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And just the Canadian sectors:



Maps generated by theGreat Circle Mapper -copyright © Karl L. Swartz.

Videos related to this report

British Airways | 787 Dreamliner | LHR-YYZ | World Traveller Plus: http://youtu.be/9jUFSQjuScA
Air Canada | Embraer E190 | YYZ-YUL | Economy: http://youtu.be/o1LXK5CVuwk
Porter Airlines | Dash8 Q400 | YUL-YTZ | Economy: http://youtu.be/Ma7GBy8ozH4
British Airways | 777-300ER | YYZ-LHR | Club World: Coming soon


Hi there, and thanks for taking a look at yet another one of my reports. This time I will be heading off across the Atlantic for the second time in 2014, but unlike on my previous journey I’ll be heading to Canada, a country I’ve not visited for a good fifteen years. Putting my newly acquired British Airways Gold Status to good use, I ideally wanted to use them for the Trans Atlantic sectors. Prices weren't too bad over the busy Christmas and New Year break. The best part however was that on the return, World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) was just thirty odd pounds more than World Traveller (Economy).



Also, the later BA departure from YYZ had recently been swapped from the 747-400 to the 777-300ER, meaning that by the time I took the flight I would have been on every type in the BA fleet (minus the A318, which at the time wasn't technically operated by BA anyway).



Strangely, after booking I was asked to pay to reserve a seat.



It turned out to be just a bug in the system though, as once I exited and returned to MMB, everything was in order.



As I wanted to visit Montreal, a couple of Canadian domestics were in order. These were booked on Air Canada and Porter Airlines respectively for around £60 each.



During OLCI for the first BA flight, the following offers were available.



I was very tempted, however I figured the reason why they were so desperate to try and sell the upgrades (the prices had been reduced by £50 in the week leading up to the flight) was because the flights were pretty full. I eventually decided to call their bluff and not bother buying them. I figured my status meant I’d be towards the top of the operational upgrade list anyway, and if not I was happy enough with the cabin I’d booked into anyway - especially as I’d not travelled in BA’s World Traveller cabin since early 1997 - so was keen to see what t was like these days.

On the day of departure, it would be the 08:50 coach to Heathrow.



Upon arrival I made my way over to the First check in area where there was a bit of a queue, but I was still seen within a few moments.


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I then headed through the new T5 fast track - it was a little quicker but no too much, before heading up to the galleries first lounge for some breakfast.


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Once I’d finished eating, I made my way outside to the terrace area which was much quieter and provided a good view of what was going on outside.


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A couple more views of the T5 Galleries First lounge:




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After around an hour or so, gate B36 was displayed, so I headed over to T5B.


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Upon entering the lounge at T5B, I was told that "Unfortunately I had been upgraded to World Traveller Plus". Well if you insist... The downside of this however was that I'd now been dumped right in the middle of the cabin. I did ask if there were any window seats available but I was told the flight was completely full. That would explain the upgrade then. And I’d saved £168 in the process. I stayed in the lounge for around half an hour or so.



Before heading down to the gate. As I arrived, boarding was being called. As I made my way down, I was singled out for a thorough search - and for the first time ever I was asked to power up all my electronic devices. The lounge agent who gave me the upgrade mentioned that my seat was a front bulkhead row seat. As I knew row 12 was at the rear of the cabin on the 787, and there was a 747 parked up on stand B36 I figured there had been a last minute change of plane.



However at the very last moment, it was downstairs to a waiting bus, and a long journey over to the far side of T5C, where G-ZBJB was waiting patiently. This now meant I'd been on G-ZBJA, B and C.


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BA093
LHR-YYZ
December 2014
Boeing 787-8/ G-ZBJB
Seat: 26K / World Traveller
Seat: 12E / World Traveller Plus
Scheduled: 12:30/15:25
Off Stand: 12:30
On Stand: 15:16

I took my seat, and as expected the cabin was full.



There didn't appear to be any other solo travellers either so no opportunity to pester somebody for a seat swap. Menus and welcome drinks were handed out.


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The captain announced a flying time of seven hours and fifteen minutes. We pushed back exactly on schedule and made the journey over to 27R, which I was able to follow on the sky map but not much else. As most of the people in the window seats had their windows set to full dim, I didn't have any chance really.



We lifted off into some cloudy skies and appeared to be making our way up north.



After departure, hot towels were given out.



As I couldn't really pay much attention to what was going on outside, I put Curb Your Enthusiasm on the IFE a few moments later.



Around thirty minutes after departure, the first drinks run began. I ordered a G&T, and doubles were dished up without prompting.



A few moments later however, there was some pretty strong turbulence - so strong in fact that the crew were told to halt service and take their seats. Lunch was served just over an hour after takeoff. I chose the beef.


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It wasn't the worst meal I'd had onboard but I'd had better.

Still relying on the IFE as my only source of entertainment:



The plus side of being in the middle of the cabin was that I was able to get a pretty good panorama of more or less the entire cabin



After this, I headed to the back to use the washroom and grab a much needed look at the outside world.



Followed up by a couple of films, 22 Jump Street and A Million Ways To Die In The West.


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One of the few juice runs:


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Towards the end of the second film the afternoon snacks were handed out.



After which the First Officer announced that there was just forty minutes until landing.



Still unable to see much, I took a look at the High Life magazine.



We made our descent and touched down into a surprisingly sunny and snow free Toronto. And then made a pretty long taxi over to the stand at Terminal 3.


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Everybody made their way off a few moments later and took the long walk over to Passport control. There was also an initial passport check as soon as you exited the jet bridge.


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Once there it took quite a while to get through as I was singled out for further screening - they thought it was a bit odd why I travel so much. They were very thorough too - even asking to see hotel confirmations. No big deal though as I wasn't in a rush. Once I was finally stamped into the country it was out to wait for a bus to my hotel for the evening, the Hilton Garden Inn.


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For the second time today I was given an upgrade - to a suite.


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I checked in for the following days flight, watched a bit of TV and grabbed some room service - pretty much the only food option around, before turning in for the evening.



The next morning, I woke up pretty early and headed back to the airport.


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Reasonable views from the room

Once at the airport, I saw an opportunity to get a couple of pics before heading inside.


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I grabbed a souvenir boarding pass…


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…before heading through security for some breakfast.



