AOG-YYZ
7th May 2005, 02:15
I heard a horror story today, concerning Air Canada. It includes misinformation on connections, lost and rifled baggage and a lice infestation.
A couple, clebrating a 30 wedding anniversary, booked a flight to Tampa from Manchester via Heathrow and Toronto. BD had checked the bags through to TPA. Couple were told to collect bags at YYZ to clear Canada and US customs. Bags didn't show. AC told them that bags had been transfered to TPA flight. Then pax were told that the next flgt to TPA was not until morning and that they had been told this when booking. Pax had booked a two night stay, pre-cruise hotel, and now had to lose one night and pay for Toronto hotel.
Arriving at TPA, sans baggage, they were promised their bags before the cruise. Bags never did show. Post cruise and still no bags, couple stayed 8 days in Florida, visiting Busch Gardens and Disney, still no bags. Air Canada now said that the bags had never reached Toronto. This was a lie.
Returning home through YYZ our couple lodged a claim with AC for their lost bags. When exiting the baggage hall they spotted their bags against a wall. The bags had been forced open and expensive personal effects and items had been stolen. AC refused to call the police saying that the claim will suffice. Pax called police themselves and lodged a complaint.
Flying back to Heathrow that night, the lady asked for a blanket for the overnight flight. After awhile she noticed something crawling on the blanket. Upon closer inspection she saw it was a louse and it was not alone. She contracted a lice infestation.
What a nightmare flight. I'm no longer surprised at the attitude of the present Air Canada staff having experience it firsthand myself. Dirty aircraft, surly staff, endless waits to be gated and waits of an hour and longer for bags to arrive at the carousel. Air Canada is fortunate that they have no competition in Canada and it can only be a matter of time before they're in financial difficulty again.
A couple, clebrating a 30 wedding anniversary, booked a flight to Tampa from Manchester via Heathrow and Toronto. BD had checked the bags through to TPA. Couple were told to collect bags at YYZ to clear Canada and US customs. Bags didn't show. AC told them that bags had been transfered to TPA flight. Then pax were told that the next flgt to TPA was not until morning and that they had been told this when booking. Pax had booked a two night stay, pre-cruise hotel, and now had to lose one night and pay for Toronto hotel.
Arriving at TPA, sans baggage, they were promised their bags before the cruise. Bags never did show. Post cruise and still no bags, couple stayed 8 days in Florida, visiting Busch Gardens and Disney, still no bags. Air Canada now said that the bags had never reached Toronto. This was a lie.
Returning home through YYZ our couple lodged a claim with AC for their lost bags. When exiting the baggage hall they spotted their bags against a wall. The bags had been forced open and expensive personal effects and items had been stolen. AC refused to call the police saying that the claim will suffice. Pax called police themselves and lodged a complaint.
Flying back to Heathrow that night, the lady asked for a blanket for the overnight flight. After awhile she noticed something crawling on the blanket. Upon closer inspection she saw it was a louse and it was not alone. She contracted a lice infestation.
What a nightmare flight. I'm no longer surprised at the attitude of the present Air Canada staff having experience it firsthand myself. Dirty aircraft, surly staff, endless waits to be gated and waits of an hour and longer for bags to arrive at the carousel. Air Canada is fortunate that they have no competition in Canada and it can only be a matter of time before they're in financial difficulty again.