Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to see the northern lights next October, in Whitehorse, Yukon (YXY).

If I fly Air North Yukon, it will be a classic 737-200.
If I fly Air Canada, it will be a CRJ-700 and I'll have to pay CAD 30 more each leg.

So, which one would you choose?
Fly a classic model on which it probably will be my last time, since there are very few 732s still flying, or...
Fly the CRJ, which I've never flown and which is arguably more comfortable with a 2-2 seating configuration.

I'm considering flying each leg with a company, but I'd like your inputs. I've heard wonderful reviews of Air Yukon. I've already flown a handful of legs with AC.

Unfortunately Air North does not use the 737-200 on the YVR route, at least not regularly, it is usually a mix of 737-400/500. I would choose Air North hands down, I have not flown them before but the chance to log a new/cool airline and a price savings of $60 has my vote. Even if the price was the same, I still wouldn't go Air Canada simply because it is Air Canada and I'm not a fan of the CRJ700... I've been trying to get out to Whitehorse for the last 2 summers but it has never worked out, hopefully this year I can make it up there. Also don't forget Westjet flies YVR-YXY too.

The CRJ is pretty cramped. It's not spacious like an E-Jet. If you sit anywhere near the back, it's pretty loud too.

I second ryan78's recommendation. Air North is a good company. Plus, if you do get on the 732, it's not just any 732. It's a combi with the gravel kit!

Or, what about booking two one way trips? Take 4N on the way up and AC on the way back, or vice versa.

ryan78 wrote:

Unfortunately Air North does not use the 737-200 on the YVR route, at least not regularly, it is usually a mix of 737-400/500

The seat map shown when I tried to book the flight was that of a 732 (20 rows), that's how I figured out it was this model of airplane.

ryan78 wrote:

Also don't forget Westjet flies YVR-YXY too.

Thank you for the info, but it's a seasonal service and it will end the week before my flight.

aerolimani wrote:

The CRJ is pretty cramped. It's not spacious like an E-Jet.

I've heard that too, but you know, I'd like to experience it so I can say it myself

aerolimani wrote:

Plus, if you do get on the 732, it's not just any 732. It's a combi with the gravel kit!

Yes, too bad it's not a gravel runway in YXY... hahaha

aerolimani wrote:

Or, what about booking two one way trips? Take 4N on the way up and AC on the way back, or vice versa.

That's what I'm considering doing.

danvs wrote:

ryan78 wrote:

Unfortunately Air North does not use the 737-200 on the YVR route, at least not regularly, it is usually a mix of 737-400/500

The seat map shown when I tried to book the flight was that of a 732 (20 rows), that's how I figured out it was this model of airplane.

aerolimani wrote:

The CRJ is pretty cramped. It's not spacious like an E-Jet.

I've heard that too, but you know, I'd like to experience it so I can say it myself

Their 732 and 735 configurations are identical (on the seat map shown, anyway -- haven't flown on both). So I think you figured out it's a 735.

But they do operate a 732 sometimes. However, most often if it's in YVR it's for charter work.

dc9northwest wrote:

Their 732 and 735 configurations are identical (on the seat map shown, anyway -- haven't flown on both). So I think you figured out it's a 735.

Well, the seat map for the 735 on their website shows 21 rows (with only 2 seats on row 21).
The seat map I got for my flight showed only 20 rows, which is the one for the 732.

Well, I got the same seat map... And guess what! It was a 735.

I'm just telling you what to expect to avoid being disappointed at the gate when the 732 (most likely) doesn't show up...

Hi There, I work for Air North ...... it is very very rare for it to be a B7372 on this route usually a B7375 and often the B7374. The past 4 days have been the 400 series. All depends on loads. Free meals/snacks and drinks .... 100 lbs free bag allowance ( 2 bags but one of the two cannot exceed 70 lbs ) makes it pretty much the only North American carrier to offer the *Golden Age of travel* experience happen in 2017. Our 7374 is operated with only 156 seats vs 180 on many carriers. Excellent legroom and fresh baked cooked cookies served before landing. Yes I'm an employee and proud ....... but I am not exaggerating ..... its a throwback to travel 20 years ago ! I have worked for many carriers and Air North is an awesome experience.

