Any redeeming qualities for Air Canada Rouge?

Susan and Monte,

I flew Air Canada Rouge for the first time several months ago and was pleasantly surprised. I had also read the negative reviews and was somewhat apprehensive but it all turned out well.

In reading the reviews and from my personal experience, I came to the conclusion that the "secret" to having a pleasant flight on Rouge is to book Premium Economy, although it's not cheap. As you might have noticed, many of the negative reviews are from passengers sitting in the Economy section while many of the positive reviews are from people in the Premium Economy section. My flights were very comfortable, and some of the most enjoyable that I've had. Some of the amenities included a free iPad to watch movies, drinks, a hot towel to freshen up before meals and a better quality of meals. One of the big advantages for me was that I was able to go from Kelowna to Lisbon in two flights (one short layover in Toronto).

Given the distance you're travelling, the 20 hour flight time is not unreasonable. My last flights were made with one leg in a rigid splint and wheelchair transfers in the terminals, with a total travel time of 26-28 hours. 20 hours would have been an improvement!

We have flown Air Canada twice, with no problems at all. We fly Tango not Rouge because its cheaper so I can't speak about Rouge. Food has been fine, seats ok. The only other airline I've flown to Europe is Air France, which is definitely superior to Air Canada but to me, not worth the extra cost. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Flew Rouge back from Scotland a couple years ago. It was fine, but I was in their Premium section. Flight attendants were friendly, food was edible, seats like those in domestic 1st class. Flight was on time. And it cost bout a third less than regular Air Canada would have.

Thank you for the feedback. I did notice they got good reviews in the Premium Economy. I may look into upgrading and see how much more it would cost.

Thank you!

Susan , I would upgrade if at all within your budget . For long flights it really does make a difference , and AC Rouge economy is very very tight seating .

I know the price is attractive , but for a flight that long I would make a huge effort to make myself a little less miserable .

Funny thing is, the price was outrageous!! My dad wanted to get our flights nailed down to include us flying through Dulles to "pick up my sister". I bought United RT open jaw Sacto-Dulles-Barcelona.....then a cruise....Athens-London-Dulles -Sacto. My dad really liked that flight since we would go with my sister all the way back to Dulles. But, after I booked it I realized we have 1 hour between our flight coming in from Athens and going out at Heathrow (on to Dulles) Any little mishap and we'd be stuck at Heathrow and my dad and I still had a really long way home. The only other flight I saw that would get us most of the way with my sister was Air Canada going Athens to Toronto then my sister would get her flight to Dulles (1 1/2 hours) and we go to SFO then to Sacto. Same amount of stops and about the same time (over 20 hours). So I cancelled the first flight and bought the second. I had heard Air Canada was fine. But, after a couple days I realized the flight was with Rouge and then I looked them up and they are terrible. We paid $1750 - way, way more than I ever would, but dad really wanted it nailed down. An upgrade looks to be about $700 per person. So, unfortunately looks like we are stuck. Ug! I wish we could get that old flight back....or do I? Who knows.

Actually if we didn't worry about my sister (she is perfectly fine on her own) we could have gotten much better flights for much less cost. But, dad is dad and wants to look over his girls.

Any other suggestions? We paid United. Could we change out of Air Canada and go back to all United? I might call them.

I called United and we can change our flights...yay!! Looks like we can fly Lufthansa and still go through Dulles! I feel much better now!

Thank you!

I flew Air Canada Rouge four times late last year (2016). I thought it was awful and I had upgraded to Premium Economy on 3 of those trips. The seating is awful, the food was disgusting (and I am not a picky eater at all). Unlike others on this thread, we did not get warm towels to freshen up. On one overnight flight from Toronto to Athens, our breakfast consisted of a cold slice of banana bread and juice or water. No coffee or hot tea was available. Who doesn't al least offer coffee on a 10 hour flight at breakfast time?! There is no in-flight entertainment whatsoever. If you want the free I-pad, you have to go online prior to your flight and reserve it. As far as the flight attendants, they were no more friendly or grumpy than any other airline I have flown. I will never, if at all possible, fly with them again. The cheap price is just not worth it on those long overseas flights.

Based on your last post, it looks like you can either keep Dad happy or find a cheaper flight, but not both. If you cancel the Air Canada flight, there will probably be cancellation or change fees. I don't think there's an easy answer.

Just to clarify, do you mean that the upgrade to Premium Economy on Rouge would be $700 per person? Does that amount include the U.S. dollar exchange? I can certainly appreciate your situation as I normally fly Air Canada and pay fares in that range every time I go to Europe.

I'm not sure what to suggest, but in the same situation I'd probably lean towards the lifetime memories with my father, and just put up with the cost.

Susan, glad you could get the Lufthansa flight -- it's one of our favorite airlines (and we go el cheapo economy, not anything premium.) One less thing for you to worry about!

It sounds like I'm ok after talking with United. Since I did book the entire open jaw trip directly with United they said they can just reroute us- no cancellation necessary. They gave me different options of how we can go through Dulles still, but on Lufthansa as a share partner rather than Air Canada.

After talking with my family tomorrow I'll try to change the route home. I'll let you know if it works or not.

You had a good idea, Ken, about Canada dollars vs. USD for upgrades. That would make a difference!

One of our options is a flight out of Athens at 6:40am. What time would we get to the airport? It wouldn't be 3:40, right?

Yes, Lauri! I haven't made the change yet, but I feel a huge sense of relief that it may work out with a better option I can feel good about. Plus, they have free alcohol that I might just appreciate, especially after this fiasco!

on the time to get to the airport in Athens for your departure flight, check what time the ticket counters open there for Lufthansa. No point in getting there until they open (well, maybe 15 minutes before if you want to be first in line, I suppose).

glad you were able to change your flights.

Good advice Kim, thanks!

Well, I spoke too soon about the flights....yep, the cost went up. So, I'll watch them and decide what to do. UGH!!!