Flight review, Air Canada: is it worth upgrading to premium economy
The premium economy seats on this airline mean you can recline further back and you are more comfortable. But the fare is four times as much. Is it justified?
The premium economy seats on this international airline mean you can recline further back and you are more comfortable. But the fare is four times as much. Is it justified?
Take a seat
Having been on the road since early morning, a 15-hour flight in economy holds little appeal, so I’m thrilled when the boarding pass reader pings as I pass through – I’ve been upgraded. There are also two empty seats between me and my neighbour; we’re on opposite aisles in the middle section of a two-four-two configuration. The seat has a 96.5cm pitch and the back-row location means I can recline without inciting rancour, but a rigid armrest prevents me from spreading out horizontally.
Tech talk
I am a fan of being uncontactable on long-haul flights so the wi-fi is wasted on me. It is just as well because the connection is unstable. There is a charging outlet beside each seat and a USB port beneath the 26cm TV screen.
That’s entertainment
We could fly to Mars and back and still not have enough time to get through all the on-board entertainment. Sleep beckons but if I had to make a choice I would skip the Hollywood blockbusters and instead try the thoughtfully curated Canadian content, which includes documentaries and dramas.
On the menu
The flight attendant offers juice and water before take-off. I choose sparkling water and pretend I’m drinking champagne. She also takes our dinner orders before we depart but the beef shepherd’s pie has run out. The other option is chicken parmigiana, which turns out to be very good: herb-crusted tenderloins with tomato relish, pasta and salad, and decadent chocolate brownie cake for dessert. A glass of South African chenin blanc is a refreshing accompaniment. Midway through the flight we’re served pillowy chicken mayo sandwiches, so I’m not hungry by the time breakfast arrives just before landing – a choice of scrambled eggs or pancakes with apple and apricot compote.
At your service
The staff keeps everyone happy with regular check-ins, provisions of drinks and snacks, and assistance where needed.
In the bag
My upgrade means I could take two bags of 23kg each were I so inclined. I’m more concerned about the dearth of overhead storage precipitated by the carry-on-only trend. There’s plenty of space, however, in which to store my daypack. (Note that sports items such as skis count as one piece of checked baggage.)
Make your points
Members of Air Canada’s loyalty program Aeroplan can purchase in-flight wi-fi with points. Members of partner airline Virgin’s Velocity program earn points and status credits when travelling in eligible fare classes on Air Canada.
On the ground
My connecting flight originated in the US but there’s no need to recheck my bag at Vancouver; I simply breeze through security and head to the gate without changing terminals. Air Canada’s international-to-domestic transfer service is even more beneficial for those flying to the US. Passengers complete US Customs procedures in Vancouver, thereby avoiding delays at their final destination.
The bottom line
One-way premium economy fare from Vancouver to Sydney from $4895 based on airline web search departing two months from publication.
The verdict
The extra space in premium economy eases weary bones, but the price tag – four times that of economy – may cause pain. Thankfully, the Canada-US transfer service is indifferent to class; it’s a breeze.
Catherine Marshall was a guest of Silversea Cruises.
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