Air Transat vs AirCanada
 

I'm looking at flight options to Barcelona this fall and AirTransat out of Montreal has the best non-stop fare compared to other airports I can drive to (BOS, EWR, or JFK). Distance/time to Montreal is shorter/faster than NYC area airports. BOS, or usual go-to for Europe has no non-stops, and non-stop is s big preference.

Air Transat fares are about $100 - 200 less than AirCanada. Not enough to materially impact overall trip cost so unless there is a compelling reason I'm planning to stick with Air Canada... The main reason is star alliance flexibility, in case there are hiccups. Between UA and LH there are a lot of backup options to get to BCN with one connection... What would you north of the border do?

Hi J62

Glad to be able to advise after all the suggestions you’ve given to me over the years.

I flew Transat for the first time from Paris-Montreal this past August for the reason of cost. I think they’re fine if one goes with expectations of a more budget airline. Compared with a recent Montreal-Vancouver long haul flight on Air Canada (both economy class), the seat on Transat was not quite as wide and comfortable; the seat reminded me more of a seat one might get for a short haul flight on Air Canada or United, say from Montreal to DC or Albany to DC, so a bit more cramped. The meal served was fine as well as the entertainment system although not at the level of what I got on the Air Canada Montreal-Vancouver flight or Air France DC-Paris last year.

Wishing you a lovely time in Barcelona however you decide to get there!

Daniel

Thanks Daniel,

Wish I were going - this is on behalf of a someone else who will meet up with me later elsewhere in Europe for an already planned trip - an opportunistic front end add on if you will... For a relatively minor price difference for the one-way travel North America to BCN, the assurance that a major airline & their partners to will be able to get them there in a reasonable time if there are hiccups, comfort, etc we're tempted to stick with AC.

All reviews of Air Transat are great, if nothing goes wrong. How well they deal with issues gives me pause, although that can be said for just about any airline under the wrong conditions.

Wishing you happy travels.