I was on AC1259 from PVR on Sunday evening. We arrived just over 2 hours late and had to wait maybe 20-30 min on tarmac for a gate. Bags arrived fairly quickly as well so we were lucky. Problems started with my connection to YOW as the flight was cancelled.

I am not the most familiar with YYZ but I consider myself a savvy traveller as I frequently travel through European and Asian airports. At 1130pm I saw ZERO AC staff in the baggage hall, arrivals, or departures level. I found a security guard who advised me to go to Row N to get a hotel voucher (I had no idea where ticketing desks or assistance desks were). The line began around Row K and was probably about 1500 people. At 12am I decided to call a hotel (The Marriott) and book a room myself. Will sort the details out with trip insurance later.

Was rebooked by SE line on the 7am to YOW which was cancelled at 5am. Called SE line and was on hold for over 30 min and gave up. Waited at concierge office from 5am and he was able to give me standby not he 8am flight to YOW...I was 32 on the list (not sure how an SE on full Y ticket is at 32 on the list though - I suppose Priority Standby is fiction). Luckily they subbed the E90 with a 320 and the flight to YOW had the entire crew which was being sent to operate the 14 hour delayed AC888 so the plane HAD to land on time. Most of standby list got onto the flight to YOW.

Sh*t happens and AC cannot control the weather or YOW/YUL airport closures. But the reality is it is disgusting that the no staff were around. By the next morning - at SE Checkin Desks - the staff were very rude to me despite my politely asking if they can place me on standby. I'm sure its because they deal with a lot of questions from PAX but this is due to the fact that throughout the night there were NO staff in the airport to help.

Shame on AC!