For me, it would be early 2000s, around the time the XM cabins came out. Most of my travel was within NA.

- It was so cool to get PTVs on regional jets and on flights like YEG-YVR.
- A320s still had 20J seats (I used to fly these constantly - loved the op ups).
- PLH service in J was a thing - made those transcon flights home at the end of the week just that much better.
- E90s were brand new and had 34" pitch in Y.
- 777s at 3x3x3 in Y (didn't realize at the time what a luxury that was).
- Elite/*G at 35K miles. Full MLL access.
- Every fare accumulated decent miles - the 500 mile minimum was great for me.
- Carry ons weren't out of control - didn't have to be first on board to actually get space, could actually "board at your leisure." I distinctly remember waiting to be the last to board when waiting for an upgrade, and never having to worry about carry on space in Y.
- Lounges and priority services were actually exclusive - not available to every credit card holder. No lines for the MLL, and priority boarding lines for narrowbodies didn't have 50+ people in them.
- Points redemptions were easy - family in J for vacation, done. Fixed mileage awards, always.
- AC had a large Alberta operation, and I could easily get where I needed to go.