Updated: AC Milk Run YYZ-YVR on 77L in J and YVR-YYZ on 333 in J.
 

Edit: I've added my return flight on an A330-343X in J. Please find it at the bottom of page 2.

Hi everyone!

I'm going to write my first trip report, and what better flight to write about than AC033's first sector, YYZ-YVR. I've flown this particular flight number four times, but this is the first time that I've had the opportunity to use a NAU cert and try AC's J product on a wide-body A/C.

This TR will probably be useful for those who usually fly Y and are thinking of upgrading versus those who fly F/C/J often (I just don't have the wealth of knowledge about the front cabins!). I've flown as a AC*E since January on about 15 segments so far (all in Y), but this is my first time in AC J.

I also want to get some feedback on writing TR's since I have a couple more interesting flights planned for this year, including YYZ-YVR-HKG-ICN-KIX-HND/NRT-YVR-YYZ, with two segments on OZ (C) and one on NH (Y), the rest on AC (Y, hopefully upgraded to J!).

Flight Details

Flight/Route: AC033 YYZ-YVR
Date: July 6, 2009
A/C: Boeing 777-233/LR
Reg/Fin: C-FIUA #701
Del.: June 25, 2007
Depart: 2030 scheduled, 2035 actual
Arrive: 2221 scheduled, 2225 actual
Service Director: ? I couldn't catch her name but the J F/As were mostly YUL based, with one YVR based thrown in.

Check In at YYZ T1

Check-in for this late-evening flight from YYZ Terminal 1 was fast and easy. Walked over to the dedicated AC*G/Executive First check-in desks and was helped right away. The agent properly put *A "PRIORITY" tags on my bags (it's hit and miss with some agents at YVR Domestic, especially for early AM departures) and stuck my luggage tags not on the BP but a dedicated sheet of AC stock that said "place luggage tags here". I wonder if they could save some money, but it did look nice. The agent also asked me if I had a specific seat preference for the 77L aircraft. I had pre-selected a window seat in the forward cabin so I told her that I was happy with 3K.

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Empty check in desks, note the massive line up at the Y desks.

YYZ Domestic Maple Leaf Lounge

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AC's flagship 77W welcomes you to the MLL.

After the slowest elevator ride of my life, I'm in the domestic MLL. This is my fourth or so time at this particular lounge. Food options are still soup, salad, chips, crackers, bread, olives, and cookies. I skip them all in favour of water and wine. I'm impressed with how often the service ladies come around to clean up tables.

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I wish there was a better view of the apron and aircraft!

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Comfortable seats

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White wine choice. There are two self-serve bars with a decent selection of liquors.

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Good read.

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Food service area kept clean.

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Showers if you want, BMW room if you like.

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I like the BMW M-spec wheel "coffee tables"

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There are four or so kinds of chairs to enjoy in the MLL, to suit your preference!

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EK 380 in the distance.

Boarding

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C-FIUA is pulled to our gate, 139.

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Towbar-less tug!

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Service vehicles at the gate. I love the perfect circular cross-section of the 777s.

Scheduled boarding time was 1955, and we started right on time. Because AC033 continues on to SYD after YVR, there was a complicated-sounding announcement that confused some passengers at the boarding desk. For passengers flying on the YYZ-YVR leg, you could use any government ID to board. For those on the full YYZ-YVR-SYD flight, you must use a passport. While passengers who were waiting to board cause a bit of congestion around the boarding area, I slipped through the priority lane and was the first one down the gate!

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Door 2L on this beautiful 77L.

AC only used one door to board this large aircraft, so I guessed that's why we had started boarding 35 minutes before our scheduled departure. From the above photo you can see that there were still service staff on board. Apparently, the gate agents forgot/missed informing the crew that boarding was about to begin. When I arrived at the door, the service director had a shocked look, and torpedoed over to the nearest phone to let everyone know, en francais, that boarding had started! "Mr. AC340-541, welcome aboard! Through to the far aisle and to your left!" was her greeting to me.

My seat, 3K

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Herring-bone layout, pod-style.

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Forward J cabin

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Foot rest, "not a seat"

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Rows are staggered in the forward cabin, with the middle pair of seats being one row higher than the corresponding window seats (4G and 3K are next to each other).

