palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Posted (6 months 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 5084 times:
. ANOTHER DAY, MORE FLYING
Early mornings in Eastern Canada are now becoming the norm it feels. I spend a quick night at the Comfort Inn St John’s Airport which is a very short free shuttle bus ride to the airport as I am booked to fly to Montreal today on WestJet, with a couple of stops enroute. My first flight out of St John’s is scheduled to depart at 7am. The hotel is friendly, relaxed and my room is clean and comfortable. I hardly have time to explore it as I am in dire need of sleep. Before I know it, the alarm has gone off, and I am back in the shuttle bus being dropped off at departures at YYT – the third time being at this airport in just over a week. I feel almost like a local now. I also manage to shake off the shock and depression that followed the “Goose Bay disaster”: see To Twotter Or Not? Air Labrador & Air Canada (by palmjet Oct 31 2012 in Trip Reports).
Another day, more flying.
Perfect.
Again, when searching for WestJet flights, it became clear that it was only marginally more expensive to add the stop in Halifax, and being a crazy A.netter, I elected for the flight combination with the maximum stops. This seemed entirely sensible especially as it would be my first time on WestJet and I had heard and read great things about this airline. My first encounter with WestJet was not as a passenger, but I am pretty sure I remember seeing one of their “new” 737-200s in British Columbia when I was last there in 1997 and it seems that since then, this little airline has grown from strength to strength. How could I not try and factor a WestJet flight into my travel plans when I was in Canada then?
My flights today are scheduled to look like this (thanks to Great Circle Mapper)
I have approximately an hour on the ground in Halifax before continuing on to Toronto. The aircraft will then (as I find out later) go on to Calgary. I am scheduled to spend 3 or so hours at Pearson International before boarding another WestJet aircraft –scheduled to be a B737-600 for the 1 hour flight up to Montreal. This would also be my first 737-600 flight, so another first for me on this trip.
Check in at St John’s proves challenging as the two SSKs that I try don’t seem to want to let me type in my Booking Reference. I think they are defective. Please WestJet can you fix these? I find one SSK that is working and it spits out two paper boarding passes for the two flights. I then head straight to the desk to get rid of my bag. No extra fees to check in my bag and the friendly young guy tags the bag through to YUL. There is a sign on the desk advising passengers that one of the WestJet staff was highly allergic to seafood and for passengers to notify them if they were carrying or checking in any seafood products. I ask the guy if he hates fish and he laughs and says no – it’s not him.
Check in is pain free. This time I don’t hang around landside and make my way to the security area – not before pausing to take a quick picture of the Air Saint Pierre check in desk (which is closed at this time). I had desperately tried to incorporate a flight with these folks when in Canada but their schedules and my schedules did not work out. Plus I recall they had no ability to process an online booking on their website which seemed very odd for an airline in the year 2012 AD. In the end I gave up, and held on to the hope that at least I might spot one of their rarely seen ATR42s (well at least rare for this author).
Security is also pain free and I am soon back to where I was only a few days ago. It almost feels like a lifetime ago and I feel I have covered so much territory since then.
I manage to grab some coffee to wake me up - again from the Tim Hortons airside and then take a seat looking out of the window.
Given the number of people milling around for this early morning post sunrise flight to Halifax, it looks like it is going to be a busy flight for WS699.
Cabin crew are at the door greeting passengers in a cheerful manner – so far I’ve had very positive impressions. As they say, first impressions count.
Boarding calls are made and I am soon in my seat just behind the wing on the port side. Unfortunately the windows are fogged with condensation indicating the aircraft had night stopped here. The day is dawning another beautiful crisp fall day in St John’s. Certainly a nice contrast to soggy Halifax from yesterday.
Legroom is sufficient. The seat pocket contains a few items, including WestJet’s inflight magazine “Up”.
I am excited about travelling with a new airline, although this is tempered slightly by the fact that I am on a bulk standard 737 again: nowhere near as interesting as the Beeches I had sampled, nor the Twotter that I so badly wanted to experience again. Sorry WestJet.
The crew are introduced and safety demonstrations are completed manually (with an automated message in French). The vibe I am getting is very Virgin Blue-esque from my many flights with them in Australia. The flight attendants come across as relaxed, approachable, friendly and happy to be there. A great start. One of the male flight attendants has a quick joke with the passengers two rows in front of me while we are boarding. Again, small things like this do not go unnoticed and I feel there is a considerable contrast to that “onboard feeling” compared to my Air Canada flights so far.
Also, to make things better still, we get a friendly and detailed announcement from the cockpit crew, welcoming us aboard and some flight information to Halifax. Again, quite different from the cockpit silence I experienced so far on Air Canada mainline.
After pushing back, we start our taxi, passing an overnighting Porter Dash 8 on the way.
Our taxi is fairly lengthy today as we head out to RW29 for departure. There is not much activity going on and it feels like the airport is largely still sleeping (as some of the passengers are on my flight!)
