Just completed flying 24 of the last 30 hours on AC. The only minor problem is playing "aircraft roulette" on 2 of the 3 flights.
YVR-YYZ Nov 7
I tried to standby for the 3:45p flight (which they changed from a 762 to A330) but I wasn't able to get on for reasons mentioned on the other thread. (Standby on D/W class) I got on my original flight which was supposed to be an A330 but they changed it to a 762 (Tail 671) which was supposed to be operating the 3:45p flight! Arrgghh...
I had the Salmon for dinner which was wonderful, service was wonderful, FA was addressing me by name throughout the whole flight. No signs of the cutbacks that people have been talking about. Got into YYZ at 12:30am. Will be returning to the airport in less than 7 hours for my HKG flight.
YYZ-YVR Nov 8
The exclusive SE line at T2 was very handy as there was no one in line while the other J class lines has about 10-15 people waiting.
Security lines was about 15 minutes. There was a sign for Priority screening but everyone was lining up for it so it was non existant. All I was asked to do was to turn on my laptop.
This was supposed to be an A340 flight but they changed it to a domestic 763 (Tail 652). Another disappointing aircraft change! Flight was 100% full with 1 empty seat in J. I had a nice omelette and champagne for breakfast. Flight attendants were very cheerful throughout the whole flight. Once again, no signs of the cutbacks people have been talking about.
YVR-HKG
A340 flight to HKG... when I got on, I noticed the J seats were different from the previous A340s that I were on, I pulled out the individual TV screen and saw the SONY logo, I know i got the ON DEMAND!! (Tail 909)
The next shock came when they annouced the flight time for this flight.
14 hours 28 minutes!!, I have flown countless YVR-HKG and I don't recall being on any flights being that lengthly. I am very glad that I got ON DEMAND video for this flight. Flight was delayed 30 mins because they have to offload some bags as someone decided not to get on at last minute.
Flight attendants were wonderful throughout the whole flight. Food was VERY GOOD. 2 full meals were served with a snack service in the middle. I got the menu if anyone is interested.
The only complaint about this flight is the J seats. I believe the on demand A340 has the same J seats as the A330. After about 7 or 8 hours, I found these seats very uncomfortable because there's not much back support and the seat back is very thin. I wasn't able to get more than 1 hour of sleep in because of this. I ended up using the thick blanket as a back padding. I know this is a personal preference thing. I found the Club Empress seats on the 744 a lot more comfortable as they recline more and provide more support.
Other than this and the aircraft roulette on the YYZ/YVR flights, i have absolutely no complaints at all. I tried hard and can't notice any dramatic cutbacks on these flights.
Bags at HKG were already out after we cleared immigration.
KenH: We got pre flight drinks (Champagne, OJ & water) on the YVR-HKG flights!
I am really not that worried about Air Canada cutting back at this point because i haven't experienced any of them, I am more concerned about the surprises that Aeroplan is throwing at us!
Well done today AC!
[This message has been edited by Empress (edited 11-09-2001).]