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AVOD screen stowed.

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Seat controls. Unfortunately, the buttons were quite sticky from a prior customer's dirty fingers...

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12-inch screen deployed.

Overall, my impression of AC's J-pod seats was very favourable. Colour scheme, layout, and ergonomics are very nice. My first time in and the only trouble I had was looking out the window (the window seats are turned about 35 degrees towards the centre of the aircraft).

Seat controls were easy to manipulate. Ample lighting and two fresh air vents at the seat. Pillow, blanket, headphone covers were all at the seat already.

There is extra padding on the seat belt, which I found out later to be an airbag? Interesting.

Service

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Pre-flight drink service was either orange juice or water for this domestic flight.

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Lights dimmed for the safety demonstration. It did not work properly and the FA's performed a manual demo.

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Window in the lavatory. Nice touch on the 777s.

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Fruits and Passion products.

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Drink service started promptly after the seatbelt sign came off.

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Gin and tonic, with nuts. Served Bombay Sapphire this time around.

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The neck of the glass used was perhaps a bit narrow to enjoy drinks with ice, but nevertheless it was a very beautiful glass.

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Appetizer came pre-plated.

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Bocconcini and tomato, with cucumber, frisee, and marinated zucchini.

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A nice portion size, but chilled too much for any real flavour to come through. Cheese texture was a bit too hard also, as a result. Didn't notice the small packet of salt and pepper until later.

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Don't remember exactly which wine this was, but I believe it was an Italian Cortese?

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Warmed herb roll. It became quite hard as it cooled.

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Frequent drink service was a plus. Unfortunately one FA didn't ask which white I had before she topped my glass up.

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Salmon with a mixed vegetable medley.

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Comparable to the press photo on the website! (AC.com)

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Quite flavourful, vegetables were not overcooked, so I was quite pleased with this entree.

In-flight photos

I love these... here are a few from my flight!

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Flying west... nice reflection on the GE-90's!

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Canadian terrain...

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You can see the reflection of the blue seat lights in the window.

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All-Canadian route today.

Service, Part 2

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The fully-flat seat is great...

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Pre-landing snack. Ice cream mousse (vanilla) and hot tea. A great treat to have at 38,000 feet!

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A freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie. Crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside... and still very warm! Excuse the poor photo quality!

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The ambient lighting goes into "sunrise" mode to wake everyone up.

Service Summary

Overall, I found the FA's to be adequate. No one was naturally cheerful or overly talkative. There was no special recognition of status passengers, not even when taking orders for the entree. I wasn't blown away by the service, but it was a great step up from Y...

One thing that did make my flight even more memorable was that the First Officer walked through the J cabins to smile and say hi to the passengers. I asked him if I could see the flight deck and he said that would be possible only after the engines were shut down at arrival... what a nice way to end my flight!

Arrival

We landed on 26R, and had a quick taxi to C52. I waited in the forward galley while everyone walked back towards the 2L door. While waiting, I took a sneak peek at the crew rest area on the 77L, which is immediately aft of the cockpit.

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Up the steps is a little rest area for crew!

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I made it this far before being called down by the FO.

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My best shot of the flight deck... if only I could ride jump seat!

A few thoughts on YVR

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The renovated/expanded C-Pier looks good!

On each occasion that I've flown AC033 into YVR, I've found that the luggage takes an inordinate amount of time to arrive at the carousel. Tonight was no exception, as 20 minutes passed before the first bags arrived... Does this have to do with the fact that a significant portion of bags are continuing in SYD? Or are the baggage facilities at YVR Domestic outdated/insufficient to handle the loads of a 777? Anyways, a minor irritation to deal with, even with Priority tags.

Conclusion

Thanks for taking the time to read my TR on this very common flight... I enjoyed my first experience onboard AC's J and as a result have booked two more YVR/YYZ flights coming up in J also...

Any suggestions are welcomed and feedback encouraged!

Great trip report and pictures. I'm impressed with the level of service AC offers on this domestic run. This looks miles ahead of what most US airlines offer domestically including United PS. I'll have to make it a point to snag a segment on another AC 777 and try to catch this flight when connecting out of YVR. I love their C product but have only flown it once.

