Some of you will remember my concerned post from a few weeks ago about the YUL>LGA route moving from A319's to E75's .

Well, I had my first go at a flight on one of the new planes today (AC752), apparently the third flight taken on one of these! Overall, I'd maintain they are a downgrade from the A319, but despite my Brazil-bashing, this airplane is lightyears ahead of Bombardier CRJs in terms of comfort.

For your amusement, I thought I'd rank the airplane on three measures: Comfort, Flight/Feel, and Quality. Each on 10. Here goes:

Comfort 8/10

I have to say, overall the plane was quite comfortable. It was bright, clean, with big windows situated at eye level. The seats were not, as I expected, all-leather. It is some sort of AC/Crest inspired motif in regular upholstry. Every seat is equipped with a television screen (currently says "Coming Soon! Entertainment YOU can control" or something like that), which is a nice 'me-too' response to WestJet, JetBlue, etc. On that note, there was no A/V available whatsoever on this flight. I flew in J class and there was ample room, probably as much as on an A319. Also, the disposition of seats gives you more leg room than on an A319.

One silly design element is that with the 1-2 configuration in the J cabin, you literally need to reach over your neighbour if you're sitting in the aisle of the '2' side to control light/climate.

The lavatory, though, was horrible. I'm 6ft tall and had to limbo to um...well...point and shoot.

No oven on board. Apparently, moving forward all meals (that means J only) will be served cold. The options were a Greek Salad or cold-cuts and bread.

Flight/Feel 7/10

The Embraer feels very nice. It takes off pretty quickly, it's a bit quieter than a CRJ, and manoeuvers more like a full-sized jet --although not completely. It's much like driving a Honda Prelude when you're used to a Crowne Victoria (the CRJ would be a Suzuki Swift).

Quality 6/10

This was my concern beforehand, and I'm afraid it remains after this first experience. The overhead bins are cheaply-made, and must be slammed shut with some strength. One of them wouldn't close until all three FAs tried (it was empty). There was carpet-fluff everywhere on the airplane, and while this is likely temporary, it seems as though an oversight like this shouldn't happen on a new aircraft. Huge qualm - the meal trays are just very tinny and rather unstable. My guess is that AC will have MANY superficial maintenance issues with these airplanes. They just don't seem very resistant to passenger use --I can just imagine winter/holidays when people cram everything onboard and are bashing through things. There's a cheap-plastic and tin consistency to lots of the equipment on board.

Overall Score:7/10

Hope you enjoy these new birds. I think that once all the amenities will be made available it will be a great alternative to the 737s and A319/A320s of the world. I think AC did a great job of building a cabin that is fairly tasteful and comfortable. I'll miss my warm meals though .

 

Thanks for your report. On the same scale, how would you rate the CRJ?

 

Good point. I left nothing relative - here we go:

- Comfort refers to the level of passenger amenities.
- Flight/Feel refers to flight enjoyment, comfort level with the way the aircraft takes off, banks, etc.
- Quality refers to just that perceived or demonstrated.


CRJ
Comfort - 6/10
Flight/Feel - 6/10
Quality - 8/10
Overall - 6.6 /10

A319/A320
Comfort - 8/10
Flight/Feel - 8/10
Quality - 8/10
Overall - 8/10

 

Slave2YUL

You had 3 FA's?
On my recent,100% capacity LGA/YYZ flight,there were only 2 FA's.

 

Maybe someone else can count??

 

2 hands ,two FA's.

 

Sorry, forgot you had shoes on

 

I would imagine it's precisely because its a new aircraft that you get the carpet fluff. Once its broken in that will disappear.

 

This aircraft also features 2x2 seating in Y (no middle seats) and will enable us to offer J class on routes where it previously was not economical to do so. In addition, the E75/90s will allow us to increase frequency on key business routes providing customers more choice and flexibility without having to compromise comfort.

 

Ben: You input into this forum is greatly appreciated. Thanks for the posts. ^

 

I 2nd that -- a heartfelt thanks for the timely posts! ^

 

How many FA's are scheduled to work the E75?

 

Lets hope 2, to save money.

 

How are the J meals on this route nowadays? Using either British Midland points or AC with the new stopover rules , I might fly this route as part of a North Carolina to Alberta itin.

 

As the old saying goes, revenge is a dish best served on the E75 or E90 in J.