A VERY honest review of Air Canada: Travel experts test all three cabins of the airline’s Dreamliner and love the seats, but in business the food is a ‘disappointment’ and some crew members are ‘unfriendly’

Air Canada recently suffered reputational damage when a flight attendant was filmed losing her temper on a plane from Morocco to Montreal.

The service was cancelled and Air Canada issued a statement saying it “deeply regrets” the incident. Many readers, meanwhile, noted that they were not surprised to hear of the meltdown, citing their own negative experiences with the airline.

But was the incident in Morocco a sign that the airline was in decline?

A fascinating triple cabin review by travel experts from The points man offers some evidence that the airline has room for improvement in several areas. They board an Air Canada Dreamliner from Heathrow Terminal 2 to Mumbai and film their experiences in business class, premium economy and economy.

There were plenty of positives, but in one cabin the crew were ‘not the friendliest’ and in another the food was a ‘real let down’ – and the seat ‘could have done with more padding’. Scroll down for the full verdicts.

ECONOMY

Putting the economy to the test was editor-in-chief Nicky Kelvinwho paid £254/$330 for his ticket.

What were the benefits? The check-in process, for starters.

He told MailOnline Travel: ‘The size and efficiency of Heathrow’s Terminal 2 meant that even as an economy passenger the experience was great. Check-in and security were quick and it was a nice terminal to hang out in.’

A fascinating triple cabin review by travel experts The Points Guy provides evidence that Air Canada has room for improvement in several areas. Above – the team’s Dreamliner to Mumbai at Heathrow Terminal 2

Air Canada’s economy was put to the test by editor-in-chief Nicky Kelvin, who paid £254/$330 for his ticket. He said his seat was ‘extremely comfortable’

And on board?

Nicky continues: ‘The deep recline angle and the soft, movable headrest were features that made this economy seat particularly comfortable.

‘The meal – with Tandoori Chicken as the main course – was extensive, very fresh and very tasty.

‘The Indian twist was perfect for this route and it’s the kind of food that works really well on the plane.

‘In addition, the second meal service was larger than normal.’

Nicky’s verdict on the food? He said: ‘The meal – with Chicken Tandoori as the main course – was extensive, very fresh and very tasty’

Are there any disadvantages? A few, it turns out.

Nicky commented: ‘The crew were efficient but not the friendliest. You could tell they were on a longer trip and wouldn’t be coming home for a while.

‘And the IFE [in-flight entertainment] “The screen was quite small compared to some competitors, but it functioned well.”

PREMIUM ECONOMY

Travel content creator Maz Green (above) put the premium economy sector to the test

“I thought the chair provided plenty of room and comfort,” Maz said

Maz said her flight to India was “easy and relaxing”

The premium economy travel world was put to the test by travel content creator Maz Green, who writes about her experiences on instagram.com/where.to.find.meThe Points Guy paid £576/$749 for this ticket.

What were the benefits?

She told MailOnline Travel: ‘I was impressed with the food, although I later discovered that I was kindly provided with a business class meal for my first meal service. Despite this, it was still a treat to enjoy a dish like lamb during the flight and the second meal service was just as delicious.

‘In addition, I found the seat to be spacious and comfortable, which gave me a relaxing and peaceful flight to India.’

Maz also praised her “sweet” cabin attendant.

Were there any drawbacks? Maz named a handful.

She noted that the toiletry bag was ‘somewhat disappointing as it came in a slightly odd bag’ and was surprised that ‘the whole crew was playing a guessing game as to what dining options were on offer’ as there were no menus on board.

She added: ‘I was later told that I was being offered a meal in business class because the meal option I had requested was not available. This was surprising given the small size of the Premium Economy cabin.’

BUSINESS CLASS

The most luxurious seat, business class, was occupied by Liam Spencer, while The Points Guy spent £1,200/$1,562 to secure his berth

Liam was impressed with how adjustable his chair was

In the most luxurious seat, the business class, sat Liam Spencerwith The Points Guy spending £1,200/$1,562 to secure his berth.

Liam saw a lot of positive things.

He told MailOnline Travel: ‘Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounge in Heathrow Terminal 2 was the perfect place to relax before my flight. It was quiet, spacious and offered excellent views of the tarmac. I would highly recommend visiting the waffle station if you get the chance to visit.

‘On board I was impressed with how adjustable my seat was. In the reclining position I could choose to inflate or deflate my bed to my preference, and it even had a massage function.

“And the amenities that came with my seat – including noise-canceling headphones, slippers and a toiletries bag – were all top notch.”

Negative points? Several.

Liam explained: ‘The meal service was a real disappointment on this flight. My potatoes were undercooked, the lamb was too salty and the sour dessert tasted like it had just been frozen. The second meal service was much more enjoyable though.’

Liam complained that the potatoes in his starter (above) were ‘undercooked’

The second meal service [above] was considerably more fun,’ said Liam

And there’s more.

Liam noted: ‘I also found the crew uninformed about the dining options available on board. There were no menus to be found so at the very least the crew should have been able to provide a detailed description of what I was eating.’

The lack of a privacy door in the seat was also a drawback, as was the padding.

Liam added: ‘Any business class product that doesn’t have a fully closing sliding door feels a bit dated, especially on a long flight. I also felt the headrest could have done with more padding to improve comfort levels.’

To watch the full video, click here. For more from The Points Guy visit thepointsguy.com/uk-travel.

Nicky, Maz and Liam gather in Terminal 2 before flying to India