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Air Canada
Category: Hotels & Travel Transportation Airlines Airlines [Edit]
Toronto City Centre Airport60 Harbour St
Toronto, ON M5J 1B7
Neighbourhood: Harbourfront
(416) 673-1075
21 reviews for Air Canada
21 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
2/3/2012
Air Canada, you are beginning to impress me with your service.
While I am NOT a fan of the roll-backs of general airlines I AM generally pleased when airlines keep it together in terms of:
-being nice
yeah..that's it. I'm a fairly low maintenance customer. Now No north amercian airline will EVER compare to japan or singapore air- but at least aircanada has stepped up their game (in comparison to westjet) and provided plans with movies, plugs, etc AND heightened their standards on being nice.
A few years ago I went straight to Westjet for my north amer flights. For the last 2 years I have consistently taken Air can.
good work, Aircanada- you have successfully (almost) made me forget how BAD you were before.Listed in: February Food-Free Yelping…
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Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
5/7/2012
This review is only for business class flight Toronto to Hong Kong - round trip
Check-in - Toronto to Hong Kong
At first glance, I was horrified to see the same line for AC Elites Silver to Platinum, Super Elite to Super, Super, Super Elite...and Business Class. Super annoying. The lady who directs passengers to which line continually showed us to the economy line despite me countless times saying we were business. Eventually, I just stopped talking to her and walked up to the counter that said business. Stop wasting my time.
The Plane.
Business class on my plane was divided into two sections: Seats 1-6 then two washrooms plus setting up station, then (I assume) 7-12. Each row contains 4 pods. I surmise that section 7-12, although business, are for passengers who get upgrades or who don't pay full ticket price. The main reason I think this is because ordering food, the peeps in the first few rows always get their food choices. I was sitting in row 4 and I was the last passenger who got to order the Cod Fish. Passengers in row 12 always invariably gets the leftovers. The two most popular food choices on this flight were the Cod (which was very yummy) and the Congee (which looked like nuked puke).
Business class to HK means getting your own pod, but you really are paying for just that. Seats do recline flat, but are really uncomfortable. Movie selections are boring, and in fact, some poor soul (hoping the one that got the upgrade) couldn't even use the entertainment system. 15 minutes of me watching Enchanted, we got the message that they had to re-set the system because some people couldn't watch movies. Then, 15 minutes again, the same lady asked if anyone would be kind enough to switch seats with a person whose entertainment system was not working at all. The prize for your generosity would be "aeroplan points of some denomination..." No thanks. I at least caught up on watching: The Help (GREAT MOVIE), The Iron Lady, and Mission Impossible.
Service is generally spotty. Sure, there are people who take my drinks order, but service between lunch and breakfast is non existent. I was not asked once if I wanted any snacks (in fact, you have to get the snacks yourself), and snacks consist of dim sum (HORRIBLE), chips, chocolate, and random fruit. They have cup noodles which would be the best of the lot.
I would HIGHLY recommend taking Cathay Pacific to HK, over AC. Main reasons are bang for your buck: stellar service, great entertainment system, comfortable pods and food that is more Asian geared. FYI! CP now offers new Business Class seats that take the pod into something more. If you look at it, it basically looks like a huge cubicle with a great flat bed and total privacy. Also, CP now offers the Premium Economy Class which is a step up from regular economy, but not as expensive as Business. In other words, around $2000 for premium vs. $5000 for CP's new business class.
I won't complain about being in business because after all, I got to sleep and eat food and drink champagne, and thanks to the heavens, my entertainment system worked. But, with Cathay Pacific offering business tickets for around the same price, my parents and I now know to never take AC business to HK. Lesson learned.
Also note that AC flights to HK are usually in the morning, while CP flights to HK are around midnight.
Lounge. Business class passengers get access to the Maple Leaf Lounge.
Check-in - Hong Kong to Toronto
Not as distasteful as the experience in Toronto. Efficient.
