As a travel blogger, I’m always on the lookout for the best airlines to fly with.
That’s why I’m taking a closer look at Air Transat to see if it’s worth your time and money.
Overview
Air Transat is a Canadian leisure airline based in Montreal, Quebec. The airline was founded in 1986 and is now one of the largest charter airlines in the world.
Air Transat serves over 60 destinations in over 25 countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America.
Fleet
The Air Transat fleet consists of Airbus A310, A321, and A330 aircraft, as well as Boeing 737 and 767 planes.
Pros of Flying Air Transat
Friendly Staff
One of the standout features of flying with Air Transat is the friendly and helpful staff.
From the moment you step on the plane, the crew will do everything in their power to make your flight as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
They are always willing to help with any questions or requests you may have, making the flying experience a truly enjoyable one.
Good Value for Money
Another great thing about Air Transat is that it offers good value for money.
Despite being a low-cost carrier, the airline does not compromise on quality or comfort.
With affordable fares and comfortable seats, flying with Air Transat is a great way to travel without breaking the bank.
In-flight Entertainment
Air Transat is also known for its in-flight entertainment options, which include a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games to keep you entertained throughout your flight.
This is especially useful on longer flights, where having a good selection of entertainment options can make all the difference.
On-time Performance
One of my most positive experiences with Air Transat was their on-time performance.
During my flight, we landed exactly on schedule, which was a welcome surprise given that many airlines struggle with delays and cancellations.
Good Food and Drink Options
Finally, another pro of flying with Air Transat is the food and drink options.
Although food and drinks on a flight are not the main reason why someone might choose an airline, it is still nice to have good options.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and variety of food and drink options available on my flight, which was a nice touch.
Cons of Flying Air Transat
Limited In-flight Amenities
One con of flying with Air Transat is that the in-flight amenities are limited. While they do provide a basic level of comfort, it may not be up to the standard of other airlines.
For instance, they don’t offer personal entertainment screens or in-flight Wi-Fi.
If you’re someone who enjoys having entertainment options during a flight, you may find this a bit disappointing.
Limited Destinations
Another con is that Air Transat operates mainly in Canada and the Caribbean, so it may not be the best option for travelers looking to fly to other parts of the world.
This can be a limiting factor, especially for those who are looking for more travel options and destinations.
Long Queues at Check-in
I’ve experienced long queues at the check-in desk on one of my flights with Air Transat.
This can be a bit frustrating, especially if you’re in a hurry to make it to your gate.
It may take some extra time to get through check-in and security, so be prepared to give yourself enough time to get through the process.
Despite these minor drawbacks, my overall experience flying with Air Transat has been positive and I would recommend it as a good airline for travelers looking for budget-friendly options for Canada and the Caribbean.
FAQ
What is the cost of tickets on Air Transat?
The cost of tickets on Air Transat varies depending on several factors such as the route, time of year, and booking class.
However, in general, Air Transat offers competitive prices and often has special offers and promotions available.
What are the fees for checked baggage on Air Transat?
Air Transat allows each passenger to bring one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item on board for free.
Checked baggage fees vary depending on the route, destination, and booking class, but generally, the first checked bag is free for Economy Class passengers, with additional bags incurring a fee.
Does Air Transat have a loyalty program?
Yes, Air Transat has a loyalty program called “Club Class”. Members can earn and redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other perks.
The program has several tiers and offers a range of benefits, including priority check-in and baggage handling, access to exclusive lounges, and more.
What is Air Transat’s baggage allowance?
For carry-on baggage, Air Transat allows passengers to bring one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item on board for free.
The carry-on baggage must not exceed 21.5 x 15.7 x 9.8 inches in size and must fit comfortably in the overhead bin.
For checked baggage, the size and weight allowances vary depending on the route and booking class.
Generally, Economy Class passengers are allowed to bring one piece of checked baggage weighing up to 50 lbs for free, with additional bags incurring a fee.
Does the Airline Offer any Promotions or Discounts for Booking Flights?
Yes, Air Transat often offers promotions and discounts for booking flights.
Keep an eye out for their sales and special offers, as well as their loyalty program, Club Class, which offers exclusive discounts and benefits for its members.
What is the Airline’s Policy for Changing or Cancelling Flights?
Air Transat’s policy for changing or canceling flights varies depending on the type of ticket you have purchased.
If you have a flexible ticket, you can change or cancel your flight without penalty, while non-refundable tickets are subject to certain fees.
It’s best to check their website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information on their policy.
How Comfortable are the Seats on this Airline’s Planes?
The comfort level of the seats on Air Transat’s planes can vary depending on the type of aircraft and the class of service you are flying in.