The B737-700 makes a powerful departure and we are soon rapidly climbing – giving us some interesting views of the countryside below – where there are some small and wispy looking fog patches on the ground.
.
The rising sun also makes for some nice soft light on our aircraft as we climb toward our cruising altitude. Similar to last night’s flight from Halifax, we are expecting a flight time of just over an hour. It’s a glorious morning for flying today in this part of Canada!
The view once we get to our cruising height of 40,000ft.
Limited cabin view from my seat at 17A. I paid extra to be able to select my seat at the time of booking as I wanted to be just behind the wing for any views down below.
Unfortunately the weather there has not improved at all and we are destined for a few bumps as we enter Nova Scotia airspace.
Service consists of two phases a) the BOB run and then b) the complimentary snack and drink. Snacks are either sweet or salty. I don’t see many passengers buying anything so the crew spend most of their time handing out free drinks and the snack. Service is with a smile throughout and my positive impression of WestJet continues.
I opt for something sweet. No idea why I do – just seems right at this time of the morning. I feel like I am on a Delta flight at this point
I have two seat neighbours in my row. Both are American and are travelling together. One of them tells me they are heading back down to La Guardia and then Charlotte from Halifax this morning. They seem nice enough and we have a short chat mid flight.
I don’t make a visit to the lavatorial facilities on this occasion – and a number of WestJet reports have been made on A.net covering detailed aspects of their operations including lavatories!
Passing over New Glasgow
The flight is uneventful. I spend some time snoozing and the rest of it listening to music and flying conditions are mostly smooth. I am getting comfortable when I feel the aircraft starting its descent into Stanfield International Airport.
The crew is right - the weather in Halifax is less than sunny
.
Flaps down and on final approach
We land on the same runway as I did yesterday on the CRJ200 and just like yesterday – the weather here stinks! Great views from my window -
We pull into our gate and passengers continuing to Toronto are given the choice of deplaning or remaining on board. Our transit time in Halifax is only 30 minutes or so before reboarding, but in any case, I decide to stretch my legs and head out into the terminal.
HALIFAX TRANSIT: PART DEUX
Here’s C-GMWJ resting in the rain after arriving from St John’s with Air Canada kicking up some spray in the background! She was delivered new to WestJet in 2006 and is fitted with 136 Y seats.
Close up
We reboard and I take my assigned seat - still 17A and get settled for the just over 2 hour flight to Toronto Pearson.
Time to leave a rainy and grey Halifax - our location on the map
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 1, posted (6 months 2 weeks 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 5094 times:
PART TWO
TORONTO AND MONTREAL BECKON
The same crew take their positions and we head out to Runway 14 for departure. The rain continues. Farewell New Scotland!
Feeling loved by WestJet at this point
Feeling a little sad to be saying goodbye when this appears on my PTV
Our take off is again powerful and after only a few seconds, we disappear into the low clouds
We climb again to 40,000ft where I spend much of the flight listening to music. Thankfully 17B next to me is free although the aisle seat is taken, but it means a little extra room - much appreciated. The flight is otherwise almost full from what I can see.
Once we’re settled, another drinks run is done. Just to be different, I sample the savoury snack on this sector.
Again, service is prompt, friendly and relaxed.
It stays cloudy for much of our journey - we cross into US airspace for a time before getting back into Canada, where the clouds start to break down a bit.
Unfortunately, it gets a little cloudy again further into the flight as we cross into Ontario.
.
Thankfully not too cloudy and by the time the rubbish is being cleared, I can see the shoreline of Lake Ontario out in the distance, and more signs of urban life down below.
By this time, if I look hard enough, I can just make out the downtown area of Toronto on the far horizon.
It’s still overcast and we have a few bumps as we descend - but nothing too violent.
Hello Toronto - it’s been 9 years since I was last here. Nice to see you again!
.
I get a brief glimpse of Toronto’s well known downtown skyline as we sink lower toward YYZ.
Quite murky but atmospheric from this height
Flaps are now down and we are on final approach
Quite a bit of traffic down there for mid morning
Almost about to make contact with terra firma
which is followed by a smooth landing, with everything hanging out to slow us down.
Yes, we’re here!
We have a long-ish taxi to our gate at Terminal 2 at Pearson so some opportunity to take a peek at what’s on the ground. I enjoyed my spotting session at YYZ back in 2003 very much - although back then, the old multistory car park still existed and it was possible to take pictures from that vantage point - now long since vanished.
This clearly looks like an ex Air Berlin machine outside the hangar
This monster is parked a bit further along
A row of semi exotic CRJ200s - anyone know the livery of the last CRJ on the end?
Giving way to a big boy
Shortly before we pull into our gate
After engines have been shutdown, we’re all free to exit. I catch a quick pic before gathering all of my things.
Along with a teaser, which pulls in just after we do - reminding me of my next flight to YUL in a couple of hours.
I thank the crew who are at the door farewelling passengers and head into the terminal to take a look around. I managed to get another pic of my aircraft at the gate, behind the 736, which is now being prepared to continue on to Calgary. She will have covered some territory by the time she arrives there!
