Wow. 2005 was so tiring and hectic. Hopefully making my return here now it is 2006!
Wow. 2005 was so tiring and hectic. Hopefully making my return here now it is 2006!
Member since:07.01.2005
Reviews:20
Members who trust:11
Introduction
In the past six years, I have flown extensively on many different airlines. There is rarely a time where I am so unhappy with one, that I would spend time to review it. Air Canada is definitely one airline I would never fly with again.
Comfort
Firstly, let us start with my departure to Toronto, from Edinburgh, connecting through Frankfurt. Once on my long-haul flight lasting over 8 hours, I sat down in my small economy class seat. Provided was a blanket, and magazines. How considerate. After watching rude flight crew dart up and down the aircraft, we were soon preparing for take-off.
The economy cabin layout was very cramped. It did seem like
they were trying to cram every person into that cabin. The air was unpleasant, and the smell of disgusting food filled the air.
Entertainment
As for in-flight entertainment, we were provided with a small 4” screen, mounted at the front of the cabin. Luckily, I was close to it, so could barely make out what was going on. However, the poor souls a little further back would be quite lost. The movies were mediocre, and they showed Home and Gardening television, along with an hour-long epic on how engineers built a dam. This was thrilling viewing.
Food
Customer satisfaction seemed to be focused purely on how much disgusting food they could cram down your throat before the flight finished. During my 8-hour flight, I was interrupted from my relaxation for:
1. Water 2. Nibbles 3. A disgusting meal consisting of plain rice, and plain chicken, with a salad. 4. Water 5. Coffee 6. Snack 7. Cookie 8. Water 9. Ice cream 10. Water
Ten times, they disturbed me! I have never encountered this. Not on British Airways, Air France, KLM, Delta or American Airlines, to name a few. For goodness sake, let me relax in my chair without having to eat or drink continuously.
The thing is, the food was terrible, and the pizza they served as a snack put me off pizza for life. There is nothing worst than eating pizza on an aircraft, especially Air Canada pizza.
Staff
On both occasions that I have flown with Air Canada, the staff have been rude, uppity, and more like harsh schoolmarms than Flight Attendants. One comment from a flight attendant was “if you are going to rest your foot in the aisle, you are going to have it bashed by the cart”. It was also very entertaining to watch one flight attendant snatch up the used cups, and give a look of disgust every time she encountered a napkin in one of them. She then proceeded to slam it down on her trash cart.
Delayed Baggage
Once landed, I found out they did not have my baggage. Apparently, it had been delayed in Frankfurt, and was still sitting in Germany. I was assured that they would compensate me for my expenses, and that I would have it within 24 hours.
Well, guess what – 24 hours passed. No luggage, no compensation. After calling their helpline, and receiving nothing but a lady in India, reciting her reply from a cue card on six different occasions, I was going insane.
There were no other numbers that I could find to locate my luggage. It would appear that Air Canada did not have many humans working for them, and therefore, I had to wait four days to receive my luggage. I was stuck in Toronto, with the clothes that I came in, and nothing else. With friends to meet and things to do, it was very embarrassing.
Finally, with no apology, no compensation, my bag arrived.
A Second Chance? No Chance!
Now, that was the excitement for the outward journey. As I write, I am waiting in the departure lounge for my flight to London, then Edinburgh. However, let me inform you, I was supposed to be leaving 2 hours ago, on a flight to Frankfurt then Germany.
It would appear Air Canada did not have any details of my reservation on the Frankfurt flight. I had to stand 30 minutes talking to a very rude woman at the ticket counter, who eventually found me a seat on this flight. No apology. No upgrade. I was just handed my ticket and sent on my way.
Do not fly Air Canada. They are a very poor airline, with terrible staff, and poor customer service. They are in the midst of financial trouble, so please take my advice, and go elsewhere. I will update this review when I hear back from Air Canada, with their response to my official complaint.
Addendum: Since I landed in Edinburgh, it would appear they have delayed my baggage yet again. I have never, ever, ever had this happen on any other airline. Within a month, Air Canada have delayed my luggage twice, on two flights.
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Wow that was one mare of a flight. I had a happier time of it from London to Toronto and back from Montreal. Can't help agreeing with you on the pizzas though. Even my kids wouldn't touch them. Seat pitch was OK though.
skeet263 10.03.2005 20:36
Received my complaint reply today - offered nothing but a weak apology. Very disappointed.
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Jan 11th, 2005
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