As posted above, there is a 99.99% chance you won't be on a -200. I've been on Air North quite frequently, and while their staff is fantastic - the seats are cramped on the -500s.

Personally, I'd go for the CRJ - more legroom and I prefer the 2-2 vs the 3-3 - but thats just me.

danvs wrote:

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to see the northern lights next October, in Whitehorse, Yukon (YXY).

If I fly Air North Yukon, it will be a classic 737-200.
If I fly Air Canada, it will be a CRJ-700 and I'll have to pay CAD 30 more each leg.

So, which one would you choose?
Fly a classic model on which it probably will be my last time, since there are very few 732s still flying, or...
Fly the CRJ, which I've never flown and which is arguably more comfortable with a 2-2 seating configuration.

I'm considering flying each leg with a company, but I'd like your inputs. I've heard wonderful reviews of Air Yukon. I've already flown a handful of legs with AC.

AC is not a 700, it's a 705 which is a 900 with 75 seats. The 705s are very comfortable with lots of legroom.

dc9northwest wrote:

Well, I got the same seat map... And guess what! It was a 735.

Thank you for the clarification. It seems Air North's seat map (shown during booking) doesn't reflect the actual plane we fly.

Iluvtofly wrote:

Hi There, I work for Air North ...... it is very very rare for it to be a B7372 on this route usually a B7375 and often the B7374. The past 4 days have been the 400 series. All depends on loads. Free meals/snacks and drinks .... 100 lbs free bag allowance ( 2 bags but one of the two cannot exceed 70 lbs ) makes it pretty much the only North American carrier to offer the *Golden Age of travel* experience happen in 2017. Our 7374 is operated with only 156 seats vs 180 on many carriers. Excellent legroom and fresh baked cooked cookies served before landing. Yes I'm an employee and proud ....... but I am not exaggerating ..... its a throwback to travel 20 years ago ! I have worked for many carriers and Air North is an awesome experience.

I've read lots of positive feedback from customers on the internet.

ACDC8 wrote:

As posted above, there is a 99.99% chance you won't be on a -200. I've been on Air North quite frequently, and while their staff is fantastic - the seats are cramped on the -500s.
Personally, I'd go for the CRJ - more legroom and I prefer the 2-2 vs the 3-3 - but thats just me.

I also prefer the 2-2 seating config. Legroom is not a big issue (I'm 5'8 - 1,72 m).
The worst of AC is having to pay for even the 1st luggage.

Whiteguy wrote:

AC is not a 700, it's a 705 which is a 900 with 75 seats. The 705s are very comfortable with lots of legroom.

Thank you, I didn't know that.

I would avoid the CRJ by any means. It's so cramped in cabin, I can't stand upright in the aisle, my shoulder is in permanent contact with the wall and my seat mate and my head tends to touch the wall/window.
One day you certainly will fly a CRJ and regret it afterwards

The price and service level of Air North seems to be superior, besides the fact that you will fly a 737 classic!

You can always fly a CRJ with this market, but a 735, or 734? That's a nice change.

Whiteguy wrote:

AC is not a 700, it's a 705 which is a 900 with 75 seats. The 705s are very comfortable with lots of legroom.

34" seat pitch in coach-- roomy.

Thank you all for your inputs!
I decided to try Air North and I booked both legs with them.
Not only I'll experience an airline I've never flown, but also I'll have the chance to fly a classic 737 (most probably a 735)!

danvs wrote:

Thank you all for your inputs!
I decided to try Air North and I booked both legs with them.
Not only I'll experience an airline I've never flown, but also I'll have the chance to fly a classic 737 (most probably a 735)!

That's great! Bon voyage!

Don't worry. There will be plenty of CRJ's around for awhile, and Air Canada isn't going away either, most likely.