Well, what do I think of WestJet so far? Pretty impressed actually. I enjoyed my two morning sectors. The flights were on time, the crew were great and I was comfortable in my seat. My first impressions are very positive.
I locate coffee and watch my aircraft depart for Calgary
.
Before going for a more general wander. The terminal is very busy - lots of people are travelling on this Friday. I pass another 737-600 while walking around.
And take a peek over at the Air Canada fortress
This one is dedicated to Marc. His report on the Air Canada Express Dash 8 - 400 is at:
Following which I see a baby Dash decked out in the outgoing green Jazz colours - cute.
In the midst of my wanderings, I spot not one, but two Air Transat A310s. Nice to see this relatively rare Airbus variant in duplicate here in Canada still.
.
Being reminded of one of yesterday’s flights - a number of EM190s are on the move during my transit in Toronto.
.
.
Which is matched by the number of babybuses also on the ground - a sibling to my A319 which operated from Heathrow to St John’s.
And a baby 737 - I was quite surprised to see a large number of -600s on the ground at YYZ, particularly after reading about the scrapping of the Malev ones relatively recently here in Europe.
Seeing “double” dash!
To our A.netter friends from the Netherlands - arriving from AMS
My time in Toronto is fast coming to an end and I make my way over to the gate that will be used for WS702 to Montreal Trudeau, but not before grabbing a picture of the scheduled 737-600 which will operate this flight today.
Yep, it’s a -600 and the first for my log. Yay for no schedule changes
I am well positioned for boarding and get settled into to the short flight across to Montreal. Seems weird not seeing any winglet at the end of the 737’s wing!
The interior is identical to the 737-700 I was just on - and it is clean and smells fresh and new even though it was also delivered new to WestJet in 2006.
By the time the front door is closed, it looks like we have a pretty full cabin. I have a seatmate and all rows around me appear to be filled. Pretty good load on an early afternoon flight for WestJet.
The safety announcement is completed in English first and then French by the senior flight attendant. Her French sounds a little weird - even by my standards as a non native speaker! However, again, I feel welcomed and the vibe on this flight is similar to my earlier flights today. For instance, before we leave the gate, one of the young flight attendants approached the couple in 4A and B to clarify whether they needed assistance at YUL after we arrived and chatted away to them for a bit before moving on to prepare the cabin for departure. Before departure we also get a very enthusiastic welcome from the flight crew.
We line up on the same runway that we landed on earlier (Runway 24R).
And our take off is witnessed by this Air Canada Dash 8 waiting behind us
Passing the Air Canada fortress - with a lone Jet Airways A330 at the gate
Farewell Toronto - I’ll be back (in a few days)
Passing the Air Canada Airbus down below which we had to wait for before we could leave
Urban sprawl Toronto style on departure
We head east after departure before looping left around to the south and over Lake Ontario, before then tracking back and up toward Montreal. It gets cloudy while we’re over the water.
Legroom is the same as on the 737-700. Adequate and the seat is comfortable - not the bony slimline seats favoured by certain Euro airlines these days.
There is not much to see on this short 1 hour flight as it’s cloudy for most of the way. The sun is welcome though.
The crew are chatty and friendly as the go about doing a drinks run - I opt for some water this time and don’t take any pictures. I think we all know what a glass of water looks like
We get a couple of friendly announcements from the cockpit crew with flight information and I am also aware that the inflight announcements from the cabin crew switch order - from being conducted in English and French, to being conducted in French first. I expect it’s intentional.
My seat mate is having difficulty connecting his earphones (and is actually using the seat jack for my earphones instead of the ones on his side of the seat). I politely point this out to him and he thanks me - but looks a little embarrassed. I spend the flight snoozing but I make sure I am wide awake for the descent into Montreal - my first time here.
Luck is sort of on my side as I get a nice view of YUL during our descent
The weather is not brilliant and certainly not as nice as it was for FlyingFinn’s arrival into YUL a few months prior, although thankfully the cloud is high enough to get an idea of how things look in the capital of “La Belle Province”
.
We seem to do a few wide turns and circle back to the airport - again giving some nice views as the cabin is secured for our landing.
.
We make a long final approach over Montreal suburbs which seem to go on for ever
.
Almost there
.
Car v plane?
We land on Runway 24R
and head to our gate. Not being familiar with the terminal layout at YUL, I just spend the time watching out for anything interesting on the ground.
The “mothership” is here getting ready to go back to Paris
It must be Air Transat A310 day today.
I am finally here in Montreal - a city I have wanted to visit for so long. I almost need to pinch myself that I am here.
This is my view as well pull into our gate - a couple of Air Canada widebodies keeping the AF 773 company
Goodbyes are said at the door and I set foot on Montreal soil for the first time. Before heading off, I take one last look at my baby 737 at the gate. Thanks WestJet, I’ve had a great time with you today.
