I too add my appreciation for the fantastic experience of being there and for the suberb organization undertaken by Brigitte and Rick, truly a labour of love, which made this a memorable event for all of us that could attend. Thank you to all the other attendees as well that I had the privelege of meeting at dinner and brunch. My reception couldn't have been more welcoming.

With my mad dash to the airport to catch my return flight I made it to the gate with 8 minutes to spare. I gracefully endure the "you should know better as an employee" lecture. I got on though and that is what counted.

You truly are a fascinating and wonderful community of people.

Glad to hear A Flygirl caught her plane yesterday. By 2:15 we were beginning to worry... I have just arrived in the Empress Club Lounge after a fascinating day with the Air Canada people. A full report on our meeting with Marc Trudeau and Rupert Duchesne will be posted on the Air Canada forum by tomorrow. It will take a while to compose it.

We did our wake for Canadian Plus over a half bottle of Bushmill's single malt Irish following the fireworks, then trundled off to bed and our flights Monday, or for the tour.

We were hosted first to a visit to the Aeroplan call centre and the Montreal reservations office in Westmount. Michelle Mieux of AC Corporate Public Affairs got us through the locked doors and local staff at each location took over from there. We met many of the agents who we deal with over the phone (BB was introduced to the SuperElite staff in an aside, while the rest of us met the people who take care of the difficult callers!

Also, as a surprise, we even found Canadian's res and Canadian Pluss staff who have now moved into the same building, albeit on a separate floor for the time being. Those of us with Aeroplan and Canadian Plus accounts were able to call up our entire flight/transaction histories and see who had passed the magic million mile point (and some beyond) as the helpful agents took us through various screens on their systems (still separate, but coming soon they will merge by October).

We then traveled to the Dorval Airport base for lunch with the two senior execs who were quite open in discussing what the future may hold for the new Aeroplan. Which is what it will be as of March 1st 2001. Lots of positive changes ahead, and some controversial ones, but don't panic for the moment! We were assured much of what was contained in our document reflected concerns already expressed and recognized, but its source was respected and valued. (They do prowl the site from time to time.)

Following an hour and a half of discussion with the two execs, we were taken on a tour of the engine maintenance facilities, and marvelled at all the stages an engine goes through in overhaul. AC does lots of contract work for United, UPS, etc. so tags indicated engines from many planes and carriers.

All in all, a fine way for us boys in the group to look at the toys up real close, before heading off on our separate ways.

Just echoing the comments in the other posts, it was a great weekend of meeting others on these boards, and the spirit of generosity and sharing was incomparable. Thanks to Rick and Bridgette, to Sparticus who actually did bring me some KKs (review will be done after the RedGreen get-to-gether where we plan to compare KKs with Tim Horton's, the Canadian standard) and who missed his original flight because of it but got routed through Memphis and was blessed with triple miles...), and to all.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif All good things must come to an end, and unfortunately the FAQ ended officially for everyone at 15:30 today, although dgolds, SMessier, Brigitte and I are still all in town for the next few days and will be continuing our own get-together in beautiful and sunny Montréal.

There were more than a few tears shed last night and this morning as we said our sad goodbyes, and began planning the next opportunity to meet again. Friendships were formed that I know will last much longer than the memory of a good time had by all

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Thank you flyme2 for your great hospitality this weekend. I feel I got to know everyone alot better and became very close friends with nj_flyer
Thanks again.

Mr. Fisher: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif You KNOW the pleasure was all ours. Expect a call soon.

Brigitte and I also share your fondness for n_j flyer. He really is one swell guy. Maybe we can all get together again...real soon. I'll bring the Absolut, you bring the olives.

Awesome effort flyme2 --- many thanks to you and your wife for all your work!

Well I must add a Hip Hip Hurray for Rick and Brigette (who really was the perfect Den Mom this weekend). They were skillful hosts and their amazing planning was evident throughout the entire weekend.

I don't know which was more exciting, meeting new Flyer Talkers or discovering deep dark secrets about my old FlyerTalk friends. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Now which FlyerTalker would you guess is given to jumping up in the air and clicking his heels twice from time to time (for no apparent reason) while walking down a city street?

And which FlyerTalker would you suspect to happen upon when least expected, in a sidewalk cafe, nursing a beer and watching the world wander by. Made me feel like a native.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif I'm blushing now, folks.

I must also thank everyone for bringing us such wonderful gifts. It was truly an unexpected surprise, and Brigitte and I thank you all for your kind generosity.

merci beaucoup!

As most of us return from the FAQ, I too would like to thank Flyme2 and Bridgitte for a wonderful weekend. The planning, organization, and hospitality were unique. I won't repeat what others have said...but all had a good time. Actually, I brought my laptop (and even a wireless connection kit) but sadly am posting my "live" post at my desk at the office rather than say from a park in YUL. What is all this technology for...if its not being used to its fullest? The jetboat trip, Air Canada tour, and brunch at the Omni were great. I finally had a chance to meet Randy, as well as old and new friends from the FT board. I hope all had a good trip to return home, and that those in YUL have a good couple of days. -Jetsetter.

Let me add my voice to the throng. Brigitte and flyme2 did an incredible job putting the FAQ together. All their hard work is much appreciated. Restaurant choices were great and the company was unsurpassed.

Inside joke of the FAQ: BillMorrow: "Did we offend you in any way? And if we did, we'll never, ever do it again!" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif When Brigitte told me that I couldn't stop laughing. BTW, JB's website shows the fares we were talking about.

Thanks from Terry and BlondeBomber too. Great time--Just for Laughs; wet and wild; great meal; "elegant" fireworks and wonderful company.

Just got back from Adirondacks. Had fun hiking and watching birds and picking gobs of wild blueberries.

In YYZ waiting for earlier (now delayed flight). Will be good to get home to Work http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I'm sooooooo jealous!

I'd like to add my thanks to Brigitte and Rick as well. I really enjoyed Montreal and intend to go back. Learned lots of AA "mileage maximizer" tips from NJFlyer, and was able to begin putting names and faces with the screen names we all use. Wife and daughter kept the credit card bills under four figures, and I had a great time. Can't beat that!