No frills budget airline that'll take you over the Atlantic for a lot less (Air Transat)

Member Name: djwhite1982

Product:	Air Transat
Date:	29/07/09 (109 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Its a lot cheaper, space seems not much worse than other economy seats in bigger airlines

Disadvantages: All the usual problems with budget airline

OK so first things first. This is a budget cross Atlantic airline, of which there are not very many left. If you're booking a long haul flight with a budget airline, paying a hundreds of pounds less than any of your other options, then you're going to have to appreciate that the costs have to be cut somewhere.

That said, in my opinion you still get a lot better value for money with these guys. I travel to Canada at least once a year, and usually book my tickets via Canadian Affair who book tickets for Air Transat flights. I consistently have found the prices between London-Toronto, and London-Halifax to be at least £200 cheaper.

It terms of space, I've flown Air Canada a couple of times and I do not think the Air Transat flight was any more cramped. I am 6 foot tall so not small by any means, and I found the leg room was ok. Obviously it was a little cramped but that is to be expected. The aircrafts are generally a lot smaller than the big companies, so this does rather limit the space for you to get up and walk around to stretch your legs, however its still easily done.

The entertainment is a little lacking as the films shown are on small TV screens every 10 rows or so. If your sight isn't great, or you're not the tallest person in the world, you will find that only about 1 in every 3 seats will allow you to view the screen. However, if I plan on watching the films during the flight, then whilst checking in, I ask for a seat with a good view and the staff have always been able to sort this. You do have to pay extra for headphones, however if you have personal headphones, these will fit into the sockets and save you the small expense.

Food and drink isn't great, but as I keep saying, a budget airline has to save money somewhere. Personally I would rather eat rubbish food on my 7 hour flight and spend the extra £200 whilst on holiday, however I guess that comes down to personal choice. Alcohol is extra cost, however that is pretty much standard amongst the cheaper airlines nowadays.

Another are where costs are curt are check-ins. Chances are, unless you are very early or very late, then there will be a massive queue and not too many people doing the check-in. So bear in mind you will probably be queuing for at least half an hour at the start and end of your trip.

Summary: If you aren't the moaning type and don't mind sucking it up for 7 hours, save yourself a few £s!