Far better than anything I'd get in a lounge that's for sure, and for just $5 a bargain too. As I had around an hour until boarding I took a walk to see what was around.


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bmi?

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Before heading down to the gate.



Just as boarding was scheduled to begin, the ground crew announced it was to be a full flight and that the plane hadn't yet arrived. I was thinking the E-Jet parked at the adjacent gate would be operating the flight. A few moments later, C-FHOS pulled on to stand.



Boarding began, and for the first time in a long time I took the regular queue as opposed to the priority one.

AC408
YYZ-YUL
December 2014
Embraer E190 / C-FHOS
Seat: 25A / Economy
Scheduled: 11:00/12:18
Off Stand: 11:10
On Stand: 12:13

I made my way onboard, and reached my seat - my seat mate already firmly in place. Much like on my flight with Oman Air in 2013, this little E-Jet came complete with personal IFE.


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Free Wi-Fi - Nice!

Pushback came and we made our way out to the active. No word of the flight time came from the flight deck though.


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There was just a company 777 to depart ahead of us, then it was our turn.


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So much for the free Wi-Fi

And watching the IFE. Oh well.

A few moments later, the crew sprang into action. There was a full drink selection, complete with a small snack. Around the time the trolley reached my row, the engines spooled back and descent began. The flight was pretty similar to a UK domestic really.


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During this time, my seatmate was curious as to why I was taking pictures of things. He figured I was some sort of travel writer - and he wasn't too far off the mark. We chatted quite a bit until on finals. He mentioned he was also quite a regular flyer, mostly for pleasure than business.



As we did start our final approach, we passed by downtown Montreal. For once I was on the right side of the plane.



We made a very light touchdown and a quick taxi over to stand.


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It was then the quick walk over to the arrivals area and on to the 747 bus to the city.


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Around thirty minutes later, I was in the city. As I was a little early to check into my hotel, I went for a quick walk around before heading back.


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I still arrived back a little early, but was able to check in anyway.


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Not a bad view I guess.

Heated outdoor rooftop pool at the hotel.

I spent a few hours relaxing and chatting complete nonsense with PalmJet and FlyingFinn76 on Facebook before heading out to grab something to eat. The next few days were spent exploring a chilly Montreal. I mostly used the pretty good subway system to get around. Very cheap and covered nearly all the major areas of the city.



First stop in the city was taking a walk to look around the Viex Port:


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Before heading off to Parc Jean Drapeau, and walking around the GP track. The was about the only snow I saw during my time in Canada.


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Looking around the Old Town once more. I didn't last too long however - it was just too cold to be outside in the morning.


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Once it had warmed up to a balmy -15, I once more used the subway out to head out to the Olympic park.


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My final evening in the city was spent up Mont Royal. Unpredictably, it was almost unbearably cold. Luckily there was a decent sized chalet to warm up in between photos.


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Of course, I couldn't leave Quebec without sampling some poutine:



When it came to checking in for my flight back to Toronto, the seat selection process was much like how I've experienced on a LCC - either pay for a specific seat or get shoved wherever. I was put in 10A, which may seem good enough.



However according to seatguru this row was missing a window. So not so good. The only other option was to pay to upgrade to a premium seat at the front of the cabin, so I stumped up the CAD$20 for 2A instead.


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I checked out of my hotel and took the short walk to the bus stop.


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tty quiet airport earlier than expected I took a bit of a walk around, before stumbling across the Porter check in area.

<center> <img src=" http:="" width="650" height="433"/>
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Toronto is a very popular destination from YUL it seems.

As there was nobody waiting, I grabbed a souvenir boarding pass. I was pleased to see it wasn't the standard plain white affair!



After this, I headed through security - where once again I was the only person there, so it took just a couple of minutes. I took a walk around the concourse to see what was around. Luckily there was a decent set of windows.


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After which I grabbed a drink and headed down to gate 9.


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I tracked my incoming plane, which had just left Toronto. Although it would later prove to be a different plane completely, as my flight was actually a YHZ-YUL-YTZ service.

PD412
YUL-YTZ
December 2014
Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 / C-GLQK
Seat: 2A / Economy
Scheduled: 11:30/12:40
Off Stand: 11:27
On Stand: 12:38

General boarding began, and as far as I knew, I was the first on board - until I actually made it on board and found half a plane full of people. I was greeted by a cheerful crew member and directed to my seat. The legroom was pretty good, so at least the CAD$20 was somewhat worth it.


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The plane filled up until it was completely full as far as I could see. The flight deck came over the PA and welcomed everybody and said that we would hopefully be airborne within ten minutes. No flight time was given however.


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We pushed back a couple of minutes ahead of schedule whilst the crew performed the safety briefing. A very quick taxi followed to the nearest runway and we powered into the air.


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Some ten minutes or so after departure, service began. From what I could see, the crew left the trolleys in the middle of the cabin and delivered all the drinks on a tray. There was a choice of crisps, nuts or cookies to eat, along with a selection of drinks. I chose the cookies and some orange juice, which was delivered to my seat on a silver tray and in a branded glass along with a smile.


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After this, the crew passed through the cabin a few more times, checking everybody was ok.


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My seat mate then said she noticed I was taking quite a few pics and asked if I was into flying or photography. How refreshing that on both my Canadian domestics, rather than just assume I was up to no good, my seat mates seemed genuinely interested as to what I was up to and strike up a conversation about it! After around thirty minutes of flight, the flight deck announced that descent was ten minutes away.



We made our way down, passing through some rough clouds along the way.



Unfortunately, I was on the wrong side for any decent views - all I could see was the water of Lake Ontario. Out the other side, I could see the buildings of downtown Toronto passing by very closely. We touched down and came to a very sudden stop on the runway at Toronto City airport.



After this, it was a brief taxi over to the terminal.



I saw the marshaller franticly making the X sign with his batons as we approached our gate and we screeched to a halt just before turning on to stand. A few moments later, we proceeded and pulled up to an interesting looking gate - at ground level, but with the standard jet bridge type connection to the plane.


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It was then through some confusing corridors - the signs either directed you to other gates or the connections desk. Myself and a few others were neither and we had to flag down a passing worker to point us in the right direction. Basically to the end of the corridor and through baggage claim.



It was then on to the ferry for the minute or so journey over to the mainland.