Lounge. Business class passengers either get entry into the Thai lounge, or United lounge. My parents and I agreed that the United lounge was the better option (food wise at least). Yup, you can expect lots of curry dishes at the Thai lounge, which would be a bit filling before a flight. United carried a variety of dishes ranging from sushi to noodles to sandwiches. They also served Asahi beer which I happily glugged away. Both lounges are very close to each other, but you have to make your choice (as in you can't try both lounges).
The Plane
Same movies. Almost same food. Even same flight attendant. Thank goodness the flight back home I was really tired and slept for most of the way.
Conclusion.
AC business to HK makes sense for those who collect the points. But for me and my parents who are also a part of the One World (which Cathay belongs to) we collect points that way too. What does business mean for me? It means having my own space to stretch, choosing my own entertainment, eating great food/drinking booze and being able to lie down flat. I also want to be pampered. If I had to compare dollar to dollar, AC and CP offer the same fare price, but they do not offer the same value. Having said that, Cathay Pacific to HK is infinitely the better option.Listed in: Insider 'Travel' Information
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Review from Roma M.
3/29/2012
Air Canada is kind of like Tim Hortons in that it, too, is a 'Canadian' classic with questionable quality. They charge $25 for checking 1 bag across North American flights. I've taken many flights with them, 80% of which have been delayed 10-30 minutes regardless of route.
The service is always atrocious. The crew is often rude, self-important and it seems like they just don't care about the reputation of the Air Canada brand, yet they are absurdly often pitted against WestJet* who truly set the standard for Canadian airline excellence. For a non-discount airline, they make JetBlue look like Singapore Airlines. In the past year, I've noticed that there is always something not functioning on each of the planes, whether it's the A/V unit on a passenger's seat or an out-of-order washroom. When pointed out to the crew, all I've seen passengers get is a shrug.
Kudos for often being the cheapest option in Canada, but alas, that's not saying much.
-------------------------------------------
*WestJet also has a better cancellation agreement and treat pets with love. Seriously.Listed in: Travel
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Review from Alex M.
Scarborough, Toronto, ON
4/18/2012
With all of the labour disputes, very poor on time ratings, and lost luggage, I won't fly on Air Canada unless I really have to. Their employees don't want to work for the company meaning that the public will be inconvenienced by the "stoppages". Air Canada might be gone sooner rather than later.
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Review from Crystal H.
Vancouver, BC
12/12/2011
If this were 2 years ago, I would have 1 starred you. But you know what, you're not that bad when compared to some of the other North American lines. Delta and American Airlines, I'm looking at you.
Over the past year, I've noticed a change in your traditionally surly, rude, unionized and entitled staff. Granted, I don't interact with them much. I keep my earphones in. I check in online. I don't check baggage. But when I do have a bag, sometimes, they actually smile. Every once in a while the gate agents doesn't "huff" at me when I ask a question. And once, I even got a free glass of wine on a flight. I honestly didn't think that was real, or possible. I was floored by this show of care. It turned out to be the flight attendant hitting on me, but so what? It was the kindest thing that has ever happened to me on Air Canada, and I've been flying with them my whole life.
But honestly, I think what's made all the difference, is your Twitter handle.
@aircanada gets stuff done. They have found me a seat on a plane--that I had paid well in advance for--when gate agents have told me I'd been put on standby. They've been kind enough to find out answers to my questions about their points program, again when gate agents have scoffed and told me to go look it up myself. Basically, their twitter handle has changed Air Canada for me, calming me down when a real life interaction with a gate agent is souring. Making me smile when I land from a flight to see I've been heard by someone in your organization. Thank you @aircanada. You truly rule.Listed in: Up In the Air - The Travel…
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Review from Laura D.
12/28/2011
Okay - let me say that 95% of the time, things go smoothly and I feel like it would be practically impossible for an airline to screw up. On the flight, the staff are friendly, the seat are seats and the services available are what they are.
I don't really care about all the extra's. What's important to me is getting to my destination, somewhat comfortably and safely and not ending up overnight at an airport because I missed my connection and the airline wouldn't put me up in a hotel.
The charging for baggage is a little annoying, but it is what it is. I don't check luggage often, so this wouldn't really affect me too much.
