Jan 11, 2015, 10:39 pm
Last edit by: tcook052
This new annual thread has been carved out of the previous thread in an effort to reduce the number of megathreads on the AC forum. For those interested the original 2004 - 2014 thread on the topic may be found here.
That original thread started by accident but quickly became a popular place to come and discuss off topic things such as hockey, new movies, or almost anything that wouldn't fit into existing AC forum threads. More Air Canada or Aeroplan topics such as flight feedback, in-flight services issues or mileage earning/redemption are all topics that should go into existing AC forum threads so others can benefit from this information. Topics about other airline/hotel loyalty programs should be posted elsewhere on FT.
While the conversation is more relaxed as it would be in a lounge that doesn't mean however that the FT rules don't apply her as they definitely do so please refrain from controversial topics such as politics or religion, avoid profanities and treat other lounge patrons with the same respect you expect.
tcook052
Air Canada Forum Moderator
That original thread started by accident but quickly became a popular place to come and discuss off topic things such as hockey, new movies, or almost anything that wouldn't fit into existing AC forum threads. More Air Canada or Aeroplan topics such as flight feedback, in-flight services issues or mileage earning/redemption are all topics that should go into existing AC forum threads so others can benefit from this information. Topics about other airline/hotel loyalty programs should be posted elsewhere on FT.
While the conversation is more relaxed as it would be in a lounge that doesn't mean however that the FT rules don't apply her as they definitely do so please refrain from controversial topics such as politics or religion, avoid profanities and treat other lounge patrons with the same respect you expect.
tcook052
Air Canada Forum Moderator
The Air Canada Forum Lounge Thread (2015)
Apr 17, 2015, 8:40 pm
#751
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: 35,255
That's weird how your assumption differed mine. Growing up we'd fly CP or AC and I always assumed that the asian airlines were cheaper. I didn't know that anyone would think it'd be more (save for maybe CX and the well known brands).
BR simply cannot fill its J sections. It sells revenue and then opens it up to AE two weeks out and you can get like 8 or more seats. Why? Brand awareness and some people are hesitant to try it or some won't (like PLeblond). Rational or not, the brand itself doesn't carry enough weight in this market, so they can't up their price.
You know how I feel about BR. Bring a USB fan and stick it in the socket if you're warm. Buy a cheap blanket from Walmart and you'll be fine. For me, i'm a naturally hot person. I was warm to the point where I wasn't sweating (and I was drinking a LOT). So it's not unbearable, but not nuts. And the SD did turn it down. I think their AC is set to 23'C. Save for that, better food, service, hard product (IMO), cheaper....go for it. Start up a new mega thread for us once we hear yyznomad's take on it
I was in a polo and dress pants then switched to their very thin cotton PJ's
BR simply cannot fill its J sections. It sells revenue and then opens it up to AE two weeks out and you can get like 8 or more seats. Why? Brand awareness and some people are hesitant to try it or some won't (like PLeblond). Rational or not, the brand itself doesn't carry enough weight in this market, so they can't up their price.
You know how I feel about BR. Bring a USB fan and stick it in the socket if you're warm. Buy a cheap blanket from Walmart and you'll be fine. For me, i'm a naturally hot person. I was warm to the point where I wasn't sweating (and I was drinking a LOT). So it's not unbearable, but not nuts. And the SD did turn it down. I think their AC is set to 23'C. Save for that, better food, service, hard product (IMO), cheaper....go for it. Start up a new mega thread for us once we hear yyznomad's take on it
I was in a polo and dress pants then switched to their very thin cotton PJ's
Apr 17, 2015, 8:44 pm
#752
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
And then doing YYZ TPE Brisbane a bit later. All in J, most likely paid, if not via AE.
Connecting through TPE is awesome. Takes about...3 minutes to transfer through the sterile zone, and the lounge is AWESOME. Like OMG. real food (western and asian), great showers, great lounge attendants and there's a transfer hotel if you want to grab a nap.
HIGHLY recommended. Gosh you've tickled my nerves again, got me all excited and gitty. NOMAD!!
*Disclaimer, they were great from an English standpoint for the entire journey. My wife is Caucasian, she got great service, albeit not from the entire cabin crew as she only speaks EN/FR. If you speak Mandarin which I presume you don't, the service is a notch more friendlier. (simply because of language barrier reasons)
Apr 17, 2015, 8:46 pm
#753
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: 35,255
We're doing YYZ TPE (was it? NRT) anyway - on BR later this year (I promise no FT posts)
And then doing YYZ TPE Brisbane a bit later. All in J, most likely paid, if not via AE.
