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?
#1291
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: 16,622
I haven't been to YQM, but this has been successful for me at YCD, YKA, YXC, YCG, YXJ, YQU, YXS. But unsuccessful at YYF, YBG, YGR, YZP, YPR. (Surprisingly, YZV deplanes into the secured area, so no special treatment needed). And YMMV based on who's working that day, I think. Responses I've gotten have ranged from "of course, no problem!" to "Transport Canada would never allow that!".
#1292
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: YOW
Programs: AC 75K
Posts: 578
At many small airports, they very rarely have anyone connecting (or returning on the plane that just came in). The best thing to do is to talk to the AC ramp agent as you deplane. Let them know you're connecting (have your next BP ready to show them) and ask whether you can get straight back in to the secured area.
I haven't been to YQM, but this has been successful for me at YCD, YKA, YXC, YCG, YXJ, YQU, YXS. But unsuccessful at YYF, YBG, YGR, YZP, YPR. (Surprisingly, YZV deplanes into the secured area, so no special treatment needed). And YMMV based on who's working that day, I think. Responses I've gotten have ranged from "of course, no problem!" to "Transport Canada would never allow that!".
I haven't been to YQM, but this has been successful for me at YCD, YKA, YXC, YCG, YXJ, YQU, YXS. But unsuccessful at YYF, YBG, YGR, YZP, YPR. (Surprisingly, YZV deplanes into the secured area, so no special treatment needed). And YMMV based on who's working that day, I think. Responses I've gotten have ranged from "of course, no problem!" to "Transport Canada would never allow that!".
#1293
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,274
Wife flew back to Europe yesterday via MUC.
*flight was only 10 minutes late, which was an unexpected nice surprise
*still no hot breakfast in J, still the cod or chicken for dinner
*was denied 2 dessert items, only to see FAs snacking on them in the galley later
*her seat deflated twice. The FA was very nice, apologetic and embarrassed as he did the resets and said he "logged it"
*flight was only 10 minutes late, which was an unexpected nice surprise
*still no hot breakfast in J, still the cod or chicken for dinner
*was denied 2 dessert items, only to see FAs snacking on them in the galley later
*her seat deflated twice. The FA was very nice, apologetic and embarrassed as he did the resets and said he "logged it"
#1294
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,281
It is nice to see that life is moving towards getting back to normal, perhaps a new normal. Yes there are still those who are afraid, have anxiety issues, or even suffer from mental health issues, and that is OK, we need to be respectful with one another. I do struggle with the lack of consistency and understanding, for example when in YYZ we can only sit in every other seat in the waiting areas but can line up against the wall, shoulder to shoulder to get into a cylinder tube and sit side by side up to nine across. Last week while standing in the line at Tim's, YYZ domestic a lady kept moving further away from me, as I moved closer to her. She wanted to stand on the "six feet" (should be 2 M) stickers on the floor. I moved she moved, It was fun doing this for a few minutes and I really wanted to let her know that she will be sitting side by side with two hundred other people on the aircraft!
Glad that CATSA has finally done away with the ridiculous temperature check when going through security. How much did that cost and the idiots who came up with that idea, are they still employed? I know many procedures are to show they are doing something, no matter if it works or makes sense it shows something is in place!
Glad that CATSA has finally done away with the ridiculous temperature check when going through security. How much did that cost and the idiots who came up with that idea, are they still employed? I know many procedures are to show they are doing something, no matter if it works or makes sense it shows something is in place!
#1295
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: 16,622
Not an issue as I had an hour in between so more than enough time to walk outside to enjoy a few minutes of fresh air without a mask on. Just thought it would’ve been more seamless to connect given that YQM is specifically listed in the AC timetable for connections, with a 15 minute MCT DOM-DOM.
I'm guessing this is a case of the policy being 15-minute MCT but staff just not being used to it, because it's probably rare for anyone to connect there, and even rarer for it to be a tight connection. But yeah, having to re-clear security could easily make anything close to a 15-minute connection impossible.
#1296
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Platinum Elite, IHG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 2,132
It is nice to see that life is moving towards getting back to normal, perhaps a new normal. Yes there are still those who are afraid, have anxiety issues, or even suffer from mental health issues, and that is OK, we need to be respectful with one another. I do struggle with the lack of consistency and understanding, for example when in YYZ we can only sit in every other seat in the waiting areas but can line up against the wall, shoulder to shoulder to get into a cylinder tube and sit side by side up to nine across. Last week while standing in the line at Tim's, YYZ domestic a lady kept moving further away from me, as I moved closer to her. She wanted to stand on the "six feet" (should be 2 M) stickers on the floor. I moved she moved, It was fun doing this for a few minutes and I really wanted to let her know that she will be sitting side by side with two hundred other people on the aircraft!