What I base my rating on is that 5% when things go wrong.
I encountered one of those, 5% moments on my last trip with Air Canada. My flight into LAS was wonderful. Everything went smoothly, there was a delay but that's not a big deal, this was a direct flight, no worrying about missing a connection. It was on the way home that Air Canada showed its incapable of making logical proactive corrections to make sure their customers are well taken care of.
I was on a flight from LAS-YYZ-YUL, connecting to the last flight to YUL from YYZ. The flight from LAS was delayed. Already, the connection was going to be tight, but then they announced a second delay, the plane wasn't even on the ground yet, and so, my LAS flight was destined to arrive in YYZ 5 minutes before my flight to YUL would depart!
I asked about changing my flight to the next day, I had a place to stay in Vegas, so it wouldn't be difficult for me to swing it. A little inconvenient, but not as much as being stuck overnight in Toronto. They refused to change me to another flight, saying I could if I wanted, just pay the change fee of 75$.
I asked if they thought I would catch my connecting flight... would they hold the plane for me while I went through customs. Not likely, was the answer. Nice. I said - so you know I will miss my flight, and you can't change my flight? - Nope. We are not able to make that kind of change, we can only change it once you miss your flight. Wonderful.
I filed a complaint over a month ago with no response from Air Canada. Oh well, lesson learned.
Thus, 2 stars. -
Review from Howard H.
8/18/2011
OK, I'm going to come right out and say it; I like Air Canada.
I fly a lot. A LOT.
Now, to be fair, judging Air Canada in comparison to other NORTH AMERICAN airlines, they come out pretty favorably. The other disclaimer here is that when I do those long hauls it is primarily in executive class. By primarily, I mean always.
As with any other airline - there are tricks and secrets that tilt the power of balance slightly more towards the favour of the consumer. With some diligent research, you can find most of these on the net.
Some things you may not have known about Air Canada:
* It carries more passengers annually than the entire population of Canada
* It is ranked as the second safest airline in the world
* It won North American Airline of the year 2 years running
* It is the most flexible carrier, in terms of routing, to fly an around the world fare (Star Alliance or otherwsie)
Don't get me wrong - If I have a choice between AC and Singapore, Cathay, Air New Zealand, Emirates, etc. etc. all they are going to see is a ripple of electrons where my reservation used to be -- -- but when one has to originate from the US, for example, headed to Europe and it's not possible to do so without a stop - Air Canada is quite a viable option.
So, I would like to propose a new marketing slogan;
AIR CANADA; You could do a lot worse. -
Review from Gary M.
Innisfil, ON
2/23/2012
7 hours late and got me to Pearson airport in the middle of the night with no transit? I will never fly with these guys again!
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Review from Mike H.
Burlington, ON
8/21/2011
LOL, people reviewing Air Canada based on weather and government imposed taxes that EVERY airline in North America adds to their tickets, classic!
I've been flying since the 60's, I have 100's of flights on Air Canada, also on Canadian (CP Air), Westjet, Delta, Northwest, United, US Air and I think I'm qualified to say the following:
Air Canada is not perfect, I've yet to find the perfect airline...there's just way too many variables launching an aluminum tube full of people 41,000 feet flying over 500 mph. Air Canada is far and away ahead of anything North America has to offer and has been for over 7 decades. Best of all, they are safe, reliable and when a plane breaks down you usually only wait an hour or two unlike some of their fly by night competition that will leave you stranded for days.
Reliable, safe and priced virtually the same as competition. People love to complain about Air Canada, just as popular as bashing CBC & the government, but the real fact is that Air Canada does it as good or in most cases much better than any of the competition that appear, talk up a storm and disappear...while Air Canada continues on in it's 74th year of offering safe, affordable transport.
I'll take AC's business class any day over Westjet's...oh wait, Westjet has no business class and just has narrower seats in economy than AC's entire fleet...complain away you folks that travel once every 3 years...take it from someone who flys a minimum of 10 times a year, it doesn't get better than AC in the long run. -
Review from Augusta S.
