Air Canada rouge or air transat?
 

Hi

I always fly Air Canada when possible, but have never flown rouge.

We're planning on a trip to Glasgow from Toronto, and the options are Air Transat and AC Rouge. Both are non stop, with AT a bit cheaper. Seat width appears about the same, meals included on both.

I don't know why, but I'm leaning towards AC. Can anyone advise on what Rouge is like, is it really as crowded and tight as AT seems to be.

A year ago we went to Edinburgh on AC, and had a great flight and didn't have to pay for our seat selection, but you do this year.

I'm having trouble understanding what the difference is between these two carriers, so anyone who has first hand experience to share would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Rouge is Air Canada's "low cost" option. I haven't flown Air Transat in a while but the last few times I've flown to Europe I was forced to fly Rouge. I don't think there's much difference between the two. Yes, Rouge seating is tight and crowded, the meals are blah, you can download their app to watch movies on your own device or you have to rent an Ipad for about $10. I'd probably give a very slight edge to Rouge, though I'm not sure why. Maybe they try just a little harder to pretend they care. I usually pay for at least bulkhead or exit row seats or preferably economy plus. Or use miles for business class.

We fly Airtransat to Europe most of the time now.. we do upgrade to Club Class now.. BUT of course have flown economy many times.

If you fly eco.its worth the few extra bucks to upgrade by seat selection.. the seats immediately behind Club Class have good leg room. Same services.. but a comfier ride ( our grown daughter had those seats behind us last year.. we didnt upgrade her to Club as we were paying for her ticket and 5 weeks in Europe.. but she was very comfy in the extra legroom seat.
The other "good eco seats" is the row of double immediatly after the row of three in the back.. when people walk by you they dont bump your elbow in that row.. but those seats always go so fast becuase people like me know about them.lol
The flights have seat back tvs.. we like that.

The food is awful. As it is on ALL Eco . flights on any airline we have taken in last few years.. bring your own food regardless of which airline you choose.. buy a sandwich at airport.. anything..

If you can't upgrade.. take the cheapest one.. they both are tight economy.. oh.. but I do prefer seat back movies to devises.