We choose to fly Air Canada (Aug 2007) from Toronto to LA as it was the national airline. Even though ticket prices were considerably higher than anticipated we choose Air Canada secure in the knowledge that the flight was an international flight and the service, seating etc was as high a standard as any national airline.
We were horrified to discover that their ageing aircraft A319 was configured for sardines and way below international standards. You should have seen the size and weight of carry-on baggage by passengers on our full flight. The overhead lockers were bulging at the seams. Were we on Air Nigeria?
The trolleys that moved between the aisles had about an inch or two to spare as they completely blocked the passage. Aisle seat passengers could easily loose a toe if not vigilant. Heaven forbid if there was a sudden emergency. The heavily laden trolleys required two attendants to push them along. If you chose to use the toilets at the back you would have to wait for a good 40 minutes. The single toilet in the front was reserved for business class passengers.
Strongly suggest Air Canada sell these aircraft on eBay…now. Or sent to the bone yards of Arizona
The row in front of me was 10-inches from the tip of my nose to the back of the seat in front of me. I measured it. The recline button may well have been welded to the arm, allowing us a fractional recline of about an inch or two! This translates to a virtual bolt upright position for over 4.5 hrs. This type of aircraft should be used for really short hauls.
The archaic useless 9-inch TV screens (every 4 rows) hung lifelessly from the ceiling were impossibly positioned for us as we sat almost directly below the screen. The reflection from the windows and cabin lights rendered the screens washed out. We would have done serious damage to our neck and cervical region if we tried to watch the movie.
When the trolley came down the aisle we were looking forward to a meal. No such luck. Air Canada was a 'no-frills international flight'. We had to pay. When I asked for a Coke a can was opened and the drink was dispensed in to a mini plastic glass (two mouthfuls). Three drinks were produced per can. Now that's stretching it! What a disgraceful performance.
My travel agent was unaware that Air Canada operated a no-frills service. Had we paid cut price no frills air fares then we would be ready for a flight without any real cabin service. We each paid over $1300.
Air Canada's mission statement on their website states: Air Canada is Canada's largest full-service airline and the largest provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market, the Canada-U.S. transborder market and in the international market to and from Canada.
I draw your attention to your words… full-service airline.
We believe that Air Canada has misled us and our travel agent feels the same way.
Speaking to fellow travelers we found that we paid considerably higher fares than anyone else in that economy cabin. All agreed that Air Canada was amongst the worst they had experienced. The flight attendants said that the Toronto/LA route was considered domestic, which suggests discrimination. I went thru immigration and border checks at both ends. That's international, not domestic.
Incidentally I have written to Air Canada about my experiences (4 months ago) expecting a reply. Not a word despite a reminder.
More details
Class flown most frequently
Economy
How often do you travel with this airline
First time
Where did you book
Travel Agent/Tour Operator
Safety
Good
How well does it cater for disabled people
Don't know
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