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?
Oct 30, 2021, 11:32 am
#1351
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Following my post here from the other day with my first B788 Y experience….
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33679811-post185.html
….excited to report I had another excellent Y experience today and bonus, the old plush “ Lie-flats” 😂
The A320 cabin wasn’t full, so I wasn’t the only one…..and so much legroom👍😃
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/33679811-post185.html
….excited to report I had another excellent Y experience today and bonus, the old plush “ Lie-flats” 😂
The A320 cabin wasn’t full, so I wasn’t the only one…..and so much legroom👍😃
Nov 1, 2021, 6:04 am
#1353
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
Yyz is a bit of a gong show this AM
Very very busy
Nexus merges into the priority lane halfway through which I don't think helps either line.
Can't say I've ever waited this long to go through security, even pre covid. Of course they had the other security running then
105 is totally full this AM, doesn't look like many of any will move up
Very very busy
Nexus merges into the priority lane halfway through which I don't think helps either line.
Can't say I've ever waited this long to go through security, even pre covid. Of course they had the other security running then
105 is totally full this AM, doesn't look like many of any will move up
Nov 2, 2021, 1:40 pm
#1356
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
I just did a HKG MR.
It was originally departing Saturday morning from SFO, returning Sunday evening to SFO. Due to the HKG schedule changes, I had to leave SFO at 1715 on Friday, have a 5+ hour connection both ways, and stop in ICN both ways, returning mid afternoon on Sunday.
I booked a PY N fare. Every segment except YVR-HKG cleared the upgrade at my window. YVR-HKG cleared (when I called to force it through when there was R space) around 3 days before departure.
Let's start with the "oh my god never again" hassle. I did a LAMP/NAAT test Wednesday morning, Thursday morning, and Friday morning, and a rapid NAAT on Thursday evening to ensure I consistently had a valid test at all times. Before leaving to SFO, the Wednesday and Thursday tests had all come back, so the Wednesday one was never necessary.
It took a while to get a car to SFO (normally it's a 2 minute wait and 15 minute drive, this was a 20 minute wait and 15 minute drive), so I "only" arrived at T-90, which is still about an hour earlier than I would have if I'd been able to check in online.
I'd been in contact with them beforehand about my trip, and @canopus27 had been in contact with others, as he was joining me from YYZ, so I knew I was good to go. That did not make check-in easy.
Why was this so hard? The immediate turn makes every system (and many people) want me to meet entry requirements for HKG. The HKG station manager definitely said something like "he will not be entering Hong Kong so does not need to meet any requirements". But good luck convincing most agents that you're not forced to enter even while in transit.
In fact, I ran into a huge snag that made me think I was cancelling the whole trip. Depending on where you look, the test requirement is different. The HKG government website says you need a "PCR-based nucleic acid test". TIMATIC just says "nucleic acid test". (I don't want to get too off topic, but this is a pretty key part of my story, so NAAT and PCR are both types of nucleic acid tests, and both are acceptable by most countries, such as Canada).
So they wouldn't check me in. However, they were quite willing to literally run me two aisles over and have me pay $275 for a rapid PCR test. But by the time I'd had my nose swabbed, upgrades had been cleared and they'd given my seat away.
They finally fixed that problem (I got a J seat back, but not "my" J seat), but were only willing to check me in to YVR, and told me to deal with the rest there. I was fine with that. My rapid PCR result came back before departure.
On arrival in YVR, I went to the concierge office (as they'd been informed of this situation), and they were all ready to check my documents and give me the remaining three boarding passes.
I went downtown to meet a friend for a couple drinks, then back to YVR to meet canopus27 in the international MLL.
At the gate for HKG, they were asking about "quarantine hotel reservations", but we said were just transiting, and getting back on the same flight. With our AC 8 BPs in hand, they were fine with that.
The stop in ICN was interesting. The seatbelt sign was off, we were able to move around, and (at least in J), they were willing to serve anything non-alcoholic. When the crew changed, the YVR-HKG crew mentioned our situation to the ICN-HKG-ICN crew, and away we went.