I locate the Airport Express Bus (appropriately numbered “747”) and my adventure in Montreal begins. Traffic is pretty horrible and the outskirts of the city centre look run down and depressed. Yikes! I am hoping that this is not reflective of Montreal as a whole and thankfully, this is not the case as we hit downtown and I check into my gorgeous little hotel (Chez Swann) in Rue Drummond. That evening, I head out with the camera and a map and spend 2 or so hours just wandering around - my favourite way of sightseeing. I discover how photogenic Montreal is and I love it.
Place Jacques Cartier in Old Montreal/Vieux Montreal at dusk
Court of Appeal Building on Rue Notre Dame Est
The Basilique Notre Dame - just before a heavy shower of rain
The Basilique from a different angle
One side of the Palais des Congres de Montreal which has some very funky colouring
. FINAL THOUGHTS
I will take away positive experiences with WestJet. I really enjoyed flying with them from St John’s. The crews on each sector were excellent. I felt like a welcome guest all the way. Small things made the flights seem different - more personal perhaps, compared to my Air Canada mainline experiences to date. My flights were on time, the aircraft were clean and comfortable, and I got to tick off a new subtype for my log.
Flying within North America these days can feel pretty uninspiring and bland at the best of times. I did not feel that way with WestJet. Based on my flights (which I acknowledge were only a couple of flights), WestJet’s good reputation is deserved, and I would not hesitate to fly with them again anytime.
Thanks for reading. Please feel free to leave a comment.
Widebodyroga From United States of America, joined Sep 2008, 472 posts, RR: 4 Reply 2, posted (6 months 2 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
Hey palmjet! Nice to read about parts of Canada that I'm more familiar with this time. Like you said Westjet seems like a nice carrier. They've recently started flying to ORD so I may consider them if I ever wanna fly north of the border again.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): No extra fees to check in my bag and the friendly young guy tags the bag through to YUL. There is a sign on the desk advising passengers that one of the WestJet staff was highly allergic to seafood and for passengers to notify them if they were carrying or checking in any seafood products.
No extra fees for checked-in luggage? Sounds so weird nowadays...
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): not before pausing to take a quick picture of the Air Saint Pierre check in desk (which is closed at this time). I had desperately tried to incorporate a flight with these folks when in Canada but their schedules and my schedules did not work out.
Ah, of course. I remember asking you about this some weeks ago. For me this particular carrier has the same cult status as Air Koryo or Air Greenland. I want to fly them really badly. Too bad it didn't work out for you.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): Also, to make things better still, we get a friendly and detailed announcement from the cockpit crew, welcoming us aboard and some flight information to Halifax. Again, quite different from the cockpit silence I experienced so far on Air Canada mainline.
It's amazing what a difference this can make. I wish all airlines did it. It doesn't cost a dime after all!
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): Time to leave a rainy and grey Halifax - our location on the map
The 737s had PTVs? Awesome! I really enjoy looking at the map on short flights.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): A row of semi exotic CRJ200s - anyone know the livery of the last CRJ on the end?
I can't tell what airline this is but are those other two light-blue-tailed CRJ-200s of RwandAir? How cool.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): One side of the Palais des Congres de Montreal which has some very funky colouring
I love this building. On sunny days the interior of the building becomes so colorful that it can give you an epileptic seizure. Here are a couple of photos of mine:
How the interior looks during the day:
And the colorful reflections of the building onto the street nearby.
Thanks for the nice read (once more) palmjet. Looking forward to the rest
Stojan
Visit my aviation page: http://widebodyroga.weebly.com/
FLIEGER67 From Turkey, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 3, posted (6 months 2 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
Hi, J.,
now that´s good to follow some Westjet stuff.
Done the 736 here also some time ago with the same impression.
Also good to see a couple of destination pictures from Montreal.
A nice reminder here again.
brilondon From Canada, joined Aug 2005, 3170 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (6 months 2 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
Excellent report as always. That red-tailed CRJ is different. I saw two of them parked at the infield terminal on Monday when I flew into YYZ. I did not get a great look at them as I was on the other side of the aircraft. Just to let you know, Montreal is not the capital of Quebec, Quebec City is. You really get around here in Canada, I hope you can come back and enjoy it some more.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 6, posted (6 months 2 weeks 20 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
Hi all
Thanks for your comments - firstly, thanks Brilondon for the correction. It should have said "the largest city" and not "capital". Yes, the red tailed CRJ was one I've not seen before so any clues as to who the former or next owner is would be great! I loved Canada and hope to be back again soon.
Hi WBR
Quote: Hey palmjet! Nice to read about parts of Canada that I'm more familiar with this time. Like you said Westjet seems like a nice carrier. They've recently started flying to ORD so I may consider them if I ever wanna fly north of the border again.
Yes - go for it. Having said that, I would ensure Porter are in your travel plans too
Quote: Ah, of course. I remember asking you about this some weeks ago. For me this particular carrier has the same cult status as Air Koryo or Air Greenland. I want to fly them really badly. Too bad it didn't work out for you.
