First Class
 

I might be taking a flight from JFK-YVR and upgrading using miles. I was wonder how Air Canada's First Class is on their A319/A320 and how it compares to other airlines such as AA and UAL.

For comfort, AC's A319/320 seats are comparable to first on an AA 727 or MD80. IMO, AA's first class food is significantly better than AC's.

Well...let us be clear and state AC does not have 1st class...only Business on that run.

Dorian

Is Air Canada different from other airlines. Because on almost every other airline Business is only on three class airplane. And if this is what they call Business how is it compared to other airlines.

Bad food + seats like a 727.
LOL

But more seriously, it tends to vary quite a bit by route, equipment, operating carrier (i.e. AC or CP), etc...

Now FlyBoy, why would you say that to a new guest of our Forum?

Don't mind FlyBoy...it is our resident buffoon.

AC has Business class in North America and Executive First internationally.

Old UA First Class is comparable to AC's international service...but AC's business class domestically kills UA's.

Dorian

And of course Dorian is the resident AC apologist/PR man/booster. AC is his airline right or wrong.

terenz...

I have sent my fair share of complaints in to AC.

If you follow Fly Boy's posts at all you certainly understand my point regarding him.

Dorian

Divided we fall.

However, if you compare AC's Executive First with almost anyone elses' first class product, you will invariably hear that it is an unfair comparison, as AC's "first" class is actually only business class.

Nevertheless, AC's "premium" service is quite variable, primarily dependent upon the plane, which is in turn (partly) dependent upon the route. The service you get on an A330/340 on YVR-YYZ will be vastly better than the service you get on a DC9 on YVR-EWR.

Can't speak to UA, but comparing AA to AC I'd say that you get a more comfortable seat on AC, but better food on AA. Service on AA seems to be consistently good, while service on AC ranges from scary to excellent, depending on what number you rolled when you got out of bed.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Now now, let's be nice...

Fly Boy THAT WAS BEING NICE!

I wouldn't say that service varies on different aircraft. Whether you are on a 319 or a 340 trans-con, the service is comparable. If anything, I would say it would be better on a 319, because there are only 16 pax.

AC domestic J is fully comparable with UA F--better in many respects. In fact, UA sell it as F on the codeshares.

AC international J blows other J class products out of the water. The only thing it is really missing is a full-flat bed (like BA), and emPower on all equipment (presently only on the 330's and a few 340's).

Nevertheless, AC's "premium" service is quite variable, primarily dependent upon the plane, which is in turn (partly) dependent upon the route. The service you get on an A330/340 on YVR-YYZ will be vastly better than the service you get on a DC9 on YVR-EWR.

Can't speak to UA, but comparing AA to AC I'd say that you get a more comfortable seat on AC, but better food on AA. Service on AA seems to be consistently good, while service on AC ranges from scary to excellent, depending on what number you rolled when you got out of bed.


Wouldn't it be nice if AC actually listened to these comments, and did something about them?? Talk about falling on deaf ears!

I have actually been suprised by how bad my few experiences on AA in First has been, once they only had 1 meal either for myself or wife (YUL-MIA MD80) with no champagne on board, and a second time from DFW to MCO on a B757 there was no food at all. I don't think there is any route in canada that is 2:30+hrs with no food.

My experiences on AA were all in the back (primarily NYC-BDA while I was posted in NYC and responsible for Bermuda). There were all uniformly, invariably awful. UA looks good incomparison.

I have never flown AA in C or F, so I can't comment there.

My first and last time aboard AA was last August. The food was awful and the inflight service was also quite bad in general. Most of my experieces with AC have been quite good.

You won't be able to upgrade with miles if the flight is on AC.