Glad that CATSA has finally done away with the ridiculous temperature check when going through security. How much did that cost and the idiots who came up with that idea, are they still employed? I know many procedures are to show they are doing something, no matter if it works or makes sense it shows something is in place!
Glad that CATSA has finally done away with the ridiculous temperature check when going through security. How much did that cost and the idiots who came up with that idea, are they still employed? I know many procedures are to show they are doing something, no matter if it works or makes sense it shows something is in place!
#1297
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,188
It is nice to see that life is moving towards getting back to normal, perhaps a new normal. Yes there are still those who are afraid, have anxiety issues, or even suffer from mental health issues, and that is OK, we need to be respectful with one another. I do struggle with the lack of consistency and understanding, for example when in YYZ we can only sit in every other seat in the waiting areas but can line up against the wall, shoulder to shoulder to get into a cylinder tube and sit side by side up to nine across. Last week while standing in the line at Tim's, YYZ domestic a lady kept moving further away from me, as I moved closer to her. She wanted to stand on the "six feet" (should be 2 M) stickers on the floor. I moved she moved, It was fun doing this for a few minutes and I really wanted to let her know that she will be sitting side by side with two hundred other people on the aircraft!
Glad that CATSA has finally done away with the ridiculous temperature check when going through security. How much did that cost and the idiots who came up with that idea, are they still employed? I know many procedures are to show they are doing something, no matter if it works or makes sense it shows something is in place!
Glad that CATSA has finally done away with the ridiculous temperature check when going through security. How much did that cost and the idiots who came up with that idea, are they still employed? I know many procedures are to show they are doing something, no matter if it works or makes sense it shows something is in place!
#1298
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,281
I see what you were doing there, lol
You can be respectful and yet have a little harmless fun also. We do see fewer folks traveling with their nuclear radiation suits, down to just a mask, face shield, gloves, and a backpack of wipes. It is fun to watch folks drive alone in their cars with masks on and it's OK for them to also shower, swim or sleep with their maks on also. This pandemic has affected so many people in so many different ways, which is also OK, as we are all different. Not everyone would jump onto a hand grenade or run into a burning building to save others. Some lead, some follow. Some are risk-takers and some are not. The pandemic has allowed for some to rise and lead by overcoming ambiguity and establish successful and strong leadership roles. For others, a more safe and domicile strategy.
Anyways I digress, this has been a great year for flying with so many deals and opportunities. My spending is way low compared to my miles earned. What did E.F Hutton once said, when people walk I run and when people run I walk. Those in the financial world will understand. Overcoming fear and ambiguity is not for everyone!
You can be respectful and yet have a little harmless fun also. We do see fewer folks traveling with their nuclear radiation suits, down to just a mask, face shield, gloves, and a backpack of wipes. It is fun to watch folks drive alone in their cars with masks on and it's OK for them to also shower, swim or sleep with their maks on also. This pandemic has affected so many people in so many different ways, which is also OK, as we are all different. Not everyone would jump onto a hand grenade or run into a burning building to save others. Some lead, some follow. Some are risk-takers and some are not. The pandemic has allowed for some to rise and lead by overcoming ambiguity and establish successful and strong leadership roles. For others, a more safe and domicile strategy.
Anyways I digress, this has been a great year for flying with so many deals and opportunities. My spending is way low compared to my miles earned. What did E.F Hutton once said, when people walk I run and when people run I walk. Those in the financial world will understand. Overcoming fear and ambiguity is not for everyone!
#1299
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Halifax
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum Elite. NEXUS
Posts: 4,527
True, I could have knocked on the glass door leading into the secure area as well or talked to the security guards at baggage claim I suppose. Not an issue as I had an hour in between so more than enough time to walk outside to enjoy a few minutes of fresh air without a mask on. Just thought it wouldve been more seamless to connect given that YQM is specifically listed in the AC timetable for connections, with a 15 minute MCT DOM-DOM.
The AC ramp or gate agent isn't going to shoot you.
#1300
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75K, IHG Plat, Bonvoy Tit, HH Silver, BW Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 216
Finished my first round trip TATL, AC through YYZ to VIE on the way over and LH through FRA to YVR on the way back. In general, compared to the last time I did this, when dinner was a cold box lunch and the only drink they provided was a bottle of water, things have returned to just about normal onboard, and the service was quite good on both of the long legs (especially with the much appreciated op-up from LH on the way back).