Something for next time (along with the Twotter). Wanna come along?
Quote: It's amazing what a difference this can make. I wish all airlines did it. It doesn't cost a dime after all!
I know. I see it that way too.
Quote: The 737s had PTVs? Awesome! I really enjoy looking at the map on short flights.
Yes, both the -700 and -600 did.
Quote: I can't tell what airline this is but are those other two light-blue-tailed CRJ-200s of RwandAir? How cool.
Yes, those Rwandian birds were far from home for sure.
Quote: I love this building. On sunny days the interior of the building becomes so colorful that it can give you an epileptic seizure. Here are a couple of photos of mine
Thanks for your pics - great stuff. There is some very cool architecture in Montreal which kept me fascinated for days.
Hi Markus
Quote: now that´s good to follow some Westjet stuff.
Done the 736 here also some time ago with the same impression.
Also good to see a couple of destination pictures from Montreal.
A nice reminder here again.
Great to see you back. I know you've been doing lots of travel (as always!). Glad you enjoyed your 736 flight too and the pics from Montreal. More coming up in the next part. Thanks
Hi Matthew
Quote: Great report, palmjet!
Looks like you had some good flights with WestJet. I've heard good things about them! Good photos, and I love your captions!
Thanks for your comments. Glad you liked this instalment too. WestJet were great on these flights. Cheers Palmjet
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 7, posted (6 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
palmjet my friend,
Thanks again for this next episode of your Canada tale.
Many good things are said and written about Westjet, which mirror your travel experience perfectly. Admittedly, it is only a standard B737 but there’s more to it then just the aircraft type. The one thing I have my doubts on is the livery, I don’t quite know what to think of it. I don’t like the colours and decall saying ‘Westjet’. But truth is: behind this blah livery lies an airline which is run by people who do care. Very refreshing!
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): and being a crazy A.netter, I elected for the flight combination with the maximum stops.
It smells just a little bit like a milk run, but there’s only one stop involved to leave a bottle
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): I am excited about travelling with a new airline, although this is tempered slightly by the fact that I am on a bulk standard 737 again
Agreed but I find the airline and airport an ‘as important as’ factor.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): The view once we get to our cruising height of 40,000ft.
Nice morning glow on the wings!
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): We pull into our gate and passengers continuing to Toronto are given the choice of deplaning or remaining on board.
Isn’t that a bit odd? Usually is either deplane or stay on board for everyone?
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): anyone know the livery of the last CRJ on the end?
It looks like QF but I may very well be totally wrong. Does/did QF have CRJ200’s?
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 719 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (6 months 2 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
Hey there PJ,
Another interesting instalment from your Canadian adventure there with the usual great pics to match. Hopefully I'll make it back to Toronto and up to Montreal sooner or later - I was planning it for next year until the prices shot up and decided I could use that money to go a bit further instead.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 9, posted (6 months 1 week 6 days 19 hours ago) and read 5086 times:
Hi Nils
Quote: Thanks again for this next episode of your Canada tale.
Many good things are said and written about Westjet, which mirror your travel experience perfectly. Admittedly, it is only a standard B737 but there’s more to it then just the aircraft type. The one thing I have my doubts on is the livery, I don’t quite know what to think of it. I don’t like the colours and decall saying ‘Westjet’. But truth is: behind this blah livery lies an airline which is run by people who do care. Very refreshing!
Thanks for your comments and feedback on the WS livery! Well I guess it may not be to everyone's tastes but I kinda liked it.
Quote: It smells just a little bit like a milk run, but there’s only one stop involved to leave a bottle
Quote: Agreed but I find the airline and airport an ‘as important as’ factor.
Me too!
Quote: Isn’t that a bit odd? Usually is either deplane or stay on board for everyone?
Remember this is VERY relaxed part of Canada - we were free to do what we liked. Most people deboarded.
Quote: It looks like QF but I may very well be totally wrong. Does/did QF have CRJ200’s?
It's not QF - they never had CRJ200s (thank goodness)!
Quote: In summer season, BRU sees an Air Transat A310/A332 service, with attractive pricings.
Those A310s are sure common here in Europe. I just never see them en masse on the ground at one time.
Quote: So I need to consider going to Canada after all to get a ride on the babyBus?
Yes for sure!
Thanks again
Hey jwhite9185
Quote: Another interesting instalment from your Canadian adventure there with the usual great pics to match. Hopefully I'll make it back to Toronto and up to Montreal sooner or later - I was planning it for next year until the prices shot up and decided I could use that money to go a bit further instead.
Thanks for your comments. Hope you get to Montreal - shame the prices went up. It's a very cool city.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 11, posted (6 months 1 week 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 5084 times:
Hi PH
Quote: another great report with many good pictures! WestJet is high on my list, it offers a decent product.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter):
A row of semi exotic CRJ200s - anyone know the livery of the last CRJ on the end?
That bird, together with another CRJ, was operated by Sapsan of Kazakhstan. Both are stored.
