For the first time, I was travelling to Vancouver Canada on my own to visit Family, so obviously I was looking forward to it.
I was travelling on flight TS503 from London Gatwick (LGW) to Vancouver (YVR). The flight was scheduled to depart at 16:05 GMT and arrive at 17:55 PT.
Arriving at Gatwick always puts me in a Holiday mood, so I made sure to be there at 13:00, the time suggested by the airline. Unfortunately, the check in queue was so long I only had 1 hour to eat and check out Duty Free before I had to board the plane. This was due to only 4 check in assistants dealing with 325 passengers. Organised, eh?!
The plane looked and seemed nice - Airbus A300-200 and was decorated nicely. Shame we couldn't have had seat back TV's, but what do I expect from a no-frills airline?! The seat seemed comfortable at first, but 5 hours later, that was no way the case! At least I had a view out of my window, which is worth the extra 7pounds booking fee.
We had hot food about 3 hours into the flight. I wish I had passed, but I was quite hungry. The food I was given was Rice (Stodgy), Chicken Casserole (OK), Peas and Carrots (Airline Quality!), acompanied with a bread roll, and bean salad! YumYumYum! NOT! I wish I had taken the vegetarian option of cheesy pasta (as the girl next to me did), that looked nice!
We had fairly standard entertainment on an airline for a long haul flight. 6 radio channels to appetise all needs, and the TV channels in French or English. The programs shown were Friends, Just For Laughs - Gags (a comedy program), Pink Panther and 3 films - Jersey Girl, 50 First Dates, Hidalgo. I only watched the 1st one (Starring the Happy Couple Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck!) which was pretty rubbish. I didn't bother with the other films as I really couldn't be bothered to watch them, so I alternated between Channel 8 on the radio (pop music - which seemed to only have 5 songs on repeat) and my iPod - which seemed to be the best sort of entertainment (optional accessory, visit apple.com/shop!!!! hahaha!!).
We had a snack box about 2 hours before landing, which comprised of a Scone, Cheese, and biscuit! I just didn't feel hungry!
The Cabin Crew were absolutely miserable and you never got a smile out of any of them! I think a smile never harms anyone, especially on a long haul flight.
Take off and landing was smooth which was good!
Thank god I chatted to a nice girl and her mother, or I probably would have died from boredom! I think the only good thing of this flight was the views over the Rocky Mountains, and Iceland - both of which were breathtaking!
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I dont like flying, sounds horrid. Good 1st review. Angie x
chizster 04.08.2004 12:34
I have flown Air Transat many-a-time and found them to be a very good airline, albeit having food which really repulsed me. I did actually have the sense to take a sandwich with me on one flight, but on that exact flight Air Transat representatives from Servisair upgraded me as there were 10 free spaces in 'club class' - it was amazing. What you have to remember is that Air Transat don't control how many check-in desks they have open; generic airline representatives who work at the airport (and not for any specific airline unless at somewhere like Heathrow with British Airways) and so therefore the airline shouldn't be accountable for the problems you have with them. Still, a nice review - thanks :o) Chris :o)
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Advantages: Cheap, friendly staff, can get extra leg room seats Disadvantages: food, have to pay for some drinks & extra snacks, 3 seats have no leg room
dfc001 18.08.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Air Transat
Advantages: Brilliant service, good punctuality,more space than other airlines,knows how to handle situations Disadvantages: flight was too short, BA's current financial situation scaring passengers away
Aug 3rd, 2004
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