10/12/2010
Two stars, Air Canada. And really - those two stars are reserved for the ONE flight attendant on my return flight from Athens, GR that understood my need for more than one bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon was NOT to get belligerently drunk and start an onboard riot - but merely to help me knock out to better endure the 11 PLUS hours necessary to cross the Atlantic.
I mean, really - you would think for the amount of "fees" and "taxes" associated with a flight there wouldn't be an issue to hand me two bottles of red. After all, this ain't no Cesna, lady. It's a full flight. Onna a Boeing 767, nonetheless, that seats over 200.
Your apt reply "Oh noes, I'm not allowed to do that's..."
The AC attendants on the way to Athens had no issue with it, whatsoever.
Nor did it pose an issue when I flew Air France last year to Paris. (Note to self: do NOT confuse Air France with Air Canada. For shame! Even the French spoken is different!)
I blinked, somewhat stunned trying to understand your desire to police my beverage intake. I wasn't asking for a case, dear madam. I simply want to sleep and one bottle of red ain't gonna do it... neither will spacing out my one drink minimum over the hour and a half it takes for you to serve 100 other people on your side of the plane.
Sigh.
Thank youse abound, though, to the one flight attendant that heard my inner cry. He handed me another bottle of red when the flight police wasn't looking and gave me a wink. There is salvation in the airborne heavens, after all.
Other reasons which lead me to never choose to fly Air Canada again are having to pay for food OF ANY KIND during a 2+ hour flight. My flight from LAX to Montreal was 5+ hours and the only way to even get a snack was to whip out the plastic and pay. Geez. I know times are tough, but gouging me $13 for a crappy sandwich and a thimble of vodka isn't going to make strides for you economically.
Or is it?
Of course once you board in Canada to travel abroad you get a meal.
At least that's what Air Canada calls it. Or more directly - they call it "chicken or beef."
"Would you like chicken or beef? Chicken or beef? Chicken or beef?" resonating down the aisle.
I appreciated hearing that almost as much as - "Headset? . . . Headset?. . . Headset? . . . Headset?. . . Headset? . . . Headset?. . . Headset? . . . Headset?. . . Headset? . . . Headset?. . . Headset? . . . Headset?. . . Headset? . . . Headset?"
Ok, actually the 'headset' thing made me giggle a little. Imagine - a very monotone, discontented voice repetitiously inquiring.
And speaking of headsets!... Air Canada, your EnRoute website for onboard movies and entertainment is a complete lie. Lie. Lie. LIE, Air Canada. For shame!
I was sooo looking forward to watching 'The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo' on my personal Inflight monitor, impressed that you finally took the leap into the new century but syke! There were no personal inflight monitors. Just the crappy old school middle of the aisle, so far away you can't see a thing, not like it matters, omg - are they showing Tom Hanks 'BIG'??? One screen. 200 people. 12 hours?! Sigh.
Another bottle of red, please.
I just might insight a riot.Listed in: traveling...traveling
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Review from Ksenja T.
11/8/2011
Since when does Air Canada charge for baggage fees? Well now they do. $25 for my luggage each way to fly from Toronto-New York. So for two people that's an added $100 on an already expensive flight. While checking-in, we asked the lady about this change and she responded with "we're just going to be like everyone else," meaning like our neighbours in the States. So much for being different.
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Review from Leighann F.
Updated - 8/22/2010 1 photo
FINALLY, a response from Air Canada had been made. However, they attempted to tell me that the email was sent on December 8, 2009. I received no such email and find their response to be pretty worthless. My favorite part of the letter comes at the end, where they thank me for my support and "look forward to welcoming you on board in the near future." What in the world would lead them to believe I would ever purchase a ticket on their airline again?
***
'Dear Ms. Farrelly,
Thank you for your email.
I am very concerned at the adverse impression you received from our check in agent. We expect our customers to receive courteous, professional and helpful service at all times and anything less is unacceptable.
On behalf of Air Canada, please accept our sincere apologies. Your experience is doubly unfortunate because it reflects so poorly on the majority of our staff who are genuinely interested in extending professional, courteous and caring service. While it is of little consolation after the fact, I can assure you that your comments have been relayed to our Customer Service Manager at Toronto Airport for review with Jane.