Excellent trip report - the photos look great. AC has an outstanding product for a domestic flight - I would gladly get right back on board and fly down to SYD!

Really nice selection of photos, especially the ones taken on board.

The product is very good, but it's typically only on YVR-YYZ/YUL and YYZ/YUL-YVR that you get the pod seats and the extent of cabin service shown.

Excellent trip report..Great pics as well.. Thanks for sharing....

I agree. What is an excellent trip reports! I'm glad that he flown on operate 77L aircraft. I am never been flown on 77L before. I have been done it before for 3 times where I flew on 77E aircraft. I'm sure he will have more opportunity to take a best photos shot inside the cabin view and entire concourse, too. I noticing that he sneaks into the crew rest behind the cockpit. I remember one of my F/A ask me not go inside the crew rest in the economy class. I am trying to get peek inside. She told me that I am not allowed to get inside the crew rest. I knew where the crew rest in middle section of Y class.

PS. You saw EK A380 is in YYZ?

It seems that AC has enhanced the presentation of their meals on domestic flights--it's nice not to see the plastic salad bowls in J. I hope the presentation is not just for the 777 and other internationally configured aircraft.

Great report and picts!

Miles ahead include ps ? What is different from ps other than the seat ? Look carefully there is not even table cloth or cloth on the tray !

I think you should also remember AC often swap out widebodies to narrowbodies on this route for some reason. I have booked several times specific operate on 77W and 333, it end up with 321 both times. They just made up a reason because J and Y loads are low, so they are going to use a small aircraft, connecting pax stay, other pax move to the next flight.

Thanks for all the great feedback, everyone!

I'm booked on seven more (at this time) YVR/YYZ segments from now until November, with at least three of those in J. I've chosen my flights carefully and have only widebodies booked so far. My three J trips will be in 77L, 333, and 763, so if nothing changes (hopefully) I will be able to gauge the differences between AC's widebody fleet while doing this wonderful and exciting (sarcastic) route.

ORDnHKG:

I've been on AC033 a few times and yes, one time it was a 321 instead of the 77L, but that was known to me when I booked my flight, so for me it wasn't an "at-the-gate" switch.

AC doesn't have that many 777 or 333 aircraft, and I'm thinking they do a lot of repositioning between YVR and YYZ, so sometimes I guess they are subbed in or out for operations reasons? However, poor loads or not, if the 77L that is scheduled for YVR-SYD is sitting on the tarmac at YYZ, they're going to have to fly that plane over, right? :-)

This is one reason why I like flying AC between YVR and YYZ: you get to fly their entire fleet, even the E-190/175 and CRJ-705 if you connect through YEG/YYC!

I think they can leave that plane at YVR, doesn't need to do YVR-YYZ and back. That was my case 333 is suppose to do YVR-YYZ-LHR, the 333 just stayed at YYZ, didnot even fly to YVR. I asked them the reason, they just said because the loads were low.

Thanks for the TR and pics!

A widebody aircraft that is on YYZ-YVR is due to an international mission almost all the time. We do our 333 overnight maintenance in YVR so they are flowed out there each night.

How many times have swaps happened to you? The number of times AC033 has been swapped from 77L, I can count them in one hand and I have fingers leftover. (Unless it was preplanned and YVRSYD wasn't operating)

Individual suites vs non individual suites in J, that to me is already miles ahead.Who made up a reason that loads are low? 77W and 333 are International aircrafts so if we need it elsewhere for operational reasons, obviously we will take it from a domestic flight first if needed. This doesn't happen very often so 2 times hardly qualifies as 'often'.

Meal standards on domestic flights are same regardless of aircrafts so this is not special for 777. Plastic salad bowls are completely gone, everything is on glassware now. Lots of improvements lately so glad you guys are noticing it!

Yes, miles ahead of ps and UA F. UA just sucks in every way possible. If it wasn't for the fact it was part of *A and I got AC miles, I'd probably avoid them like the plague. I will admit that UA doesn't suck as badly as US. That is literally US Scareways.

