Jan 5, 2024, 7:37 am
Last edit by: WoodlandCreature
Who is eligible for Air Canada’s Concierge service?
- Super Elite, 24/7, via phone or email.
- Those booked into Signature Class, "at the airport".
- More details here: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...-services.html
In which cities are Concierge services available?
- For a no-longer up-to-date list, check the link above.
How do I contact a Concierge?
- Remotely:
- For SE: From the app, click your virtual Aeroplan Card and Customer Support. Email and phone numbers for Super Elite are shown.
- There are per-airport email aliases as well, unpublished, but following an obvious pattern if you interact with them.
- For Others: You don't.
- For SE: From the app, click your virtual Aeroplan Card and Customer Support. Email and phone numbers for Super Elite are shown.
- At the airport:
- They are wearing black AC uniforms.
- The following Canadian airports are known to have accessible, landside, offices, all relatively nearby the check in desks: YVR, YYC, YYZ, YOW, YUL
- Others: Good luck. Priority check in agent, or MLL agents, may be able to trigger one to materialize.
What exactly can/does the AC concierge do?
Jul 12, 2018, 11:59 am
#556
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
They've really gone to poop since moving to YUL.
I have a business class Aeroplan redemption, with the first leg in Y (X).
I sent an email after checking in to be added to the onload list for J.
Here's the response:
Great. Except, I'm not actually on the list. Did this get forwarded to SFO? Why not add me to the list yourself?!?!?
This is an example of a very simple request that has no self-service alternative, but they didn't do it.
It's not time sensitive, so I'm going to wait until morning, but if it's not done by then, I'm calling back and not hanging up until I'm on the list.
I guess what really annoys me is it looks like they've offloaded the work from the central call centre (which should have a bunch of agents) to SFO, which has at most two at any given time.
I have a business class Aeroplan redemption, with the first leg in Y (X).
I sent an email after checking in to be added to the onload list for J.
Here's the response:
Great. Except, I'm not actually on the list. Did this get forwarded to SFO? Why not add me to the list yourself?!?!?
This is an example of a very simple request that has no self-service alternative, but they didn't do it.
It's not time sensitive, so I'm going to wait until morning, but if it's not done by then, I'm calling back and not hanging up until I'm on the list.
I guess what really annoys me is it looks like they've offloaded the work from the central call centre (which should have a bunch of agents) to SFO, which has at most two at any given time.
Jumping back...I was just thinking
There was a time that I knew a bunch of Concierges very well at a variety of Canadian stations (the international ones with smaller staff are easier to keep in touch with).
Now-a-days, there has been a lot of staff changes and with the loss of direct communication with them I find it is difficult to re-build those relationships. Not that they are necessary of course but are nice to have.
Always nice to come off a 15 hour flight and recognize someone you know
I have always said, the phone numbers to each city should be put back and if no one answers or is busy, then ring back to the main line. It solves the problem of local contact and keeps the 24 hour line going as it should.
It 'seems' to be a simple fix to a problem. Hell, I have this exact setup with my Unison PBX system. Call my office, no one answers, it rings cell phones automatically.
It is just a shame,really
There was a time that I knew a bunch of Concierges very well at a variety of Canadian stations (the international ones with smaller staff are easier to keep in touch with).
Now-a-days, there has been a lot of staff changes and with the loss of direct communication with them I find it is difficult to re-build those relationships. Not that they are necessary of course but are nice to have.
Always nice to come off a 15 hour flight and recognize someone you know
I have always said, the phone numbers to each city should be put back and if no one answers or is busy, then ring back to the main line. It solves the problem of local contact and keeps the 24 hour line going as it should.
It 'seems' to be a simple fix to a problem. Hell, I have this exact setup with my Unison PBX system. Call my office, no one answers, it rings cell phones automatically.
It is just a shame,really
Jul 12, 2018, 12:23 pm
#557
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,284
Jumping back...I was just thinking
There was a time that I knew a bunch of Concierges very well at a variety of Canadian stations (the international ones with smaller staff are easier to keep in touch with).
Now-a-days, there has been a lot of staff changes and with the loss of direct communication with them I find it is difficult to re-build those relationships. Not that they are necessary of course but are nice to have.
Always nice to come off a 15 hour flight and recognize someone you know
I have always said, the phone numbers to each city should be put back and if no one answers or is busy, then ring back to the main line. It solves the problem of local contact and keeps the 24 hour line going as it should.
It 'seems' to be a simple fix to a problem. Hell, I have this exact setup with my Unison PBX system. Call my office, no one answers, it rings cell phones automatically.
It is just a shame,really
There was a time that I knew a bunch of Concierges very well at a variety of Canadian stations (the international ones with smaller staff are easier to keep in touch with).
