Well, actually, it was the check-in agent at the Super Elite counter in ORD. Her exact words were "This summer is going to be a disaster."

After booking a flight with the CP E/P desk on a CP codeshare on AC connecting to a CP flight, I arrived at the airport to find out that the AC agents in the USA have no access whatsoever to CP PNRs, or apparently any other CP information, either. I presume the opposite is also true.

Upon presenting my locator code, the agent informed me that not only was there no such PNR, but also that it appeared to be a bogus number. I then explained it was a CP number. She informed me that she had no access, and could do nothing for me, including looking up the flight details.

I pointed out the "Canadi>n" sign, but to no avail. I asked her were I should go to get a ticket, but she had no idea, and offered no suggestions. It wasn't until I forced the issue by asking her to check the AC flight number and sure enough, my reservation was there. I'm not certain, but I get the feeling she wanted me to simply go away.

When I made it clear I wasn't leaving, she made yet another call to CP. (Seems she'd been making calls to CP all morning.) She eventually rebooked my entire itinerary on AC flight numbers, for what was apparently the same fare. (More about that in another posting.) When I got on the plane in YYZ, my originally assigned seat (in J) was the only empty seat for about 10 minute, until immediately before closing the door someone took the seat. I'm guessing that my original reservation remained in the system after the AC agent rebooked me.

After arriving at check-in at 11:32am for a 21:45 flight (according to the airport clock right there) I was finally checked in at 12:13pm. The first couple that were there when I arrived took from my arrival to 11:50, then next couple from 11:50 until 11:58, and me from 11:58 until 12:13. After they'd cleared the economy check-in line up several times during my wait, they sent the fellow behind me to an economy counter. He was still there when I left.

According to the agent, they have no access to CP data at all, and it will remain thus until October. Should've connected through DFW, I suppose.