I was on a BOS-YYZ flight last week (Thursday - US Thanksgiving), and some woman tried to board, and was told "no, your flight is the one in an hour". She asked if she could take this one, was told $75, and sat back down.
There was one person for every four seats, so it's not like they needed the space. This is where Air Canada's fault lies. They won't do something to help a customer, even when it's really simple.
It's b/c sometimes AC's rules don't make any sense.
It's obvious that there are too comfortable in their environment, and in some cases they have a monopoly on a lot of routes.
However, in some routes, where there is severe competition, YOW-YYZ, YYZ-YUL and to/from all NYC airports, AC offers early standby, for free.
Also, in some instances AC gladly offers earlier flights for free, where it will help them.
Two stories over the last two weeks: 1. Was flying YVR-YYC, I arrived early and the check-in agent literally forced me to take the flight which was leaving very soon. Later I came to know why....apparently the later flight (where I was originally booked) was already sold-out. It didn't really help me to arrive early in YYC, as I was hoping to do some work, and take a conference call while waiting in the YVR MLL.
2. Two weeks later, I was flying YVR-YYZ, I arrived early, asked the agent if I could take an earlier flight. I checked on AC's website on availability in Y class (on the earlier flight), and it was available. I asked the agent, and their response: "Yes, Y is relatively empty". I then told them that I don't have any checked bags, and am on a later flight, but would prefer to take an earlier flight. Typed a few things, and responded: "Sure, it will be $75 for a T+ ticket". Makes no sense? I am freeing up space on a later flight. I am happy, you are happy. It's a win-win situation. What's wrong with that?
I tried getting on an earlier flight recently YYJ - YVR when they had a flight every half hour. I was told $75.
I ended up watching 3 planes go before mine.
They used to waive the fee every time but lately they have always stuck to the rules.
It just doesn't make sense. If a flight is leaving now, and I can get on it, great. What if my actual flight is delayed or cancelled for whatever reason? This potentially lets you save on hotel/food/running around sorting stuff out for the next day.
Well if they don't enforce it then what will prevent people buying the cheapest flight and going to an earlier/cheaper flight
This is Air Canada's logic.
I think the gap between Tango and Latitude on AC is much larger than between cheapest and flexible fares in the US... So while we complain, you have to hand it to AC that they are getting full value in pricing...
I tried getting on an earlier flight recently YYJ - YVR when they had a flight every half hour. I was told $75.
I ended up watching 3 planes go before mine.
They used to waive the fee every time but lately they have always stuck to the rules.
Really? YYJ is the one station that consistently allows me to hop onto an earlier flight without a change fee. They couldn't be happier to get me out of Victoria earlier!
Now that I've posted this in a public forum, they'll never let me take an earlier flight without paying the change same day change fee.
