2017 skytrax places AC back at #1 in N.A.
Jun 20, 2017, 7:01 pm
#32
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
Jun 20, 2017, 7:04 pm
#33
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
To clear things up, here is a quote for OMAAT:
(bolding mine)
How are Skytrax winners decided?
I disagree with a lot of the results, though I respect the methodology that Skytrax uses for determining the winners. The winners are based solely on public voting, with votes from nearly 20 million people from 105 countries being counted. The voting took place between August 2016 and May 2017.
Airlines were allowed to promote voting, so I suspect there’s a high correlation between the airlines that tried to “get out the vote,” and those that actually won.
To account for the different sizes of airlines, they also take a weighted approach to the results:......
At the end of the day this is a marketing opportunity for airlines, rather than an actual comparative analysis of which airline is the best in each category. People vote based on what they like, with no requirement to actually have experienced any number of products. Don’t get me wrong, that’s fine, ultimately this is a popularity contest, but I think it’s important to recognize it as such.
There’s a difference between someone saying “I liked Qatar Airways business class,” and saying I’ve flown a bunch of business class products and think Qatar Airways has the best.” So perhaps more accurately these awards should be for the title of “the world’s favorite” rather than “the world’s best.”
June 20, 2017
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...e-of-the-year/
(bolding mine)
How are Skytrax winners decided?
I disagree with a lot of the results, though I respect the methodology that Skytrax uses for determining the winners. The winners are based solely on public voting, with votes from nearly 20 million people from 105 countries being counted. The voting took place between August 2016 and May 2017.
Airlines were allowed to promote voting, so I suspect there’s a high correlation between the airlines that tried to “get out the vote,” and those that actually won.
To account for the different sizes of airlines, they also take a weighted approach to the results:......
At the end of the day this is a marketing opportunity for airlines, rather than an actual comparative analysis of which airline is the best in each category. People vote based on what they like, with no requirement to actually have experienced any number of products. Don’t get me wrong, that’s fine, ultimately this is a popularity contest, but I think it’s important to recognize it as such.
There’s a difference between someone saying “I liked Qatar Airways business class,” and saying I’ve flown a bunch of business class products and think Qatar Airways has the best.” So perhaps more accurately these awards should be for the title of “the world’s favorite” rather than “the world’s best.”
June 20, 2017
http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.c...e-of-the-year/
Jun 20, 2017, 7:07 pm
#34
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
I'm sure there will be no controversy on FT though as there is a poll to reflect every range of love and hate. Feel free to agree with the one that reflects your opinion.
https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2017...Paris-Air-Show
https://aircanada.mediaroom.com/2017...Paris-Air-Show
Jun 20, 2017, 8:16 pm
#35
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, National EE, AS MVP Gold 75K, AC 75K
Posts: 1,000
AC 127 YYZ-YVR departing 2105 has a full meal in J.
A similar length flight at that time on US airlines would have:
UA (p.s.): Hot snack
UA (other routes): Snack basket
AA: Can't find official info but looks similar to UA based on FT thread.
DL: Looks pretty good actually (I believe there's a full meal)
So there's an objective assessment where AC hands-down beats 2 of the 3 big legacies in the US.
You want to talk about service, wine quality, etc., fine. But don't say they're not "at or near the top in anything".
A similar length flight at that time on US airlines would have:
UA (p.s.): Hot snack
UA (other routes): Snack basket
AA: Can't find official info but looks similar to UA based on FT thread.
DL: Looks pretty good actually (I believe there's a full meal)
So there's an objective assessment where AC hands-down beats 2 of the 3 big legacies in the US.
You want to talk about service, wine quality, etc., fine. But don't say they're not "at or near the top in anything".
All 3 legacy airlines also offer amenity kit on their transcon, which I have yet to see on AC.
I'm actually not a fan of JetBlue. I've been on too many flights where they board you and then just sit on the tarmac so they can free up the gates.
