YEG - Edmonton Int Airport

[tuffyy]

I would suggest flying club class, its no first class but its a heck of alot better than the regular micro-inches seat pitch offered in the regular class.

Plus you will likely get a hot meal as oppose to the cold sandwich or wrap you get in the regular class.

They are a charter airline so comfort for the most part is not in their vocabulary.

I have flown them a few times to Cancun and if I had to give them a score it would be a 3 out of 5.That only because I didnt get deep vein thrombosis!

[Rocket252]

We flew Air Transat to Punta Cana on Club Class and it was good. The food was edible and the seat was large enough for us. You have two flight attendents so they are there when you need them.

any flight over 5 hours needs some perks

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by LO 044

That will help in planning my trip to Europe next year. Man i can't believe how much prices to Europe have jumped over 2 years. There is a (seat sale i believe) price to Berlin via MSP,AMS for $1673 tax included for next summer. Everyone else including AC is quoting prices around $2000 including tax for the same trip

But there is the option of YEG-LHR return. And connect at Heathrow by buying separate tickets from Lufthansa's UK Website (http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/uk/specials/booking?nodeid=1975670&l=en&cid=1000243) "Top Offers" Fly to Germany from LHR
like I just did and it is the fastest and cheapest way (Aeroplan points to boot from AC and Lufthansa!). Of course you could also take the bus/train to Gatwick and connect via LCC as well. LO we chatted before so I know your also well travelled and know these options but others may be reading this and for them this may be a solid choice for those with clear destinations and that are not exploring. BUT if we get the Amsterdam flight and Frankfurt (and LGW and MAN) some travellers will want to fly into one of these Cities and home from another (as Transat allows that and you can play with dates etc.). It is a good way to explore Europe without backtracking and do it non-stop from Edmonton.

[EdmTrekker]

My thoughts on comfort of Transat having flown to Mexico and Europe are that from my economy seats down to Vallarta and Cancun (non-stop) the 4.5 hours was well...mangeable (barely). But my flight a year back into London Gatwick in economy was painful. The plane was full, and after 7 hours in those seats...well your Dead on Arrival. No way to start a vacation and it could cost you "recovery" time. If I fly charters now I always ensure I book "Club" seat or a roomier seat on my first leg (going) ... so I get some comfort and sleep so I do not waste my vacation. The return trip I never care about - as my bed is the next stop

I have in the past found the food "OK". But I see they are now advertising on the Transat website as serving Presidents Choice meals as Loblaws has a preferred supplier agreement with Transat. Not sure about if this is being served in all "classes" of seating - or if this also applies to Edmonton. Someone working for Transat or a supplier at YEG may have info on this.

[Coldrsx]

I flew AT to Jamaica this spring and it was fine in the back, tight but fine. Food was nothing great but good enough as were the snacks.

[LO 044]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

But there is the option of YEG-LHR return. And connect at Heathrow by buying separate tickets from Lufthansa's UK Website (http://www.lufthansa.com/online/portal/lh/uk/specials/booking?nodeid=1975670&l=en&cid=1000243) "Top Offers" Fly to Germany from LHR
like I just did and it is the fastest and cheapest way (Aeroplan points to boot from AC and Lufthansa!). Of course you could also take the bus/train to Gatwick and connect via LCC as well. LO we chatted before so I know your also well travelled and know these options but others may be reading this and for them this may be a solid choice for those with clear destinations and that are not exploring. BUT if we get the Amsterdam flight and Frankfurt (and LGW and MAN) some travellers will want to fly into one of these Cities and home from another (as Transat allows that and you can play with dates etc.). It is a good way to explore Europe without backtracking and do it non-stop from Edmonton.

I agree completely. I will definitely use AC via LHR if i can. I have checked out LH out of LHR in the past and they are as cheap if not cheaper than the LCC's. I guess i'm looking at whether to book things early if i get the right offer because the prices i was quoting earlier are horrendous these days more than likely due to the fuel surcharge. Of course, i was lucky enough to get a ticket to Europe last summer on AC for $950 including tax (unannounced seat sale or more likely a reservation system glitch) so that may be why the $2000 price tag this year looks so out of proportion.

It'll probably be AC or TS for the next couple of years though unless KL takes a stab at YEG. Looks like we won't see LO back as they are having quite a bit of issues financially and politically. I'm curious how LH and AC are doing on the YYC-FRA routes.

