Capetonian...would you be able to tell whether or not you were nice and polite to this agent? The senior AC crowd will be quick to anger and act if one is even slightly belligerent and shows a little attitude. Not a great customer service level, but in all honesty, these guys and girls are seriously tired of being pushed around by rude people. (I did look at a number of your posts and get the impression you are hard to impress...and quick to criticize) AT better than AC's widebody business class? Don't think so...done both on a number of occasions and the AC product FAR outshines the AT charter/holiday levels. AT's service is OK, not criticizing them, but no way do they reach the level AC has. Cheers!

As I have worked in airline RM and CS I know how to deal with situations without being belligerent or pushy and I also know that throwing the 'gold card' on the counter doesn't impress anyone. There are however certain privileges and rights that one is entitled to, and airlines sell these benefits across alliances with the promise that they are 'seamless'. When this fails, there is disappointment and loss of confidence.

I do expect a high standard and I do complain when it is not delivered, but I am not hard to impress, I expect fair treatment and on this occasion that was not given.

You are right, my comparison of AT with AC is a little unfair as I was comparing economy service, but the comfort level of AT is as good as AC economy and they seem to care about their passengers, which is more than has been my experience of flying with AC in any class.

Meanwhile.

Air Canada ordered to pay more to passengers bumped from domestic flights | Financial Post

Good Morning Yobbo

Thank you for that but would it not be disingenuous for you not to mention "Rocky Racoon" aka Porter got a slap down as well??

Altiplano, maybe he meant YXU/YYZ instead of LHR/YYZ.
Although since AC flies DHC8-100s on that run, 75% empty
means only 9 pax!