Hi all. It looks like if we want to get to London with FF miles, I might be flyng Air Canada. Has anyone flown this airline? What are their experiences v. USAir?

A friend at the gym told me Air Canada was "awful", and her favorite is British Air. I said I have only USair to compare to.

Any opinions?

We need more info to give you a good comparison. :)

What class will you be flying? Coach or Business?

On AC will you be transiting in YUL, YYZ or somewhere else?

On US will you be transiting in PHL or CLT?

Do you have any status on US, AC, or the Star Alliance?

Is there a large difference in fare?

Is LGW or LHR a better choice for where you're headed in LON?

Hi. We will by flying coach. The route it PHL to Toronto to London Heathrow. (4 hour layover in Toronto).

IF IF I can get a direct USAir flight (obviously my preference and I'll try again this weekend) it would go PHL to LGW.

We are spending the first several days of our vacation in London and then driving out to Stonehenge and Salisbury area, and am planning on renting a car for the non-London parts from Heathrow. And then returning car to either Heathrow or Gatwick, based on what kind of return flight I can get.

My husband is USAir Gold.

We want to do FF miles, so the difference right now is fly Air Canada or pay $900/ticket (there were no available tix on the direct flight from PHL to LGW).

Hi. We will by flying coach. The route it PHL to Toronto to London Heathrow. (4 hour layover in Toronto).

IF IF I can get a direct USAir flight (obviously my preference and I'll try again this weekend) it would go PHL to LGW.

We are spending the first several days of our vacation in London and then driving out to Stonehenge and Salisbury area, and am planning on renting a car for the non-London parts from Heathrow. And then returning car to either Heathrow or Gatwick, based on what kind of return flight I can get.

My husband is USAir Gold.

We want to do FF miles, so the difference right now is fly Air Canada or pay $900/ticket (there were no available tix on the direct flight from PHL to LGW).

Oh, one more thing. It's the 4 of us flying - and I want 4 FF tix on the same flight. Air Canada has this (I'm currently holding this for outbound; it's too early to reserve the homebound flight)

I haven't flown US overseas, but the food on AC to Europe was very good in coach. Chicken on the way out to FRA and lamb on the way back from LHR. The service on all my AC flights has been very good and I have nothing to complain about. In fact, I even wrote a compliment letter for a domestic AC flight. So, I'd hardly say AC is "awful." At least for domestic flights, I'd prefer AC over US, but unfortunately AC tickets usually cost a lot more.

I think you should go with AC. The service in coach on TA flights is good, and they have a reasonably good operation in YYZ. Plus, the maple leaf lounges are nice, and you can still use the many many *A lounges at Heathrow.

Also, the fact that you are able to reserve 4 frequent flyer seats on the same plane means that you should not lose that opportunity.

AC doesn't have personal IFE in coach while US does.

AC serves complimentary booze on transatlantic flights, while US does not.

Service might be more attentive on AC and their lounges are far superior.

Some of the YYZ-LHR flights are operated by ratty old 767-300s, many of which came from Canadian Airlines, with old interiors vs. the comfortable, newer A-330-300 on US.

Customs might be a real pain coming back via YYZ. If it wasn't for the sign saying "Welcome to Canada", you'd think you were in a third world country :D

I guess it all depends on what's most important to you.

Another question- how many miles are you spending per ticket? If 50,000 for each ticket for four, this is a exceptionally good deal at 1.8 cents per mile- miles are worth less and harder to use now. It sounds like a family vacation, if it were one person for business the direct route on US would be better.

The US A330 is nice and has personal TV, but Air Canada's service/food is probably better. I actually like Air Canada. The MLL (Star Gold) lounge in terminal 2 is great (internet access, booze, food, newspapers), and I've never been in the one in terminal one, but this terminal is about two years old so it should be really nice.

You can always book on AC and keep calling to see if anything opens up on US and pay the $50 fee to rebook, if AC really is better (which I think it is) it certainly isn't worth a layover in YYZ.

