canforce

I am currently working in Latvia but had to return to Canada for a short period of time for some meetings. My flights were booked by my company and for once were the most direct available.



My routing would take me from Riga, Latvia to Frankfurt on LH, then from Frankfurt back to Montreal on AC.

It will be mostly a picture trip report but I will add in some comments here and there. Feel free to ask any questions that you might have.

I departed for the 0600 flight very early and got to the Airport before the checkin counters were even open. After checking in my one bag I headed through security which took less than one minute. Riga Airport is a great little airport to travel through. As I passed security my name was called over the PA system. Thankfully I was paying attention. It turns out that my checked bag had 2 batteries in it. I was not the only person that got called. A quick pop into the baggage area with an escort and I was able to get my bags on their way.

i stopped in at the one restaurant that was open for the Latvian version of a breakfast sandwich and a nice coffee. Before long it was time to head to the gate for the first flight.

canforce

First of all, I apologize for the picture quality. I took them all with my cell phone and well, you get what you get.

LH 893
RIX - FRA
A320 NEO
Sched Dep: 0610 Actual: 0608
Sched Arr: 0730 Actual: 0742

This was my first time on a NEO.



Gotta love that new plane smell. Boarding was completed with the usual Germany efficiency and the door was closed well ahead of schedule. We pushed back early from the gate and were soon on our short taxi to the Runway. I snapped a few more pictures from my window seat on the way out.

Always nice to see some C Series (A220). I flew on one with Air Baltic earlier this year. A truly impressive aircraft.




I found the space I had at my seat to be more than adequate on this flight. I sat beside two lovely Latvian ladies who slept the entire flight.



Some old Russian planes on the side of the Runway. There is also a fairly impressive aircraft museum just beside the airport. I hope to go and visit it before I leave.


An old Russian Bomber I believe.



Then came the amazing Lufthansa catering. Now I have to say it isnt that bad. I flew Air Baltic on last time into Riga and you dont get anything with them, so at least a glass of Orange juice and this filled the void on this two hour and twenty minute flight.



When we landed Frankfurt was a zoo and we ended up sitting on the taxiway for 20 minutes until our gate became free.

All in all a nice short flight on Lufthansa. It has been several years since I flew with them and other than the catering, they are still a great airline.

canforce

We parked at the very end of the A gates and I walked for what felt like an eternity to get over to the B gates. Five minutes with customs and I was through to B. I checked out the duty free for a bit but didnt see anything that really interested me. I had my passport verified and after that headed up to the Air Canada Maple leaf lounge.

The breakfast spread was actually quite extensive. I helped myself to this plate of food and made myself the first of a few mimosas while I waited for my inbound aircraft to land from Vancouver.



Lots of Air Canada aircraft in Frankfurt today. I like the new Air Canada livery but I think I still prefer this one.


Our Aircraft arriving in from Vancouver





My wifes favourite Rum is spiced so I took a picture as it is not normally available in lounges.

canforce

My company only pays for economy but having been away for a while and saving tonnes of money while away I decided to use Air Canadas bid upgrade feature. I bid the minimum on this flight and for $620 Canadian dollars I was able to upgrade to Air Canadas signature suite. Total flight time was 7.5 hours and when you factor in lounge access its a steal.

AC 875
FRA - YUL
787-9
Sched Dep: 0955 Actual: 1007
Sched Arr: 1155 Actual: 1220

The flight itself was great. A very attentive crew and an absolutely great seat to sit in for almost 8 hours. Here are a few pics I took from the flight.




Champagne and some Blazing Saddles to start the flight







Some more up close shots of the first part of the meal:

The Fish was a little too fishy for my liking.




The garlic bread however was perfect. Still crispy on the outside and soaked in butter.



Despite not looking the best you can see an attempt at plating was made. The food however tasted great. Cooked to a medium, thick gravy. What wasnt to like?





The ice cream was amazing. Sometimes its ruined on planes but these were soft yet still frozen. A pleasure to eat.







All in all I was very happy to have paid my money to sit in this seat. The great service, lounge access and space made it worth every single penny. I would not hesitate to pay that amount again.

canforce

After a few days at home and an event in Ottawa it was time to head back to Latvia.

I would be taking the exact trip back but mirrored.

I had once again bought up to Business for the same price as on the way out. Checkin was a breeze and within a few minutes I was through security and on my way to the Maple Leaf Lounge.

I found the perfect seat directly above my gate. My 787 was once again coming in from Vancouver and arrived in Montreal 10 minutes ahead of schedule.



And decided that a Caesar would be nice. Air Canada has a bar with a bartender in this MLL. It took a bit longer to get a drink than the make it yourself but the quality was far superior.



I passed the time in the lounge by chatting with my wife online and watching a few tv episodes on Netflix. Before long it was time to head down to the flight.

Boarding was quick and painless and I was quickly in my seat for the 7 hour flight across the atlantic.

AC 874
YUL - FRA
787-9
Sched Dep: 1905 Actual: 1912
Sched Arr: 0750 Actual: 0820

Menus and predeparture drinks were handed out as soon as I sat down. The inflight service director introduced herself to every single passenger as well by name.

Menu



Wine Menu



Other available drinks



Breakfast menu



After making my choice and settling in we left nearly ontime for our trip across the pond.

I did a little bit of plane spotting on the way to the runway.



Not sure why but I love the look of the A330






There were 3 Qatar airways aircraft in Montreal





I am a fan of the new AC champagne


This time some Big Bang theory

canforce