Flew AC 794 LAX-YYZ the other day.

First time (ever) in Executive Class and my review is mixed:

Check In:

No priority check in was offered. There were signs at LAX but the desks were not staffed. Had to wait in the regular line with everyone else. Oddly there seems to be a lot of of new people flying AC as many had difficulty with the check ins (passports, baggage fees etc).

The check in agent did put a priority bag tag on my bag, and advised me of the MLL.

Priority Security was also not available (unless you were flight crew).

Lounge:

I have been to the LAX MLL before so I knew what to expect. Despite other negative reviews, I actually quite enjoy the lounge for its good runway views and the champagne! I have yet to find this on in any other MLL lounge and wonder if its because of the stiff competition from the lounge next door (Air NZ) or people expect it when being in the Entertainment Capital.

The lounge dragon was nice for a chance, but advised me that I don't have much time as boarding has already started (this was 60+ mins prior to takeoff). The lounge was not very busy and sure enough she paged everyone for last call to Toronto at 45+ mins to departure. Found that very odd as normally last call is 15 mins prior to departure. I do like how they page you for boarding (haven't started doing this in LGA).

Boarding:

Once again, priority boarding was really not offered. There were signs but no one at the desk. Waited in line with everyone else. Gate staff seemed in different.

Once on board, there was no greeting or checking of boarding pass (I know AC has been in the habit of doing this as of lately). However, I knew Exec class has a closet for Coats and business jackets.

While waiting to get to my seat I inquired with the SD about putting my business jacket and coat away and this is what really perplexed me. She abruptly responded that "is not my department and is why I have assistants to do that for me". I could not find these assistants she spoke of, so I just decided to put away my own jacket. It was at that time she ( the SD who said it was not her department) came up to me, snatched my jacket and coat out of my hands and said that I was not allowed to hang up my own items as it needs to be recorded properly! The SE that was seated next to me told me he couldn't believe his eyes as that has never happened before.

Pre Departure Drink was offered - however I was told I could only have apple juice as they did not have water or orange juice? I did see both being served later.

No headphones, pillows, or blankets were offered (another enhancement?). I had my own headphones so it wasn't a big deal. I did find a pillow to use stowed in the overhead compartment.

No newspapers were offered. Usually on Transborder flights a copy of the G&M is available.

Taxi-Takeoff:

Everyone was on board well before departure time which should have led to an early push back, but because of some duty free issues (some people not claiming them) it seemed like we were delayed which was a tad annoying.
Having flown AC in the past I have known they have always offered gate to gate entertainment. Apparently this has changed? The IFE was turned, and I had asked if it could be turned on. I was told they don't turn it on now until the air? I asked has this changed? And was responded that "this is how it has always been". The SD then came by and said she would make an exception to have it turned on the ground

Cruise:

IFE was very good as always.

Drinks - Standard drinks were offered. Disappointed no champagne. Cold nuts were served on these nice mini ceramic trays, and could have as many as you wanted. Only one drink order was taken at the beginning of the flight, any additional drinks you had to ask for (even for the water service they normally do every hour in Y). I hated having to ask that I just asked for water when I went back to Y to use the washroom.

Meals - consisted of beef, chicken, salmon, and a pasta dish. I had the beef tenderloin that was very good (and in choose in part due to the positive reviews on this site). It was cooked medium well with wonderful salad, and potatoes infused with chives and sour cream. A selection of cold buns was also served (I had whole wheat).

Dessert was freshly baked cookies and Ice cream and I can see why FTers are in love with these

Only two types of red were available. No white wine was offered.

Meal orders seem to have taken by Status as the SD started in the back and worked her way to the front. She did address some people by name but not others including myself.

Hot towels were provided as well.

Bathrooms:

I knew exec class had an exclusive wash-room to use, and the twos I tried to use it (the curtain was closed) the SD informed it was not available due to Flight crew milling about (Captain was out socializing, and then the FO). She had no problems though with first 3 sections of Y coming into the exec cabin to use the wash-room whenever they needed to.

I instead used the bathroom in Y and waited my turn. One of the FA's recognized me from being seated in J and asked why I wasn't using the bathroom there as there would be no line. I told her I was not allowed to by the SD. She seemed shocked by this. She did tell me if I needed anything to just come find her in Y and that she would help me. I thought that was a nice gesture.

Landing/Arrival:

We arrived early, with a nice smooth landing, cleared customs quickly and my bag was among one of the first off.

Overall the hard product of J was very good and liked the comfortable seats with adjustable headrests, meals and presentation, and the private exclusive feel of the cabin. IFE was good as always and the aircraft was well maintained for being an A320.

What I didn't enjoy was the soft product. I felt like I was a burden and it was clear they either knew I was a low status flier, or the SD was just having a very bad day, and being the youngest in the cabin, didn't feel the need to treat me at the same level as the rest of the J fliers.

I did not let her treatment towards me ruin my flight, but I can know understand why FTers make the distinction between the Soft Product and the Hard product. There clearly is a difference and it is not integrated well.

That's all from me, thought I would just detail my first ever J experience, and confirm some of the FTers suspicions about the dilution of J service.