Just as a FYI, you will land from PHL at terminal 2 at YYZ and have to claim luggage, take a bus to terminal 1, and check it in. Reverse is true when you come home, you preclear US customs at terminal 2 before you go to the gate. US customs at YYZ is a zoo unless you're a US passport holder, the line for US citizens is all the way on the left and never more than a five minute wait. (When I first lived in Toronto I didn't know about this and waited for 45 minutes with everyone else!) Canadaian customs does take longer than US customs, usually about 20-30 minutes at peak times (often less at off- peak times).

BA's food is much, much better than US or AC, and they also have PTV, but you only get 25% miles for discount coach.

Another question- how many miles are you spending per ticket? If 50,000 for each ticket for four, this is a exceptionally good deal at 1.8 cents per mile- miles are worth less and harder to use now. It sounds like a family vacation, if it were one person for business the direct route on US would be better.

The US A330 is nice and has personal TV, but Air Canada's service/food is probably better. I actually like Air Canada. The MLL (Star Gold) lounge in terminal 2 is great (internet access, booze, food, newspapers), and I've never been in the one in terminal one, but this terminal is about two years old so it should be really nice.

You can always book on AC and keep calling to see if anything opens up on US and pay the $50 fee to rebook, if AC really is better (which I think it is) it certainly isn't worth a layover in YYZ.

Just as a FYI, you will land from PHL at terminal 2 at YYZ and have to claim luggage, take a bus to terminal 1, and check it in. Reverse is true when you come home, you preclear US customs at terminal 2 before you go to the gate. US customs at YYZ is a zoo unless you're a US passport holder, the line for US citizens is all the way on the left and never more than a five minute wait. (When I first lived in Toronto I didn't know about this and waited for 45 minutes with everyone else!) Canadaian customs does take longer than US customs, usually about 20-30 minutes at peak times (often less at off- peak times).

BA's food is much, much better than US or AC, and they also have PTV, but you only get 25% miles for discount coach.


Is there a difference in seat size b/w Canada and US?

Yes, this is for 50,000 each and is for a family vacation. I hope it's not as difficult to book seats from London back home to PHL as it was to get them to London!

The Maple Leaf Lounge in YYZ Terminal 1 is awesome! There's a salad bar, choice of two soups, cookies, chips and other munchies, open bar, state of the art business centre, free WiFi and wireless printer, magazines, newspaers. Lots of space....it puts any U.S. carrier's lounge to shame!

Just make sure you give yourself enough time to make the connection. I'm not too familiar with the LHR flights, but they might be leaving from the Infield Terminal (remote gate area in T1) which requires a shuttle bus ride.

50,000 miles for a $900 ticket and you found four? You'd be crazy to not take this, unless $3600 is a small amount of money for you. I just burned 70,000 miles on YYZ-LIM-EWR on CO..... have burned over 350,000 miles over the last several years and am trying to use the rest of em.

If I were you I'd book the seats now on AC through YYZ and keep phoning back to see if you could be rerouted on US directly from PHL (change fee applies). If you wind up on US, the Envoy lounge at A-West is beautiful and open to star golds traveling in coach(*good* food too!)

AC is a tad snobby at times (country's flagship and only full-service airline meantlity) but their service is good. I would say holding out for non-stop on US is not worth $3600. As a poster said, you can always redeposit and re-book if you are really compelled.

50,000 miles for a $900 ticket and you found four? You'd be crazy to not take this, unless $3600 is a small amount of money for you. I just burned 70,000 miles on YYZ-LIM-EWR on CO..... have burned over 350,000 miles over the last several years and am trying to use the rest of em.

If I were you I'd book the seats now on AC through YYZ and keep phoning back to see if you could be rerouted on US directly from PHL (change fee applies). If you wind up on US, the Envoy lounge at A-West is beautiful and open to star golds traveling in coach(*good* food too!)

