Flight/Origin-Destination: AC183 YUL-YVR
Date: 2011-07-26
Cabin: Y
Status: None

Pre departure
Was check in quick and efficient? Yes.
Did you use priority security (if eligible) and if so, was it quick and efficient? Not eligible.
Did you use the Maple Leaf lounge and if so, any feedback in regards to service, food and drinks? No
Was priority boarding offered (if applicable to your status) and efficient? Not offered.
If there was a delay, did the gate agent provide timely updates? Delayed about 20 minutes. No PA.

Onboard - Y cabin:
Were the crew professional & well groomed? yes
If there was a delay, were you provided with timely updates? We had several delays on this flight. There was an ground delay before takeoff of about 20 minutes. Immediately on takeoff the pilot diverted around a storm that added about 20 minutes to the flight. As the flight approached Winnipeg, the pilot notified that there was insufficient fuel to continue the flight to YVR, and he intended to land at YYC for fuel, estimated 15-20 minute stop. Upon landing at YYC, pilot determined that due to lightning fueling could not occur, consequently the flight was further delayed for more than 2 hours until lightning cleared. Total delay of flight was more than 3 hours. During unscheduled stop at YYC crew did not allow passengers to leave plane or otherwise assist or provide information to passengers who would be missing connecting flights in YVR.
Was the IFE activated on the ground? Yes
Approximately how long after take off did it take for the first meal service/Onboard cafe to begin? about one hour.
How was the quality of the meal/Onboard cafe? Unknown.
Did the cabin crew offer water regularly throughout the flight? Twice. No water offered during more than 2 hour unscheduled stop in Calgary.

Post departure
If you have checked baggage, did it arrive within reasonable period of time? Seemed reasonable at YVR

Overall experience/any other comments
Overall the delays caused by the fuel shortage and then the decision to land at an airport that was effectively closed to re-fueling significantly impacted numerous parties who were connecting in YVR, cabin crew and ground staff at YVR offered little if any assistance or information. Pilots never opened door after landing at YVR, which was probably wise. IFE had several issues including several sudden resets, no CBC news.