Nibog From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 310 posts, RR: 0 Posted (1 year 9 months 3 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 2355 times:
Hi everyone,
I am planning on travelling to YVR in the spring of next year,one of the options I have is via LHR with BA or AC.I am curious to hear/read your thoughts as to which of the two are best to travel with in Y,taking all factors into consideration.AC fly from DUB on a seasonal basis which normally starts in June of each year,hence why I may have to route through LHR.Incidentally,LH also offer flights through FRA,any thoughts on that?.
ACDC8 From Canada, joined Mar 2005, 7598 posts, RR: 40 Reply 3, posted (1 year 9 months 3 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 2279 times:
Having flown to Germany via YVR many, many, many, many, many times via various airlines and European Gateways, BA is now my prefered choice mainly because of their later departure/arrival times making it less tiring since you arrive closer to the local bedtime instead of wasting half a day while half asleep. BA 85 usually arrives in YVR just after 1800 local time, just enough time to get out of the airport, grab a bite and check in to a hotel for a good nights sleep so you're refreshed the next morning for a day of exploring. BA84 usually departs at about 2030 local time so not only will you have almost a whole extra day to visit but you can also sleep late so you won't be too tired for the flight back.
I usually fly Y class and to be honest, the service between the main carriers (AC, BA, KL, LH) is really minor in difference so that isn't a major decision factor for me. Price wise, all the major carriers are usually within $100-$150 of each other, so again, not a major decsion factor for me.
LHR T5 is wonderful, I honestly don't understand why so many people still complain about LHR, even before T5, I've always enjoyed connecting through LHR. AMS is well AMS, super easy airport to navigate and lots of windows overlooking the ramp. FRA is another great airport to cnx through, albeit the signage is quite confusing at best, but for people who've travelled through there many times before, its not as daunting as a first timer. FRA's T1, at least for me, really has a nostalgic feel for me, something about the low ceilings, lack of windows and constant clicking of the board in the main terminal just reminds me of being home in Germany again. Shame that DUS lost theirs in the fire.
If you're a real airplane nut, then I would strongly reccommend KLM with the MD11 ... not many chances to fly on such a wonderful bird anymore, but if you're really hell bent between AC and BA, I'd go with BA simply for the departure/arrival times, even though they're only just over 2 hours apart.
Nibog From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 310 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (1 year 9 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2181 times:
Quoting wilco737 (Reply 1): I'd go for that Ok, I am biased, but still.
I never thought you were biased towards that airline!!!!!!!. I will let you know ,when I put FRA and LH to the test in Oct,a trip I am looking forward to.
Quoting YVRLTN (Reply 2):
Also look at KL via AMS - may be back to MD11 when you travel too as an added bonus...
The MD11 is certainly a very attractive option,one that I will consider,plus Ams is easy to get through.Thanks for that.
Quoting ACDC8 (Reply 3): Having flown to Germany via YVR many, many, many, many, many times via various airlines and European Gateways, BA is now my prefered choice mainly because of their later departure/arrival times making it less tiring since you arrive closer to the local bedtime instead of wasting half a day while half asleep
Now thats very interesting indeed,something that I had forgotten about completely,and i agree ,the idea of getting into YVR,a bite to eat and bed,leaving you refreshed in the morning is excellent.
Yes i agree,went through T5 last year and it was a breeze,in comparison to other times.I still have plenty of time to look into this in more detail and I doubt if most of the fares have been released for the spring of next year.I am looking forward to getting to YVR and having a flight on some of those famous float planes that fill Vancouver harbour!!!!
KL doesn't serve DUB so it would require an interline connection at AMS and possible baggage hassles. And buying 2 separate tickets could mean a higher fare.
Quoting Nibog (Thread starter): LH also offer flights through FRA, any thoughts on that?.
I would avoid that unless the fare was much lower. You're flying about 1200 miles out of your way. About 6 hours after you leave DUB you'd be almost flying over it again on the westbound transatlantic flight.
You could also consider connecting in the US to avoid backtracking via other points in Europe. And with US pre-clearance in DUB, you would skip those hassles on arrival in the US. Your connection to Canada would the same as a domestic connection. For example EI DUB-ORD (UA codeshare) connecting to UA ORD-YVR.
ACDC8 From Canada, joined Mar 2005, 7598 posts, RR: 40 Reply 6, posted (1 year 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 13 hours ago) and read 2132 times:
Quoting Nibog (Reply 4): .I am looking forward to getting to YVR and having a flight on some of those famous float planes that fill Vancouver harbour!!!!
YVR also has just opened an outside spotters platform located by the South Terminal, I haven't been there myself yet, but at least they got something now
Nibog From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 310 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 9 months 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 2093 times:
Quoting Viscount724 (Reply 5): You could also consider connecting in the US to avoid backtracking via other points in Europe. And with US pre-clearance in DUB, you would skip those hassles on arrival in the US. Your connection to Canada would the same as a domestic connection. For example EI DUB-ORD (UA codeshare) connecting to UA ORD-YVR.
To be honest I have also thought of that,and close to the time of booking,one factor will prevail.....price.!!A short hop over to LHR followed by a direct flight to YVR is very appealing,but price is king and i will see what my travel agent will come up with as I will combine hotel in YVR and car hire for 10 days after as well.(By the way,you didn't happen to work with the great Empress of the skies,CP Air at one time?)
Quoting ACDC8 (Reply 6): an outside spotters platform located by the South Terminal
Excellent news,nothing like the smell of kerosene and the noise of the aircraft!!!!!.
Quoting ACDC8 (Reply 6): Regardless, hope you have a great time in BC
Even as I type this I honestly cannot wait for this trip to happen.
Thank you all for your thoughts,keep them coming!!!!.
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From Ireland, joined Apr 2009, 310 posts, 
From Greenland, joined Jun 2004, 8473 posts, 
Ok, I am biased, but still. 
From Canada, joined Oct 2006, 2084 posts, 
I will let you know ,when I put FRA and LH to the test in Oct,a trip I am looking forward to.
From Switzerland, joined Oct 2006, 21448 posts, 
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