Aug 21, 2021, 5:45 pm
Last edit by: Adam Smith
This thread originally contained any and all information relating to flying with AC in the times of COVID. As travel has picked up, much of the discussion has been moved to dedicated threads to make topics easier to follow. Threads that may be of particular interest to those travelling during COVID:
Meal threads:
Schedule changes/refunds - temporary COVID-related policies:
The above threads are in the process of winding down as AC moves away from temporary COVID-related policies. Most questions on schedule changes/refunds should be directed to the thread on AC's new permanent schedule change policies
Other AC-related threads:
Pre-travel e-mails:
Information on immigration rules and procedures, and other government requirements, from the Canada forum:
Airport-related threads containing information that may be relevant to AC passengers, but that are not specific to AC (there are many others in the Canada forum; these are a few that have come up frequently):
(Other threads with immigration/government-related questions not specific to AC can be found on the Canada forum, and experiences and questions on those topics should be posted there)
Meal threads:
- Air Canada Meals (Jul 2021 - ???) - Business Class - North America
- Air Canada Meals (Jul 2021 - ???) - Premium Economy - North America
- Air Canada Meals (Jul 2021 - ???) - Economy - North America
- Air Canada Meals (Jul 2021 - ???) - Business Class - International
Schedule changes/refunds - temporary COVID-related policies:
- Master thread COVID-19/Coronavirus; travel waivers, route changes, AC impacts
- Master thread Air Canada Refunds vs credits; Class action lawsuit filed
The above threads are in the process of winding down as AC moves away from temporary COVID-related policies. Most questions on schedule changes/refunds should be directed to the thread on AC's new permanent schedule change policies
Other AC-related threads:
- Air Canada Clean Care+ program
- MLLs in the time of COVID - re-openings, food, distancing, etc
- Upload your COVID documents online (trial)
Pre-travel e-mails:
Information on immigration rules and procedures, and other government requirements, from the Canada forum:
- Canada entry rules changing; fully vaccinated air travelers allowed
- Canada Will Require Negative COVID-19 Test 72 Hours Before Arrival
- Federal government to require vaccinations for all air and train passengers
Airport-related threads containing information that may be relevant to AC passengers, but that are not specific to AC (there are many others in the Canada forum; these are a few that have come up frequently):
- Flying through YYC 2021 Q3/Q4 (security, connections, construction impact, etc)
- YYZ International Arrivals
- Recent/Current YYZ-USA Preclearance Weekday morning times
(Other threads with immigration/government-related questions not specific to AC can be found on the Canada forum, and experiences and questions on those topics should be posted there)
Is anyone actually flying AC domestic or international in these Covid-filled days?
Jul 28, 2020, 1:37 pm
#331
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,767
I forgot to post this the other day - the very official looking sign for the temporary SE check-in area at YVR 
Jul 28, 2020, 6:20 pm
#334
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,438
Jul 28, 2020, 6:38 pm
#335
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,438
Jul 29, 2020, 5:52 am
#336
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YYC - not the centre of the universe
Programs: AC*S100K 1MM, LH FTL, Hyatt Globalist, Accor Plat
Posts: 4,768
AC402 YYZ YUL today. A223
C10/10 “Air Canada” express. Lots of face masks with roundels up front but no cleared standbys - so all higher ups.
They cancelled the 11am about a week ago so naturally this one is rather full.
UP Express was quiet but not super empty. Airport curb looked busy. Check in was busy.
Concierge was very nice in the office - expecting us (guess there aren’t as many SEs flying these days). Security is unpleasant with the lack of a priority/Nexus line. Surprising as even YYC has it open. Lounge was a disappointment, so went to Timmies. Line-up massive. About a 20 minute wait in the end.
Concourse was busy - reminded me of pre pandemic levels. Definitely a huge change from a few weeks ago and much busier than when we landed yesterday.
Once again concierge waiting for us at the gate... nice gestures - small but they count!
C10/10 “Air Canada” express. Lots of face masks with roundels up front but no cleared standbys - so all higher ups.
They cancelled the 11am about a week ago so naturally this one is rather full.
UP Express was quiet but not super empty. Airport curb looked busy. Check in was busy.
Concierge was very nice in the office - expecting us (guess there aren’t as many SEs flying these days). Security is unpleasant with the lack of a priority/Nexus line. Surprising as even YYC has it open. Lounge was a disappointment, so went to Timmies. Line-up massive. About a 20 minute wait in the end.
Concourse was busy - reminded me of pre pandemic levels. Definitely a huge change from a few weeks ago and much busier than when we landed yesterday.
Once again concierge waiting for us at the gate... nice gestures - small but they count!
Jul 29, 2020, 10:07 am
#337
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: HKG/YVR/NYC
Programs: AC 75K, A3*G, AS MVPG, AA LT Gold 1MM, JL/JGC (OWS) , Marriott Titanium, Hertz 5*, Avis PC
Posts: 3,697
jlisi984, you're paining me with that bento meal set!!!
