Dec 31, 2017, 6:09 am
Last edit by: jc94
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 previous versions are the original 2004 - 2014 thread , 2015 edition, 2016 edition and 2017 edition
The 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 hotels or airlines and/or their loyalty programs should be posted elsewhere on FT as should topics better suited to other forums such as Travel Products for questions about luggage or Travel Photography for discussion about cameras.
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 here 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.
The 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 hotels or airlines and/or their loyalty programs should be posted elsewhere on FT as should topics better suited to other forums such as Travel Products for questions about luggage or Travel Photography for discussion about cameras.
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 here 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.
The Forum Lounge Thread (2018)
Jun 29, 2018, 2:38 pm
#1666
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Without getting into the politics, does anyone know if a Canadian passport holder whose place of birth is listed as Iran is allowed to visit the US right now (no visa, no family, no medical, just visiting a friend (me))? I'm hearing mixed things from different people.
Longer background: A colleague is an Iranian citizen who's also a Canadian permanent resident. This colleague obtained a US visa as recently as 2 weeks ago and the officer confirmed that upon obtaining Canadian citizenship (and obviously a Canadian passport), no visa would be required and my colleague would be free to visit the US without issue.
To ease your friend's concerns, does he or she live anywhere near an airport with US pre-clearance facilities? I've found that the agents who man the walk-up "customer service" wickets are generally helpful and pleasant to deal with for these kinds of questions. It seems like they appreciate people taking the time and making the effort to ask questions rather than just show up and risk denial of entry.
Jun 29, 2018, 2:41 pm
#1667
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: 44,353
Short answer: "Yes, absolutely"
Longer background: A colleague is an Iranian citizen who's also a Canadian permanent resident. This colleague obtained a US visa as recently as 2 weeks ago and the officer confirmed that upon obtaining Canadian citizenship (and obviously a Canadian passport), no visa would be required and my colleague would be free to visit the US without issue.
To ease your friend's concerns, does he or she live anywhere near an airport with US pre-clearance facilities? I've found that the agents who man the walk-up "customer service" wickets are generally helpful and pleasant to deal with for these kinds of questions. It seems like they appreciate people taking the time and making the effort to ask questions rather than just show up and risk denial of entry.
Longer background: A colleague is an Iranian citizen who's also a Canadian permanent resident. This colleague obtained a US visa as recently as 2 weeks ago and the officer confirmed that upon obtaining Canadian citizenship (and obviously a Canadian passport), no visa would be required and my colleague would be free to visit the US without issue.
To ease your friend's concerns, does he or she live anywhere near an airport with US pre-clearance facilities? I've found that the agents who man the walk-up "customer service" wickets are generally helpful and pleasant to deal with for these kinds of questions. It seems like they appreciate people taking the time and making the effort to ask questions rather than just show up and risk denial of entry.
Jun 29, 2018, 2:47 pm
#1668
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
If it's not out of his way, a quick visit to the customer service window can put his concerns to rest, but my colleague was extremely confident that a Canadian citizen born in Iran would have absolutely no problem visiting the US with a Canadian passport.
Jun 29, 2018, 4:12 pm
#1669
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 think he's just been super angry.
Jun 29, 2018, 5:24 pm
#1670
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Ice Cream Club, AC SE MM, Bonvoy Life Plat
Posts: 2,803
This is the first world. Sorry, developed nation... (Assuming you're in Canada). We are special.
Jun 29, 2018, 5:42 pm
#1671
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Halifax
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum Elite. NEXUS
Posts: 4,570
Itemizing hotel expenses in Concur really blows. Especially if you have one offs (coffee from the bistro) or variable night rates or taxes for the room.
And our benevolent overlords require a scan to be attached to every expense. And, because they are from the school of redundant school, we have to send the paper receipts as well. So, I get to print Uber receipts too!
But I really enjoying doing bookkeeping work. Really, I do. It adds tremendous value to our customers and bottom line.
And our benevolent overlords require a scan to be attached to every expense. And, because they are from the school of redundant school, we have to send the paper receipts as well. So, I get to print Uber receipts too!
But I really enjoying doing bookkeeping work. Really, I do. It adds tremendous value to our customers and bottom line.
Fortunately, I don't need paper, but even in the US, I'm scanning all receipts where USians can get away with nothing for <$25. Which means I don't scan coffee receipts.
It may be malicious compliance time.
Jun 29, 2018, 5:49 pm
#1672
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,232
Jun 29, 2018, 6:02 pm
#1673
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Jun 29, 2018, 7:48 pm
#1674
Suspended
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AC
Posts: 2,167
I didn't mean to say that I find it's sad that some people enjoy feeling special as per the aviation process we all know and love, but what I meant to say was I find it sad the airlines have basically strung us along and we play their game while they laugh all the way to the bank and we seemingly don't know we're being played. They impose class division, separate groups based on fares paid. One could make an argument they are engaging in fare-ism or class-ism. Is that a new word? They are literally pitting people against each other, offering priority services to a class of flier while denying it for others. Can you imagine if such a blatant game was played in real life?
I don't think even I have to put a wink at the end of that last sentence.
Last edited by longtimeflyin; Jun 29, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Jun 30, 2018, 10:23 pm
#1675
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
Happy Canada Day 🇨🇦 to one and all!
Jun 30, 2018, 10:35 pm
#1676
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: 44,353
Jul 1, 2018, 2:05 pm
#1677
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Ice Cream Club, AC SE MM, Bonvoy Life Plat
Posts: 2,803
Got CBC blasting all day long here and now I'm looking for this: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/16654/oh-canada
Screw Heinz!
Screw Heinz!
Jul 1, 2018, 3:31 pm
#1678
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
Jul 2, 2018, 8:59 pm
#1679
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 2,494
Also, regarding Air Conditioning upthread, having lived in Singapore I got a real hoot out of the people in Vancouver using air conditioning.
Last edited by quantumofforce; Jul 2, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Jul 3, 2018, 6:36 pm
#1680
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
England vs Colombia. Wow, stressful afternoon.