Connecting through TPE is awesome. Takes about...3 minutes to transfer through the sterile zone, and the lounge is AWESOME. Like OMG. real food, great showers, great lounge attendants and there's a transfer hotel if you want to grab a nap.
HIGHLY recommended. Gosh you've tickled my nerves again, got me all excited and gitty. NOMAD!!
*Disclaimer, they were great from an English standpoint for the entire journey. My wife is Caucasian, she got great service, albeit not from the entire cabin crew. If you speak Mandarin which I presume you don't, the service is a notch more friendlier. (simply because of language barrier reasons)
And then doing YYZ TPE Brisbane a bit later. All in J, most likely paid, if not via AE.
Connecting through TPE is awesome. Takes about...3 minutes to transfer through the sterile zone, and the lounge is AWESOME. Like OMG. real food, great showers, great lounge attendants and there's a transfer hotel if you want to grab a nap.
HIGHLY recommended. Gosh you've tickled my nerves again, got me all excited and gitty. NOMAD!!
*Disclaimer, they were great from an English standpoint for the entire journey. My wife is Caucasian, she got great service, albeit not from the entire cabin crew. If you speak Mandarin which I presume you don't, the service is a notch more friendlier. (simply because of language barrier reasons)
Apr 17, 2015, 8:51 pm
#754
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Sorry, have not been to the HND NH lounge. I have however seen the posts on FT. I'd say it's comparable? But since I haven't been to the HND lounge I don't feel comfortable enough comparing. However, out of all the lounges I've been to, I'd say the CX lounge for Business Class at the Pier at HKG is similar for asian offerings at BR in TPE in the InfinityLands? or what they call it - lounge. The Western offerings are better at the BR in TPE in the Infinity section (so if you're flying J) than CX. Then again my CX memories are when I was....15? So it's been a while, but doing the best I can to offer value to you! 
From a lounge perspective, I'd say that for ME and my travels, the BR lounge was the best lounge i've ever been in. (not the Star Gold lounge if you're flying Y, but the Infinity lounge). Lots of reviews are online. My wife got the western food she wanted, and I got the asian food I wanted. PM me your email if you want pics!
From a lounge perspective, I'd say that for ME and my travels, the BR lounge was the best lounge i've ever been in. (not the Star Gold lounge if you're flying Y, but the Infinity lounge). Lots of reviews are online. My wife got the western food she wanted, and I got the asian food I wanted. PM me your email if you want pics!
Apr 17, 2015, 8:58 pm
#755
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: 35,255
Sorry, have not been to the HND NH lounge. I have however seen the posts on FT. I'd say it's comparable? But since I haven't been to the HND lounge I don't feel comfortable enough comparing. However, out of all the lounges I've been to, I'd say the CX lounge for Business Class at the Pier at HKG is similar for asian offerings at BR in TPE in the InfinityLands? or what they call it - lounge. The Western offerings are better at the BR in TPE in the Infinity section (so if you're flying J) than CX. Then again my CX memories are when I was....15? So it's been a while, but doing the best I can to offer value to you!
From a lounge perspective, I'd say that for ME and my travels, the BR lounge was the best lounge i've ever been in. (not the Star Gold lounge if you're flying Y, but the Infinity lounge). Lots of reviews are online. My wife got the western food she wanted, and I got the asian food I wanted. PM me your email if you want pics!
From a lounge perspective, I'd say that for ME and my travels, the BR lounge was the best lounge i've ever been in. (not the Star Gold lounge if you're flying Y, but the Infinity lounge). Lots of reviews are online. My wife got the western food she wanted, and I got the asian food I wanted. PM me your email if you want pics!
Prices ex-YYZ (to NRT) are $5K which isn't great but not over the top I guess... let's see if AC is about the same...
Apr 17, 2015, 9:01 pm
#756
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: sqrt(-united states of apologist)
Programs: *$ Green
Posts: 5,403
Ah, you make too many assumptions my young padawan.
Hello Kitty is not a cat. Use your favorite search engine my friend. It'll BLOW your mind.
Hint (i'll do the leg work since i'm a nice person): http://www.people.com/article/hello-kitty-not-a-cat
Hello Kitty is not a cat. Use your favorite search engine my friend. It'll BLOW your mind.
Hint (i'll do the leg work since i'm a nice person): http://www.people.com/article/hello-kitty-not-a-cat
Although I have been able to (very slightly) wrap my head around Japanese (can't speak it, but I understand the writing/speaking "system" (ish)), I can't wrap my head around mandarin/cantonese.
How is AC's Mandarin/Cantonese service on the Asian routes? Is it better than the Asian carrier's English service?