I am going to take this; however, I haven't arranged a flight home yet (it's too early). Paying $900/ticket is not an option! (How do people with families do this?! Most of our vacations out west don't cost $3,600! but then, we fly with FF tix)

I did call this morning to see if I could get direct to LGW if we leave on a Tues. (v. Fri) and still no USAir seats - they must not be making them available 330 days out.

I appreciate everyone's input.

I've had very good experiences on AC. I'd go with AC over USAir.

I'm not sure if it will apply to your situation but be extremely careful as AC spun off Aeroplan and the taxes and 'surcharges' (including fuel!!) are simply astonishingly high on so-called award tickets. :td:

Fuel surcharges can reach up to $150 or so themselves on some flights overseas....

There are two threads ongoing right now about this on AC and the most recent comes from the SAS site here where someone got whacked with these charges. The AC one is obvious and the SAS one is called "Our View...."

Check it all out before you book....although on-line it shows up after.... :td:

but, these taxes are for Aeroplan members only usually. If you book travel to/ from/ through Canada you are subject to US Airways Dividend Miles fees which aren't that bad, for a 25K award YYZ-PHL-YYZ they only charged me about $27 for taxes/ immigration fees. From what I read on the AC Aeroplan board, similar awards to the US are about $100; as long you book with US miles you'll be OK.

It's almost a non-brainer, AC is a far superior airline to USAir. I'm Chairman with USAir and it kills me that I'm roped into the BS status which really means nothing. I've flown AC to LHR several times from Toronto and it's a great service.

Although I've never used Air canada, I've heard that they leave a lot of checked bags behind for many flights. That may be worse now that more people will be checking bags b/c bush had to do something to help his poll numbers.

Coming in from the US, you are in Terminal 3 (on US Air) or Terminal 2 (on Air Canada/United).

After passing through Canadian Customs, If you come in on US Air, you hop on the Monorail to Terminal 1. If you come in on United/Air Canada, you hop on the shuttle bus to Terminal 1.

Coming back is longer, as you will go through Canadian Customs at Terminal 1, and then US Customs at Terminal 2/3.

Well, I was able to secure our return flight - also through Toronto on USAir. The res agent expressed surprise that there were no seats at all on the direct PHL to LGW flight. (It's clear now to me that they were not making any available - and that's the first time I've ever experienced this on USAir booking 330 days out).

Am I the only person in the country who is planning on booking a flight to London?!

I have the reservation on a 24 hour hold and must confirm tomorrow. It is a great deal - 4 tix for 50,000 each.

I'm not sure I can handle a flight back from the UK with the current restrictions (with my kids, no less). What will we do for 8 hours with no books, DVDs, etc?!?!

What would you all do?

Although I've never used Air canada, I've heard that they leave a lot of checked bags behind for many flights. That may be worse now that more people will be checking bags b/c bush had to do something to help his poll numbers.

Sorry that's crap. I have flown AC many times, to many continents and while I have had baggage lost (3x in ~ 700,000 miles flown), they are no better or worse than any other airline.

The only time baggage gets left behind is weight/load issues or IROPS.

I am not a fan of AC and generally don't fly them, but will defend them when comments like this are posted.

You may want to check the option of a YUL connection as there is not a terminal transfer involved. YOW might also work but that will be a tired 767 to LHR. I'd chose non 767 flights unless of course the refits get done by your travel dates. US would probably be my last choice in *A, possibly a toss up with Bmi. You may want to also confirm the taxes. These will be marginally cheaper by avoiding YYZ ($14 per person I believe for the airport transit fee).

Well, I was able to secure our return flight - also through Toronto on USAir. The res agent expressed surprise that there were no seats at all on the direct PHL to LGW flight. (It's clear now to me that they were not making any available - and that's the first time I've ever experienced this on USAir booking 330 days out).

Am I the only person in the country who is planning on booking a flight to London?!

I have the reservation on a 24 hour hold and must confirm tomorrow. It is a great deal - 4 tix for 50,000 each.