Thanks for your comments. I can certainly recommend WS based on my experiences. Thanks for the response re the CRJ - it was driving me crazy trying to work out who operated it. Quite obscure - thanks!
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 12, posted (6 months 1 week 5 days 8 hours ago) and read 5084 times:
Hello Palmjet
Great read on the latest Canada story! I was planning on trying out Westjet as well but due to pricing/scheduling issues!
Westjet looks decent with LiveTV and friendly F'A's!
Great to see the first 736 in the log, I logged my first 736 as well to the famous ARN meet .
Nice to see you managed to get some 310 pics, seems like LIS and YYZ are the only airports that see them frequent
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): This one is dedicated to Marc. His report on the Air Canada Express Dash 8 - 400 is at:
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 13, posted (6 months 1 week 3 days 19 hours ago) and read 5084 times:
Hi Marc
Quote: Great read on the latest Canada story! I was planning on trying out Westjet as well but due to pricing/scheduling issues! Westjet looks decent with LiveTV and friendly F'A's! Great to see the first 736 in the log, I logged my first 736 as well to the famous ARN meet. Nice to see you managed to get some 310 pics, seems like LIS and YYZ are the only airports that see them frequent
Thanks for your comments. WestJet offer a very decent product on flights within Canada for sure. It's not surprising why they they have done so well and grown so fast. Yes, I must be one of the few left from the ARN meet who has not logged a 736 yet. YYZ does seem to be a hub for A310s thanks to Air Transat - and yes, I found the same when I was in LIS last year - with a row of 3 parked next to each other. Very nice! Thanks again Palmjet
vsmike From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 311 posts, RR: 7 Reply 14, posted (6 months 1 week 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 5083 times:
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): we cross into US airspace for a time before getting back into Canada
I need to check your APIS info, because I'm not sure not you're allowed into the USA. Lucky your Frenchy aircraft passed through our Americany airspace without incident. We're watching you.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4915 posts, RR: 55 Reply 15, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 5083 times:
What a wonderful trip report. Were you able to get a hold of my friend at WS? WS remains a wonderful airline and it seems report after report on A.Net attests to this. They don't promise a lot, and almost always exceed expectation. I have had similarly positive experiences with them. Then again, the people behind this airline makes such a difference. It continues to amaze me at how different WestJet and Air Canada continue to be!
ghYHZ From Canada, joined Feb 2008, 200 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 5083 times:
Quoting vsmike (Reply 14): Quoting palmjet (Reply 1):
we cross into US airspace for a time before getting back into Canada
I need to check your APIS info, because I'm not sure not you're allowed into the USA. Lucky your Frenchy aircraft passed through our Americany airspace without incident. We're watching you.
VSM
Huh?........what is this “Frenchy” aircraft?
Just about any flight from the Maritimes: YHZ, YQM, YSJ, YFC, YYG etc to central Canada: YUL, YOW, YYZ will be in US airspace for about 200 miles across Maine. Just look at a map.
Also many flights from YYZ to/fr western Canada
In the reverse, US flights from the east to the upper Mid-West. For example JFK or BOS to MSP will be in Canadian airspace across Ontario. Also flights to/from Alaska are over Canada.
And US flights at DTW are routinely in Canadian airspace over Windsor/Southern Ontario
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 17, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 5083 times:
Another good installment James.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): – not before pausing to take a quick picture of the Air Saint Pierre check in desk (which is closed at this time). I had desperately tried to incorporate a flight with these folks when in Canada but their schedules and my schedules did not work out.
I remember breading about them in Airliner World years ago. I think a trip out of St.Pierre and Miquelon would be pretty cool.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter):
Yep, it’s a -600 and the first for my log. Yay for no schedule changes
Congrats on hunting this one down. I managed to log the Innsburck-livery Lauda Air version a few years ago coming back from Armenia quite by chance. Nice little plane, lost in a world of superior planes
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): That evening, I head out with the camera and a map and spend 2 or so hours just wandering around - my favourite way of sightseeing. I discover how photogenic Montreal is and I love it.
Ooh, Montreal looks great. My cousin lived there for a year and I'm kicking myself for never going to visit.
vsmike From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 311 posts, RR: 7 Reply 18, posted (6 months 1 week 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 5083 times:
Quoting ghYHZ (Reply 16): Huh?........what is this “Frenchy” aircraft?
LOL! Not to worry... just a longstanding joke...
To be clear(er), it was an Americany aircraft operating for a Canado-Frenchy corporation, crossing willy-nilly from Franco-Canadienne airspace into Americany airspace. My concern is mostly for Austral-Brits who enter Canada and then pass into American territory without a proper APIS check. Personally, I think they're dangerous, and often overlooked as a threat to American liberties, including (but not limited to) the pursuit of life, liberty, and the American Way (AAs InFlight magazine).
infodesk From Switzerland, joined May 2006, 1241 posts, RR: 34 Reply 20, posted (6 months 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 5083 times:
Hi Palmjet,
Good to read the latest installment of your Canadian adventure and to hear about your experiences on Westjet. Montreal looks so pretty too, please post some more pics of the city in your next report!
