Flight/Origin-Destination: AC 34 (SYD > YVR)
Date: 13-Jan-2010
Cabin: J
Status: Super Elite

Pre departure
Was check in quick and efficient? No. Wasn't able to use OLCI (even though my traveling companion on a separate PNR could). Check in agent couldn't print my YVR > SFO boarding pass. Concierge had to deliver it to me as I boarded the flight.
Did you use priority security (if eligible) and if so, was it quick and efficient? Yes. The "express" lanes for customs and security at SYD are awesome.
Did you use the Maple Leaf lounge and if so, any feedback in regards to service, food and drinks? Yes (the Air New Zealand lounge). Was quite impressed with the range of food and drinks. Far superior to the MLLs. The hot dog cart was a nice touch!
Was priority boarding offered (if applicable to your status) and efficient? Yes
If there was a delay, did the gate agent provide timely updates? Yes

Onboard - J cabin:
Were the crew professional & well groomed? [B]YesN/A
Was the IFE activated on the ground? Yes but it had to be completely reset before we took off so it was down for ~15 minutes.
Was a pre-departure beverage offered on the ground? Yes
Did crew offer to hang your jacket? N/A
Were newspapers & menus distributed and meal orders taken (Please specify when meal orders were taken - on the ground or in the air)? Newspapers, yes. Menus, no. Orders were taken in the air.
Did crew offer a hot towel prior to the meal service? Yes
Approximately how long after take off did it take for the first meal service to be completed? (From takeoff to all items collected) ~180 Minutes
How was the quality of all the meals? Excellent. The SYD catering was definitely above average. Lamb was superb.
Did the cabin crew continiously top up the beverage of your choice throughout the flight? Yes

Post departure
If you have checked baggage, did it arrive within reasonable period of time? No. I was stuck inside the YVR transborder connections area for an hour! Why YVR changed to this "we'll take a picture of your bag" system is beyond me. I am continuously delayed in this horrible transfer area whenever I'm connecting to the US through YVR. I'll just start short-checking any luggage to YVR, collect it, then re-tag it and clear US customs as if I originated in YVR. There aren't even NEXUS kiosks after your luggage is finally photographed so I'm forced to chat with a US border guard. A really, really bad experience.

Overall experience/any other comments
Pretty frustrating experiencing a delay of over 9 hours. Agents handled it pretty well though. Was impressed hotel rooms were being offered for the day for all passengers. Opted for taxi vouchers to/from the CBD instead.