Melbourne to Vancouver question

[ctrunfree]

Hi people

I'm looking at doing a RTW with Star Alliance next June-Sept. First leg is Melbourne to Vancouver. I'm wondering about the relative merits of the direct flight on Air Canada or going via Auckland on Air NZ.

The Air Canada flight is a bit over four hours shorter, but gets you into Vancouver at 7.30am which is too early for hotel check in. (And I'm really going to be looking to get into a room and have a shower after 15 hours on the plane).

The Air NZ is longer, and has the potential hassle of connecting in Auckland. However, it leaves Melbourne at a more civilised hour (12.10pm v 9.40am) and gets into Vancouver at a time (2.20pm) that allows you to go straight to your hotel.

I'm thinking that the Air NZ flights might be a better experience.

What do the experts think?

 

[docjames]

I'd personally vote NZ.

The better arrival time, the break in the journey are all factors.

Which class of travel?

 

[ctrunfree]

I'd personally vote NZ.

The better arrival time, the break in the journey are all factors.

Which class of travel?

Economy I'd imagine.

 

[AviationNZ]

Hi people

I'm looking at doing a RTW with Star Alliance next June-Sept. First leg is Melbourne to Vancouver. I'm wondering about the relative merits of the direct flight on Air Canada or going via Auckland on Air NZ.

The Air Canada flight is a bit over four hours shorter, but gets you into Vancouver at 7.30am which is too early for hotel check in. (And I'm really going to be looking to get into a room and have a shower after 15 hours on the plane).

The Air NZ is longer, and has the potential hassle of connecting in Auckland. However, it leaves Melbourne at a more civilised hour (12.10pm v 9.40am) and gets into Vancouver at a time (2.20pm) that allows you to go straight to your hotel.

I'm thinking that the Air NZ flights might be a better experience.

What do the experts think?

I've done Air NZ to USA & Canada quite a number of times, and IMO believe the better product and service experience far outweights the downside of the transit, and all up offers a superior option to many direct carriers (in this case AC to YVR). The transit in Auckland is VERY simple - literally just walk a few hundred meters, go through a security check-point, and you're at the departure gates (luggage will be through-checked). And as you've stated, the departure and arrival times are more preferred too. Lastly, the long haul flight is through the night which is my preference as I get some sleep on board meaning my timezone adjustment and jetlag recovery is better.

Of course, there will be others that prefer to just get there on a direct flight, but I'm happy to take the via AKL option if pricing is similar.

 

[ctrunfree]

I've done Air NZ to USA & Canada quite a number of times, and IMO believe the better product and service experience far outweights the downside of the transit, and all up offers a superior option to many direct carriers (in this case AC to YVR). The transit in Auckland is VERY simple - literally just walk a few hundred meters, go through a security check-point, and you're at the departure gates (luggage will be through-checked). And as you've stated, the departure and arrival times are more preferred too. Lastly, the long haul flight is through the night which is my preference as I get some sleep on board meaning my timezone adjustment and jetlag recovery is better.

Of course, there will be others that prefer to just get there on a direct flight, but I'm happy to take the via AKL option if pricing is similar.

Thanks for that. The other factor I've just noticed is that the Air NZ flight is daily and the AC isn't, so the former allows a bit more flexibility in planning.

 

[emirates777]

Thanks for that. The other factor I've just noticed is that the Air NZ flight is daily and the AC isn't, so the former allows a bit more flexibility in planning.

Depending on when you want to go, there are also some great deals to Vancouver with Cathay Pacific from Melbourne

 

[RooFlyer]

Depending on when you want to go, there are also some great deals to Vancouver with Cathay Pacific from Melbourne

With that, check the time of the HKG-YVR flight. They have two as day and IIRC one leaves very early AM.

Suggest the OP also check AC out of Sydney - direct flight and may have better timing.

 

[slinky123]

Qantas has the seasonal service Sydney to Vancouver direct in June and July too. Heres the info in case it is of help ( as not star alliance)

Vancouver destination guide - things to do | Qantas AU

 

[ctrunfree]

Thanks for those suggestions. Unfortunately the Sydney to Vancouver flight doesn't start until after I want to be there (before Canadian school holidays). The non-Star Alliance option gets expensive once you load in the cross Canadia flights I need on AC: Vancouver-Calgary, Calgary-Toronto.