Flight/Origin-Destination: AC 100 YVR-YYZ Airbus 100
Date: 29 May
Cabin: Y
Status: Star All Gold

Pre departure
Was check in quick and efficient? It was empty! Walked right up. However, agent didn't know about the $28 preferred seats. I wanted to take an earlier flight but only if I got keep my preferred seating. She had no idea what I was talking about.

Did you use priority security (if eligible) and if so, was it quick and efficient? No but that was the fault of pax in front of me (who locks their cabin luggage??), not the employees.

Did you use the Maple Leaf lounge and if so, any feedback in regards to service, food and drinks? Two soups and salad and cookies. Service pretty poor--spilled soup all over the counter and a lot of empty dishes around the lounge.

Was priority boarding offered (if applicable to your status) and efficient? Yes. I even silently applauded the GA in my head for turning away two people boarding ahead of their zone/row.

If there was a delay, did the gate agent provide timely updates? Less than 10 minute delay but there were no announcements why or when boarding would start.

Onboard - Y cabin:
Were the crew professional & well groomed? For the most part. One older FA apparently never has learned "you're welcome" is the response to "thank you". And why did she bother to wear a name badge if it was blank? The lead FA was very good and we saw her throughout the flight back in Y.

If there was a delay, were you provided with timely updates? N/A

Was the IFE activated on the ground? Yes.

Did the cabin crew continiously top up the beverage of your choice throughout the flight? Yes

Post departure
Arrived on time but then wait about 10 minutes for the jetbridge. That was frustrating given the late hour and desire of folks to get home/hotel.

Overall experience/any other comments

4.5 hour domestic flight and they wanted $400+ fee to upgrade. The agent said there were three seats when I checked in landside. And right before boarding they called up three passengers so I'm assuming those were status upgrades as they couldn't sell the seats (my conclusion).

Point of comparison for AC: SFO-YYZ on Virgin earlier this year was a $200 upgrade at the time of check-in. MUCH more reasonable and for a better product. Before I asked about the upgrade, I'd already determined $300 was my max so I was already willing to go 50% higher than Virgin. But at $400+ that's almost a $100 per hour for the front. Kinda nuts. You could have had my $300 but you had to push your luck.