Which is Better Business Class from Europe?
Dec 11, 2023 | 3:41 pm
#31
In Memoriam
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto - YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan/Hilton Gold/Marriott Bonvoy Titanium/Accor/Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 5,900
Very surprised that the bulk of TP's YYZ operation is on A321's, an aircraft usually assigned to "thin" routes. Demand for travel to/from Portugal from YYZ is very strong, and even through the summer only the occasional TP A330 operated the route.
In years past, there was a brief seasonal disconnect on the YYZ-LIS-YYZ route, but not so this year. Route continues through the Winter and loads are strong. Even EI upgauges A321's to A330's during the busy Summer season on the DUB route. Don't understand TP's strategy.
In years past, there was a brief seasonal disconnect on the YYZ-LIS-YYZ route, but not so this year. Route continues through the Winter and loads are strong. Even EI upgauges A321's to A330's during the busy Summer season on the DUB route. Don't understand TP's strategy.
Dec 11, 2023 | 4:56 pm
#32
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL AC*E50
Posts: 23,584
Dec 11, 2023 | 5:17 pm
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 25,034
In years past, there was a brief seasonal disconnect on the YYZ-LIS-YYZ route, but not so this year. Route continues through the Winter and loads are strong. Even EI upgauges A321's to A330's during the busy Summer season on the DUB route. Don't understand TP's strategy.
Maybe keeping the offer low allows them (and AC and others...) to keep the fares up? :-)
Both our children, partners and our four grandchildren are flying TP to LIS this Christmas, one family from YYZ, the other from BOS; nonstop are convenient, and in Y it sounds like they are nicer than AC. We fly AC from Calgary. After the FRA meltdown we changed our route to god forbid LHR. Longer flight in J meaning a better night sleep.
Dec 11, 2023 | 6:22 pm
#34
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Vancouver
Programs: AC SE100K 1MM, FB Platinum, Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,135
Very surprised that the bulk of TP's YYZ operation is on A321's, an aircraft usually assigned to "thin" routes. Demand for travel to/from Portugal from YYZ is very strong, and even through the summer only the occasional TP A330 operated the route.
In years past, there was a brief seasonal disconnect on the YYZ-LIS-YYZ route, but not so this year. Route continues through the Winter and loads are strong. Even EI upgauges A321's to A330's during the busy Summer season on the DUB route. Don't understand TP's strategy.
In years past, there was a brief seasonal disconnect on the YYZ-LIS-YYZ route, but not so this year. Route continues through the Winter and loads are strong. Even EI upgauges A321's to A330's during the busy Summer season on the DUB route. Don't understand TP's strategy.
Dec 11, 2023 | 7:35 pm
#35
Join Date: Oct 2022
Programs: Aeroplan SE; Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 1,614
Dec 12, 2023 | 4:23 am
#36
In Memoriam
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto - YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan/Hilton Gold/Marriott Bonvoy Titanium/Accor/Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 5,900
The LR's are very nice but think that most still feel that bigger is better and would choose a 330 over a 321. At least it's still all in the (Airbus) family.
Personally I'm enjoying flying/working on the A220.
Personally I'm enjoying flying/working on the A220.
Dec 12, 2023 | 7:10 am
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 18,434
Oct 20, 2025 | 1:43 pm
#38
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Air Canada
Posts: 6,689
Hi all, I am faced with three options
7PM Flight to Porto on 787 or A321XLR (connecting via YUL), which I doubt I would get any sleep at all + no SS
9PM Flight to MAD on A330 (followed by TAP to LIS), my biggest concern is the complaints around the seat (though when I read reviews outside of FT - seems okay?)
11PM Flight to LIS on 777, but this would require me to fly in Late August vs Late June (not ideal given my work schedule and holiday calender)
I want to gather some feedback - just How much worse is A330 biz class compared to 777? I know ppl have said 777 is better, but its not clear to me just how much.
When I searched blogger review seems to be okay.
7PM Flight to Porto on 787 or A321XLR (connecting via YUL), which I doubt I would get any sleep at all + no SS
9PM Flight to MAD on A330 (followed by TAP to LIS), my biggest concern is the complaints around the seat (though when I read reviews outside of FT - seems okay?)
11PM Flight to LIS on 777, but this would require me to fly in Late August vs Late June (not ideal given my work schedule and holiday calender)
I want to gather some feedback - just How much worse is A330 biz class compared to 777? I know ppl have said 777 is better, but its not clear to me just how much.
When I searched blogger review seems to be okay.
Last edited by Jumper Jack; Oct 20, 2025 at 1:48 pm
Oct 20, 2025 | 2:54 pm
#39
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, SK Gold, Bonvoy Plat LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 47,321
Hi all, I am faced with three options
7PM Flight to Porto on 787 or A321XLR (connecting via YUL), which I doubt I would get any sleep at all + no SS
9PM Flight to MAD on A330 (followed by TAP to LIS), my biggest concern is the complaints around the seat (though when I read reviews outside of FT - seems okay?)
11PM Flight to LIS on 777, but this would require me to fly in Late August vs Late June (not ideal given my work schedule and holiday calender)
I want to gather some feedback - just How much worse is A330 biz class compared to 777? I know ppl have said 777 is better, but its not clear to me just how much.
When I searched blogger review seems to be okay.
7PM Flight to Porto on 787 or A321XLR (connecting via YUL), which I doubt I would get any sleep at all + no SS
9PM Flight to MAD on A330 (followed by TAP to LIS), my biggest concern is the complaints around the seat (though when I read reviews outside of FT - seems okay?)
11PM Flight to LIS on 777, but this would require me to fly in Late August vs Late June (not ideal given my work schedule and holiday calender)
I want to gather some feedback - just How much worse is A330 biz class compared to 777? I know ppl have said 777 is better, but its not clear to me just how much.
When I searched blogger review seems to be okay.
Oct 20, 2025 | 4:44 pm
#40
Join Date: Sep 2023
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 1,494
However canadiancow said it best. I would never choose a route or time to avoid any of the AC widebody product - I would take the most convenient.
Remember:
- You could be in Y
. - If I knew which crew was on the flight THAT would be a reason to change. That is what makes or breaks the trip in AC J IMO.
Oct 20, 2025 | 5:10 pm
#41
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: SE 100K
Posts: 1,121
But it's fine. It's a ~7 hour flight. You'll survive.
Oct 20, 2025 | 6:21 pm
#42
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy, Air Canada
Posts: 6,689
This is the first time I am paying cash J so its not like a trivial purchase - just didnt want to feel like shafted after 8 hours lol
Oct 21, 2025 | 7:34 am
#43
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: AC 75K
Posts: 6,643
Assuming all else is equal, I would always choose to fly on the 787 or 777 (in that order), but if not equal, routing/schedule/pricing are still a higher priority than avoiding the A330. I seem to find side sleeping easier in the A330, and while the pod is smaller than the Boeings the lack of air vents is the biggest turn off for me.
A330 storage isn't as great, but I always seem to find room for the things I want ready access to.
A330 storage isn't as great, but I always seem to find room for the things I want ready access to.
Oct 21, 2025 | 11:57 am
#44
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: YYG
Programs: airlines and hotels and rental cars - oh my!
Posts: 3,506
Then fly in PE and try to upgrade because after paying full pop for J on AC, you will feel shafted no matter what aircraft you're on.