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Followed by a bus ride to the centre - all courtesy of Porter.



As I could see my hotel in the distance, and I was a little early to check in I took the walk up the road rather than catch the subway.


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My room on the 20th floor of the Toronto Doubletree.



With a good view too:


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I spent the next couple of days seeing what was going on in Toronto - quite a bit as it turned out, as it was new year. I couldn't believe how much the area had changed since my last visit back in 1999.



Dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe on NYE:



Checking out the CN Tower. As it was New Years day, it was very quiet. In fact I was the only person in the lift heading to the top.


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Of course, I spent a lot of time looking in this general area.


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This was actually the one that brought me from YUL.

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I also took a walk around the Old Town - I must admit I never knew Toronto had an old town until I saw it in a tourist guide at the hotel.


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And finally, checking out the Eaton Centre.



When it was time to return to the airport, I was surprised to see that there weren't any express services from the city. So instead, it was via public transport. It took around an hour, but for just CAD$3 a real bargain.


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Upon reaching terminal 3 at YYZ, I queued up in the First Class line, as I'm entitled to do.


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The check in agent spotted me and abruptly said “business class?”. Erm, no but I have a gold card… He summoned me over and began typing. He asked what seat I was in, and when I replied he said that British Airways had now put me into a sleeper seat (his words, not mine) and that I should head upstairs to the lounge where the airline would be more than happy to provide me with dinner. He then handed back my passport, a boarding pass and wished me a very happy new year - talk about change of tune. But more importantly, I’d called BA’s bluff brilliantly with regards to the upgrade situation.

I then headed through security, and as there didn't appear to be much airside, straight up to the lounge.


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The agent welcomed me in and handed me a dinner voucher - saying that I could get dinner from the Club side and eat it in the First side. It was a bit of an odd setup really - where the food was only handed out in return for a voucher. If I hadn't been upgraded I wouldn’t have got very much to eat at all. I was under the impression that if you've got access to lounge, then you have access to all the lounges facilities?



I had the entire First section to myself, for around twenty minutes until a family with a pretty noisy child turned up. Luckily, a few glances in their general direction led to an apology and them calming the child down a bit.


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A snack to begin with:



I went to grab some dinner whilst it was still quiet, but the buffet wasn't quite open, so made do with some champagne instead.



Eventually, I did wander over to the J lounge to grab a tasty dinner. As the buffet didn't really have anything that jumped out at me, I ordered some of the risotto.


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By the time I was done, the F lounge had filled up considerably - not that it's too big anyway (only twelve "proper" seats), so I had to make do with the seats nearer the entrance.



As I wanted to enjoy some of the service on board, I grabbed a coffee. As it would turn out, the coffee worked a little better than anticipated as I ended up enjoying all of the service on board, rather than just some of it.



With around an hour until boarding, I made my way down to the gate as I fancied a change of scenery.

Interesting

The lounge area was certainly different to anything I’d seen before - with a lot less seats and free to use iPads everywhere.



Boarding began, and somewhat predictably, as soon as the ground crew stepped up to the mic a mass bundle took place, including some guy barging his way past the entire fast track line, announcing loudly that he has young children so needs to be first. Moron.

BA98
YYZ-LHR
January 2015
Boeing 777-300ER / G-STBB
Seat: 25K / World Traveller Plus
Seat: 13A / Club World
Scheduled: 22:05/09:50
Off Stand: 22:07
On Stand: 10:00


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Almost as soon as I reached my seat, I was offered a newspaper and a drink of either water, oj or champagne. As I'm not a fan of BA champagne, I opted for the water.


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This aircraft had the slightly older generation Club seat, and I found it a little more comfortable than what I experienced on the 787 on a previous trip. Although I could be just imagining that.


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Nice scheme - No idea who it belonged to though.

My seat mate turned up and immediately raised the divider between the two seats - which suited me. Despite the 8 abreast seating, it still felt very private.

I do like these lamps in the Club cabin. Very classy.

The menus were handed out and dinner orders taken. I opted for the chicken.


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We then pushed back (which seemed to take the crew by surprise somewhat) and I got to hear the great noise of the GE90's starting up.



After this, we made our way over to be de-iced.


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This took a good few moments, then we made the long trek over to the opposite side of the airport for departure.



We eventually lifted off forty five minutes after leaving the gate.


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As we climbed, the amenity kits were handed out, which included the usual bits and pieces.



Within thirty minutes of departure, the bar service began, joined by an episode of American Dad.


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Followed just a few seconds later by dinner.


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After this the cabin settled down for the short evening. I wasn't feeling that tired however, so I watched a few things on tv, mostly the BA documentary series that was shown on the BBC last year.


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I’d pre ordered an A380 model, which I had to chase up on. The crew didn't really know the procedure as they said they'd never had anybody pre order duty free before. Guess I was the first person ever then… maybe.



I also paid a visit to the club kitchen.


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After a few more episodes of top gear, the cabin was starting to come back to life.


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Breakfast was served.



There were also bacon and egg muffins offered but I didn't take one.

By this time, the sun was starting to appear outside too.


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The captain announced our descent and that as it was a little busy at Heathrow, we would probably have to hold for fifteen minutes or so. On our way down there was a pretty good view of LHR.


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After more than a few laps of the Ockham hold, we turned on to finals, which led to some good views of London.


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We made a very smooth touchdown and rolled out for quite a while - enabling us to turn off the runway and pretty much straight on to stand at T5C.


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It was a reasonably short wait to leave, before heading off to the main building.


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The procedures were carried out pretty quickly and I made my way up to the arrivals lounge to freshen up and have some breakfast.


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The breakfast options were pretty much the same as in the F lounge, but I didn't notice any menus around.


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Heathrow becomes airport number 2 on my airport shower list.


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Unfortunately this particular one had seen better days.



I stayed for just over an hour before heading downstairs for the coach home.


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And that brings an end to my final trip of 2014.

How did BA do this time? Well not too bad - which is the standard I’ve found recently. The upgrades were gratefully received and it was good to try out their Club World product for the first time.

Air Canada were decent enough too on the hours sector - its just a shame the IFE or the Wi-Fi didn't work as advertised. But on a short flight it wasn’t a big issue. If it was a YYZ-YVR sector though it would have been more of an annoyance.