HKG arrival was about as easy as pre-COVID. The concierge was waiting for us, quickly checked our return tests, and mentioned there were no lounges available. I said I have access to the Plaza Premium, so she had someone escort us all the way through transit security, into the lounge. Unnecessary, but at that point, I was tired enough to just go along with it. No one cared we couldn't enter HKG (well, I couldn't, I think @canopus27 could).
All showered up, we boarded the return, had a quick stop in ICN, and made it to YVR. The wifi worked great the whole time, so we actually arranged a wonderful breakfast at Denny's near YVR with some other FTers. Before heading there though, I went to get my YVR-SFO changed to an earlier one. The phone call between the concierge and the help desk was... amusing. The help desk wanted me to pay. I'd clearly had a schedule change. "He's Super Elite... he didn't just BOOK a 9 hour connection". That was a true statement, but I have certainly booked all-day connections in YVR. The concierge couldn't get it done at all (her system wouldn't even let her charge me), so sent us on our way. I got an email 30 minutes later with the earlier flight (yay, only a 5 hour connection
).
In the YVR TB lounge, "close to departure", I asked if I could get a printout of the whole PNR. And while she was pondering the question, her phone rang. "Yes, he's still here. In fact, he's right in front of me. Oh... okay". "Sir, you need to run to the gate NOW". I checked the time, and ... okay yeah, I grabbed my bag and ran.
Out of breath and at the gate, "We would now like to invite passengers seated in zone 4 to board."
While I expressed my displeasure to the confused GA, the gate phone rang. Someone wanted to inform them that they'd just told the lounge to have me run to the gate.
And then I made it home.
So, uh, yeah... the stuff at SFO... that wasn't entirely unexpected (though it did not go as well as I'd hoped). Everything else was mostly reasonable until that damn call to the lounge. I have no idea who made the call, but it wasn't the gate. It wouldn't have been the gate. And I would have been at the gate long before they were done boarding, even without the call.
Would I do another MR during COVID? For a good reason, sure. This one is how I'll hit 350k SQM, worth either 300k points or a $4000 gift card. Would I do another MR to a country I'm not eligible to enter? Likely not.
But if I learned one thing on this trip, it's that TIMATIC isn't always in sync with government websites, and some airline staff will check government websites in addition to TIMATIC, so you want to meet the more stringent of the requirements. Though without being eligible to enter, I don't understand why I needed a test that's only required to enter, not transit. Shrug.
It was originally departing Saturday morning from SFO, returning Sunday evening to SFO. Due to the HKG schedule changes, I had to leave SFO at 1715 on Friday, have a 5+ hour connection both ways, and stop in ICN both ways, returning mid afternoon on Sunday.
I booked a PY N fare. Every segment except YVR-HKG cleared the upgrade at my window. YVR-HKG cleared (when I called to force it through when there was R space) around 3 days before departure.
Let's start with the "oh my god never again" hassle. I did a LAMP/NAAT test Wednesday morning, Thursday morning, and Friday morning, and a rapid NAAT on Thursday evening to ensure I consistently had a valid test at all times. Before leaving to SFO, the Wednesday and Thursday tests had all come back, so the Wednesday one was never necessary.
It took a while to get a car to SFO (normally it's a 2 minute wait and 15 minute drive, this was a 20 minute wait and 15 minute drive), so I "only" arrived at T-90, which is still about an hour earlier than I would have if I'd been able to check in online.
I'd been in contact with them beforehand about my trip, and @canopus27 had been in contact with others, as he was joining me from YYZ, so I knew I was good to go. That did not make check-in easy.
Why was this so hard? The immediate turn makes every system (and many people) want me to meet entry requirements for HKG. The HKG station manager definitely said something like "he will not be entering Hong Kong so does not need to meet any requirements". But good luck convincing most agents that you're not forced to enter even while in transit.
