Flying to Canada on Saturday and terrified!

[Amandella]

We are off on holiday to Toronto on Saturday with dd4 and dd10 - we haven't travlled for a while and to be honest, I'm petrified!! We are flying with Air Canada and I know that we are on a 757 aircraft and the airline are apparently doing up their aircraft, but regrettably haven't gotten around to doing the planes on either of our two flights! According to the reviews I've read, the planes are very old and worn out. I realise the engines might be fine but the rest of it is apparently pretty awful which doesn't make me feel any good!! I realise it's a bit irrational but I have this real fear that we are on an old 2 engined plane over the Atlantic for 8.5 hours and I really wish that I hadn't taken those cheap seats and had spent considerably more to be on a more modern British Airways plane!!!

I sound more bonkers than I really am but I am so panicking and need a reality check! Any pointers from those who feel comfortable being in a metal tin 35,000 feet up in the air being held up by 2 relatively small-looking engines would you like to share with us how I can hold it together long enough not to cause an unnecessary diversion of the said ancient tin can? Can't help thinking that I'm responsible for putting my kids' lives at risk which in effect makes me an unfit mother......aaaahhh.... helppp..
Thanks

You should be fine. From what I know, "doing up the aircraft" = "adding seat back tv etc etc", not "making it safe". They're already safe!

They are not a cowboy airline - they wouldn'f fly a plane that wasn't safe.

Doing up a plane means redoing the cosmetic bits inside, not changing the airworthyness.

What will you do in Toronto, by the way? We go every year, I can maybe suggest destinations?

I am Canadian and I always fly with Air Canada. There are no better pilots on the world, and their safety record is unimpeachable. The plane you are taking may not be some brand new thing but neither is it a clapped out hunk of junk. I would happily and confidently let an AC pilot fly me home in a bus with surfboards for wings.

Read this link to see a very famous example of how tremendous AC pilots are in en emergency.

The flight crew are v professional and will go out of their way to make you feel comfortable.

Reading this I sound like I work for them. I don't. I actually HATE flying! You will be fine and will be in good hands, don't worry.

The plane might not have the luxuries or the best interior, but I am sure a plane that is not mechanically sound would not be allowed to fly...

In the light of recent events at Heathrow Term 5 you may just arrive with luggage...

Lots of people fly every day and all arrive safely....

Good luck and have a good holiday!!

I love Air Canada, have nothing but praise for them and their planes. Being a bit dated in the cabin doesn't mean that the planes are not in a good state of repair. Looking at the safety records of airlines online Air Canada has an excellent record.

Everyone- thank you so much for your responses - I'm overwhelmed actually that so many of you have replied and in such positive terms. I feel a whole heap better!!
I would welcome suggestions on where to take the kids in Toronto by the way!
Thanks once again - I really appreciate it.

Ok, well, given it's April ... I'd recommend the Science Centre, ROM (if it's open again), the Zoo, maybe the Islands (if you have warm clothes or there's a warm day? The trip out is lovely, although I am pretty sure the rides won't be going). How long are you staying for? What part of town? Will you have a car?

You could do a daytrip to Niagara falls?

Oooh, I've had a look at the weather, and bits aren't too bad. There are good playgrounds in High Park. I love Dufferin Grove Park, although I don't know how much is on there at this time of year. Definately go to the Islands, it's a lovely ferry ride and they're just beautiful.

The aeroplanes will be regularly tested for air worthiness. It is very rigorous and they have to pass to fly. Take the DCs up the CN tower, the views are fantastic.

In my view its like houses and cars, old things are made to last but most new things these days need replacing much quicker.

When I was in the army I had to fly to thesaloniki on a herc which is just a long bench in th middle of the plane with wires hangin down and raf crew checking and pulling at the wires every so often. Thats scarey but was told they were old so built to last.

You will be fine xx

You'll be fine x
And if in doubt about nerves a whisky when they bring the drinks round if you're that nervous it won't incapacitate you -- just calm you down....
have fun

Thanks for the great suggestions. We are staying in the centre of Toronto at the Sheraton and we do have a car. Will definitely do niagara falls.

Just packing bags now ready for tomorrow and feeling much better thanks to all of your helpful comments.
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