Porter I thought were a great little airline. Friendly crew on the ground and in the air, very tasty choice of snacks on board (as opposed to the single offering on AC) and great presentation of the service too. The only niggle is the seat selection system which basically forces you to pay for a seat or get what you're given - this seemed very LCC.

Previous trip reports


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Amsterdam A.net Meet With SI, BA And WX. May 2014 (by jwhite9185 Oct 14 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 9: The Finale. TK A320/BA 767 TXL-IST-LHR (by jwhite9185 Sep 27 2014 in Trip Reports)
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Oz 2014 7: A Failed Attempt At CX First, HKG-SIN (by jwhite9185 Aug 29 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 6: Back To Asia: VS A346 Upper Class SYD-HKG (by jwhite9185 Aug 1 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 5: A Qantas Widebody To SYD. 763 BNE-SYD (by jwhite9185 Jul 22 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 4: Oz Domestic, VA MEL-SYD-BNE 738/E190 (by jwhite9185 Jul 7 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 3: Heading Down Under With MH 737/A333 (by jwhite9185 Jun 26 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 2: Qatar Business BCN-DOH-SIN A333/77W (by jwhite9185 Jun 10 2014 in Trip Reports)
Oz 2014 1: Positioning LGW-BCN With EasyJet (by jwhite9185 May 26 2014 in Trip Reports)
Salzburg With BA In Club On The 737-400.March 2014 (by jwhite9185 May 11 2014 in Trip Reports)
The Red Nosed Way To Faro. LGW-OSL-FAO-LGW DY/BA (by jwhite9185 Apr 28 2014 in Trip Reports)
New Year, New AA: LHR-ORD-BOS-JFK-LHR 772/738/77W (by jwhite9185 Apr 1 2014 in Trip Reports)
To Fly, To Serve: BA LGW-VCE-LCY 737/E170 Dec.13 (by jwhite9185 Mar 22 2014 in Trip Reports)
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The EZY Way To Catch A LAN 787 LGW-MAD-FRA-ARN-LHR (by jwhite9185 Feb 21 2014 in Trip Reports)
Trains, Planes And… Boats? ZRH A.net Meet (by jwhite9185 Feb 5 2014 in Trip Reports)
Asia 4: Heading Home On An A380 KUL-LHR (by jwhite9185 Jan 20 2014 in Trip Reports)
Asia 3: JAL 767 To Kuala Lumpur NRT-KUL (by jwhite9185 Jan 10 2014 in Trip Reports)
Asia 2:Catching A Cathay Pacific 747 To Tokyo In F (by jwhite9185 Dec 22 2013 in Trip Reports)
Asia 1: A Journey Of Epic Proportions LHR-KUL-HKG (by jwhite9185 Dec 8 2013 in Trip Reports)
Comparing The Competition Again: VS/BA LHR-ABZ-LHR (by jwhite9185 Nov 24 2013 in Trip Reports)
Across The UK With Flybe SOU-EDI-MAN-SOU E195/Q400 (by jwhite9185 Nov 5 2013 in Trip Reports)
An Impulse Buy To Catch BA's 787 In C LHR-ARN-LHR (by jwhite9185 Oct 18 2013 in Trip Reports)
BA,The DB, AB And A Bit Of DAT LHR-STR-NUE-DUS-STR (by jwhite9185 Oct 6 2013 in Trip Reports)
Jettime To Scandinavia: LHR-CPH-BHX 733/SAS CR9 (by jwhite9185 Sep 28 2013 in Trip Reports)
Arabia & Thailand 2013 5: Catching A Whale To LHR (by jwhite9185 Sep 3 2013 in Trip Reports)
Arabia & Thailand 2013 4:Back To DXB With Oman Air (by jwhite9185 Aug 20 2013 in Trip Reports)
Arabia & Thailand 2013 3: BKK-DXB-MCT With EK/WY (by jwhite9185 Aug 6 2013 in Trip Reports)
Arabia & Thailand 2013 2: Two TG Classic's To HKT (by jwhite9185 Jul 20 2013 in Trip Reports)
Arabia & Thailand 2013 1: LHR-DXB-BKK EK A380/77W (by jwhite9185 Jul 9 2013 in Trip Reports)
USA 2013 Pt 5: AA & BA's New WTP MCO-MIA-ATL-LHR (by jwhite9185 Jun 25 2013 in Trip Reports)
USA 2013 Pt 4: Heading South On A Mad Dog ORD-MCO (by jwhite9185 Jun 13 2013 in Trip Reports)
USA 2013 Pt 3: Almost A Disaster With AA DCA-ORD (by jwhite9185 May 29 2013 in Trip Reports)
USA 2013 Pt 2: BA A320/744 WTP CDG-LHR-IAD (by jwhite9185 May 14 2013 in Trip Reports)
USA 2013 Pt 1: The Beginning BA LHR-ORY (by jwhite9185 Apr 20 2013 in Trip Reports)
Comparing The Competition: BA/VS Inaugural MAN-LHR (by jwhite9185 Mar 31 2013 in Trip Reports)
Taking TAP To Portugal: LGW-OPO-LIS-LHR Feb. 2013 (by jwhite9185 Mar 10 2013 in Trip Reports)
Poland On The Dream)liner - LOT LHR-WAW-LHR In C/Y (by jwhite9185 Jan 1 2013 in Trip Reports)
A Speedbird & Titan 767 – LHR-LCA-LHR In C…ish (by jwhite9185 Feb 1 2013 in Trip Reports)
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Part 2: 5 Flights 3 Airlines MXP-ZRH-DUS-LHR LX/LH (by jwhite9185 Nov 14 2012 in Trip Reports)
Part 1: 5 Flights 3 Airlines LHR-BRU-MXP In Theory (by jwhite9185 Oct 29 2012 in Trip Reports)
Cancellations, Widebodies And Iberia LHR-MAD-LHR (by jwhite9185 Oct 17 2012 in Trip Reports)
Virgin Atlantic's New A330 LHR-JFK-LHR (by jwhite9185 Sep 21 2012 in Trip Reports)
A Night In Amsterdam - KLM F70/738 LHR-AMS-LHR (by jwhite9185 Aug 28 2012 in Trip Reports)
Trying Out Flybe - LGW-BHD-GLA-BHD-LGW (by jwhite9185 Jul 11 2012 in Trip Reports)
A Day Trip To MAN (by jwhite9185 Jun 21 2012 in Trip Reports)
Nice, Monaco And The Great British Lounge With BMI (by jwhite9185 May 13 2012 in Trip Reports)
EI237/182 LGW-DUB-LHR And 2 Lounges (by jwhite9185 Apr 18 2012 in Trip Reports)
LGW-FRA-BRU-LHR With LH And SN (by jwhite9185 Mar 27 2012 in Trip Reports)
BA906/8735 LHR-FRA-LCY (by jwhite9185 Mar 13 2012 in Trip Reports)
VS015/016 LGW-MCO-LGW June 2010 (by jwhite9185 Jan 20 2012 in Trip Reports)
VS006 MIA-LHR A340-642 June 2008 (by jwhite9185 Feb 10 2012 in Trip Reports)
Virgin Atlantic 747 To BGI - October 2007 (by jwhite9185 Aug 3 2012 in Trip Reports)

