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 9, 2021 | 10:07 am
#901
Join Date: Oct 2015
Programs: AC SE 100K, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 148
Meal service enhancements coming?
Air Canada has also reopened its Maple Leaf Lounges in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. Later this month the airline will reintroduce Air Canada Bistro service on flights within North America, as well as a selection of meals and full bar service on international flights. We will continue to adapt, innovate, and look to progress with the customer always top of mind."
Last edited by Adam Smith; Jul 9, 2021 at 10:26 am Reason: Fixed quote
Jul 9, 2021 | 10:12 am
#902
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, BW Diamond Select, IHG Gold
Posts: 941
Answering my own question:
- priority line, family line, and a general line were used
- took about 7 minutes to clear security as some people had too many gels and liquids
- priority line, family line, and a general line were used
- took about 7 minutes to clear security as some people had too many gels and liquids
Does YYC have priority security yet?
My family member lives within sight of the new runway, and my flight is at 10:55. I'm in J and I have a Nexus card.
I don't need to visit the MLL, so if boarding starts at 10:15, would it be safe to hit the security line around 9:50 or 9:55?
My family member lives within sight of the new runway, and my flight is at 10:55. I'm in J and I have a Nexus card.
I don't need to visit the MLL, so if boarding starts at 10:15, would it be safe to hit the security line around 9:50 or 9:55?
Jul 9, 2021 | 5:32 pm
#903
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM, Asia Miles, SPG Gold (life), HH Gold, Golden Circle Jade
Posts: 1,068
I have. Its garbage. I mean the A220 is nice but the whole service etc is awful. Worse than any US airline and Ive been flying them lately. Aeroplan is also now garbage. AC is worthless now. Too bad considering it was on such a great path a few years ago.
Jul 12, 2021 | 1:46 am
#904
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Doha, Qatar
Programs: Asiana Club
Posts: 12
I was just recently on AC138 (YYC -> YYZ) and AC058 (YYZ -> DOH) and surprisingly the service was good by AC standards. In the past, I've tried to stick to Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Austrian (when connecting in Europe) to fly from N.America to the GCC region, but not having status on Emirates or Qatar Airways leaves me with only one-checked luggage, which is hard to cram belongings for 3 months abroad. With the exception of being required to be masked up the entire transit, this has been the best AC service I've had in Business Class.
Jul 12, 2021 | 7:54 pm
#905
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Aegean Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 257
I'll be flying to the US in Aug with a transit in YYZ. My understanding is that the AC lounges are still closed. Does anyone know if they'll re-open in Aug? What are the best food options?
Jul 12, 2021 | 7:57 pm
#906
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
Jul 12, 2021 | 8:25 pm
#907
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Aegean Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 257
Jul 13, 2021 | 10:02 am
#909
Join Date: May 2020
Location: YYC
Programs: Aeroplan unknown
Posts: 54
Jul 13, 2021 | 10:03 am
#910
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: 3,703
Just flew out to Ontario/Quebec this past weekend.
7/8 AC 308 YVR-YUL.
Loads of 31J/9PY/190Y on the 333, Few deadheads who were able to get J on this leg
Security/lounge was dead at 9am during Non "Flight Bank' Hours
When leaving the club at noon, there was line to enter. "Capacity Restriction"
7/11 AC 464 YYZ-YOW
Loads of 7J/102Y on a 223. (I was standby and got a J seat at the gate)
Check-in counters were busy.
Security had about 5-10 min wait at 345pm.
Club was somewhat busy until 121/YVR and 420/YUL left, then quieted down until everyone huddle around the TV for the Euro 2021 Finals Penalty Kicks.
7/12 AC 343 YOW-YVR
Loads of 19J/4PY/132Y on a 788. (1J upgrade confirmed at gate)
Security was zero wait.
Club and Aspire Lounge still closed.
Entire place basically still dead for all intensive purposes.
7/8 AC 308 YVR-YUL.
Loads of 31J/9PY/190Y on the 333, Few deadheads who were able to get J on this leg
Security/lounge was dead at 9am during Non "Flight Bank' Hours
When leaving the club at noon, there was line to enter. "Capacity Restriction"
7/11 AC 464 YYZ-YOW
Loads of 7J/102Y on a 223. (I was standby and got a J seat at the gate)
Check-in counters were busy.
Security had about 5-10 min wait at 345pm.
Club was somewhat busy until 121/YVR and 420/YUL left, then quieted down until everyone huddle around the TV for the Euro 2021 Finals Penalty Kicks.
7/12 AC 343 YOW-YVR
Loads of 19J/4PY/132Y on a 788. (1J upgrade confirmed at gate)
Security was zero wait.
Club and Aspire Lounge still closed.
Entire place basically still dead for all intensive purposes.
Jul 13, 2021 | 11:47 am
#911
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,691
What time did you fly out? I flew out of YYJ on Saturday around 4pm and there was nobody else at security when I was there.
Jul 13, 2021 | 12:22 pm
#912
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: ARN / OSD / TRD
Programs: AC, SK, Scandic, Marriott
Posts: 1,510
Jul 16, 2021 | 10:55 am
#914
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, SK Gold, Bonvoy Plat LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 47,291