The flying Maple Leaf. Review on Air Canada

Air Canada is the national carrier of Canada. Currently, they have the monopoly for both International and Domestic travel. Couple of years back, they had acquired Canadian Airlines – which was exclusively for the domestic sector. My experience on Air Canada is limited only to travel between US and Canada and not to other countries.

Before Take Off:

# Check In

Air Canada has their own terminal at Toronto Pearson Airport and a huge check in area at Montreal. Self-Check in is available through automatic kiosks. (I guess now many other airlines are also doing this) – this is really fast and convenient. You either use the Aeroplan frequent flier membership card or any major credit card and check yourself in - the boarding card and luggage tags get automatically printed. I found the ground staff courteous and friendly.

# Before Boarding

One can either wait in the gate area or wait in the Aeroplan Club Area (one has to be a member to gain access). I have used this couple of times and they are pretty spacious and clean and available in Toronto and Montreal. I have not seen them in the US airports.

While Flying:

# The Planes

Air Canada seems to have modernized their fleet with brand new Air Buses. Flying to Canada from the US – by either United or Delta involves one leg of the journey in a rickety ten seater beech craft which are pretty scary. The Executive Class (First Class) are really big and spacious and the Coach Class which are referred to as Hospitality Class are comfortable – even the middle seats are convenient (ask me, I invariably seem to end up here – however I do not complain if there is a beautiful lady on either side.)

The video system has small flat panel screens located at equal intervals. The seats are of bright green color which are pleasing to the eye.

Every seat has a plug-in port for laptops – this is useful because I normally watch a DVD while traveling and would hate the battery to give up on me while watching Antara Mali’s gyrating navel.

# The Entertainment

Typically they show the previous day’s news recording by CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) – both in English and French followed by some TV based sitcom episodes of Frasier etc. One major advantage is the headphones are free – unlike the US counterpart where one has to pay. There are several (about 10) audio channels playing pop, jazz, country etc. Newspapers like Globe and Mail are available and so are a good choices of magazines. Air Canada’s inflight magazine called enRoute is also a good read.

# The Food

Depending upon the duration of the flight you may or may not get a meal. On the occasion when one gets a meal, the meal is warm and served piping hot and nothing much to complain about. One always gets drinks which are free except beer and wine which cost $4. The only complain I have is their stock of California wines – I would have expected them to serve Canadian wine.

After Deplaning:

Their baggage handling is good and they have a good record for on-time arrivals. If there is a connecting flight, their ground crew is on hand to provide assistance.

I have had good experience on this airline and would recommend it. Because of the monopoly, they are slightly expensive – but the additional money is worth spent for an enjoyable flying experience.