Another great report, James. Looks like a fun trip!

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) was just thirty odd pounds more than World Traveller (Economy).

What a deal. Definitely nice to grab a fare like this for a much more upgraded product.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 1): It wasn't the worst meal I'd had onboard but I'd had better.

What is the purple thing that BA loves to serve on their meal trays? I've seen this in the last 4-5 reports of BA's Y+ food service. Cabbage?

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 4): From what I could see, the crew left the trolleys in the middle of the cabin and delivered all the drinks on a tray. There was a choice of crisps, nuts or cookies to eat, along with a selection of drinks. I chose the cookies and some orange juice, which was delivered to my seat on a silver tray and in a branded glass along with a smile.

Very classy. I have to try Porter sometime!

Congratulations on the upgrade. Always a great surprise!

Thanks for sharing.

Matthew

Matthew,

Quoting 767747 (Reply 6): Another great report, James.

Thanks,

Quoting 767747 (Reply 6): What a deal. Definitely nice to grab a fare like this for a much more upgraded product.

Especially as I was later upgraded to J!

Quoting 767747 (Reply 6): What is the purple thing that BA loves to serve on their meal trays?

I think beetroot was involved somewhere. Tasted a bot like coleslaw. You're right though, it does seem to be BA's favourite at the moment.

Quoting 767747 (Reply 6): Very classy. I have to try Porter sometime!

They're a pretty decent airline, although from reading previous reports on here it does seem their onboard service has been cut back a little.

Nice upgrades.

WTP has seen a nice move up market since the last time I flew it.

Club, it's really not impressing me if I had to be honest, okay, 8 across isn't a good start, but the choice of 2 mains, sorry that's just substandard now days.

Quoting 767747 (Reply 6): What is the purple thing that BA loves to serve on their meal trays? I've seen this in the last 4-5 reports of BA's Y+ food service. Cabbage?

Beetroot and cabbage coleslaw, it looks better than it tastes.

Woo woo upgrade central 

Toronto is one of my favourite cities, I need to go back. I need to go to Montreal for poutine too!!

Food looked good on BA.

Cheers  

Nice read and pictures James, I've been looking forward to reading this.

Re the first upgrade, I think I would have asked to keep my original seat in Y rather than be moved to the seat they gave you.

Looking at the catering outbound, looks like you had the same red cabbage 'slaw' salad I had in January, not bad IMO.

Nice to get upgraded on both legs, will be interesting to see how I get in in June on my quick YYZ spotting trip.

Cheers

Mark

jetwet1,

Quoting jetwet1 (Reply 8): WTP has seen a nice move up market since the last time I flew it.

The new product is definitely a step up over their older one.

Quoting jetwet1 (Reply 8): Club, it's really not impressing me if I had to be honest

There are definitely better out there - but there are rumours that BA will be upgrading their hard product when the A350's are delivered.

Quoting jetwet1 (Reply 8): but the choice of 2 mains, sorry that's just substandard now days.

I think it was a watered down service due to it being a shorter overnight sector.

aerdingus,

Quoting aerdingus (Reply 9): Toronto is one of my favourite cities, I need to go back.

I couldn't believe how much it had changed since my last visit. Still a nice city though.

Quoting aerdingus (Reply 9): I need to go to Montreal for poutine too!!

Montreal was better than Toronto in my opinion. Although that might have been due to the fact it was all completely new to me.

And I'd recommend the poutine! Just make sure you haven't eaten before hand...

Mark,

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 10): Nice read and pictures James,

Cheers.

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 10): Re the first upgrade, I think I would have asked to keep my original seat in Y rather than be moved to the seat they gave you.

Possibly, but I'm led to believe that once the decision has been made to upgrade you, your original seat is given to somebody else - so I could have ended up with a middle seat in Y. It wasn't too bad - just the lack of a window (or aisle) was the issue.

Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 10): Nice to get upgraded on both legs

Yes, especially as I got them for free rather than paying around £450. I knew about the upgrade on the return earlier in the day actually, as I checked the BA app and noticed my allocated seat had changed from 25K to 13A. Made it a little awkward when I had to fake a bit of a surprise when I checked in!

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Nice scheme - No idea who it belonged to though.

That is an A320 operated by Avion Express on behalf of Cubana. They have several A320s however only this one is all black. Due to the whole "communist" thing, Cubana probably can't procure western aircraft so they need to charter them. They used to have A320s operated by TACA/LACSA (El Salvadorian airline) but for the last few years these Avion Express planes have been used.

Very good trip report!

Regarding the dining situation at the lounges in YYZ, Pre-Flight Dining is only available to First passengers (in the Galleries First lounge), and Pre-Flight Supper is only available to Club World passengers (in the Galleries Club lounge). This is true for all East Coast sleeper services, where ground dining is an extension of the onboard product, and is not officially part of the lounge product.

Jagflyer,

Quoting Jagflyer (Reply 12): That is an A320 operated by Avion Express on behalf of Cubana. They have several A320s however only this one is all black. Due to the whole "communist" thing, Cubana probably can't procure western aircraft so they need to charter them. They used to have A320s operated by TACA/LACSA (El Salvadorian airline) but for the last few years these Avion Express planes have been used.

Thanks for the info - and that makes perfect sense as the gate next door was showing a Cubana flight.

Genius12,

Quoting Genius12 (Reply 13): Very good trip report!