Jun 21, 2017, 12:09 pm
#36
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: 44,354
AC provides a meal on ALL flights over 2 hours, regardless of departure time.
On those shorter flights (2-2.5 hours), some of the legacies don't even provide a meal "mid afternoon", because it's not "meal time".
Though yes, that is definitely a nice touch.
Jun 21, 2017, 1:12 pm
#37
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto - YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan/Hilton Gold/Marriott Bonvoy Titanium/Accor/Hyatt Gold Passport
Posts: 5,899
Most of the US legacies do not provide a meal on transcons if the flight departs after 2000-2100, regardless of length.
AC provides a meal on ALL flights over 2 hours, regardless of departure time.
On those shorter flights (2-2.5 hours), some of the legacies don't even provide a meal "mid afternoon", because it's not "meal time".
Though yes, that is definitely a nice touch.
AC provides a meal on ALL flights over 2 hours, regardless of departure time.
On those shorter flights (2-2.5 hours), some of the legacies don't even provide a meal "mid afternoon", because it's not "meal time".
Though yes, that is definitely a nice touch.
Jun 21, 2017, 3:24 pm
#38
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
I do like the fact that AC serves a sandwich or salad on the YYZ/EWR routes, but was less happy when LGA/YYZ had a basket despite the kitkat. Is that standard or because it was late? We actually spent 2-3h in the air.
Jun 21, 2017, 4:24 pm
#39
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Providence RI
Programs: American Exec Plat, Hyatt Refugeeist, Marriot Gold, Air Canada Cattle Class, Korean Air Morning Plat
Posts: 988
AC 127 YYZ-YVR departing 2105 has a full meal in J.
A similar length flight at that time on US airlines would have:
UA (p.s.): Hot snack
UA (other routes): Snack basket
AA: Can't find official info but looks similar to UA based on FT thread.
DL: Looks pretty good actually (I believe there's a full meal)
So there's an objective assessment where AC hands-down beats 2 of the 3 big legacies in the US.
You want to talk about service, wine quality, etc., fine. But don't say they're not "at or near the top in anything".
A similar length flight at that time on US airlines would have:
UA (p.s.): Hot snack
UA (other routes): Snack basket
AA: Can't find official info but looks similar to UA based on FT thread.
DL: Looks pretty good actually (I believe there's a full meal)
So there's an objective assessment where AC hands-down beats 2 of the 3 big legacies in the US.
You want to talk about service, wine quality, etc., fine. But don't say they're not "at or near the top in anything".
AA: has full meals in J. I fly Chi-LA and JFK-MCO on AA once in awhile and you get full meals. So now AC beats 1 of the legacies in the US, the mighty UA where you might get beat up on board, or asking for a reprint of your boarding pass. There are more than just legacy airlines in the US as well. DL, JB, AS, Virgin and Hawaiian (don't know the 2 digit abbreviation) are all MILES ahead of AC. I would still say AA is better than AC while we are at it.
So to your point..........I still say Air Canada is not at the top in anything, any category, lest of all service.
I would concede that Safety is one area where Air Canada excels. I have never once felt unsafe on an AC flight. That is a given though, I haven't felt unsafe on any US airliner with the exception of Spirit, who AC can easily trounce in any category.
11. AA
12. AC
12. UA (tie)
14. Frontier
15. Spirit
Jun 21, 2017, 5:51 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Ice Cream Club, AC SE MM, Bonvoy Life Plat
Posts: 2,803
AC 127 YYZ-YVR departing 2105 has a full meal in J.
A similar length flight at that time on US airlines would have:
UA (p.s.): Hot snack
UA (other routes): Snack basket
AA: Can't find official info but looks similar to UA based on FT thread.
DL: Looks pretty good actually (I believe there's a full meal)
So there's an objective assessment where AC hands-down beats 2 of the 3 big legacies in the US.
You want to talk about service, wine quality, etc., fine. But don't say they're not "at or near the top in anything".