I'm not sure I can handle a flight back from the UK with the current restrictions (with my kids, no less). What will we do for 8 hours with no books, DVDs, etc?!?!

What would you all do?

Did you hold on AC or US? I thought you were holding on AC.

Perhaps the restrictions will be less restrictive a year from now...and maybe flying a Canadian airline might be safer...

One thing I will say about AC luggage is that when you are priority you get your luggage first. Not like USAir joke class getting priority LAST which happens almost every single time I fly with them.

Did you hold on AC or US? I thought you were holding on AC.

Perhaps the restrictions will be less restrictive a year from now...and maybe flying a Canadian airline might be safer...

Yes - we are holding tickets on Air Canada. We have a 4 hour lay-over on the way to Heathrow; a 1 hr. 45 min. lay-over on the way back to PHL.

I really, really hope the restrictions will allow a DVD player or laptop...

Yes - we are holding tickets on Air Canada. We have a 4 hour lay-over on the way to Heathrow; a 1 hr. 45 min. lay-over on the way back to PHL.

I really, really hope the restrictions will allow a DVD player or laptop...

I sure feel for you and I hope by that time, they will. I heard on the radio today that UK passengers are now allowed small carry-ons now...

Yes - we are holding tickets on Air Canada. We have a 4 hour lay-over on the way to Heathrow; a 1 hr. 45 min. lay-over on the way back to PHL.

I really, really hope the restrictions will allow a DVD player or laptop...

The 1 hr 45 min layover on the way back is WAY too short....

You are talking about arriving (sometimes at a remote terminal), clearing Canadian immigration, claiming luggage, clearing immigration, schleping between terminals, going to US check-in before proceeding to US immigration, customs then baggage re-check and then often a long walk to gate. I wouldn't do anything under 3-4 hours for a int'l to US connection at YYZ esp. intra-airline.

The 1 hr 45 min layover on the way back is WAY too short....

You are talking about arriving (sometimes at a remote terminal), clearing Canadian immigration, claiming luggage, clearing immigration, schleping between terminals, going to US check-in before proceeding to US immigration, customs then baggage re-check and then often a long walk to gate. I wouldn't do anything under 3-4 hours for a int'l to US connection at YYZ esp. intra-airline.

True enough. Of course if its within the min cnx times and the only available option then you may choose to take it as ultimately AC will get you there if they are delayed....the question is when. With full flights it could get ugly. The chances of making a 1:45 cnx at YYZ with your itin are essentially ZERO, well perhaps 5%. Your bags would certainly not make it and you will need to wait for these to clear Canadian Customs at the very least, although in the normal course you would pick these up before US customs again at T3.

True enough. Of course if its within the min cnx times and the only available option then you may choose to take it as ultimately AC will get you there if they are delayed....the question is when. With full flights it could get ugly. The chances of making a 1:45 cnx at YYZ with your itin are essentially ZERO, well perhaps 5%. Your bags would certainly not make it and you will need to wait for these to clear Canadian Customs at the very least, although in the normal course you would pick these up before US customs again at T3.

Sigh. While I appreciate you telling me this, obviously I'm not happy to hear it.

So, what now? Are the chances good AC would get us on the next plane? There is a flight later in the day - should I just book that one or take our chances?

Wouldn't worry about getting to PHL, US has 5:55 and 7:55 departures which are often late anyway, and AC has a whole bunch of flights.

Yes, it's a pain to change terminals, but you got 4X 50K reward tickets to Europe. I've arrived at YYZ T3 45 min before the flight and still made it on, if you factor in the other hour to claim bags, clear canadian customs (the bottleneck), and go to the other terminal (5-10 minutes) you'll probably make it. They might even hold the flight for you.

Also, don't foget as a US passport holder you can use the US citizen line in both Terminals 2 (AC) and 3 (US), this can save up to 45 minutes vs the non-citizen line.

You may want to check the option of a YUL connection as there is not a terminal transfer involved. US would probably be my last choice in *A, possibly a toss up with Bmi.

bmi longhaul is quite good, it is only their intra-europe operations that have gone LCC. In fact I would put bmi longhaul above AC, US and UA in terms of comfort and quality.