Thanks,

Quoting Genius12 (Reply 13): Regarding the dining situation at the lounges in YYZ, Pre-Flight Dining is only available to First passengers (in the Galleries First lounge), and Pre-Flight Supper is only available to Club World passengers (in the Galleries Club lounge).

Yeah, I figured that out going by the vouchers the staff were handing out.

Quoting Genius12 (Reply 13): This is true for all East Coast sleeper services, where ground dining is an extension of the onboard product, and is not officially part of the lounge product.

I guess in keeping with the rest of the lounges in the US. In the F lounges at LHR and LGW you're entitled to the full service no mater what class you're flying.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 14): In the F lounges at LHR and LGW you're entitled to the full service no mater what class you're flying.

Indeed, although LGW lounges don't really offer full ground dining. The LHR lounges are considered BA's flagship lounges, and as such offer all day dining, although there is a lack of hot food in the Galleries Club lounges during the 'afternoon tea' period.

The East Coast lounges are all geared up for ground dining where flights depart relatively late and are short overnight flights back to the UK, and in particular where Club World doesn't offer a full meal service onboard.

Fantastic report sir.

It's always fun to see a foreigner's take on Canada. You certainly didn't pick the best time of the year to visit this frigid country of ours, but both Toronto and Montreal have lots of things to keep one busy and fairly warm.

I fly so much on AC that seeing a check-in counter, an Embraer 190 seat or their board cards is like seeing items in my own house. YYZ is like my second home. Every month two weeks I pass though that airport when I commute from Windsor to Ottawa, via Toronto. I used Porter once and really liked them, but AC gives nice Aeroplan points and I have more flight options returning home after spending two weeks in the frigid Canadian Arctic. (talk about cold)

It's too bad you didn't get a seat on the right side of the aircraft when you flew with Porter into YYZ. I'm a bit bias but Toronto is by far my favorite city. I used to live there and it will always hold a special place in my heart, especially Pearson. It's the only major world airport that I don't hate  (the same cannot be said for JFK, ORD or LHR... no offense)

Well I'm glad you enjoyed your trip to Canada and hopefully next time you get to go out West and see what they have to offer. They're a bunch of cowboys (or hippies if you end up on The Coast), but still good ol' fashion Canadians.

Thanks for sharing your great photos and stories. Next time you come to Canada, drop me a message. Maybe we can meet up and I'll show you around. I'm always happy to be a host to fellow A.netters.

Cheers

Vio

Hey James  

Nice report and read. Nice to get a op up to WTP but I guess it would be a double edged sword with no window although personally I still would have taken the op up. The meal looked ok nothing amazing but I have seen ( and eaten ) worse. I do quite like the new WTP design.

Toronto on my first visit I didn't like but the second and third I loved. I guess it takes time for it to grow on you if you are not instantly impressed.

Nice to get CW on the return especially on a night flight.


Thanks for the report.

Regards

Philip  

Thank you for sharing. Excellent report!

Genius 12,

Quoting Genius12 (Reply 15): Indeed, although LGW lounges don't really offer full ground dining.

I'm yet to go in the F lounge at LGW so can't really comment. The food offerings in the J lounge are pretty pathetic though.

Quoting Genius12 (Reply 15): although there is a lack of hot food in the Galleries Club lounges during the 'afternoon tea' period.

The one major advantage of the F lounge at LHR.

vio,

Quoting vio (Reply 16): Fantastic report sir.

Thank you.

Quoting vio (Reply 16): You certainly didn't pick the best time of the year to visit this frigid country of ours

Oh I don't know - made a change from melting in Asia/Vegas like I did previously in 2014.

Quoting vio (Reply 16): I fly so much on AC that seeing a check-in counter, an Embraer 190 seat or their board cards is like seeing items in my own house

Ha, I know what you mean - same for me when I see T5 at LHR anywhere.

Quoting vio (Reply 16): I used Porter once and really liked them, but AC gives nice Aeroplan points

The AC points are far more valuable.

Quoting vio (Reply 16): hopefully next time you get to go out West and see what they have to offer.

I did go to Vancouver - 20 years ago! Must go back some time...

Quoting vio (Reply 16): Thanks for sharing your great photos and stories.

No problem.

Philip,

Quoting OA260 (Reply 17): Nice report and read.

Cheers,

Quoting OA260 (Reply 17): Nice to get a op up to WTP but I guess it would be a double edged sword with no window

Yes it was a bit like that.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 17): I do quite like the new WTP design.

Sure beats their older product on the 747.

Quoting OA260 (Reply 17): Nice to get CW on the return especially on a night flight.

Good to finally give it a go - although I was wide awake for the whole flight right up until an hour before landing. At that point I was forcing myself to stay awake as I didn't see much point in sleeping by then. Guess thats the downside of a 5h45 flight time.

Andriyko,

Quoting Andriyko (Reply 18): Thank you for sharing. Excellent report!

Thanks, no problem.

Hi James!


Nice report -as usual!
BA seems to have the same problem as LH, there are too many status pax, as a result we have the same problem like you had, the queues at the F desks are longer then the business line.
The F lounge looks very nice, I especially like the food. Also great that BA gives away free upgrades to Gold members, but too bad for you that you got a middle seat, must be incredibly boring when being on a dayflight.
Your legs around Canada are looking nice as well, especially the flight on Porter.
The return flight looks nice also, but doesn't this layout feel a bit cramped when having a window seat? Also, the breakfast does not really look premium IMO.
Nice that BA offers an arrival lounge, I loved it when I could take use of LHs Welcome lounge in FRA some years ago!


greetings
Elias

Bonjour James,

Thank you for the report with many nice pics. Kudos for the upgrades too, which were received with arms wide open methinks. The meal on the outbound 787 looks pretty meagre, the return seemed much better. Air Canada’s Jungle Jet looks nice and the IFE is an added bonus - if only it worked... Porter looks a nice niche airline - it’s in the details like the velours headrest cover, quite stylish. Too bad about the seat assignment, quite some airlines do it the same way now and I really dislike that. But what can we do?

Sultanils

Excellent report james, thanks for posting  

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): The best part however was that on the return, World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) was just thirty odd pounds more than World Traveller (Economy).

And WTP was also cheaper than WT!

