beef on AC kinda sucks lol, I mean it’s alright but I would rather go with the pizza