I also agree 1:45 connection in YYZ on the return is way too short - chances are slim you will make your connection.

Wouldn't worry about getting to PHL, US has 5:55 and 7:55 departures which are often late anyway, and AC has a whole bunch of flights.

Yes, it's a pain to change terminals, but you got 4X 50K reward tickets to Europe. I've arrived at YYZ T3 45 min before the flight and still made it on, if you factor in the other hour to claim bags, clear canadian customs (the bottleneck), and go to the other terminal (5-10 minutes) you'll probably make it. They might even hold the flight for you.

Also, don't foget as a US passport holder you can use the US citizen line in both Terminals 2 (AC) and 3 (US), this can save up to 45 minutes vs the non-citizen line.

Hi. I spoke to a USAir res agent and she said we didn't have to get our bags - they would be checked through. In practice, is this statement incorrect?

I am driving the res agents crazy. I keep calling to see if any USAir flights open up, and they haven't. Today I tried to get a United flight through DC to London, but no seats there, either. I will have to go with Air Canada and cross my fingers on the return.

thanks for all your insights.

Hmmm...have never done the Int'l to USA cnx so perhaps it is simpler than appears. The link below is for AC connections but suggests that baggage may not need to be collected to go via Cnd Customs, indeed one scenario avoids Canada Customs altogether. I suspect this latter option is n/a to you if you use US out of T3 but perhaps luggage will appear for you at US Customs!

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/usa_intl.html

Of course all these things are surely subject to change on a dime these days!

"Hi. I spoke to a USAir res agent and she said we didn't have to get our bags - they would be checked through. In practice, is this statement incorrect?"

your bags are tagged thru, but you still have to claim them for immigration and customs. if you are coming into toronto from an international flight, and then connecting to the US, you have to clear canada customs first, then the US. thus, your bags must be with you before you head over to US customs.

Hi all. It looks like if we want to get to London with FF miles, I might be flyng Air Canada. Has anyone flown this airline? What are their experiences v. USAir?

A friend at the gym told me Air Canada was "awful", and her favorite is British Air. I said I have only USair to compare to.

Any opinions?

A/C is great compared to USAirways. The service at the gate and in the air is far superior in my mind.

The lounges have free booze and good food.
Excellent entertainment choices if you get on a refurbished cabin

Essentially I would have to say A/C caters to the upper middle class in Canada so they treat their PAX this way and you can see this in the service and offerings. Whenever I fly US AIR I cringe because the service is so below par when comparing it to A/C

If you fly in to YYZ the new terminal (T1) is amazing and easy to navigate.

Good luck and hope you enjoy the A/C experience

A/C is great compared to USAirways. The service at the gate and in the air is far superior in my mind.

The lounges have free booze and good food.
Excellent entertainment choices if you get on a refurbished cabin

Essentially I would have to say A/C caters to the upper middle class in Canada so they treat their PAX this way and you can see this in the service and offerings. Whenever I fly US AIR I cringe because the service is so below par when comparing it to A/C

If you fly in to YYZ the new terminal (T1) is amazing and easy to navigate.

Good luck and hope you enjoy the A/C experience

hmmm. Ditto. Air Canada isn't all roses, but it's probably one of the best North American carriers. Wish US would follow the track that AC, UA, and CO seem to be following instead of trying to be a combination of NW and WN. Boo.
Kendall

A/C is great compared to USAirways. The service at the gate and in the air is far superior in my mind.

The lounges have free booze and good food.
Excellent entertainment choices if you get on a refurbished cabin

Essentially I would have to say A/C caters to the upper middle class in Canada so they treat their PAX this way and you can see this in the service and offerings. Whenever I fly US AIR I cringe because the service is so below par when comparing it to A/C

If you fly in to YYZ the new terminal (T1) is amazing and easy to navigate.

Good luck and hope you enjoy the A/C experience

I beg to differ.