In general, the seats are comfortable, with ample legroom and adjustable headrests.
For a more premium experience, consider booking Club Class, which offers lie-flat seats and other exclusive amenities.
Does the Airline have In-flight Entertainment Options?
Yes, Air Transat offers in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and games.
The selection can vary depending on the route and type of aircraft, so it’s best to check their website for more information or to download the entertainment app before your flight.
Does the Airline Serve Meals on its Flights?
Yes, Air Transat provides meals on board for most of its flights.
The airline offers a variety of food options, including vegetarian and special meals, which can be requested during the booking process.
The airline provides a complementary meal service on most of its flights, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, depending on the time of day and the length of the flight.
Does the Airline Offer WiFi on its Flights?
Currently, Air Transat does not offer in-flight WiFi on its flights.
However, the airline does have in-flight entertainment options, including a selection of movies, TV shows, and music, which can be enjoyed on personal devices through the airline’s onboard entertainment system.
Does the Airline Allow Advance Seat Assignments?
Yes, Air Transat allows customers to choose their seats in advance.
Customers can select their seats during the booking process or later, through the airline’s website or mobile app.
There is a fee for reserving seats in advance, which varies depending on the type of seat and the length of the flight.
Does the Airline Allow Pets on its Flights?
Yes, Air Transat allows small pets on board, but they must be kept in a pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of the owner.
There is a fee for traveling with a pet, which varies depending on the route and the size of the pet carrier.
Customers should contact the airline in advance to make arrangements for traveling with a pet.
Does the airline’s staff provide friendly and helpful service?
Air Transat is known to have friendly and helpful staff members.
Many travelers have noted the staff’s willingness to assist with any questions or concerns, and their positive attitude during the flight.
The airline also offers a dedicated team to assist travelers with disabilities and their special needs.
Does the airline offer special services for travelers with disabilities?
Yes, Air Transat offers special services for travelers with disabilities.
The airline offers a dedicated team to assist with any special needs and requirements and ensure that the travel experience is comfortable and accessible for all travelers.
How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?
Booking a flight with Air Transat is simple and convenient.
The airline offers various booking options including online booking, through a travel agency, or over the phone.
Travelers can also manage their bookings, choose seats, add extra baggage, and purchase travel insurance through the airline’s website.
What is the airline’s on-time performance record?
Air Transat has a good on-time performance record, with most flights departing and arriving as scheduled.
The airline makes every effort to minimize delays and keep travelers informed of any changes to their flight schedules.
Does the airline have a good safety record?
The safety record of Air Transat is in line with industry standards.
The airline operates according to stringent safety procedures and follows all regulations set forth by aviation authorities.
Air Transat has a solid safety record and is committed to providing safe and secure air travel for its passengers.
What is the airline’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?
If a passenger’s luggage is lost or damaged during a flight with Air Transat, the airline will do its best to locate and return the luggage as soon as possible.
If the luggage cannot be found, the airline will provide compensation in accordance with its baggage policy and the Montreal Convention.
Passengers are encouraged to properly label their luggage and ensure it is within the specified baggage allowance to reduce the risk of loss or damage.
How extensive is the airline’s route network?
Air Transat operates flights to over 60 destinations in more than 25 countries.
The airline has a strong presence in North America and Europe and offers a range of direct and connecting flights to popular tourist destinations, as well as to a number of cities for business travel.
Air Transat’s route network is extensive and offers a variety of travel options for its passengers.
Does the airline have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?
Yes, Air Transat has partnerships with several other airlines and hotel chains.
These partnerships allow the airline to offer a wider range of travel options and benefits to its passengers, including joint flights, baggage handling, and loyalty program benefits.
Air Transat also partners with leading hotel chains to provide packaged holiday options for its customers.
Final Thoughts
As a travel blogger with a keen interest in aviation, I can say that my experience with Air Transat has been mostly positive.
Alternative airlines to consider are TUI Airways or Sunwing Airlines as they both fly similar routes.
Here’s a video review.
The airline offers competitive prices for tickets, and their baggage fees are reasonable. Additionally, the airline has a loyalty program for frequent flyers, which is a great perk.
I found the seats on Air Transat’s planes to be comfortable, and there are in-flight entertainment options available.
The airline serves meals on its flights and has WiFi, which are both great features for a long flight.
The staff on Air Transat are friendly and helpful, and they offer special services for travelers with disabilities.
Booking a flight with Air Transat is easy, and the airline has a good on-time performance record.
I also appreciate that Air Transat has a good safety record and a fair policy for lost or damaged luggage.
The airline’s route network is extensive, and they have partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.
Overall, I would recommend Air Transat as a reliable and affordable airline for travelers.