Flying to Canada

[Expon]

Hi,

I'm curious what is the best way to get to Canada without flying through the USA? I can't see Qantas doing anything like that and I'm not familiar with some other carriers that might be worth flying. Does anybody do this regularly or could point me to where I can find some more concise info?


Thanks

 

[Dave Noble]

Air Canada flies non stop to Vancouver

Dave

 

[NYCguy]

You can also fly on NZ to YVR via AKL without any stopover in the USA.

Some would argue that you are better off going via AKL, rather than submitting yourself to an "experience" on AC. For my money, though, a non-stop is always preferable - just bear in mind that AC is not SQ (or even QF), and don't expect miracles.

 

[wandering_fred]

And Cathay does with a transfer in HKG (MEL 0005 HKG 0730 - HKG 1455 YVR 1140).

Japan Airlines I think requires an overnight in NRT MEL 0905 (QF/JL code) NRT 1900 - NRT 1715 YVR 0955)

Happy wandering

Fred

 

[Harpoon]

I read an article in The Age about Air Canada's direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver on their brand spanking new 777-200LR.

The article said it's bloody fantastic and that Air Canada's new planes have exceptionally good J seats in their unique config. Can;t remember what the comments were about Y seats. however the SYD-Vancouver non-stop is definitely a big plus.

Sadly can't find the link...

 

[dajop]

You can also fly on NZ to YVR via AKL without any stopover in the USA.

Some would argue that you are better off going via AKL, rather than submitting yourself to an "experience" on AC. For my money, though, a non-stop is always preferable - just bear in mind that AC is not SQ (or even QF), and don't expect miracles.

OP lists origin as MEL. Therefore nonstop is not an option - choice will be connexion thru SYD or AKL using either AC or NZ (or use an Asian carrier via Seoul, HKG or Tokyo). I'd take the AKL option, as all on same carrier (NZ) and don't need to do a domestic->intl transfer as per SYD transfer from QF (or DJ) to AC.

 

[vitaminp]

The Air Canada direct flight (AC34) from SYD is outstanding. I went in Jan this year in Y. Managed to get a spare seat next to me . The seat was fairly comfortable for Y, obviously helped by the spare seat!

The AVOD was very impressive, from what I remember the screen was bigger than QF and SQ (?) The touch screen is a little slow in some instances, but you get use to it. Big selection of entertainment passed the time efficiently. The provided headphones were a little fiddly, being the kind that have a clasp arrangement that attaches to the ear.

The major point of difference was the service, which I had heard might not be great. But the AC cabin crew were absolutely faultless. Every request was met efficiently and with a smile. Drinks just kept on coming and they were happy for a chat in the galley. Really seemed to go the extra bit that puts a smile on your face.

I liked the arrival in YVR @ ~8am. Gave a full day and no jet lag for me. Although there are a couple of other int arrivals that can lead to quite a line at immigration. (AC/NZ from HNL arrived at about same time as us).

Coming from PER the transfer was inevitable, so can't comment on the pros/cons of going from MEL.

Hope that helped out.

 

[aybee]

I'll add my 2c worth as a vote for AC as well. The "new" AC is way better than the old one. The crew will make it or break it as on any carrier - if they're "off" on the day, then it won't be the best, but they too seem to have improved greatly since the new equipment was rolled out.
The AVOD they have is fabulous - spent the first hour creating my own playlist from all the albums they have stored on it then listened to my own selection of music for a lot of the flight. The USB port is also way handy. Y seats aren't too bad - a shame they went down from 34" to 32" on the 777 they're running on the Sydney route though.
Connecting at SYD isn't too bad - the AC fares include a side trip to/from another Oz city on QF over SYD and QF will tag any bags at your starting airport through to your destination in Canada.
Their new Business cabin is excellent - true lay flat, private individual "suite" and all the modcons including the above mentioned AVOD and USB ports etc.

NZ is a very good option as well - the only downside is they only operate 2 x weekly, so you need to be flexible re travel dates or if you want to make changes. Definitely worth considering.
FJ is not an option as their NAN-YVR flight stops in HNL en-route. Asia options include SQ, CX, CA, KE, JL.