I have flown a number of airlines and there is nothing really to distinguish AC from others. US Air is friendlier on the phone, at the gate and in the air generally. A better comparison would be with CO and the CO product is far and away superior to AC.

Yes the lounges are nice but free hard liquor has now apparently disappeared due to the new security measures - much to the glee I am sure to the AC bean counters.

'Refurbished' is the key to their international fleet. Watch out for plane substitutions.

AC purports to cater to the elite but has slashed and burned benefits and if you're not a SuperElite then you are simply self-loading cargo.

YYZ or as many prefer to call it Toronto Mahal is an absolute nightmare for connections and the signage is beyond comprehension. It is a colossal waste of taxpayer' money.

YYZ luggage and Canadian and US Customs & Immigration can be a complete circus that will astound you in how bad it is. AC is not completely to blame as these two functions are 'run' by the GTAA but AC has chosen YYZ as its hub and has scheduled large numbers of its flights to arrive and depart near the same times as in any hub but this has the complicating feature of double immigration and customs if you are going on to the USA.

I beg to differ.

I have flown a number of airlines and there is nothing really to distinguish AC from others. US Air is friendlier on the phone, at the gate and in the air generally. A better comparison would be with CO and the CO product is far and away superior to AC.

Yes the lounges are nice but free hard liquor has now apparently disappeared due to the new security measures - much to the glee I am sure to the AC bean counters.

'Refurbished' is the key to their international fleet. Watch out for plane substitutions.

AC purports to cater to the elite but has slashed and burned benefits and if you're not a SuperElite then you are simply self-loading cargo.

YYZ or as many prefer to call it Toronto Mahal is an absolute nightmare for connections and the signage is beyond comprehension. It is a colossal waste of taxpayer' money.

YYZ luggage and Canadian and US Customs & Immigration can be a complete circus that will astound you in how bad it is. AC is not completely to blame as these two functions are 'run' by the GTAA but AC has chosen YYZ as its hub and has scheduled large numbers of its flights to arrive and depart near the same times as in any hub but this has the complicating feature of double immigration and customs if you are going on to the USA.

Is it worse than PHL?

Is it worse than PHL?


Not at all as bad as PHL!!! I agree the YYZ T1 is rather ritzy but its a complete pleasure to be in vs. terminal 2.

I fly from YYZ to a US destination every monday morning and can say the US bound departures in T2 are actually handled very well and all flights leave on time most mornings! If you are a US citizen returning to the US the line up to pre-clear US Immigration is a breeze.

YYZ can be slightly complicated for someone but ask in advance and we can guide you.

If you fly US airways to YYZ. You will arrive in T3 -Clear cdn customs in T3 (5-20 min wait depending on time of day) pick up your luggage then leave the customs area, place your baggage on the connecting baggage conveyor belt and then take the overhead tram to T1, clear security and then you are home free and at your gate if you are flying on an A/C flight domestically or internationally.

I would say you will need approximately 1 hr to complete this process.

Not at all as bad as PHL!!! I agree the YYZ T1 is rather ritzy but its a complete pleasure to be in vs. terminal 2.

Gotta disagree here. The times I have come into PHL (LH from FRA for instance), I have found PHL to be way worse than YYZ.

YYZ can be slightly complicated for someone but ask in advance and we can guide you.

For a brand new terminal it should not be complicated at all. It should be easy to find your way. Why can I wander through FRA, AMS, TLV etc. without difficulty but find YYZ T1 to be a complex maze of never ending escalators that seem to lead nowhere?

If you fly US airways to YYZ. You will arrive in T3 -Clear cdn customs in T3 (5-20 min wait depending on time of day) pick up your luggage then leave the customs area, place your baggage on the connecting baggage conveyor belt and then take the overhead tram to T1, clear security and then you are home free and at your gate if you are flying on an A/C flight domestically or internationally.

If you are flying from T3, no lounge. Also the area behind passport control is not the nicest I have seen and certainly could use a few more amenities for the frequent traveller.