I flew 123 on monday night, with nothing except the wrap + water
At least the concourse was empty
YYZ during COVID Apocalypse
Taken at Jul 27 around 305pm
🦠Ta🦠🦠T
Taken at Jul 27 around 4:30pm
I flew 123 on monday night, with nothing except the wrap + water
At least the concourse was empty
YYZ during COVID Apocalypse
Taken at Jul 27 around 305pm
🦠Ta🦠🦠T
Taken at Jul 27 around 4:30pm
Last edited by tcook052; Jul 29, 2020 at 10:27 am Reason: content
Jul 29, 2020, 10:54 am
#338
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YYC - not the centre of the universe
Programs: AC*S100K 1MM, LH FTL, Hyatt Globalist, Accor Plat
Posts: 4,768
Short hair Francis wow that’s much quieter than yesterday or today. I guess afternoons are quieter...
Had to spend four hours in Montréal... interesting connection. Saw a flight come in from Edmonton - looked very full.
A gentleman dressed in full gear asked to use my phone (?!). Somebody sat right next to us though imaginably there were plenty of empty seats.
YUL seemed quite busy overall. Departure boards show more international than domestic - certainly by capacity if not number of flights... ATH, 4*CDG, MRS, BRU, LHR, TUN, CMN, DOH, ZRH, IST, FRA, PAP
A bit crazy if you ask me!!
YUL YGR is very full. Got the email yesterday about the flight being at capacity...
edit: within eyeshot I see only one empty seat. Kits have terrible hand sanitizer and pink gloves.
Had to spend four hours in Montréal... interesting connection. Saw a flight come in from Edmonton - looked very full.
A gentleman dressed in full gear asked to use my phone (?!). Somebody sat right next to us though imaginably there were plenty of empty seats.
YUL seemed quite busy overall. Departure boards show more international than domestic - certainly by capacity if not number of flights... ATH, 4*CDG, MRS, BRU, LHR, TUN, CMN, DOH, ZRH, IST, FRA, PAP
A bit crazy if you ask me!!
YUL YGR is very full. Got the email yesterday about the flight being at capacity...
edit: within eyeshot I see only one empty seat. Kits have terrible hand sanitizer and pink gloves.
Last edited by tcook052; Jul 29, 2020 at 12:50 pm Reason: content
Jul 29, 2020, 12:49 pm
#339
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
YUL and YYC are polar opposites on international and domestic. YYC is 70/30 domestic/international (normally, not now) and YUL is opposite. It is always international heavy and Europe is relatively safer than the U.S., so not surprising it's picking up.
Jul 29, 2020, 2:03 pm
#340
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: 44,324
Jul 29, 2020, 2:35 pm
#341
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: 44,324
Brief spiel about oxygen masks, then the safety video on 116.
I'm really starting to doubt the reports of manual demos
I'm really starting to doubt the reports of manual demos
Jul 29, 2020, 5:32 pm
#342
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,767
E-mail received from AC this afternoon, prior to a flight tomorrow (lightly edited for formatting):
This reminds me that I overheard some Jazz pilots talking the other day. A few interesting points:
Please let us know what you think of YGR. I'm going next week.
Didn't you say something the other day about one thing not disproving another?
Subject: Be prepared for your upcoming trip / Soyez prêt pour votre prochain voyage
A step-by-step guide for preparing to travel / Guide pratique pour vos préparatifs de voyages
Learn more
STAY UP TO DATE WITH NEW TRAVEL PROCESSES Booking reference: ABC123
With our Air Canada CleanCare+ protocols in place, we wanted to take additional steps to further protect and prepare you for travel. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn what you can expect throughout your travel.
1. CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND COMPLETE ENTRY FORMS See if you're eligible to travel and follow the government travel requirements for your destination. This may include completing mandatory entry forms prior to travel. 
2. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP If you are planning on checking in bags, ensure you follow the guidelines and pack as much as you can in those bags, as a minimum cabin baggage allowance will be enforced. 
3. CHECKING IN Check in remotely via the Air Canada mobile app, or at aircanada.com and get your boarding pass in advance. Indicate the exact number of checked bags and pay applicable fees to minimize your transactions and additional wait times at the airport. 
4. AT THE AIRPORT Be prepared for new airline precautions, like temperature checks, health questionnaires, and cashless payments. 
5. BOARDING Board your flight following the gate announcements. This includes a new zonal boarding process and scanning your own boarding pass. 
6. ON BOARD Find out how our on-board service has been adjusted to minimize contact. 
7. DEPLANING & COLLECTING YOUR BAGS When you’ve arrived at your destination, maintain your distance from others, and follow the new protocols for baggage collection. 
If your trip includes travel on United or Lufthansa, we recommend reviewing their travel guidelines as well to ensure you have a smooth trip.
Help us make your journey as seamless as possible by preparing for these steps along the way.
A step-by-step guide for preparing to travel / Guide pratique pour vos préparatifs de voyages
Learn more
STAY UP TO DATE WITH NEW TRAVEL PROCESSES Booking reference: ABC123
With our Air Canada CleanCare+ protocols in place, we wanted to take additional steps to further protect and prepare you for travel. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn what you can expect throughout your travel.
1. CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY AND COMPLETE ENTRY FORMS See if you're eligible to travel and follow the government travel requirements for your destination. This may include completing mandatory entry forms prior to travel. 2. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP If you are planning on checking in bags, ensure you follow the guidelines and pack as much as you can in those bags, as a minimum cabin baggage allowance will be enforced.
3. CHECKING IN Check in remotely via the Air Canada mobile app, or at aircanada.com and get your boarding pass in advance. Indicate the exact number of checked bags and pay applicable fees to minimize your transactions and additional wait times at the airport.
4. AT THE AIRPORT Be prepared for new airline precautions, like temperature checks, health questionnaires, and cashless payments.
5. BOARDING Board your flight following the gate announcements. This includes a new zonal boarding process and scanning your own boarding pass.
6. ON BOARD Find out how our on-board service has been adjusted to minimize contact.
7. DEPLANING & COLLECTING YOUR BAGS When you’ve arrived at your destination, maintain your distance from others, and follow the new protocols for baggage collection.
If your trip includes travel on United or Lufthansa, we recommend reviewing their travel guidelines as well to ensure you have a smooth trip.
Help us make your journey as seamless as possible by preparing for these steps along the way.
- One of the pilots had spent 4-5 days recently doing YUL-YGR turns (I believe there are 2 flights a day, so 2x round trips is pretty much a full day). Most flights were close to full, and the lowest load was 45 pax [I wonder why they're cutting it then? COVID-forced spike in domestic travel inflating loads?]
- The cutbacks in the route network mean they're doing a lot more deadheading than usual
- Some pilots are not only flying full hours, but picking up overtime. To their credit, both of these pilots agreed that it was unfair for some guys to be making even more money than usual while a bunch of others are sitting at home, and that Jazz should probably be bringing back some of the laid off pilots if there's so much flying to do
- Sounds like layoffs went a bit over 50% of the Jazz seniority list. Guys at the bottom of the list who are still flying aren't getting full hours
- Neither had operated any of the cargo-only DH4 flights, but both were interested. Sounds like those have gone to quite senior guys, for some reason
- Apparently the YZF overnight layover is popular; there was much disappointment when YEG-YZF was made a same-day turn for a while
- Both were wondering where the DH3s have been flying. They remarked that they hadn't been seeing any of the DH3 pilots around and all the DH3s they've seen look like they've been parked for a while [for what it's worth, I spent a minute on FlightAware, and it looks like a bunch of the DH3s are still flying, so perhaps these guys just haven't been in the right spots; PlaneSpotters suggests 11/24 are still operating with 13 parked]
Please let us know what you think of YGR. I'm going next week.
Jul 29, 2020, 5:51 pm
#343
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 302
2. PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP If you are planning on checking in bags, ensure you follow the guidelines and pack as much as you can in those bags, as a minimum cabin baggage allowance will be enforced.
Jul 29, 2020, 6:25 pm
#344
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YYC - not the centre of the universe
Programs: AC*S100K 1MM, LH FTL, Hyatt Globalist, Accor Plat
Posts: 4,768
This reminds me that I overheard some Jazz pilots talking the other day. A few interesting points:
- One of the pilots had spent 4-5 days recently doing YUL-YGR turns (I believe there are 2 flights a day, so 2x round trips is pretty much a full day). Most flights were close to full, and the lowest load was 45 pax [I wonder why they're cutting it then? COVID-forced spike in domestic travel inflating loads?]
According to a taxi driver (probably less reliable info than F/As) the Islands had a 3K tourist cap for July and are increasing this to 5K for August... He seemed to be talking more about ferries than planes.
Speaking of which, I'm thankful we weren't on the morning YUL-YGR flight, which has been the talk of the town. Finally got the rundown at the convenience store when I saw the cashier was wearing an AC face mask... She works at the airport in addition to shifts at the convenience store (
some people truly work hard). YUL YGR couldn't land in YGR due to fog, went to YFC. Refueled, tried again, no dice, so now it's in YHZ!!Both were wondering where the DH3s have been flying. They remarked that they hadn't been seeing any of the DH3 pilots around and all the DH3s they've seen look like they've been parked for a while [for what it's worth, I spent a minute on FlightAware, and it looks like a bunch of the DH3s are still flying, so perhaps these guys just haven't been in the right spots; PlaneSpotters suggests 11/24 are still operating with 13 parked]
It's beautiful and I've been enjoying it very much. I had the misfortune of being unable to secure a rental car (though I knew this heading in, when I booked the trip over a month ago...) but from what I can see on foot, by bus, and by taxi it's a place unlike any other in Canada. Very welcoming and hospitable, too. I'm sure you'll enjoy!
Jul 29, 2020, 7:07 pm
#345
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,767
Speaking of which, I'm thankful we weren't on the morning YUL-YGR flight, which has been the talk of the town. [...] YUL YGR couldn't land in YGR due to fog, went to YFC. Refueled, tried again, no dice, so now it's in YHZ!!
It's beautiful and I've been enjoying it very much. I had the misfortune of being unable to secure a rental car (though I knew this heading in, when I booked the trip over a month ago...) but from what I can see on foot, by bus, and by taxi it's a place unlike any other in Canada. Very welcoming and hospitable, too. I'm sure you'll enjoy!