While you will appreciate that we may not discuss the outcome of such reviews with our customers, we wish to assure you that we treat these matters very seriously and are intent on preventing recurrences.
Ms. Farrelly, thank you for choosing Air Canada. We value your support and look forward to welcoming you on board in the near future.
Sincerely, Anke du Preez (Mrs.)
Customer Relations'Listed in: U.S. Transportation: Top-Notch…, Places You Won't Find Me -…, Travel Don'ts, Traveling By Air, Travel by Plane
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/4/2010
Seven months and several emails later, there has been no contact from Air Canada regarding this… Read more »
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Review from Sachi M.
11/8/2010
I saw an ad at Waterfront Station (Vancouver) that all seats have electric outlets, but thought "yeah... on 'some' planes". But my flight the next week had them! Also on the way back (interational). They were located on the back of the headrest of the seat in front of you. There was only one normal outlet for 2 passengers, but one USB port for each (which is what I needed for my iPhone, anyways). I was happy that I got to listen to podcasts without having to worry about the maps I'll be needing when I land.
My favourite thing about this flight was the e-check-in when departing from Vancouver. When I used their iPhone app, I even got my boarding pass on my device, so all I had to do at the airport was hand in my check-in luggage. Coming back, though, I could only go as far as confirming my seat, and had to get the boarding pass at the airport. (I went to the machine and got it. Then I tried to drop off my check-in luggage. But I was told to get in the same lineup as everyone else. So I don't really understand if there was a point for me to spend the extra time doing the other stuff.)
The food was OK. I was most impressed with the second meal outbound: Beef stew with mashed potatoes. The mashed potatoes actually had potato chunks in it, unlike reconstituted powder stuff. I was least impressed with one of the meals inbound: a somewhat flavoured rice thing with salmon on it. It didn't have enough flavour, not even salt.
I was glad that I could use my own earphones for the entertainment system (is that normal nowadays?). The touch-panel system gave me no problems, and it had tons of choices, had I wanted to watch things the whole fight.
Their mileage plan, Aeroplan, isn't particularly awesome but pretty good. The miles don't expire as long as you earn/use some miles per year (I think), and that doesn't need to be because of flights. It's easy to earn miles at Esso, Home Hardware, with Tropicana or Quakers, etc. -
Review from Rajan B.
Updated - 11/8/2011
I did finally get the upgraded seat! I still am not going to increase the ratings. Air Canada just have to earn my stars the same way I earned my gold status!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2011
I am an Air Canada gold member, but most of the time the upgrades are not honoured. What really… Read more »
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
12/19/2010
If I had to review my previous experiences in economy class on AC, it would be a 2. However I am reviewing my executive class experience.
AC doesn't have a first class so this is it. This is supposedly the best service you can get on the plane.
The seats are nice. Little suites with a lie flat bed and pull out tv all to yourself. It's not conducive to people travelling together as they keep you fairly separate. Essentially you're travelling solo except fr the occasional chit chat.
I have to say that they has so many attendants in the section that it was literally a new person answering my pages each time. Some were better than others.
I find that they all lack the delicate attention and attentiveness I've experienced on other airlines (like Cathay). For example, my plastic wrapping from my blanket and toiletries stayed near my area for the whole 15hr flight. This was a little experiment of mine.
Also, I fell asleep for a good 5 hours but my munchie wrappings and banana peek and cold coffee was still sitting there when I woke up.
There was one stewardess who used an empty sear as her own personal locker with her big lululemon bag under the seat. I was also not impressed that she completely forgot about me when handing back jackets.
Executive class has it's perks. You get priority lines at security and boarding alon with this comfy seat You also are the first to beat the line at immigration and baggage pick up on the other side.
And comfortable for such a long flight. I have also sat in economy for the same duration and it's okay too, just not as comfy.Listed in: Random Reviews across the GTA
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Review from Robert B.
7/2/2010
I WILL NEVER FLY WITH AIR CANADA EVER AGAIN--EVEN IF MY LIFE DEPENDED UPON IT!--Because it nearly did.