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): am excited about travelling with a new airline, although this is tempered slightly by the fact that I am on a bulk standard 737 again: nowhere near as interesting as the Beeches I had sampled, nor the Twotter that I so badly wanted to experience again. Sorry WestJet.
You can’t have it all
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): Service consists of two phases a) the BOB run and then b) the complimentary snack and drink. Snacks are either sweet or salty. I don’t see many passengers buying anything so the crew spend most of their time handing out free drinks and the
Don’t think I’ve ever flown on an airline where they’ve had a free snack and BOB. Is it really worth it?
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): Hello Toronto - it’s been 9 years since I was last here. Nice to see you again!
It’s 18 years since I was there, that’s really quite frightening! It was my first flight as a UM, my first time out of Europe and I remember being mesmerised by the approach into YYZ. Such a vast country, it fascinated me. Thanks for bringing back those memories.
Happy flying
Infodesk
"Do nothing in haste, look well to each step and from the beginning think what may be the end" - Edward Whymper
allrite From Australia, joined Aug 2007, 1409 posts, RR: 3 Reply 21, posted (6 months 4 days ago) and read 5083 times:
Heya Palmjet,
I don't understand how we can both be sitting in the window seat at the same time, because that's what I feel when I read/see your reports! Do you have to pay to view anything other than the flight map on those seatback screens? I wonder if their utility will decrease further now so many passengers used to super crisp mobile displays.
Gosh the Q400's look so long on the Air Canada livery! I had to look twice to check if they were the same aircraft that QantasLink uses.
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 22, posted (5 months 2 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 4467 times:
Nice report again! Always great when you can add a couple of flights for almost the same price! Shame about the weather this time, although the approach Toronto looked great. Thanks for posting!
adamspotter From Netherlands, joined Feb 2011, 776 posts, RR: 2 Reply 23, posted (5 months 1 week 6 hours ago) and read 3934 times:
Hi Palmjet,
Great report with many nice pictures as usual!
Flew Westjet myself for the first time this last summer and surely enjoyed them just like you did. Was also planned to catch the 737-600 but that unfortunately changed due to missing my connection!
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2332 posts, RR: 53 Reply 24, posted (4 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 3252 times:
Hello Palmjet,
Thank you so much for bringing this WestJet experience of yours.
I have always been fascinated by the airline and wondering how its onboard service might be. Great to learn about your good experience. Kudos to the well-groomed and courteous crew members!
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): it became clear that it was only marginally more expensive to add the stop in Halifax, and being a crazy A.netter, I elected for the flight combination with the maximum stops.
Way to go!
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): I ask the guy if he hates fish and he laughs and says no – it’s not him.
I just love this carefree attitude.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): I recall they had no ability to process an online booking on their website which seemed very odd for an airline in the year 2012 AD
Neither some of Indonesian airlines. We are just spoilt by e-ticketing facilities.
Quoting palmjet (Thread starter): I decide to stretch my legs and head out into the terminal.
Did you have to undergo another security check?
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): To our A.netter friends from the Netherlands - arriving from AMS
Thank you.
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): I think we all know what a glass of water looks like
But not the Canadian one!
Quoting palmjet (Reply 1): my gorgeous little hotel (Chez Swann) in Rue Drummond.
What a sweet name for a hotel!
Thanks again. Also for showing us around at the Canadian Notre Dame.
fidelidade From Brazil, joined Dec 2012, 27 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (4 months 3 weeks 3 days 3 hours ago) and read 2978 times:
WestJet I only hear very very good things. But I did not think it was possible to have good customer service in Canada. It is good to see I am proved wrong. I flew WestJet once from Calgary to Vancouver when I went to ski with my family in Banff. The people at WestJet were so kind. I even saw all their management stay back to clean the plane afterwords. It was so shocking and gentle to see this. It would NEVER happen in Brazil.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 26, posted (4 months 2 weeks 3 days 13 hours ago) and read 2543 times:
Hi Alex
Quote: What a wonderful trip report. Were you able to get a hold of my friend at WS? WS remains a wonderful airline and it seems report after report on A.Net attests to this. They don't promise a lot, and almost always exceed expectation. I have had similarly positive experiences with them. Then again, the people behind this airline makes such a difference. It continues to amaze me at how different WestJet and Air Canada continue to be!
Thanks for your comments. Yes, I did exchange a couple of emails with your charming friend at WS. Most helpful and I sent an email of thanks after the trip, especially because the 736 wasn't swapped at the last minute! I really do agree that it was the people whom I encountered at WS who made the difference - the same can be said of Porter.
Cheers! Palmjet
Hi Gary
Quote: Just about any flight from the Maritimes: YHZ, YQM, YSJ, YFC, YYG etc to central Canada: YUL, YOW, YYZ will be in US airspace for about 200 miles across Maine. Just look at a map.
