AC858 YYZ-LHR 21 APR 10 (BUSINESS)
Posted: 22 Apr 2010, 17:33I arrived at 9pm for the 11.15pm flight, to find checkin closed and they were just about to announce that the third of four planes to leave today was full, and everyone was going to be transferred to the fourth plane, and checkin would re-open in 1 hour.
As I wanted to spend time in the lounge, I asked where the Elite checkin desk is, and found it behind the scrum of people. For some reason they were not using the checkin lines.
I was given my boarding pass and went through to security which was very slow.
Then straight onto the lounge, which was not too bad, some hot food, wine and beer on serve yourself, and free Wifi if you know how to find it.
If you select the 'DataValet' SSID, you get a page where it welcomes you as a *Gold and to pay $10 for 24 hours. However, if you do a scan of the networks and have the right software there is a hidden, no name access point that you can surf for free.
This will also work if you sit below the lounge in the normal area.
We were called for boarding at around 10.30pm and found another scrum, no one wanted to use the seats it appears, it took a bit of finding, but I got to the priority boarding, and headed down the jetway, after handing over my upgrade certificate. Thats now 2 for 2. I counted at least 8 upgrade certificates on the desk.
While heading down the jet way I encountered a woman struggling to carry around 4 bags and a baby in a car carrier, so as I had just come from an Explorer Scout meeting, I did my good deed for the day and asked her if she wanted some help. She was very happy for some help, and I carried the young girl in her car seat. There was a split where J and Y boarded through separate doors, and I decided to carry on down the |Y route and ensure she got on ok.
Once on board I handed over the youngster and headed to my seat, to find my neighbour had usedthe overhead storage space asthe one above her had the oxygen. I decided that the raft of pillows could be removed and handed them to the cabin crew.
A pre-flight glass of Fizz was consumed, and around departure time, we were still loading luggage, we eventually set off 20 minutes late, with a flight time of 7 hours and 19 minutes.
The food I chose was Salmon, Beef Tenderloin and Fruit. The IFE needed a restart and would take 30 mins or so. As I had planned to get some sleep, I decided to get out a tablet device I had recently purchased to watch some pre-recorded TV shows and movies.
I watched for about 90 minutes, before deciding that I was tired and could do with at least 5 hours sleep before landing.
The Air Canada, whilst similar in design to Virgin's, it is way more comfortable, as it is a little softer, and I did get a good 5 hours sleep, and was aware of breakfast being served. I waited until the lights came on before sitting up and getting breakfast, which consisted of Yoghurt, pastry, fresh fruit and some OJ.
We landed on schedule, and had a long taxi ride to the gate, and the usual rushed walk to the Immigration hall. There was no oe waiting for the IRIS machine, and got through in the 1 command.
As usual the luggage was to come out on belt 1. What I was n't prepared for was at least 2 flights already waiting for their bags. So I settled down on a chair to wait until my bag came along.
What I witnessed was a number of really grumpy families and inconsiderate baggage handling by the owners of the bagsm resulting in one passenger knocking his case into a trolley that then whacked an elderly lady who was now siting next to me. She actually sat next to me on the plane as well,and the trolley hit her leg, I believe my intervention may have helped save her from more pain, as I grabbed the trolley and shouted at the guy to be more careful.
There was no apology and the offender was off.
The bags started to come off around 30 minutes after landing, and mine came out all alone in a second batch. I think priority baggage kind of worked.
Once through Customs, my driver was not to be found, as he had a call of nature. He also, was the man who had let slip to my wife that I was coming home, when I had elected not to tell her, and surprise her.
The flight was actually pretty good. The CC were excellent, very friendly and attentive, certainly the best crew I've experienced on AC. The service from the call centre to get me on the flight was good, and the food was n't too bad.
And as for loyalty recognition, I was able to use an upgrade certificate even in these busy times.
Well done Air Canada.