Basically, what happened was that Air Canada delayed all my connecting flights from San Francisco to Stavanger, Norway and then, they lost my luggage on what was supposed to be a 15-day "dream vacation."
My luggage contained the bulk of my daily prescription medication as well as technical hiking gear (the bulk of my trip involved hiking in Norway).
I was basically stranded in Stavanger, Norway for 3 days because Air Canada lost my luggage and could not find it (as I was told by their so-called customer service operators) . Air Canada could not locate my luggage for 3 days, and by that time my medical condition that affected my legs got worse and I could barely walk in my hotel room, let alone go hiking!
So, adding to the bad customer service that I already received from staff at the Air Canada service counter at Toronto Pearston Int'l, they proceeded to add insult to injury by informing me that I could NOT leave to go home earlier than the original date of my airline ticket. Otherwise, I would have to pay extra just to go home early! --Even with my worsening medical condition, whey they were responsible for in the first place!
How messed up is that?!?!?!? First, 1) They lose my luggage, 2) My medical condition got worse, and 3) I missed the VERY reason for visiting Norway (my hikes were pre-paid with special Norwegian hiking guides)--and now, 4) I had to pay EXTRA to Air Canada just to get home? That is the lowest of the low in customer service!
My San Francisco-based travel agent did everything that they possibly could to get me booked on ANOTHER airline as fast as they could.
Heck, if I were to pay $1500+, I was NOT about to give more money to Air Canada. I got onto KLM Airlines--which made me so happy.
It is great to be back in the United States--and I thank my travel agency for getting me back home from this "Air Canada nightmare."
Air Canada should be ashamed of themselves...They broke nearly EVERY CUSTOMER SERVICE RULE in the book!!
SHAME ON YOU, AIR CANADA!!! -
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
3/29/2011
Folks. This is a long standing Canadian institution which has long since fallen from its graces.
I miss the old Canadian airlines which was merged into the Air Canada.
30 Sec Summary & Highlights
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1. Prices only drop long enough to put their competitors out of business than go back up = MONOPOLY IN CANADA
2. Air Miles (Aeroplan) expire and never come back unless you want to pay them for the pleasure - this helps protect their MONOPOLY
3. Prices advertised do not reflect the double fees (taxes & departure costs) - watch the details and fine print
4. First Class means they have not lost your baggage or destroyed it
5. Junk E-mail means adding your name and contact to their e-mail list
6. Overpriced compared to what you can get from competitors anywhere outside of North America (two stars only because US air carriers are just that much worse (excludes Southwest air - discount airline)
7. For service try KLM or CathayPacific
8. Star Alliance member - useful but assume you book Air Canada do not be surprised if parts of your long flight switch to an associate carrier
9. Airline attendants are much older than Asian airlines counterparts without bringing experience, courtesy or wisdom of age! A mixture of young and energetic plus experienced and effective management would improve their customer experience immensely
10. Automated ticket system always fails at the airport (easier to line up!)
11. FOOD SELECTION IS AWFUL - CAN SOMEONE DELETE THE INSTANT SOUP NOODLE from the MENU.
12. If traveling to HK or London consider your options carefully
Recommendation - Take the short haul flight as their are better than the long haul. Try Westjet for an alternative experience. -
Review from Amy S.
1/28/2010
I really liked flying Air Canada from London to Columbus until I got to Canada and that just ruined my entire experience.
I had a flight departed London with a 2 hour layover in Toronto and then on to Columbus. When my flight left London late, I was worried about making my connecting flight on time. I spoke to an air hostess and she assured me that there would be enough time. But I kept my eye on the clock. The time when we were supposed to land came and went and with 45 minutes left until my 2nd flight was scheduled to depart I asked her again if she thought I would make it. This time she got angry and told me that there was no way she could know. I asked if there was anything she could do (like calling ahead checking on the flight. Was it running late too?) and she said no. And then suggested that when I got off this flight TO RUN. That really comforts a person.
