A trip to UNESCO-listed Québec City in Canada is within easy reach thanks to a new non-stop flight from the UK with Air Transat. Lynne Maxwell hops on board.
As soon as the Champagne corks pop onboard Air Transat’s inaugural direct flight from the UK to Québec City, I know I'll be in for an exciting journey – and that’s before I sit back and sip my bubbles.
Introducing a brand new route. Air Transat’s now weekly non-stop journey to Canada’s incredible French-speaking province will only go one way: up (naturally).
The seven-hour flight whizzes by in what feels like minutes. I am lucky enough to be travelling Club Class, but I’m told Economy is just as good.
Aircraft specs
Space is the first thing I notice about the fleet’s newest and most efficient aircraft, the Airbus A321neoLR. At 5ft 11” (180cm), legroom on any flight is important to me, and the seat width and aisle space doesn't disappoint. This particular model features a 2-2 seat formation in Club Class (12 seats in total) and a 3-3 configuration in Economy (187 in total).
As I follow our progress through the air, it dawns on me not only how smooth the journey is but also how peaceful. The Airbus A321neoLR is powered by engines with the lowest fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in their class, and produces about 5,000 fewer tonnes of CO2 a year. That means it consumes 15% less fuel and generates 50% less noise in the cabin, a significant improvement on previous Airbus models. No wonder it sounds so quiet.
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Food and drink on board
We all know airlines aren't exactly renowned for their food quality, but Air Transat's offerings really surprise me. At take-off, as we accelerate along the runway and drift into the clouds, my first major decision is what drink to have with my complimentary cheesy snacks that have appeared as an early treat. I opt for a refreshing G&T, but you name it, you can have it – wines, spirits and mixers, all there for your choosing. And before I start to test my knowledge on a brain teaser game, there is another tough choice to be made – what to have for lunch.
Club Class offers a host of added benefits, one being multi-course meals served on real plates with actual cutlery – no plastic trays in sight. Choices for mains that day include pork, chicken or a tasty aubergine parmigiana for the veggies. All come with a dressed salad, bread roll and dessert, served with wine or a beverage of your choice.
Around an hour-and-a-half before landing in Québec, an array of neatly cut finger sandwiches and a warm scone with jam and clotted cream arrive at my seat. Cue teas, coffees (or wine again) and smiles all round.
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In-flight service
It’s not just the food and space I can wax lyrical about, but also the top-notch service by the very attentive cabin crew. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Need yet another sauvignon blanc? No problem. Want help with your six-way headrest? They will be at your service.
There's also a special mention for the complimentary gifts that scattered my rather large seat. Club Class provides its passengers with a leather toiletry bag filled with treats such as an eye mask, ear plugs, blow-up neck pillow, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, plus L’Occitane lip balm and hand cream, and not forgetting a pair of slippers. All a welcome sight on my return journey after a long day of sightseeing and shopping in scenic Québec City.
I also enjoyed the higher baggage allowance after buying perhaps too many maple syrup goodies!
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In-flight entertainment
The in-flight entertainment menu on the 13.3" touch screens (10.1" in Economy) does not disappointment either. From the many classic and new-release films available, to TV shows and multiple games, there is more than enough to keep me occupied on the journey. If you're more of a download-your-own-favourites type of flyer, you don't need to worry about running out of battery on your device. There are USB and power outlets at every seat.
It came as no surprise to learn that Air Transat was crowned the World’s Best Leisure Airline in 2019 and 2021 by Skytrax. Attention to detail is evident onboard, with flight attendants catering to your every need, and it’s only a matter of time before more and more travellers take advantage of this fantastic new direct route.
Air Transat is running direct, once-weekly flights from Gatwick to Québec City currently until September 2022. For more information, visit airtransat.com
Lead image: mervas/Shutterstock