And it's not possible that AC constantly swaps widebodies for narrowbodies. These planes usually come in from Australasia to YVR and need to get to YYZ so they can continue on to Europe. If anything, these are priority flights.

Great trip report. I loved the photos. :)

I've never been impressed with the FAs on Air Canada. I loved the seats in J, however, except for the hassle of getting out the trays.... that was difficult.

Very nice report with great pictures. ^

AC seem to have improved from what I've read recently which is good to see.
Last time I flew the other way YVR-YYZ was with Wardair - you can tell that wasn't yesterday. :D

The purser of my flights.

AC 142 used to be 333, I had asked other FTers, that flight hardly ever use 333. I think OP also mentioned its 77L got swapped to 321.

I am talking about 333 and 77W, you are confused about 77L. 77L is the one go to australia.

Used to be? It still is. Define "hardly ever"? I work at AC and can tell you 90% of the time it's still 333 barring any last minute substitution. Let's not exaggerate here - 90% is not 'hardly ever'. AC142 for the month of Jul is not 333 but AC1166 is. It's scheduled, not a sub. AC142 is a domestic flight so we are not obligated to use a 333 for the duration of the year.

What flight do you ever see a 77W that is regularly scheduled on a YYZ/YVR? There are none. 333? Once a day because of maintenance requirement unless it's pulled at the last minute because of operation requirement which is very rare. Let's not exaggerate here.

do you work for the CIA? your two flights make it 90%? And now you even know the reason for the swap to a 321.
LOL if you know anything you would NOT listen to what an FA has to say they know less than nothing.

Thanks for all the feedback, everyone!

I think for a very brief period of time back in winter 2008 (I think for me it was early December) where I got to fly on my first and only AC 77W between YYZ an YVR, if I'm not mistaken it was when AC001 flew YYZ-NRT through YVR. Perhaps this is the flight he had in mind? I know it doesn't operate through YVR currently.

Regardless of which flight it is that he had in mind, the point Andrew is trying to make is that there is no regularly scheduled 77W on YYZ-YVR.

Please refrain from your language, there is nowhere I mention 90%.

I haven't flown AC on that route recently, but back then isn't AC 1/2 a 77W ? And also occasionally AC 137 ?

No matter rare or not, the times that I booked AC 142 , every single time got swapped. I had also started a thread in the AC forum long time ago about how often AC 142 is not a 333, and I remember I got quite a few replies quite many times it is something other than 333. Perhaps it is now better running with the 333 on this route, I apologize if my experience is not recent up-to-date to recent months.

I do like AC domestic J service and all MLL, but it is just whenever I fly AC, I always end up bad luck, either aircraft swap, cancel, or long delay, especailly I made myself go out of the way to fly AC rather than UA. (being non-stop ORD-YVR on UA, I fly ORD-YYZ-YVR on AC)

Flight Details

Flight/Route: AC1166 YVR-YYZ
Date: July 29, 2009
A/C: Airbus Industrie A330-343X
Reg/Fin: C-GFUR #934
Del.: June 30, 2000
Depart: 1345 scheduled, 1350 actual
Arrive: 2107 scheduled, 2119 actual
Service Director: Monarmie?
Captain: Lou Deslauriers?
F/O: Kevin Harris?

Check In at YVR

Walked over to the Executive First / STAR ALLIANCE GOLD check-in area in the Domestic Terminal. There were two agents working, and both were chatting up their respective customers, who were both Super Elite. I normally don't mind personal touches such as this, but the line for check-in was seven or eight passengers long! Anyways, got my bags checked and my seat reconfirmed. On my way next to check out YVR's new observation deck and the newly renovated C-Pier in the Domestic Terminal.

Observation Deck

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Up the escalators to see the new viewing deck.

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Nice little model of YVR.

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Not a terribly exciting view of the B- and C-Piers; mostly regional aircraft!

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I suppose if you have an interest in airport OPS then you will enjoy watching the action... if you're lucky to catch (1) good weather, and (2) a busy period!

I'm happy that my home airport now has a space to watch the action on the tarmac now, besides the over-priced bar and lounge in the Fairmont. It's a nice place to relax, very open and bright, with tables and chairs, as well as a flight simulator for kids to play on!

