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| - I recently flew Air Canada for the first time (FLL to YUL and back). Overall I have mixed feelings about my experience.
Pros:
+Customer service at the airport (with one glaring exception, see "Cons") and on the flight itself was good. The crew on both flights were friendly.
+My seat was comfortable for economy class, and legroom was decent. There was enough room in the overhead baggage compartments for everyone, despite repeated announcements that the flights were full and some people would have to voluntarily check their carry-on bags.
+Meals and snacks are available to purchase (at an additional charge however). Non-alcoholic beverages were free and there was a nice selection.
+The price I paid for a round trip international ticket was under $350, which is not too bad, considering how I have seen other airlines charge $500+ per person.
Cons:
-My flight from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale was nearly an hour late, and there was little explanation as to why or any apology from the airline representatives.
-Security/customs procedures for Air Canada in Montreal were more confusing and cumbersome than I expected.
-The manager on duty at the check-in counters in Montreal on the morning of Sunday, 4/26/15 was extremely rude, condescending, and unhelpful. Along with the agent checking us in, he arbitrarily singled us out because of our carry-on bag sizes (which are normal and has never been an issue), making a whole scene about them not fitting into the carry-on bag sizers by a fraction of an inch. He then threatened to follow us to the gate, and said he would forcibly make us check in the bags. When I pointed out other passengers' bags that were clearly oversize, he said "I'm not concerned with other passengers, I'm only talking about you". We manged to shift some things around and finally proceed, and he did not follow through on his threats, but if I remembered his name he would receive a pretty stern official complaint.
Bottom Line: If you fly Air Canada, expect a mediocre experience and hope for the best.
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