This was my first time flying with Air Canada, taking the direct flight from London Heathrow to Calgary, Alberta. The check in process was seamless, with easy-to-use self-service stations which issue your boarding pass and luggage stickers, before you drop your bag onto the carousel. It’s really easy and there are plenty of staff to help, or traditional check in desks you can use if the self-service isn’t for you!!
After check in we headed to the Maple Lounge, which is a great space to while away the hours before boarding starts. The seating area is spacious and relaxing, and there’s a great selection of snacks, buffet meals and a full service bar. An extra special highlight of the lounge was bumping into actor John Hannah, who was more than happy to chat away and take a selfie or two with those who asked!
Despite a full flight boarding didn’t seem to take too long and was managed well by inviting boarding for certain seats rather than a free for all. After taking our seats and reversing ready to taxi to the runway, we came to a standstill, and unfortunately stayed still for another couple of hours. Technical issues meant we had to return to the gate and wait for assistance, and while it’s not ideal these things do happen, and I really commend Air Canada for their handling of the delay. The captain kept us fully informed so we knew what was happening and had an expected departure time, and the cabin crew really looked after us with drinks and snacks while we sat onboard.
Once we finally took to the skies the flight was most enjoyable. The choice of entertainment was excellent and the food was some of the best ‘aeroplane scram’ I’ve had. The staff were brilliant throughout the flight and nothing was too much trouble.
It may have been my first flight with Air Canada but I do hope it won’t be the last!!
