We currently have a flight booked with United miles to Dublin on Aer Lingus. We start on United from Sacramento to SFO, then change to AL. They charge for seat reservations and since we aren’t traveling until August we have not reserved them yet. I noticed yesterday that a new flight option has popped up for us on Air Canada. Air Canada would take us from Sacramento to Vancouver to Dublin. The travel time is approximately the same. If you had to choose between the two airlines, which would you pick and why?
Posted by
Paris
7300 posts
I would 100% pick the Aer Lingus option, to avoid transiting through Canada. As long as COVID is around, the fewer countries you pass thru, the better.
Posted by
1585 posts
Agree with Balso. While I don't know what time the Air Canada flight lands in Dublin, the Aer Lingus flight from SFO historically landed around noon or 1:00 (I have forgotten which). It's a nice arrival time because you can generally check into your hotel, or at least drop your bags, get something to eat and then get into your room.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Personally don't think it makes much difference. I would try to determine what plane they might be flying on those routes. That could make a small difference.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10600 posts
That’s a very good point about not adding another country, thanks. When I booked the flight on AL it showed a meal was served on the 10h25m flight. My experience on other airlines is that food of some sort is served throughout the flight. When I look at the flight now it says that meals are not offered for this flight. Does anyone have recent transatlantic experience on AL that could tell me what their experience has been?
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1601 posts
I flew Air Lingus about 4 years ago and found them to be close to a low cost carrier in terms of
Seat, service, food. I would avoid them and fly AC. Please check but I would be surprised if you need to go through additional hoops just because you are transmitting Canada
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
892 posts
I'm looking at both the Smart & Flex for that and they both say Complimentary Meal.
Posted by
Western Canada
3483 posts
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/transit.html
Here's what it says on our Government website today.
Remember you all must be fully vaccinated.
Looks like you'll be fine.
Vancouver Airport is one of the nicest in the world, so you will be comfy here waiting for your next flight.
(Those of us who fly in and out of YVR always says a quiet "Ahh" when we land here at home!)
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
As I noted elsewhere, note that AC has a "reputation"
Posted by
Western Canada
3483 posts
Can you book a flight on AC that is fully refundable?
If so, then I think you'd be fine flying AC.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10600 posts
I’m using United miles, so any changes I make would go through them regardless of what airline I’m on. We have enough miles that I could also book the AC flight if I want to. I could then cancel one of them when I decide what to do. I’ll have to think about that.