Since the Wright Brothers first proved that the concept of human flight was possible, there has been an endless array of innovation into the field of aeronautics and aerospace science. We fly faster and farther than ever before. Long gone are the days where flying was a luxury, with a minimal amount of seats and an upper class feel. Today’s aircraft are not the artistic metal birds of yesterday, but rather long, big, and boring aluminum tubes, taking Mr. and Mrs. Smith, along with their two kids to Orlando for Christmas break. Is it possible then, to ever bring back that intrigue and wonder that the Wright brothers so perfectly demonstrated in their quest to prove the impossible?

The answer is no. And it starts and ends with Air Canada Rouge. Quickly, for those who don't know, rouge is Air Canada's idea for a LCC, which crams you into 29''-30'' pitch in economy, and 35'' in "premium rouge" (scam-J). In fact, they are so enthusiastic about this LCC option for Canadians that they have actually replaced mainline service to a variety of destinations, including Las Vegas.

You see previously, the direct flight from YUL-LAS was a semi-pleasant experience. Not only do you land at a very decent hour, you fly on Air Canada, with a good AVOD, seats which are comfy, etc. Now, us Montrealers are stuck with Rouge and Westjet as the sole operators of direct service to LAS.

Alas, I decided to bite the proverbial bullet and book a vacation to Las Vegas with Air Canada Vacations, since they were having a nice deal with the hotel, and decided to suck it up for the flights.

For weeks I would dread my 5 hour journey at 29'' pitch, unwilling to give Air Canada another 1000$ for "Premium Rouge".

And then a miracle happened...

My original dates ended up conflicting with the opening of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship in Montreal, and I really wanted to watch Canada vs Finland. Since I work at the Bell Centre providing first aid to the fans, and as one of the supervisors for St John Ambulance, my duty came first.

After a couple of calls to Air Canada Vacations, and a small cancellation fee I was free of the clutches of Rouge.

And then the Christmas Miracle...

I get a call from my uncle who invites me to go with him to Vegas (albeit a bit later). A jump at the chance! Knowing that Rouge will probably be the best option, I sighed. But Google flights came through, and found that the lowest price trip (partly due to cyber Monday) was an AA flight connecting in DFW! Not only that, but I was able to snag some MCE seats for a wonderful 20 Canadian dollars.

Itinerary

YUL-DFW
December 26th, 2014
7:45am-11:15am
738
9F - MCE

DFW-LAS
December 26th, 2014
4:00pm-4:55pm
757
25C

LAS-DFW
December 31st, 2014
6:00am-10:40am
DC80
8B - MCE

DFW-YUL
December 31st, 2014
2:50pm-7:15pm
738
9F

Here is where the "interactive" part comes in. I need things to do in Dallas or DFW. I want you to decide what I should do on my 4 hour and 45 minute, and 4 hour and 10 minute layover at DFW. Should I use the Admirals Lounge? Centurion? Should I leave and come back? Should I ride the sky train endlessly for 4 hours until my flight? It's up to you!