Thanks for the summary. This caught my eye. Does this mean that instant KK (for increased point levels) will be available to all members? Were there any more details? - will it cover the front and back cabin? will the points required depend on the fare buckets left available(I can't imagine how complicated that would be) when is it going to happen?
Thanks, TB

Thanks for the reports. Very informative.

I am somewhat surprised that Elite will remain at 35K...but who am I to complain... :D

Well done organizers. ^

AS couldn't fly YVR-SNA because there's no US Customs facility at SNA (recall that they announced it, they withdrew). I assume LGB would be the same, even if slots were available. Though I haven't looked it up.

=aw

CP served YVR-TPE as CP17/18 if I remember correctly.

AC currently codeshares with BR on this route.

Which begs the question: WHY? At the YYZ DO, we were left with the impression that this was coming to YYZ. Parnel, need to get that GTAA DO going.

Simon

That doesn't sound logical, as there is US preclearance at YVR and reentry is through Canada Immigration/Customs, so one never passes a US INS agent when leaving that country by air. At ORD, LAX, EWR, DCA, IAD and LGA, among other terminals, AC operates from normal US domestic gates, and US carriers depart their overseas flights from similar gates at their gateway airports. So cannot understand the issue with "Customs facility" at the smaller US airports.


Of course, given all the negative reports we've had about UA servicing AC at many American airports, do you really want them handling AC ground services at Burbank or elsewhere? AC's LAX facility isn't all that bad, as long as you don't have to fly when NW has a large wave of flights departing that backs up the security lines...

BTW, AC used to fly YVR-TPE but dropped the route when the country's high tech economy melted down [with the rest of the world's] in 2000/1. It continues to codeshare until traffic picks up and new aircraft are available to service the route economically.

Thanks to our correspondents for their notes on the AC Q&A session. Sounds as if there was still a "b*tch*ng session" in spite of the controls that were attempted.

By "Fast Track Status" assume this means access to airport Security Lines dedicated to Business/FirstClass and Elite travellers?

Undoubtedly what AS thought too. ;)

But (for example) what about cargo? The guys at PFI only clear what passengers are carrying. I can imagine there might be other things too.

In any case, AS announced YVR-SNA, then cancelled for that reason. I guess a search on the FT archives would bring up the story.

=aw

[QUOTE=Lee A Carney]We discussed during a break that the IFE's will not include a "Channel 9" feature to listen to ATC. The system is capable, but the pilots object. /QUOTE]


Why would the pilots object to a channel 9 feature?

On UA, it is always captain's discretion to turn this feature on.

If there is an AC pilot lurking, could you please explain the reticence?

I find this feature quite entertaining. In fact, a few days ago spent fascinating time listening to our UA 777 and ATC inbound from LHR to ORD. It is a great feature. :)

Correct.

[QUOTE=airbus320]My guess is that it's the pilots union management that objects - why give something up for free that can be used as a bargaining chip during the next round of negotiations?

I got the distinct impression that AC thinks the objection is bogus, but you have to pick your battles, and this is one they have decided not to fight. That is opinion, not confirmed verbally by AC.

E staying at 35K thats great news.... no mention of electronic upgrade certs?
What about # of J seats on 777? are they going to increase J seats on 767 are they using CP's allocation or AC's? :D

Was there any discussion on the new booking code (I?) for upgraded seats (domestic/transborder/international routes), and the lack(?) of COS bonus?

On May 13, will upgraded seats on domestic and transborder routes get no COS bonus, or a 50% COS bonus (if they are classified as C class seats)?

Of course there is always a little *****ing at an event like this but it was minimal and everyone tried to be objective and, more importantly everyone got a fair chance to give their opinions.

It was a fantastic day! The Q & A, Simulators, maintenance hangar tour and dinner was great. It's was nice to put some faces and names to the FT handles. I was very impressed with the quality of the people that AC and AP have working for them and I think more impressed that so many of their top staff were present. Kudos to all involved with organizing the day and to AC/AP for making this such a high priority event for them.

I'll look through my notes from the Q & A and compare what's been submitted later. On the lighter side of things, a list of the more amusing things I experienced from the day:
- I will never again make note of SE's not getting asked for dinner selection first after being completely embarrassed with Ben Smith taking mine first for lunch. :D
- Giving Lee and Stinger a hair-raising 90 degree bank, touch-down, and fishtail and the end of the runway
- Who knew anyone could take a sip of beer and fall asleep at the same time!! (Greywolf)...I'll be sending the dry cleaning bill to him for the druel stains on my shirt from the cab-ride to dinner. ;)