Apr 17, 2015, 9:01 pm
#757
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
If BR saves me $2000 in YQ for me and my wife, you know what I'd fly
(and I did).So cost/benefit analysis like all. Although I do hope you get a chance to fly BR. I'm GENUINELY interested as to your comments about that airline since you fly so goddamn much
Apr 17, 2015, 9:02 pm
#758
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: sqrt(-united states of apologist)
Programs: *$ Green
Posts: 5,403
Apr 17, 2015, 9:04 pm
#759
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
I am a bit disappointed. I was expecting something like "hello kitty is a cat". But please, Hello Kitty is as close to a human as cat woman is close to a cat! (imho)
Although I have been able to (very slightly) wrap my head around Japanese (can't speak it, but I understand the writing/speaking "system" (ish)), I can't wrap my head around mandarin/cantonese.
How is AC's Mandarin/Cantonese service on the Asian routes? Is it better than the Asian carrier's English service?
Although I have been able to (very slightly) wrap my head around Japanese (can't speak it, but I understand the writing/speaking "system" (ish)), I can't wrap my head around mandarin/cantonese.
How is AC's Mandarin/Cantonese service on the Asian routes? Is it better than the Asian carrier's English service?
The love that is given to the people who aren't speaking the language on the airline that is flying them (e.g. the majority language) is different. AC has been indifferent to my parents who primarily speak mandarin. I strongly feel that BR accommodated my English only speaking wife much better than AC did for my parents.
How do I know this? I spoke Mandarin only on a AC flight when I was a kid and I spoke English only on BR35 from YYZ TPE. I felt more warmth and care on BR than I did AC (although to be fair it's not a fair comparison because we're comparing service over many years)
Apr 17, 2015, 9:14 pm
#760
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: sqrt(-united states of apologist)
Programs: *$ Green
Posts: 5,403
AC's mandarin service is similar to BR's English service. There are a few FA's who can speak Mandarin (I don't speak Cantonese, although I can understand it). You will get a few Mandarin speaking FA's on AC who will be "assigned" to you just like BR.
The love that is given to the people who aren't speaking the language on the airline that is flying them (e.g. the majority language) is different. AC has been indifferent to my parents who primarily speak mandarin. I strongly feel that BR accommodated my English only speaking wife much better than AC did for my parents.
How do I know this? I spoke Mandarin only on a AC flight when I was a kid and I spoke English only on BR35 from YYZ TPE. I felt more warmth and care on BR than I did AC (although to be fair it's not a fair comparison because we're comparing service over many years)
The love that is given to the people who aren't speaking the language on the airline that is flying them (e.g. the majority language) is different. AC has been indifferent to my parents who primarily speak mandarin. I strongly feel that BR accommodated my English only speaking wife much better than AC did for my parents.
How do I know this? I spoke Mandarin only on a AC flight when I was a kid and I spoke English only on BR35 from YYZ TPE. I felt more warmth and care on BR than I did AC (although to be fair it's not a fair comparison because we're comparing service over many years)
Apr 17, 2015, 9:18 pm
#761
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Apr 18, 2015, 8:01 pm
#762
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: 35,255
My full inbox...
Hi everyone
I know many of you have tried PM me but saw that my inbox is full... sorry about that. If you want to reach out to me for now, may I suggest using the email route (via FT)? The rate at which I administer my inbox is slower than the rate of PMs coming in
I know many of you have tried PM me but saw that my inbox is full... sorry about that. If you want to reach out to me for now, may I suggest using the email route (via FT)? The rate at which I administer my inbox is slower than the rate of PMs coming in
Apr 18, 2015, 8:09 pm
#763
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Apr 18, 2015, 8:14 pm
#764
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: 35,255
Apr 18, 2015, 8:18 pm
#765
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
Programs: OW Emerald, *A Gold, NEXUS, GE, ABTC/APEC, South Korea SES, eIACS, PP, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 16,046
I am a bit disappointed. I was expecting something like "hello kitty is a cat". But please, Hello Kitty is as close to a human as cat woman is close to a cat! (imho)
Although I have been able to (very slightly) wrap my head around Japanese (can't speak it, but I understand the writing/speaking "system" (ish)), I can't wrap my head around mandarin/cantonese.
How is AC's Mandarin/Cantonese service on the Asian routes? Is it better than the Asian carrier's English service?
Although I have been able to (very slightly) wrap my head around Japanese (can't speak it, but I understand the writing/speaking "system" (ish)), I can't wrap my head around mandarin/cantonese.
How is AC's Mandarin/Cantonese service on the Asian routes? Is it better than the Asian carrier's English service?
(at that time, I was indifferent between AC and CX, but AC often had better pricing, oddly. Now, I strictly prefer CX/AA and would go so far as to prefer flying UA over AC.)