A few notes:
- My BC digital vaccination certificate was accepted everywhere, notwithstanding my mixed vaccinations
- On return, CBSA only looked at my ArriveCAN receipt. They didn't seem to care about my right on the edge of 72 hrs. PCR test at all
- There was a very long line to get documents checked in FRA that moved very slowly as people waited until they were at the front to start pulling things up on their phones. The flight left half an hour late as a result, and my Zone 1 BP was useless as you can't get to the gate until after the doc check. Lufthansa claims this can be done by uploading docs to their app, but I couldn't figure out how to do that. I would try to get a check-in agent to do the doc check if that is an option
All in all it was great to get back in the air, hit a few lounges and re-experience the joys of 9 time zone jet lag. Hopefully I'll do this at least one more time before the end of the year, and hopefully things go as smoothly.
A few notes:
- My BC digital vaccination certificate was accepted everywhere, notwithstanding my mixed vaccinations
- On return, CBSA only looked at my ArriveCAN receipt. They didn't seem to care about my right on the edge of 72 hrs. PCR test at all
- There was a very long line to get documents checked in FRA that moved very slowly as people waited until they were at the front to start pulling things up on their phones. The flight left half an hour late as a result, and my Zone 1 BP was useless as you can't get to the gate until after the doc check. Lufthansa claims this can be done by uploading docs to their app, but I couldn't figure out how to do that. I would try to get a check-in agent to do the doc check if that is an option
All in all it was great to get back in the air, hit a few lounges and re-experience the joys of 9 time zone jet lag. Hopefully I'll do this at least one more time before the end of the year, and hopefully things go as smoothly.
#1301
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson
Posts: 35,232
The flight left half an hour late as a result, and my Zone 1 BP was useless as you can't get to the gate until after the doc check. Lufthansa claims this can be done by uploading docs to their app, but I couldn't figure out how to do that. I would try to get a check-in agent to do the doc check if that is an option
#1302
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75K, IHG Plat, Bonvoy Tit, HH Silver, BW Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 216
There were two lines, but no differentiation between the lines. The longer line led to the booth, staffed by 2 agents, and the shorter one to a 3rd agent at the check-in counter. I went to the counter to ask if there was any prioritization for J and was told there wasn't.
#1303
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: YUL
Programs: Super Elite 100K
Posts: 828
Flying YUL-PUJ this weekend on Rogue...that's not such a big deal. But, I actually had occasion to gift a STAUS PASS to friends on the same flight...and it actually worked! So far so good...let's see how it goes at the counter, at the lounge, and at the gate! Update to follow...
#1304
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Bonvoy Platinum Elite, IHG Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 2,132
Finished my first round trip TATL, AC through YYZ to VIE on the way over and LH through FRA to YVR on the way back. In general, compared to the last time I did this, when dinner was a cold box lunch and the only drink they provided was a bottle of water, things have returned to just about normal onboard, and the service was quite good on both of the long legs (especially with the much appreciated op-up from LH on the way back).
A few notes:
- My BC digital vaccination certificate was accepted everywhere, notwithstanding my mixed vaccinations
- On return, CBSA only looked at my ArriveCAN receipt. They didn't seem to care about my right on the edge of 72 hrs. PCR test at all
- There was a very long line to get documents checked in FRA that moved very slowly as people waited until they were at the front to start pulling things up on their phones. The flight left half an hour late as a result, and my Zone 1 BP was useless as you can't get to the gate until after the doc check. Lufthansa claims this can be done by uploading docs to their app, but I couldn't figure out how to do that. I would try to get a check-in agent to do the doc check if that is an option
All in all it was great to get back in the air, hit a few lounges and re-experience the joys of 9 time zone jet lag. Hopefully I'll do this at least one more time before the end of the year, and hopefully things go as smoothly.
A few notes:
- My BC digital vaccination certificate was accepted everywhere, notwithstanding my mixed vaccinations
- On return, CBSA only looked at my ArriveCAN receipt. They didn't seem to care about my right on the edge of 72 hrs. PCR test at all
- There was a very long line to get documents checked in FRA that moved very slowly as people waited until they were at the front to start pulling things up on their phones. The flight left half an hour late as a result, and my Zone 1 BP was useless as you can't get to the gate until after the doc check. Lufthansa claims this can be done by uploading docs to their app, but I couldn't figure out how to do that. I would try to get a check-in agent to do the doc check if that is an option
All in all it was great to get back in the air, hit a few lounges and re-experience the joys of 9 time zone jet lag. Hopefully I'll do this at least one more time before the end of the year, and hopefully things go as smoothly.
#1305
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan 50K/Star Alliance Gold, Accor Gold, base level Marriott/Hyatt/Hilton
Posts: 657
Flying YUL-PUJ this weekend on Rogue...that's not such a big deal. But, I actually had occasion to gift a STAUS PASS to friends on the same flight...and it actually worked! So far so good...let's see how it goes at the counter, at the lounge, and at the gate! Update to follow...