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Upon entering the lounge at T5B, I was told that "Unfortunately I had been upgraded to World Traveller Plus". Well if you insist... The downside of this however was that I'd now been dumped right in the middle of the cabin. I did ask if there were any window seats available but I was told the flight was completely full. That would explain the upgrade then. And I’d saved £168 in the process. I stayed in the lounge for around half an hour or so.

Unfortunately? Strange use of words. Shame you missed a decent seat, but probably still worth it for the extra space and enhanced 1st meal

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Towards the end of the second film the afternoon snacks were handed out.

Well, that looks a little sad

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Heated outdoor rooftop pool at the hotel.

Oooh, nice

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): When it came to checking in for my flight back to Toronto, the seat selection process was much like how I've experienced on a LCC - either pay for a specific seat or get shoved wherever. I was put in 10A, which may seem good enough.

Shame that was the only dodgy window seat. I don't mind random preallocation on a 2x2 aircraft - either way, it's a window or aisle.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): But more importantly, I’d called BA’s bluff brilliantly with regards to the upgrade situation.

Congrats! I'm still waiting for my first BA upgrade. Of course, you didnt get the extra Avios/TPs with the higher class though.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): The agent welcomed me in and handed me a dinner voucher - saying that I could get dinner from the Club side and eat it in the First side. It was a bit of an odd setup really - where the food was only handed out in return for a voucher. If I hadn't been upgraded I wouldn’t have got very much to eat at all. I was under the impression that if you've got access to lounge, then you have access to all the lounges facilities?

Yes, normally if you have lounge access with BA, you get everything included in that lounge. The major exception is where they offer pre-flight dining which is ONLY for F and CW pax. I thought the F section of the JFK lounge was woefully meagre in terms of food choices, but then again, it would only be used "for dinner" for pax in WT and WTP.

Elias,

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): Nice report -as usual!

Thanks,

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): BA seems to have the same problem as LH, there are too many status pax, as a result we have the same problem like you had, the queues at the F desks are longer then the business line.

Trust me, the queues at the Business desks were FAR longer! By estimation it looked like it would have taken a good 20 minutes at least to reach the front of the queue. By comparison, I waited no longer than 5 minutes in the F line.

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): The F lounge looks very nice, I especially like the food.

Yeah its pretty good. Although its the F lounge by name only. The proper F pax get to use the Concorde room - so this is more of a gold card holder lounge.

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): Also great that BA gives away free upgrades to Gold members

Not sure its official policy, but it definitely helps.

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): too bad for you that you got a middle seat, must be incredibly boring when being on a dayflight.

Would have been good to see what was going on - or be able to easily go for a walk, but luckily I found enough on the IFE to keep myself amused.

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): The return flight looks nice also, but doesn't this layout feel a bit cramped when having a window seat?

Not at all. Surprisingly spacious actually. The biggest issue is having to jump over the person sat in the aisle behind - but he was fast asleep for most of the flight anyway so I didn't disturb him too much.

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): Also, the breakfast does not really look premium IMO.

It was a watered down service due to it being a shorter sector - plus I didn't take the bacon and egg muffin as I wanted to eat in the lounge.

Quoting emek96 (Reply 20): Nice that BA offers an arrival lounge, I loved it when I could take use of LHs Welcome lounge in FRA some years ago!

It was good to be able to grab a shower, freshen up and have a bite to eat before carrying on home.

Nils,

Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21): Thank you for the report with many nice pics.

You're welcome.

Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21): udos for the upgrades too, which were received with arms wide open methinks.

One was - the other was more with shrugged shoulders.

Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21): The meal on the outbound 787 looks pretty meagre, the return seemed much better.

The chicken on the return was ok - but there was far too much greenery for my liking. Luckily I'd already had a decent enough meal in the lounge.

Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21): Porter looks a nice niche airline - it’s in the details like the velours headrest cover, quite stylish.

They were pretty good...

Quoting Sultanils (Reply 21): Too bad about the seat assignment, quite some airlines do it the same way now and I really dislike that.

...except the seating policy. And yes, another airline has recently announced such a move - bit of a sore subject.

Hello James,

A great report as always. Seems like a bunch of decent flights on BA, very good to get those upgrades on both ways. Montreal looks like a very nice city, well worth a visit. Nice flight on Porter too, too bad you were seated on the wrong side for some good views. Thanks for sharing!

Robert,

Quoting roberts87 (Reply 24): A great report as always.

Thanks,

Quoting roberts87 (Reply 24): Seems like a bunch of decent flights on BA, very good to get those upgrades on both ways.

Yeah no real complaints.

Quoting roberts87 (Reply 24): Montreal looks like a very nice city, well worth a visit.

Agreed - great city.

Quoting roberts87 (Reply 24): Nice flight on Porter too, too bad you were seated on the wrong side for some good views

Still, better having some view rather than no view had I gone for row 10!

James.

Nice report as usual mate, I haven´t been (yet) to Canada, but sure looks nice and worth a visit.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Strangely, after booking I was asked to pay to reserve a seat.

28 quid for a seat? WTH! and besides, up to this day I find the idea of ¨paying extra¨ for a seat idiotic, I believe that by purchasing a ticket, I am already paying for a seat on the plane... so... let me chose which one i want to sit for free.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): As I couldn't really pay much attention to what was going on outside

Annoying, I can call myself a bit of a control freak and specially on airplanes, I want to know where we are and what´s going on, so a window is a must hehehe.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 1): Lunch was served just over an hour after takeoff. I chose the beef.

Doesn´t look too bad.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 1): they thought it was a bit odd why I travel so much

Nothing ¨odd¨ in that...

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 1): Far better than anything I'd get in a lounge that's for sure, and for just $5 a bargain too

Tim Hortons!!! aweseome, I tried it in Dubai and was hooked lol.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 2): And watching the IFE. Oh well.

Error 404, IFE not found LOL!

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 2): He figured I was some sort of travel writer - and he wasn't too far off the mark

Yes... a travel writer... with a penchant for airplanes, status and photography.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 3): poutine:

Healthy... hehehehe.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 4): as soon as the ground crew stepped up to the mic a mass bundle took place

LOL! like in Spain! ¨Ladi... aaaand there´s a queue.            

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 5): some guy barging his way past the entire fast track line, announcing loudly that he has young children so needs to be first. Moron.

Moron indeed.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 5): and I got to hear the great noise of the GE90's starting up.