New C-Pier at YVR

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An example of the architectural style that carries over from the INTL Terminal.

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Not a fan of First Nation artwork as the sole representative of such a diverse cultural area (Southern BC Coast), but otherwise a nice piece of work.

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Moving sidewalks take you past the new food and concession area. Lots of natural light = Good!

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There is a Vera's Burgers!

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You get a really close-up view of the Jazz OPS at YVR from the C-Pier!

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Training for the fire crews? I don't know!

Maple Leaf Lounge

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I love the beautiful entrance to this MLL, especially compared to the rather unimpressive-looking elevators that greet you at YYZ.

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Entrance foyer area of the MLL.

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Up the stairs (or elevator)...

The views from the Domestic MLL are much better, IMHO, than from the new Observation Deck. Here are some shots I took:

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Fin 935 arrives to operate out as AC003 to NRT.

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Lucky to catch KE's 744. They've been using 772's lately.

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Three flights to YYZ all lined up. The 763 in the foreground is operating AC64, continuing from ICN to YYZ. The 333 is taking me on AC1166. I believe the 763 behind is operating AC1168, which leaves 15 minutes after my flight...

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Hybrid-livried AC aircraft always make me appreciate the fully-pained birds...

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Fin 731 arrives to operate AC007 to HKG this afternoon. Such a stunning aircraft!

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I have the GJ model of this 77W...

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Seating area. Not as beautiful as the YYZ domestic MLL.

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But just as functional.

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Decent wine selection.

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Self-serve bar area.

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Try your hand at pouring a beer. I've tried a couple times before I've gotten it right!

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Or save yourself with some cans of beer!

Boarding and Seat in Executive First

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This gorgeous A330 waiting at C51.

Boarding was done 10 minutes behind schedule. The lovely Gate Agent let us know that they had some difficulty with the air conditioning on the aircraft, and wanted to make sure that it was sufficiently cool on board before they started the boarding process. Because it was north of 30 degrees C that day in Vancouver, I'm sure no one had a problem with that (it was even quite warm in the terminal).

I wasn't the first one on board this time, but still managed to snap a shot of the door 2L.

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4A would be mine for this flight.

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The 1-1-1 layout of the A330 means that the "A" side has more privacy.

Please see the first page of my TR to read/see more details about the Executive First seats. Besides the different layout on the 330 (1-1-1 vs. 1-2-1), there weren't any fresh air vents on the 330. :-( Also, notice that there are not over-head storage bins in the forward J cabin. The rear J cabin has them, oddly enough. Anyone know why?

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A shot of the padded seat belt. There is an airbag inside?

Cabin Views

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The F/A's station... showing the status of the doors (disarmed/opened, etc.)

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Flight deck of C-GFUR. Thanks to Captain Deslauriers and F/O Harris for letting me up front!

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Forward J Cabin

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Rear J Cabin

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J loads were relatively light; only 1 passenger was seated in the rear J cabin.

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Midship (?) galley.

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Rear Y cabin views.

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Rear galley.

Service

Pre-flight drinks (water, orange juice), newspapers, and headphone covers were offered. Smiles all around, but we were delayed a bit when Cara employees came onboard. Apparently there was some last minute adjustments to the catering. 5 minutes later, we were off!

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Orange juice, in plastic cup.

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Push-back from C51.

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Hot towel service once the seat-belt sign was turned off.

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Drink service promptly after.

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A nice wine selection. Two reds, three whites.

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My 2006 Pinot Grigio.

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Cold-plate appetizer of grilled chicken, marinated vegetables, and a warmed her roll. Note the tablecloth! :0)

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The veg was flavourful, the chicken was alright. The warm roll was a great touch.

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Nice cutlery, AC!

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I opted to try the Tilapia over the beef. Served with wild rice.

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I believe it was a sundried tomato crust, with a mustard-based sauce. Drinks were always topped up frequently.

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Very good flavour, texture, and temperature.

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Dessert of hot tea with milk, freshly baked chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, and ice cream!

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Warm, crisp, and gooey. Seriously, this is great for a domestic product. Keep it up, AC!

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Hmm... a warm day in Vancouver means...

