All these stories should be a good lesson for other people to learn how to travel. Everyone should pack whatever they need to survive for a day in their carry-on luggage. And if one is flying to a cold climate to pack at least a light jacket. Change of clothes is a good idea. Also some light snacks in case you are stuck in a plane for hours waiting for a "quick fix". Plan for the worst when traveling
Thanks for your comments, Negrilsand and Captain Oil. I'm not convinced AC could'nt find a replacement aircraft, or charter us with a different carrier. MBJ is 2 air-hours from many north american hubs served by AC. I believe they just didn't care to make it happen, or pay for it. I have asked the VP of maintenance for some logistical answers, I doubt I will get replies.
I think everyone was prepared to 'survive' with thier carry-ons, but this wasn't about survival, it was about the comfort we paid for. How many circumstances should one reasonably prepare for in a carry-on? Note that none of us expected to end up in Toronto's outdoors.
Well, Thepegboy, we can all sympathize with you. Perhaps a little effort at communication by Air Canada would have helped a lot. But I suspect that between us, Captain Oil and I, have over 50 years of experience on the front lines of aviation. We may know just a little bit. There are very few spare aircraft, if any, available at any given time that would be available for charter. Leasing a spare aircraft from another airline is even more unlikely-impossible!. Finding an aircraft that would carry the same number of passengers and fly the route would be very very unlikely. Due to the lack of communication by AC and a lack of a little stroking of egos, you are left in a situation where there is very little that would satisfy you. An airliner these days cost usually over $100 million US. You will not find this kind of asset sitting around as a spare at various airports waiting for a random maintenance problem. The Air Canada personnel at MBJ are most likely almost entirely part time contract employees. They are not exceptionally skilled in public relations, motivated nor authorized to completely handle such situations. If Air Canada or, for that matter any airline, could have done what you wanted, your airfare would have to have been at least 3-5 times what you paid-at least. I'm pulling a number out my hat, but the cost to get a replacement aircraft-even if possible- would be well over $200,000 US! Your ticket just did not cover that. Again Air Canada, in a good will gesture, should give you a voucher good for a future flight. Captain Oil, thanks for reminding me to carry snacks!
Last edited by negrilsand; 02-19-2015 at 01:12 PM.
Well said. It makes zero sense to have an aircraft sitting around ready to fly overseas to come to the rescue of a broken down aircraft. Not only that, it makes zero sense to have every single stinking part that can go bad sitting in a warehouse at each location. Now if you were at a hub I could understand your frustration. I myself have been delayed two days coming back to the States from MBJ, spent 4 hours on the phone with Jamaican American Airlines customer service(you cannot call US American Airlines customer service from overseas), and had to fork out additional money for hotel, food, etc. Gotta love travel insurance......Originally Posted by negrilsand
As a former aircraft mechanic I take great appreciation when a supervisor has to make the tough call to ground an aircraft. While you state that Air Canada does not care, I believe in fact the opposite is true. Had they not cared they would have potentially flown the aircraft. Those in the know seem to see things differently.
...and I take great appreciation in tough safety calls too; I take issue with responses. I'm not suggesting there be a 'ghost plane' for every flight, but why not do some rescheduling and free up a close plane? I don't care how expensive it is, it is the proper customer service reaction. I think Air Canada (maybe all airlines) take the cheap way out too often.
So you'd be fine with paying double the usual airfare all the time then?
If that's what it costs for providing what they sell, then let them compete on that basis. Why should anyone pay for a direct flight and get a two day connection horror?
Last edited by thepegboy; 02-20-2015 at 02:31 PM.
Wow so sorry you had to go through all that. We always layer when we fly to Jamaica, T-shirt, sweater, then fleece lined hooded sweatshirt. The sweater can be used for cool nights and the sweatshirt is not as bulky as a winter coat but keeps us warm when waiting for pickups outside the airport.
If you think Canada Air or any other scheduled airline is bad, try having issues on a charter flight. Their only responsibility is getting you to the destination - does not matter if it is a few hours later or a week latter - they got you there. End of story. No vouchers, no food, no hotel, no apology, no nothing. You are completely on your own.
At least with scheduled airlines you have rights.
Agreed, Cap, it could be worse. But I was told that the Air Canada customer guarantee read something like " we will get you there at some point", which allows them the flexibility to do what they do. I am hoping that a silver lining here might be better communication of this contract, building up to a legislated Air Passenger Bill of Rights. Dream big.....