Oh yeah! awesome!

Again great report, thanks for sharing, where to next? hehehe.

MIAspotter.

Excellent trip report Sir, Montreal is one of my favorite cities in the world. From your photos it seems the downtown hasn't changed much since I got engaged there in 2005.

The window seats on BA's business class are the best in the world, excellent score on your final leg. They have the most privacy of any seat in the 'business'.

Christian,

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): Nice report as usual mate

Cheers,

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): I haven´t been (yet) to Canada, but sure looks nice and worth a visit.

I'd say! Montreal and Vancouver are good cities.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): 28 quid for a seat? WTH!

I think they go up to £80 for a Club World seat reservation.

And with the latest enhancement, even golds will have to pay on HBO fares...

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): I find the idea of ¨paying extra¨ for a seat idiotic

Free money for the airlines though. BA have been doing it for years. Thats why we alway flew VS when I was growing up.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): Annoying, I can call myself a bit of a control freak and specially on airplanes, I want to know where we are and what´s going on, so a window is a must hehehe.

Yeah, but being in the middle wasn't quite the torture I thought it would be.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): Tim Hortons!!! aweseome, I tried it in Dubai and was hooked lol.

Somehow I think the Dubai version was a little different...

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): Yes... a travel writer... with a penchant for airplanes, status and photography.

Something like that.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): LOL! like in Spain! ¨Ladi... aaaand there´s a queue.

Oh I know! And the same people are then charging towards the door to leave the plane once its landed.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 26): where to next? hehehe.

How long have you got?

hz747300,

Quoting hz747300 (Reply 27): Excellent trip report Sir

Thanks,

Quoting hz747300 (Reply 27): Montreal is one of my favorite cities in the world.

It was a good city - be interesting to see it in the summer - no doubt it will be a completely different place.

Quoting hz747300 (Reply 27): The window seats on BA's business class are the best in the world, excellent score on your final leg. They have the most privacy of any seat in the 'business'.

Yes they were private but a little awkward having to step over your sleeping neighbour.

Hi James,

great report with countless nice pictures! Congratulations on the upgrades, getting that twice in a row is quite an achievement. I must admit that the Club World hardware doesn't appeal to me - dull colors, the whole interior reminds me of a hospital. The catering looks fine, though.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Lunch was served just over an hour after takeoff. I chose the beef.

I appreciate the fact that porcelain bowls are used - but spilled sauce on the edges destroys the whole presentation.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Towards the end of the second film the afternoon snacks were handed out.

Ah, I like these tasty sandwiches.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): A few moments later, C-FHOS pulled on to stand.

That's my nightmare plane.   Have only flown on AC's E90s twice and got exactly that one in both cases, in totally different corners of the country, with many years in between.


PH

PH,

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): great report with countless nice pictures!

Thanks,

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): Congratulations on the upgrades, getting that twice in a row is quite an achievement.

Yeah - I guess it helped that both flights were pretty full.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): I must admit that the Club World hardware doesn't appeal to me - dull colors, the whole interior reminds me of a hospital.

Yeah it does look a little sterile. However, the colours have been updated on the 787 (and presumably the A380 too). They're now a grey/silver mix.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): The catering looks fine, though.

No real complaints.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): I appreciate the fact that porcelain bowls are used - but spilled sauce on the edges destroys the whole presentation.

I hadn't even noticed! But now that you mention it, it does look a little sloppy. But as I've always said, its not how it looks, it how it tastes.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): Ah, I like these tasty sandwiches.

Normally they're pretty good but on this occasion it was a little bland. I was given a choice of chicken or cheese - I went with the cheese and it was the wrong decision.

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 29): Have only flown on AC's E90s twice and got exactly that one in both cases, in totally different corners of the country, with many years in between.

Ouch! What are the odds?!

Nice report, and brings back memories of living in Montreal a bit more than a decade ago, Iin the days when the Expos were still around.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 28): It was a good city - be interesting to see it in the summer - no doubt it will be a completely different place.

Montreal is very nice in summer, and I don't miss the winters (although, of late, they're not much better on the East Coast) There are many festivals, Tam-Tam being one of my favourites, Just for Laughs (Juste Poure Rire) and the Fireworks Festival just to name a few. Many bars and restaurants also have patios open, which is something I quite enjoy. Montreal is definitely a world class city in terms of, well, just about everything! Very accepting (although maybe a bit harsh on Enlgish Language stuff) and very multicultural.

SaschaYHZ,

Quoting SaschaYHZ (Reply 31): Nice report

Thanks,

Quoting SaschaYHZ (Reply 31): Montreal is very nice in summer

I can imagine.

Quoting SaschaYHZ (Reply 31): I don't miss the winters

I guess it can be a bit much every winter, but in the UK we've only really had mild winters for the last few years so it was actually a nice change to experience cold like that - and not just 5 degrees and wet like here!

Quoting SaschaYHZ (Reply 31): Very accepting (although maybe a bit harsh on Enlgish Language stuff)

Funny, a lot of people told me that before I went, yet everybody was generally pretty friendly and spoke perfect English.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 32): Funny, a lot of people told me that before I went, yet everybody was generally pretty friendly and spoke perfect English.

I suppose I should get a bit more specific, in that it's English Language SIGNAGE   However, they are otherwise good people to be around, and in the bigger cities (Montreal, Quebec, Gatineau) most people tend to at least be functionally bilingual. There are many smaller and practically remote towns/villages where they don't speak a word of English.

SaschaYYZ,

Quoting SaschaYHZ (Reply 33): I suppose I should get a bit more specific, in that it's English Language SIGNAGE

Ahh got ya! Yeah, I guess now that you mention it, most signage was in French. Still easy enough to find your way around though.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 30): However, the colours have been updated on the 787 (and presumably the A380 too). They're now a grey/silver mix.

That's indeed better.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 30): But as I've always said, its not how it looks, it how it tastes.

Well, in Business Class, presentation shouldn't be disregarded.

Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 30): Ouch! What are the odds?!

They have 45 frames in service, so it was very bad luck.


PH

PH,

Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 35): Well, in Business Class, presentation shouldn't be disregarded.

True, but the way BA are acting lately, it would appear that they only care for people who fly full fare first!

Their latest two enhancements even effects their most frequent flyers in a negative way.