SEATING

You either love being hemmed in the new AC "J" class or can't stand it. I am becoming used to it now, but find the seats hard and uncomfortable at times. They are still suffering from reliability issues too - with flight attendants now used to preventitive en-route maintenance in resetting the electronics!


CATERING

Very poor. My main course was burned to a crisp and a pathetic cheese selection already pre- plated now the norm at Air Canada. No more cheese trolley. Breakfast was an insult - frozen and hard fruit plate, a pastry so hot it burned my mouth, warm OJ and coffee that seemed to be days old. Disgusting.


INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Good. One area AC seem to be getting it right.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Appalling and the Achilles heel of Air Canada. Sullen, disinterested, chaotic service preparation, poor attention to detail and frankly unapproachable. Not the worst I have suffered at Air Canada, but close.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

Carry-on only, EU passport holder, off the plane pretty much within 90 seconds of the door opening, and through immigration very quickly. Arrivals lounge staff a great contrast to the on-board crew, helpful, pleasant and interested. Shower cubicles looking their age and a severe reduction in toileteries at hand. Buffet breakfast with champagne was great though.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

Appalling. Air Canada is the poor relation of its peers in Star Alliance - with the exception of the US Carriers, of course. The staff attitude is some of the worst I have ever seen, and I am now, despite my frequent flier status with them, seriously considering avoiding them wherever possible on long haul services until the staff attitude gets overhauled and corrected. Besides, for a hew hundred dollars, I can access global lounges with a Maple Leaf card, which is all I really need with my Elite status.


CUSTOMER RANKING