A similar length flight at that time on US airlines would have:
UA (p.s.): Hot snack
UA (other routes): Snack basket
AA: Can't find official info but looks similar to UA based on FT thread.
DL: Looks pretty good actually (I believe there's a full meal)
So there's an objective assessment where AC hands-down beats 2 of the 3 big legacies in the US.
You want to talk about service, wine quality, etc., fine. But don't say they're not "at or near the top in anything".
Jun 22, 2017, 7:07 am
#42
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,324
. . . and a few more emails in the inbox--really this is about winning in a competent but not outstanding field--hardly something to get excited about (but I guess they will)--spelling mistakes included for accuracy
:
"XXXX,
Thanks to you, we’ve been voted Skytrax Best Airline in North America for the sixth time in eight years. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our customers, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally.
We believe this win affirms we’re on the right path and validates changes we’re making to our business. Changes like fleet updates, expanded global routes, renovations to our Maple Leaf Lounges and improved food and beverage offerings, all to improve your experience with us.
We take pride in bringing Canada to the world every time we fly, and making Canadians proud matters to us. This award is only the latest milestone in our ongoing transformation, and we are planning to go even further.
We’ll be in touch soon to tell you about even more exiciting new features designed with your needs in mind. Until then, we look forward to welcoming you on board again soon! #FlyTheFlag
Benjamin Smith
President, Passenger Airlines
Air Canada"
:"XXXX,
Thanks to you, we’ve been voted Skytrax Best Airline in North America for the sixth time in eight years. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our customers, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally.
We believe this win affirms we’re on the right path and validates changes we’re making to our business. Changes like fleet updates, expanded global routes, renovations to our Maple Leaf Lounges and improved food and beverage offerings, all to improve your experience with us.
We take pride in bringing Canada to the world every time we fly, and making Canadians proud matters to us. This award is only the latest milestone in our ongoing transformation, and we are planning to go even further.
We’ll be in touch soon to tell you about even more exiciting new features designed with your needs in mind. Until then, we look forward to welcoming you on board again soon! #FlyTheFlag
Benjamin Smith
President, Passenger Airlines
Air Canada"
Jun 22, 2017, 12:37 pm
#43
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Aberdeenshire
Programs: BA Exec Silver, Aeroplan, Hilton Honors Gold
Posts: 1,127
I am just back from a multi-city trip in J (YWG-YYZ-LHR-YVR-SFO-YVR-YWG), and all sectors had great crews. Good catering on longhaul flights. I actually thought about writing in to let AC know. Those new J seats are so much better. Having used the UA lounge in SFO, I promise to complain less about the MLLs!
Jun 22, 2017, 12:58 pm
#44
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 733
I am just back from a multi-city trip in J (YWG-YYZ-LHR-YVR-SFO-YVR-YWG), and all sectors had great crews. Good catering on longhaul flights. I actually thought about writing in to let AC know. Those new J seats are so much better. Having used the UA lounge in SFO, I promise to complain less about the MLLs!
My last ~10 long-haul AC flights have all had great SDs. SD on a transcon in January went around shaking pax's hands to welcome them onboard (even non SEs!!). It's weird to say but my AC flights this year have been substantially better than my AC flights last year. Weird coincidence, new training, or odd cognitive bias.
Nonetheless, congrats AC. Be sure to remind me 20 times this year so I remember not to vote for you next year.
Jun 22, 2017, 2:26 pm
#45
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
. . . and a few more emails in the inbox--really this is about winning in a competent but not outstanding field--hardly something to get excited about (but I guess they will)--spelling mistakes included for accuracy:
"XXXX,
Thanks to you, we’ve been voted Skytrax Best Airline in North America for the sixth time in eight years. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our customers, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally..."
:"XXXX,
Thanks to you, we’ve been voted Skytrax Best Airline in North America for the sixth time in eight years. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our customers, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you personally..."