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The ice cream had already melted about half-way. Too bad!

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Frequent drink service was offered throughout the remainder of the flight.

In-flight photos

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Take-off from 26R.

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Blue skies out of the porthole in the emergency exit.

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Sunset sets in during our trek Eastwards.

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The slanted seats makes taking photos difficult!

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The moving map works! Almost in YYZ.

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Approaching YYZ.

Arrival and Conclusion

We had a (relatively) short taxi to Gate 139, but stopped short of the jetway. Apparently the ground vehicles had not arrived yet (to marshall the aircraft into position?). After about 5-7 minutes, we taxied another few metres before we stopped. Looking out the port side, those of us in J could see that the air bridge was moving to the 1L door. It was only after the air bridge operator banged on the door of 1L before he or she realized the mistake, and moved the air bridge towards 2L. I've never actually watched an air bridge move intently before -- it's SLOW.

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Arrival at YYZ.

Anyways, we were off the plane in another few minutes. It's a bit of a trek from 139 to the baggage claim, and for the first time ever, my bags made it out before I arrived! There were still many passengers from AC064 (which had arrived 30 minutes prior) who were still waiting! I considered myself lucky!

Overall, I would have to say that AC's recently upgraded/retooled/refocused (etc.) domestic J product is thoroughly enjoyable and I would strongly encourage fliers to try to hit one of the AE tiers (Elite) so that they can experience it for themselves!

Happy flying, everyone! Thanks for reading!

Good to see you had a nice return to YYZ! Some great pics there!

Could you comment on your thoughts of the herringbone design that AC uses? From your photos, it does look better than the design CX uses for their business class. I am curious because the CX setup was very disappointing to me and it almost made me claustrophobic, I do not know if that was the case for you on AC.

Nontheless, Nice Trip Report

I'm now ready to try AC. Thanks for the report.

Thanks, everyone!

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience in any other herringbone F/C/J product, so keep that in mind when you read my comments.

I wouldn't call the AC J Pods to be claustrophobic, although they are by most people's standard not very conducive to conversation with a flying partner without being overly loud. I felt that the layout of the Pods were quite well thought-out; there wasn't anything that was out of reach. The reading light is next to you on the forward divider wall, the seat controls and AVOD controls are right next to the screen, the table is of a good size, and there are two places for your drinks -- a cup holder (like in a car) as well as a mini ledge that circles around the Pod behind you.

I've read on another thread on FT that the magazine pocket was too far behind you when in the upright seated position, but I found the copy of enRoute was easy to take out (the arm rest even folds up to make it easy to take out/put back) without having to recline.

Some little things that I realized, which were not a huge issue to me but might be for other travelers:

- If you're in fully flat bed mode, it is difficult to get the table out, because the cover must be pulled outwards before the table is accessible. Not sure who would want to have their table out while sleeping though.
- The table doesn't swing outwards to let you get out; rather it just slides forward. This may be enough space for some but not for others.
- There were no over-head fresh air vents on the 333, but there were two for each Pod on the 77L.

The seats are more narrow than other forward-facing C/J seats on international carriers, if width is an issue for you then perhaps they will not be as comfortable, but the amount of space length-wise can't be beat, IMHO. I really enjoy stretching my legs out even when in only a slight recline, while watching the AVOD or enjoying cookies/drinks.

As far as the whole "moving 30-45 degrees to the direction that you're facing" issue, I know it was a bit strange for me the first time, but second time around I didn't really notice it as much. Rather, I was more disappointed that it is difficult to get a view out of the windows. I'd much prefer this seat orientation to sitting in a rear-ward facing seat, as on BA and other carriers. Just my $0.02 CDN.

I hope this gives you some more feedback on AC's J Pods. If you have any more detailed questions I'll try to give you an answer.

very good. thank you!

Why do you call this a Milk Run? This is a mainline transcon, the flagship of AC's domestic route network. A Milk Run would be a flight that had many stops en route (i.e. YYZ-YWG-YXE-YYC-YVR), which this definitely does not. May I kindly suggest you modify your thread title?

Other than that, I quite enjoyed your observations about a service I've taken many times and that I know spoils most of us up here being a domestic run!