I would say you will need approximately 1 hr to complete this process.

Perhaps at 2 a.m. you can do it all in 1 hr; other times of the day I would go for a minimum of 1:30. Sure you may not need it but I would not take a chance at all and try and factor in only 1 hr.

Hi. I spoke to a USAir res agent and she said we didn't have to get our bags - they would be checked through. In practice, is this statement incorrect?

Partially correct -- on your way to Europe, your bags will be checked all the way through but coming back the story is different as noted above.

Partially correct -- on your way to Europe, your bags will be checked all the way through but coming back the story is different as noted above.


What are your thoughts overall - A/C or US Airways. Service and staff knowledge are really weak on US Airways, too many new employees that don't know how to handle complex connections and re routings.

Service in the Air I find is a bit below par on USAIR A/C F/A's are younger and women are generally good looking.

A/C refurbished cabins and entertainment systems at each seat are great.

A/C price is much too high and their fare classes are ridiculous. Tango fares are strange that you can't earn status miles and 100% of the miles flown in this fare class, whereas USAIR gives you 100% miles and status segments.

Overall I would choose A/C over USAIRWAYS on competing routes.

Let me know your thoughts

AC maple leaf lounges are superior, hands down [although I have not been into a US Airways club lounge yet]

Traffic at YYZ terminal 1 can be a circus, but hit & miss i would say. I remember transiting through PHL and it was a zoo too.

It's been a year since I've flown on US Air, but the times I were, the FAs were friendly. I'm on YYZ-DCA-FLL-CLT-YYZ for the labour day weekend and will see if there are any changes.

Baggage claim - again, hit & miss [you can read more in the AC forum]. sometimes having a priority tag may mean ur luggage comes out last!!!

Arriving from international into YYZ terminal 1 - you do have to claim your bags; clear customs and then drop them off on the connection belt [if onward to the US] and change terminals [AC will eventually consolidate it's domestic/international & transborder operations into 1 terminal]. Connection times vary - there was a very good thread on the AC forum that outlines procedures for transiting through YYZ. A quick search should find it

Yes - AC taxes, fees, surchages are ridiculous on "reward" tickets

One thing I will say about AC luggage is that when you are priority you get your luggage first. Not like USAir joke class getting priority LAST which happens almost every single time I fly with them.

I'm sorry to say you have overrated AC in this category. It is a crapshoot.

For a brand new terminal it should not be complicated at all. It should be easy to find your way. Why can I wander through FRA, AMS, TLV etc. without difficulty but find YYZ T1 to be a complex maze of never ending escalators that seem to lead nowhere?

Precisely. PE and I do not agree on a whole lot of things, but we do on this. YYZ should be re-imploded.


If you are flying from T3, no lounge. Also the area behind passport control is not the nicest I have seen and certainly could use a few more amenities for the frequent traveller.


And even in T1, the "amenities" are really just a monopoly with different banners. The choice of shops and restaurants is pathetic. MSP, PIT, even MGA and PTY put YYZ to shame.

Simon

A/C F/A's are younger and women are generally good looking.

:(

A/C refurbished cabins and entertainment systems at each seat are great.

Of note: so far, the number of refurbished widebody planes is zero. Hopefully by the time you make that trip, this will have changed, in which case the new IFE is very good.

Simon

Karens, maybe U already know, but your awards allow a combination of any *A airlines, so if availability improves, U can go over on AC & return on US either nonstop or via CLT & compare both airlines + avoid the Customs/Imm. shuffle in YYZ :eek: !

Precisely. PE and I do not agree on a whole lot of things, but we do on this. YYZ should be re-imploded.
Simon

Reminds me of trying to find the rental car counter at YYZ :eek: This is very intuitive in any other airport, so much so that you barely have to look for signs. At T1 you have to really work to find signs and then they lead you to a dead end so to speak as you aimlessly wander in a parking garage :mad: What a joke! T3 is much better in this regard :)