Uh oh! The dreaded Air Canada, or as some tastefully call it SCARE Canada. Air Canada, bring Canada's longest standing and largest Airline, sure gets a lot of bad press. Ask a Canadian what they think of Air Canada and 9/10 will say its awful and would rather fly WestJet.
People, give your head a shake! Air Canada has won international awards for best airline and that's not because it has a shiny maple leaf on the tailwing. It's because it's a spectacular airline. Whomever thinks that WestJet is better, must have spent too much time in the pub.
After traveling to over 65 countries and finishing a 7 flights-in-4 days trip as I write this review, Air Canada kicks butt! Free movies, plug ins at the seats, great legroom throughout the plane and staff that seriously know what they are doing! WestJet might be vibrant and young, but when it comes down to a good value for money proposition, nothing beats the AC! WestJet has some cheaper flights, but you lose comfort.
Now, for all of you 'Casual Flyers' who would take a few flights a year... Don't be tricked into saving $100 here and there, just pay the ticket and enjoy your ride! You are being stuffed into an airtight cat food can for a long period of time, you might as well be comfy!
Now, here come the real good perks of AC. I have the lower tier of status for flying with AC as much as possible, so I am fairly low on the totem pole. That being said, here is what I get... Free lounge access (free food, booze and a quiet place to sit or sleep), priority boarding and check in, no-charge seat selection at the time of booking and a stack of guest passes into the lounge. If you see me at the airport, grab me and I will bring you in!
Air Canada staff are friendly, courteous and often do whatever they can to help accommodate you. Now take that same discussion I have above and compare it internationally. Canadians are seriously spoiled! United, US Air, Delta, Sky, the list goes on... Old planes, no amenities and grumpy staff. Fun!
Go to Europe now, and take a look again. Ryan air, Easy Jet, Virgin, Lufthansa, air France, Air Berlin... I could name airlines for a day. All CRAP. Cheap, but crap.
The only honorable mention in here is British airways, they do a jolly good job, but we can't fly them around North America, so who cares!
To finish off my rant, pick AC for any flight, and even better if you travel overseas... Free food and drink for all classes on the flight! It's damn good!