Now-a-days, there has been a lot of staff changes and with the loss of direct communication with them I find it is difficult to re-build those relationships. Not that they are necessary of course but are nice to have.
Always nice to come off a 15 hour flight and recognize someone you know
I have always said, the phone numbers to each city should be put back and if no one answers or is busy, then ring back to the main line. It solves the problem of local contact and keeps the 24 hour line going as it should.
It 'seems' to be a simple fix to a problem. Hell, I have this exact setup with my Unison PBX system. Call my office, no one answers, it rings cell phones automatically.
It is just a shame,really
I've had too many issues at smaller stations where "insignificant" issues monopolize the concierge time, so that when I'm at the airport, in person, and struggling, I can't get help.
I see the call centre as a filter. You tell them the problem, and they either help you (if possible), or they pass it along to someone local. I'd much rather have that than the opposite, because it keeps the locals free for issues that require local assistance.
Getting me on the onload list did not require local assistance, nor was it urgent. But maybe there was an SE at SFO who had a problem and required immediate attention. I'd hate for my request to prevent them from getting help from the one concierge on duty.
You see my question here is why did they say Hello/Bonjour? At a Canadian security line sure, because then I'll respond and they know what language to use, but in an email where one word, and only one word is in French, what really is the point? Plus surely given they have your name don't they know you prefer English? Because one assumes your email was also in English. Picky perhaps.
Jul 12, 2018, 2:05 pm
#558
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,321
my default lately is to use SE desk
they stay on the line until problem is fixed
have had trouble lately getting through on concierge line
SE desk seem to know what they are doing
they stay on the line until problem is fixed
have had trouble lately getting through on concierge line
SE desk seem to know what they are doing
Jul 12, 2018, 2:31 pm
#559
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold
Posts: 6,911
I had some very good experience with Concierge email service lately: My recent MXP-YYZ flight was delayed and they took great care of me by rebooking me and securing another seat on a second flight to make sure I reach my destination that day. They sent regular updates on the flight status and monitored the situation.
Jul 12, 2018, 4:30 pm
#560
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,254
They've really gone to poop since moving to YUL.
I have a business class Aeroplan redemption, with the first leg in Y (X).
I sent an email after checking in to be added to the onload list for J.
Here's the response:
Great. Except, I'm not actually on the list. Did this get forwarded to SFO? Why not add me to the list yourself?!?!?
This is an example of a very simple request that has no self-service alternative, but they didn't do it.
It's not time sensitive, so I'm going to wait until morning, but if it's not done by then, I'm calling back and not hanging up until I'm on the list.
I guess what really annoys me is it looks like they've offloaded the work from the central call centre (which should have a bunch of agents) to SFO, which has at most two at any given time.
I have a business class Aeroplan redemption, with the first leg in Y (X).
I sent an email after checking in to be added to the onload list for J.
Here's the response:
Great. Except, I'm not actually on the list. Did this get forwarded to SFO? Why not add me to the list yourself?!?!?
This is an example of a very simple request that has no self-service alternative, but they didn't do it.
It's not time sensitive, so I'm going to wait until morning, but if it's not done by then, I'm calling back and not hanging up until I'm on the list.
I guess what really annoys me is it looks like they've offloaded the work from the central call centre (which should have a bunch of agents) to SFO, which has at most two at any given time.
Senior/experienced Concierge: Prints BP, asks if they can do something else to assist with your travels while looking at BP and notices your seats are way back in Y, then offers to find you a better seat closer to the front.
Jul 12, 2018, 6:12 pm
#561
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,180
junior concierge emails you to call when on the ground.
junior concierge goes to the gate and waits wondering if you will show despite you having checked into the MLL 20 minutes prior.
senior concierge meets you at arrival plane in first case, in lounge in second case.
junior concierge goes to the gate and waits wondering if you will show despite you having checked into the MLL 20 minutes prior.
senior concierge meets you at arrival plane in first case, in lounge in second case.
Jul 12, 2018, 8:00 pm
#562
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,562
But isn't that the opposite? You call the central line, and if no answer THERE, it rings the local?
I've had too many issues at smaller stations where "insignificant" issues monopolize the concierge time, so that when I'm at the airport, in person, and struggling, I can't get help.
I see the call centre as a filter. You tell them the problem, and they either help you (if possible), or they pass it along to someone local. I'd much rather have that than the opposite, because it keeps the locals free for issues that require local assistance.
Getting me on the onload list did not require local assistance, nor was it urgent. But maybe there was an SE at SFO who had a problem and required immediate attention. I'd hate for my request to prevent them from getting help from the one concierge on duty.
Yes, my email was in English. I don't care too much about that, but I agree, the word was unnecessary.
