Sunwing to Europe

[winner2000]

Just curious if anyone has used Sunwing to fly to Europe in the past? From what I can see, either this is the first year they are offering flights to Europe or last year was the first year (not too sure). I noticed their prices (i.e. to Paris ORY, where I'll be going) are quite a bit lower than even Air Transat (and of course the mainstream airlines). I haven't really flown with Sunwing before, but my understanding is that they have a so-so repuation for the short-haul flights down south. Are these planes as cramped/tight as they ones they use to flying to Europe?

[FunSave22]

They flew to Europe last year.

Although I've never flown them, people were mostly saying that their planes to Europe were more cramped than Air Transat. But there were a few who were saying they had more room. So it's not clear if there was more than one plane type, or people had different impressions.


And they were quite cheap for much of last year. Probably had a lot of empty seats, since not many people knew they were flying to Europe.

[deals881]

I flew Sunwing last summer to Paris. The fare was only $750 while AC's fare was $1100. For the fare difference it was good value. The flight was OK, seats OK, service good. The only thing I did not like was that there was no personal TV at your chair, just the communal monitor.

[monty613]

didn't even realize they flew to Europe. we just used them to fly to Costa Rica and i thought the flight represented good value.

i had the chance to fly down on the 'upgraded' seats and regular 'economy fare class' on the way back. i'm 6'2 and i found the upgraded seats had decent legroom and it was definitely worth the few bucks for this. the economy fare seats were a little tight but sitting in an aisle relieved some of that. you would really feel cramped if you were in a window seat with the person ahead of you reclined.

baggage allowance was reasonable and the flight attendant service was good. meal selection was edible. as noted the communal TV and the movies were terrible - bring a lot of reading material.

having researched the carrier quite a bit, the biggest complaint about Sunwing seems to be last minute itinerary changes, cancellations, and/or delays. we didn't experience any of that but i can imagine it would be frustrating. i suppose that's the risk when you fly with a discount charter carrier though.

[rf134a]

If you're going to book with Sunwing, do it before February 14th.

http://www.sunwing.ca/travelagentinfo/imgWW/02062012_FuelSurcharge_Europe.jpg

[Raggie]

Prices to England already increased about a week or two ago...

[mocj1970]

Prices to England already increased about a week or two ago...

can you please give an example of what was the price before?

[Raggie]

I booked a flight to England for late June - $549 before taxes and charges.
Two weeks later (currently) it has increased to $649 before taxes and charges.

[Madchester]

Prices to England already increased about a week or two ago...

Yup - they've gone from 1110 to 1280 on Air Transat

I should stop procrastnating on my airfare purchase!

[Raggie]

Yup - they've gone from 1110 to 1280 on Air Transat

I should stop procrastnating on my airfare purchase!

Yes! I purchased just before the increase. I don't think they will come down in price (Olympics). etc.

[Raggie]

Book your ticket on Flight Network since they have Price Drop Protection.

[LNahid2000]

Flew them twice last summer and both times were great! First time was to London for $300 roundtrip (pricing error), and second time was to Paris for $725. Great prices, great service, and they gave you like 3 meals during the 8 hour flight...I was impressed to get such great service on a discount airline!

[Madchester]

I ended up booking my YYZ-LGW flight with them. Decided to add a day to my trip and they're almost 200 cheaper than Air Transat for the same dates.

Having flown (and enjoyed) Air Asia in the fall, I have no qualms with your no-frills airline.

[RETD]

We flew YYZ-LGW in July 2011 for $991 (all in) each. After booking in Feb/11 I watched prices for change and they went up and down. I saw prices go as low as $800 pp (congnitive dissonance lol) As you get closer to the departure, if the flight hasn't sold out then they put those seats up for cheaper.

Sunwing contracts another carrier (Portuguese?) for their Euro flights. Equipment is a 767 but instead of the usual 2-3-2 cfg, you get 2-4-2 and less leg room so yes, the flights are more cramped but other than that the service was fine. As with any charter though YMMV. They are also very strict with baggage limits - weights and dimenions, both checked and carry-on.

Also, often the prices quoted directly on Sunwing's website would be cheaper than on Expedia, Travelocity, etc.

[Madchester]

^

I'm flying during the Olympics - so I doubt any big drops in price.

Lots of flights and accommodation bookings are adding these special exceptions and cancellation clauses for the Olympics. i.e., the place I'm staying normally has a 24 hr cancellation policy for a full refund, but it needs to be 14 days in advance during the Olympics