In fact, I ran into a huge snag that made me think I was cancelling the whole trip. Depending on where you look, the test requirement is different. The HKG government website says you need a "PCR-based nucleic acid test". TIMATIC just says "nucleic acid test". (I don't want to get too off topic, but this is a pretty key part of my story, so NAAT and PCR are both types of nucleic acid tests, and both are acceptable by most countries, such as Canada).
So they wouldn't check me in. However, they were quite willing to literally run me two aisles over and have me pay $275 for a rapid PCR test. But by the time I'd had my nose swabbed, upgrades had been cleared and they'd given my seat away.
They finally fixed that problem (I got a J seat back, but not "my" J seat), but were only willing to check me in to YVR, and told me to deal with the rest there. I was fine with that. My rapid PCR result came back before departure.
On arrival in YVR, I went to the concierge office (as they'd been informed of this situation), and they were all ready to check my documents and give me the remaining three boarding passes.
I went downtown to meet a friend for a couple drinks, then back to YVR to meet canopus27 in the international MLL.
At the gate for HKG, they were asking about "quarantine hotel reservations", but we said were just transiting, and getting back on the same flight. With our AC 8 BPs in hand, they were fine with that.
The stop in ICN was interesting. The seatbelt sign was off, we were able to move around, and (at least in J), they were willing to serve anything non-alcoholic. When the crew changed, the YVR-HKG crew mentioned our situation to the ICN-HKG-ICN crew, and away we went.
HKG arrival was about as easy as pre-COVID. The concierge was waiting for us, quickly checked our return tests, and mentioned there were no lounges available. I said I have access to the Plaza Premium, so she had someone escort us all the way through transit security, into the lounge. Unnecessary, but at that point, I was tired enough to just go along with it. No one cared we couldn't enter HKG (well, I couldn't, I think @canopus27 could).
All showered up, we boarded the return, had a quick stop in ICN, and made it to YVR. The wifi worked great the whole time, so we actually arranged a wonderful breakfast at Denny's near YVR with some other FTers. Before heading there though, I went to get my YVR-SFO changed to an earlier one. The phone call between the concierge and the help desk was... amusing. The help desk wanted me to pay. I'd clearly had a schedule change. "He's Super Elite... he didn't just BOOK a 9 hour connection". That was a true statement, but I have certainly booked all-day connections in YVR. The concierge couldn't get it done at all (her system wouldn't even let her charge me), so sent us on our way. I got an email 30 minutes later with the earlier flight (yay, only a 5 hour connection
).In the YVR TB lounge, "close to departure", I asked if I could get a printout of the whole PNR. And while she was pondering the question, her phone rang. "Yes, he's still here. In fact, he's right in front of me. Oh... okay". "Sir, you need to run to the gate NOW". I checked the time, and ... okay yeah, I grabbed my bag and ran.
Out of breath and at the gate, "We would now like to invite passengers seated in zone 4 to board."
While I expressed my displeasure to the confused GA, the gate phone rang. Someone wanted to inform them that they'd just told the lounge to have me run to the gate.
And then I made it home.
So, uh, yeah... the stuff at SFO... that wasn't entirely unexpected (though it did not go as well as I'd hoped). Everything else was mostly reasonable until that damn call to the lounge. I have no idea who made the call, but it wasn't the gate. It wouldn't have been the gate. And I would have been at the gate long before they were done boarding, even without the call.
Would I do another MR during COVID? For a good reason, sure. This one is how I'll hit 350k SQM, worth either 300k points or a $4000 gift card. Would I do another MR to a country I'm not eligible to enter? Likely not.
But if I learned one thing on this trip, it's that TIMATIC isn't always in sync with government websites, and some airline staff will check government websites in addition to TIMATIC, so you want to meet the more stringent of the requirements. Though without being eligible to enter, I don't understand why I needed a test that's only required to enter, not transit. Shrug.