So I get off the flight. I run. I get to baggage claim because I have to get my bags, go through customs, recheck in, then make it to my gate. All in 30 minutes. All the other passengers at baggage claim knew my situation and were cheering me on.
But the baggage claim best was empty. Nothing. Not a single bag. Other passengers were starting to get antsy too. 15 mintues left to catch my flight and a group of us went over to the help desk to find out what the hold-up was and to check on my flight. She called to check on my flight and it had left. 15 minutes early. Gone.
I was told I had to collect my bags, go back out and go to the ticketing desk where, when I arrived, there were 2 staff members and about 50 people waiting to be helped. Then the best/worst part. She blamed me for missing my connecting flight. She lectured me that I needed to be more careful and check-in earlier. I was in shock. The man next to me listening convinced her to give me a voucher for a hotel room since the next flight wasn't until the next morning because she wasn't even going to do that. The voucher even read - AVOIDABLE MISSED CONNECTION. I kept trying to figure out how I could have avoided what happened.
I realize I should have fought back but I was just too tired and too amazed to say anything but that experience has just ruined flying Air Canada for me.Listed in: Planes, Trains, and…, 1 Star atrocities
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Review from Garry C.
Whistler, BC
6/29/2010
Air Canada isn't the best I've experience, but it's not the worst either. They are middle of the road for me. I fly AC most often in Canada because the other option isn't an option if I need to be somewhere at a specific time or day.
I'm not a regular business traveler, but I do fly regularly. Mostly for pleasure, but some business in there also. Most of my flights have been on time. The staff is courteous most of the time, but maybe because they know I fly regularly.
The biggest inconvenience that I've experienced is flying out of Toronto. When I arrived at the check in counter, my flight was delayed for three hours. I asked why I wasn't called or notified (by phone, email or text - I was subscribed for it). They couldn't explain. I then asked if I could have a meal voucher because of the delay and that I needed to eat dinner and that if I were notified, I could have had dinner before I arrived at the airport. She thought about what I said for a moment and then told me it wasn't company policy. I requested to speak to her supervisor. After summonsing the supervisor, I did get a meal voucher in the end - but not without a hassle. Where it should have been done without asking. Really, is giving me $10 for a meal going to hurt them considering I spend thousands of dollars every year with them?
The other option in Canada is worse, so AC will have to be it for now. But I wish there were something better. -
Review from Bryce G.
Stewiacke, NS
3/20/2010
I don't have any horror stories about Air Canada. They always get me where I want to go and the luggage ends up at my destination just fine. Every carrier is going to have one or two horror stories, and I think it's silly to focus on those, so this is about my normal person off the street opinion.
The staff I've dealt with have been efficient. They have not been friendly in any way. I don't think I've ever seen them smile. They are not rude, though.
The prices are generally higher than other carriers for the "budget traveller" but with less perks. The other popular airline gives you a snack on short flights. Air Canada does not. The other carrier treats everyone as equals. Air Canada does not. The most annoying part of flying Air Canada is that you need to wait forever for an attendant in-flight because they are busy with the "business class" section of the plane or otherwise occupied at all times. I understand the "business class" people have theoretically paid more, but it's still an annoyance when the other intra-Canadian carriers don't even have business class. Maybe I just need a lot of attention, but I do enjoy equal access to the crew.
On the positive side, Air Canada flies bigger planes and more often so it's easier to grab a sale with them because the other two tend to run out of attractive fairs much more quickly.
There is nothing "wrong" with Air Canada in my experience. They make a wonderful second choice and I still fly with them when it's convenient. It just happens that the other big provider is a little more customer-oriented. -
Review from Adrian I.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2011
Nickel & dime, nickel and dime
Or more like another $20 please; another $20 please ... Why is it so hard for Air Canada to provide transparent pricing? Why is the baggage allowance within Canada now 1 bag for us peons who fly economy and not that often with Air Canada.
My experience is that Air Canada employees find their customers irritating, that the price you pay for your ticket is only about 75% of the final cost of flying (with your bags) and that there is a decent chance they will lose your bags anyway.
Given a choice, fly another airline!
