Zoom Airlines

I flew by Zoom Airlines to the UK recently. Frankly, I wish I hadn't. I had heard good reports about Zoom and when She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed was researching fares online, Zoom's rates were the best for the period during which we wanted to travel.

First Class? Oh no!
A Blighty's customer had proudly announced to me that she was planning to travel "first class" on Zoom Airlines this summer. I told her that I wasn't aware Zoom had a first class cabin. She clarified that she was referring to Zoom's "Premium Economy" seats. SWMBO and I dislike cramped airline seats so we too paid extra to fly Zoom Airline's Premium Economy class with high expectations for a comfortable flight.

Priority Bag Handling? - If You're Lucky
One of the perks for flying Zoom's Premium Economy Class is that your luggage is tagged with "Priority" stickers. When we landed in the UK our bags were among the first to make it onto the carousel. Unfortunately, Zoom failed to provide the same service on our return trip.

Separate Check-In Desks
Zoom Airlines Premium Economy class passengers are provided with a separate check-in line-up which is a nice touch and helps to smooth some of the aggravation associated with passing through an airport.

Zoom's Premium Economy Seats Are Less Uncomfortable
On our way out to the UK all was looking good right up to the moment we got on board our aircraft. The first disappointment came when we were shown to our seats. I wonder whether the lady who was planning to travel on Zoom Airlines "First Class" was as disappointed as we were. Zoom's Premium Economy seats are the same size as in regular economy class but the row spacing is not as tight.

So, we squeezed into our premium seats and took off for England. As the plane gained height a locker door beside our seats flapped open and clattered loudly. The flight attendants remained in their seats but a passenger was eventually able to reach out and close the door before the contents of the locker spilled out and injured somebody.

Zoom to the Loo, Break the TV
As we reached cruising altitude the captain turned off the seatbelt signs and the rush for the washrooms began. The washroom at the front of the aircraft was adjacent to the ceiling-mounted TV monitor. Every time the washroom door opened it crashed into the TV monitor! SWMBO and I occupied first row seats and our view of the TV monitor involved craning our necks at an angle which proved to be quite painful after only a few minutes.

Where On Earth Are We?
A feature that I really appreciate on trans-Atlantic flights is a GPS map on the TV monitors. I find it helps to pass the time knowing where I am as we cross the Atlantic. Zoom Airlines does not provide this service. I had no idea where I was until the captain announced that it was time for our descent into our destination airport.

Your Choice of Seats?
We took advantage of Zoom's advance seat selection service. For a small fee you can choose your favourite seat. SWMBO likes a window seat in the first row. On the way back to Canada she was given a centre seat at the back of the cabin. We requested a refund of the fee we had paid, but we have had no response from Zoom Airlines yet. Not even an expression of regret and acknowledgement of our complaint.

Back at Toronto's Pearson Airport we walked casually over to the baggage carousel expecting our bags to be delivered quickly. After all, we had paid extra for "Premium Economy" seats and our bags were supposed to be treated with priority. They weren't. All the Premium Economy bags (clearly marked with "Priority" stickers) rolled onto the carousel behind everybody else's after about a thirty minute wait.

Fly Zoom?
I won't be flying Zoom again unless I can't find a seat on any other airline. Zoom Airline's service is based on getting people to their destination as cheaply as possible. Don't expect good service. Above all, don't throw good money after bad by paying extra for "Premium Economy" seats on Zoom Airlines!