[lubicon]

Originally Posted by LO 044

Thanks for the update tuffyy. That will help in planning my trip to Europe next year. Man i can't believe how much prices to Europe have jumped over 2 years. There is a (seat sale i believe) price to Berlin via MSP,AMS for $1673 tax included for next summer. Everyone else including AC is quoting prices around $2000 including tax for the same trip.

I have heard mixed reviews for Air Transat. Most of the comments are basically "you get what you pay for" but are they really that bad? They have been around quite a while. Riise can you explain some of your bad experiences with them? I assume their food isn't the best perhaps but for a non-stop flight to AMS or FRA for $1500 instead of $2000, i think it might be worth it.

You DO get what you pay for on a charter. Typically they stuff more people onto their planes than a scheduled carrier meaning your seat pitch will be less. You also have less flexibility if their are mechanical issues with the plane. A scheduled carrier may have extra aircraft at their disposal, or can reschedule you (via connections) or get you on the next flight the next day. Charters operations don't have that flexibility.

It's a bit of a —. You are trading a better fare (usually) for slightly less comfort, and fewer options if things go wrong. There are NO differences as far as safety is concerned.

[IKAN104]

Hey Cold, one of those YEG photos you posted a few days ago was a picture of my brother's plane. Well, it's not his plane but he's the co-pilot.

He's based in T.O. but was in town that day and we visited. What are the odds that you'd take a picture of his plane?

[Coldrsx]

^haha...that's cool.

[Jasper and one o nin]

Wok Box adds Asian-style flair to EIA cuisine choices


Edmonton, Alta. – Edmonton International Airport (EIA) customers will soon enjoy the diversity of fresh, Asian cuisine offered by Wok Box Fresh Asian Kitchen’s first airport location.

“Our customers are asking for more diverse and healthy food options, and Wok Box adds a fresh, unique choice to our growing lineup of food and beverage outlets at EIA,” says Reg Milley, EIA President and CEO.

With dishes ranging from Chinese to Thai, East Indian to Malaysian, Wok Box started its first location on Jasper Avenue in 2004. Since then it has expanded rapidly to 27 locations and 11 more outlets are set to open in 2008. Wok Box is planning aggressive growth in Eastern Canada and the United States.

“We are excited to offer our fresh, healthy Asian-style cuisine to EIA customers and since it all started in Edmonton, it’s only fitting that EIA is our first airport location,” says Wok Box owner Chris Bullock. “Our quick-serve menu offers the freshest ingredients prepared in front of our customers’ eyes in just 90 seconds – perfect for busy travellers preparing for their flights.”

EIA’s Wok Box is set to open in mid-December next to Tim Hortons in the North Passenger Lounge across from Gate 18.

This new Wok Box outlet is part of an overall plan to improve the customer experience and provide more food and beverage and retail choices when travelling through EIA.

[Coldrsx]

^wasn't that to have been an EDO? Either way a good fix.

[Rocket252]

It's funny to see a press release for a food outlet where in major airports it would not even be mentioned.

But this is YEG and not LAX. Any news is good news.

Looks like the highway lights for QE North are almost done - working on QE south

[Daveography]

^ Maybe they're taking a page from the Calgary playbook and trumpeting up any and all achievements. I can't say this is a bad thing.

Also, Wok Box is a nice change from the usual airport fare. If only I traveled as much as I did in my last job to enjoy that.

[Jasper and one o nin]

I think normally, they wouldnt bother. But the airport has been getting a bad rap over the last couple years because of the lack of services (they are playing catch up with the unexpected growth) - so naturally they are going to mention any improvements in this regard.

[Coldrsx]

not to mention the fact that it seems as though many many people still believe our airport is small, devoid of any food/retail, and oblivious to the additions.

[TheBronze-]

I was just in YEG about 2.5 weeks ago on my way to PHX via DEN and back again, and took a small walk around the airport and re-noticed what I had thought about for a while -- The Westjet departures area is significantly worse looking than the south area of the airport, both pre and post departures (and baggage claim...). Is there any plan to overhaul this with the development of the Courtyard Marriott right next to this area and construction of the Hammerhead to the south?

[tuffyy]

^Yep,

Some of its already underway...

It's the almost original terminal, so yes it needs work and will be on par with the south terminal sooner than later...

More food options on the way aswell both within the terminal and in the development areas.

Steak, anyone?

[rapid_business]

/\ yup, i heard about that a month or so ago as well. That establishment will be welcomed by a couple fans for sure...

[S_B_Russell]

Steak? It must be another Harvey's! Yeehaw! They serve angus burgers!

[Coldrsx]

Keg???