I've had too many issues at smaller stations where "insignificant" issues monopolize the concierge time, so that when I'm at the airport, in person, and struggling, I can't get help.
I see the call centre as a filter. You tell them the problem, and they either help you (if possible), or they pass it along to someone local. I'd much rather have that than the opposite, because it keeps the locals free for issues that require local assistance.
Getting me on the onload list did not require local assistance, nor was it urgent. But maybe there was an SE at SFO who had a problem and required immediate attention. I'd hate for my request to prevent them from getting help from the one concierge on duty.
Yes, my email was in English. I don't care too much about that, but I agree, the word was unnecessary.
Jul 13, 2018, 6:07 am
#563
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YUL
Programs: ✈ AC 1MM / S100K - SPG Lifetime Platinum = BONVoY Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,496
Man... I read these good experiences with the Concierge and it just doesn't happen for me. On AC12 from TPE to YVR. Stuck on the runway for 90 minutes waiting for gate. Was connecting on to 118 to YYZ. TPE couldnt give me my YYZ boarding pass and online check-in wouldn't work either. I had less then 45 mins to clear customs and security and make the flight. I called the concierge and they were busy so I left a call back number as well as sending an email. Got a call back from Toronto who said no concierge was meeting that flight. I should go to the connections desk. So why exactly am I paying for International Business Class and being an SE if I have to do the same thing as someone in Economy? I have yet to have a decent experience with the Concierge team this year. It feels like the people I talk to in Toronto on the line are brand new and don't really care.
You should have flown economy if that's the case ... you'd have receive the same non concierge service as SE.
Jul 13, 2018, 6:10 am
#564
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YUL
Programs: ✈ AC 1MM / S100K - SPG Lifetime Platinum = BONVoY Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,496
Junior/new Concierge: Just prints and hands the BP to you. You notice the seat is way back in Y and ask them if they could find a seat closer to the front of Y. They then make seat change for you and hand you a new BP.
Senior/experienced Concierge: Prints BP, asks if they can do something else to assist with your travels while looking at BP and notices your seats are way back in Y, then offers to find you a better seat closer to the front.
Senior/experienced Concierge: Prints BP, asks if they can do something else to assist with your travels while looking at BP and notices your seats are way back in Y, then offers to find you a better seat closer to the front.
Same as in crew staff , Some are old and piss%%d off and some are old and very outgoing. Same for young.
It's just character.
Jul 13, 2018, 6:19 am
#565
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,254
@24left had touched on this in the recent past as well... there is a marked difference in the way service is delivered by the junior concierge staff compared to the senior concierge staff.
Even if a junior employee takes pride in their job, it doesn't necessarily mean they have experienced soft skills or whatever.
Jul 13, 2018, 6:51 am
#566
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YEG
Programs: AC Lifetime SE100K, 3MM, SPG Lifetime Plat, Hertz PC, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,901
If you fly through YWG, you will see what a new Concierge, who cares, can, and will, do for you. There is also a new Concierge in YEG who is amazing. She, however, was a current employee with experience and great skills. I deliberately left names out.
Jul 13, 2018, 7:38 am
#567
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,254
The gist is, if you take a reasonable sample size of new concierges system-wide, I bet you will get more of what I have experienced.
Jul 13, 2018, 8:17 am
#568
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: YEG
Programs: AC Lifetime SE100K, 3MM, SPG Lifetime Plat, Hertz PC, National Executive Elite
Posts: 2,901
Actually, here is my point: It is possible that some concierges are reading this thread. I don't want them all believing that folks are complaining about them when, in fact, they do deliver excellent service. We also have to believe that we can affect the morale of the employees that we discuss. We have to be careful about generalizations. For those Concierges, who happen to be reading, perhaps there is something to be learned by reading the complaints of the SEs on here. Please, though, don't take it personally. I have found your service to be extremely valuable!
Jul 13, 2018, 8:23 am
#570
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,254
Actually, here is my point: It is possible that some concierges are reading this thread. I don't want them all believing that folks are complaining about them when, in fact, they do deliver excellent service. We also have to believe that we can affect the morale of the employees that we discuss. We have to be careful about generalizations. For those Concierges, who happen to be reading, perhaps there is something to be learned by reading the complaints of the SEs on here. Please, though, don't take it personally. I have found your service to be extremely valuable!
And yes, we have to be careful about generalizations, but I also feel that a good conversation/discussion can be had without being black and white (not saying that you are), hence going with the "gist" of a conversation.
I think/hope that a reasonable person can filter these sort of things out, including any Concierge staff reading this.
As for reading the complaints of SEs on here, who else would complain, if they had a complaint?
(I guess revenue international J pax, but their access to concierges seems to be a perpetual challenge according to this forum )
