Has anyone flown with Zoom airlines? I’m getting an incredible price from them for travel from Toronto to Paris in late October and have read mostly positive reviews on the airline, but am a little concerned since they are a new company and we don’t seem to have a great track record for budget airlines in Canada.

The rate (including taxes/fees) for standard economy is $570 CAD + $30 for advance seat selection. It’s $785 for premium economy, which includes seat selection and offers a seat pitch of 36” rather than the standard 31”. (Flights have a stop in Montreal)

I’ve looked at the fares for the major airlines, and British Airlines offers a flight with a change in London for $950, and direct flights are available form Air Canada and Air France for $980-90.

I’m cautiously leaning towards the premium economy with Zoom because I’d like the extra legroom.

Should I spend the extra money for the security of a major airline, which have more flights (Zoom only flies twice a week)? Also, I know October is still peak season. If I go with a major airline, should I book now or should I hold out in hopes of a sale?

You can read more about them at the Air Canada forum (which actually discusses all things Canadian-travel-related) at Flyertalk. According to posters there, Zoom has very deep pockets.

In any event, I think if you buy your Zoom ticket through Travel Cuts with a credit card, you will be doubly protected, but check with them first.

The only problem I've heard of with Zoom is that sometimes their flights are delayed for a few hours because they have to fix a plane, and don't have extra planes lying around.

Thanks, WillTravel. I definitely check our Flyertalk.

WillTravel: I'm having trouble finding an Air Canada forum at FlyerTalk with the exception of one that relates to aeroplan. I'm obviously missing something...

That's the correct forum. Here's a recent thread (but there have been others - do a search):

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...highlight=Zoom

Have not flown on Zoom but gets good PR
from many who have traveled with them.
We are heading to Paris next week and
considered using them but their schedule
was what turned us off and instead flying with Thomas Cook to LGW which has 35 inch seat pitch and then Eurostar to Paris.
As we are spending 4 days at the end of our trip in London we found this arrangement better suited our needs.

I don't have experience with Zoom; but have flown with Air Canada to Paris, Vienna and Frankfurt in late Semptember to October for under $800. Usually I book 2-3 weeks ahead.

Thanks, WillTravel. I couldn't even find a search function there.

Thanks, Corky and JudyC. I think I'll take a chance on Zoom since it offers more leg room than AC and their schedule works for us.