Also many flights from YYZ to/fr western Canada
In the reverse, US flights from the east to the upper Mid-West. For example JFK or BOS to MSP will be in Canadian airspace across Ontario. Also flights to/from Alaska are over Canada.
And US flights at DTW are routinely in Canadian airspace over Windsor/Southern Ontario
Thank goodness the US and Canada are friends then!
Hi Gab
Quote: I remember breading about them in Airliner World years ago. I think a trip out of St.Pierre and Miquelon would be pretty cool.
Yes, me too. I tried to work them into my plans but I ran out of days and their schedules did not fit, and moreover, their booking process is archaic. Their website does not allow you to book tickets when I looked!
Quote: Congrats on hunting this one down. I managed to log the Innsburck-livery Lauda Air version a few years ago coming back from Armenia quite by chance. Nice little plane, lost in a world of superior planes
Oh yes I remember that report of yours. They are a rare bird indeed these days - sad to see some of them being scrapped. My WS machine was very nice.
Quote: Ooh, Montreal looks great. My cousin lived there for a year and I'm kicking myself for never going to visit.
It's definitely worth a visit. I enjoyed my time there a lot. I would definitely consider going back.
Hi The777Man
Quote: Thanks for another great report with great pictures!
Looks like you had some nice flights on WS and good that you had your first flight on a 736!
Looking forward to your next report!
Thanks very much - glad you enjoyed. Finally got the 736 only 14 or so years after they first entered service!
Hi Hannah
Quote: Good to read the latest installment of your Canadian adventure and to hear about your experiences on Westjet. Montreal looks so pretty too, please post some more pics of the city in your next report!
No probs - glad you enjoyed. I posted a few more Montreal pics in the Air Creebec report. I have a few more which I will also post in the next instalment.
Quote: You can’t have it all
I know.
Quote: Don’t think I’ve ever flown on an airline where they’ve had a free snack and BOB. Is it really worth it?
I guess it depends on the length of the flight. I did not see anyone buying anything but perhaps on longer sectors people do.
Quote: It’s 18 years since I was there, that’s really quite frightening! It was my first flight as a UM, my first time out of Europe and I remember being mesmerised by the approach into YYZ. Such a vast country, it fascinated me. Thanks for bringing back those memories.
You're welcome! Sounds like you're due for a return trip soon?
Hi allrite
Quote: I don't understand how we can both be sitting in the window seat at the same time, because that's what I feel when I read/see your reports! Do you have to pay to view anything other than the flight map on those seatback screens? I wonder if their utility will decrease further now so many passengers used to super crisp mobile displays.
Gosh the Q400's look so long on the Air Canada livery! I had to look twice to check if they were the same aircraft that QantasLink uses.
Thanks for your kind words. Ha! Glad you enjoyed it. I think some of the programmes were free on the seatback screens. They certainly felt a bit old school now - they are like the ones DJ has on its 737 fleet.
Yes, the Q400 is a long bird. I managed to sample one of these on my travels in Canada too. Report coming up soon!
Cheers Palmjet
Hey roberts87
Quote: Nice report again! Always great when you can add a couple of flights for almost the same price! Shame about the weather this time, although the approach Toronto looked great. Thanks for posting!
Thanks for your comments. Yes, the weather in Nova Scotia stank pretty much the both times I was there in transit. I am sure they have some sunny days!
Hi B
Quote: Great report with many nice pictures as usual! Flew Westjet myself for the first time this last summer and surely enjoyed them just like you did. Was also planned to catch the 737-600 but that unfortunately changed due to missing my connection!
Thank you. Yes, I remember your summer travels to Canada last year. It was a popular place for A.netters for sure! Sorry you missed the 736. I remember your story about that. I am sure you'll get another chance?
Hi Suryo
Quote: Thank you so much for bringing this WestJet experience of yours.
Glad you enjoyed!
Quote: Way to go!
Why go direct hey?
Quote: Neither some of Indonesian airlines. We are just spoilt by e-ticketing facilities.
This is very true!
Quote: Did you have to undergo another security check?
No - there is no security at the gate at YHZ so once you exit the aircraft jetbridge you're airside with all the other departing passengers for every flight.
Quote: What a sweet name for a hotel!
It's a lovely hotel. I think you and Herman would love it!
Thanks again
Hi fidelidade
Quote: WestJet I only hear very very good things. But I did not think it was possible to have good customer service in Canada. It is good to see I am proved wrong. I flew WestJet once from Calgary to Vancouver when I went to ski with my family in Banff. The people at WestJet were so kind. I even saw all their management stay back to clean the plane afterwords. It was so shocking and gentle to see this. It would NEVER happen in Brazil.
Thanks for your comments. There are pockets of amazing customer service in Canada thankfully both on the ground and in the air. I was blown away by the incredible customer service generally in Eastern Canada - particularly Newfoundland and Labrador. Thanks for your WestJet story too - they are indeed a very good airline. Cheers Palmjet
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