The flight itself was good -- quick flight time, friendly crew, reasonably comfortable seats on the Embraer 175, and (even on this little regional jet) IFE that would put some of the VS fleet to shame.
What I really wanted to comment on was the difference between Montreal airport and La Guardia. Montreal was spotless and deserted. There were gates where I could sit and work without anyone else being in earshot or eyesight. There were enough shops and cafes to provide options for those who might want them. I, on the other hand, just sat and worked for a couple of hours (I'd arrived very early) using the free wifi. Perfect. Staff all seemed happy and friendly. The only thing that went wrong was that my taxi dropped me at the domestic bit of the terminal, so I had to walk a long way to the US pre-clearance section. Security was thorough -- boarding passes were inspected nearly 10 times from entering the security check to exiting to the concourse. (It seemed a bit OTT, actually.) I was made to stand in the body scanner, and I left a sweet wrapper in my pocket which caused problems -- but was dealt with humorously and courteously. The Canadian staff really were impeccable. Hardly any queue at US immigration; passport stamped in about 15 seconds (a personal record, I think!).
As for La Guardia... dear oh dear. The bit that the Air Canada flights depart from is absolutely shocking. On Sunday when I caught my outbound flight there was rainwater leaking from the ceiling, being collected in plastic buckets. (OK, NYC had just endured a storm, but still...) The gate area was utterly miserable, with hardly any shops or cafes. Security was so relaxed I didn't even realise I had walked into it! For the first time in a very long time in a US airport they didn't ask me to take my shoes off. And, naturally, internet access had to be purchased.
I've been through La Guardia a few times in the past, so I knew roughly what to expect, but I was still surprised how shabby it has become. The contrast with Montreal was enormous. As a gateway to one of the world's great cities, LGA (or at least the terminal that I experienced this time) was just embarrassing. It has one great advantage, though - the quick ride into the city. Landed at 7 pm. Bags were out by 7.10 pm. In hotel room by 7.40 pm.
I must admit, the bits of this trip that were within the airline's control were rather good. These very short hops are normally unmemorable and unimpressive. But I thought the Air Canada crew were really on the ball, and rather classy. Maybe I'm just a sucker for a French accent.
. Always good to hear about quality CC service - shame about LGA, somewhere I have never flown to but doesn't look like I am missing out! Wi-fi at airports should be free 
....does annoy me! Rant done! 