Nov 2, 2021, 1:54 pm
#1357
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
But if I learned one thing on this trip, it's that TIMATIC isn't always in sync with government websites, and some airline staff will check government websites in addition to TIMATIC, so you want to meet the more stringent of the requirements. Though without being eligible to enter, I don't understand why I needed a test that's only required to enter, not transit. Shrug.
Thanks for your account. One thing I'm surprised by is your last paragraph... TIMATIC and gov't websites are often out of sync... well, at least during these times... in the past they were much more in sync because there weren't changes every two minutes.
As for MR-ing, it's really about the destination and how things are handled during these times. So then it becomes a combo of the MR value of the trip, AND the intangible crap that you might need to deal with.
Also... 350K SQM? Not bad... not bad at all.
Nov 2, 2021, 8:01 pm
#1358
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
I think @24left is on quest to fly every existing type of Y seat this year. Or it certainly seems so.
Indeed I am.
Plus, on all the flights so far where I've been sitting in Y, I've had great to outstanding crews and really interesting seat mates and some fascinating conversations. For one recent trip, I had booked a Standard Aeroplan. Aircraft showed as E75s. Hadn't been on those in years.
Despite my excitement, just prior to boarding, 12 of us were called up and given BPs to J.
Yup, J was completely empty so a bit of a W&B issue.
No worries, I managed my disappointment just fine.
Gets more exciting on the return. Jazz is somewhat short of crews so my E75 was swapped to this bird. I didn't think about where my seat would be, but it was really comfy and I was more excited about being on this little bird. She needs bath though.
View below the wing with bonus wheel.
The last few days had me on the A320, the A321 - first time in a few years. The A321 seats were the same as my A320 so did not take photos.
I just did my FIRST ever flights in Y on the CSeries. Ya, sure, A223 whatever. While I had flown the CS3 and CS1 with another airline almost 4 years ago, and I flew J on an AC flight a few months ago, I was really looking forward to these flights.
The outbound was 20C. Super comfy seats. Lots of legroom and awesome planeporn (to be posted separately)
On the return flight in was in 12A. Nice views but I would never sit there again if I could avoid it. I've never been a fan of bulkhead seats. While the legroom is great for those who want or need it, I didn't like the tray table compared to the one in my 20C.
Which reminds me, I must go change my seats for my other A223 flights.
.
Nov 2, 2021, 8:06 pm
#1359
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan 50K/Star Alliance Gold, Accor Gold, base level Marriott/Hyatt/Hilton
Posts: 658
350k SQM?! With crazy travel restrictions for most of the year? Impressive. You should go for HON or something.
Nov 4, 2021, 6:30 pm
#1360
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
I don't know if this was mentioned before but the new US/Int'l -> Domestic connections at YVR has been totally re-done.
Separate customs, no bus. Really streamlined (and welcomed).
Separate customs, no bus. Really streamlined (and welcomed).
Nov 4, 2021, 7:30 pm
#1361
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
Nov 4, 2021, 7:31 pm
#1362
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
Nov 4, 2021, 9:28 pm
#1363
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,441
So I've been thinking of booking a flight with my M flight pass, and couldn't help but notice that basically every morning this week, and every morning as far out as I've been searching there is virtually no availability on YYJ-YVR. Y0 is the norm.
Between now and the 12th of this month, there are only morning flights available in M on one day!
Between now and the 12th of this month, there are only morning flights available in M on one day!
Last edited by Nitehawk; Nov 4, 2021 at 9:36 pm
Nov 5, 2021, 8:19 am
#1364
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
So I've been thinking of booking a flight with my M flight pass, and couldn't help but notice that basically every morning this week, and every morning as far out as I've been searching there is virtually no availability on YYJ-YVR. Y0 is the norm.
Between now and the 12th of this month, there are only morning flights available in M on one day!
Between now and the 12th of this month, there are only morning flights available in M on one day!
Nov 5, 2021, 10:21 am
#1365
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,441