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Air Canada loses my luggage and offers minimum compensation / 28 hour delay
Posted by
MONTREAL -- I flew on Air Canada (AC) from New York to Geneva, Switzerland with a connection in Montreal. This was not a pleasure trip but was due to my 89 year old mother falling and breaking her foot. Pictures are on link below (copy the link and paste it):
http://s449.photobucket.com/albums/qq211/semsem1234/Air Canada/
I chose Air Canada because:
1. They don't charge for a second suitcase. British Airways charge as high as $75 I believe.
2. They were $100 cheaper than Swiss; however Swiss fly nonstop.
3. I get full mileage credit on my United mileage plus account.
4. The ticket is valid 3 months with a change of date fee of $150. This compares to as high as $250 on Lufthansa.
Newark to Montreal: Check in was quick and efficient at Newark. AC use smaller Canadair and Embraer commuter aircraft between New York and Montreal / Toronto. These planes have less room and are somewhat noisy. All that is served on this sector are nuts and a drink.
As I checked in I was calm and relaxed knowing that I had 3 hours connection time in Montreal. I noticed that the flight to Toronto was delayed for 1 hour due to bad weather between the US and Canada.
Our flight was delayed by 2 1/2 hours. And even though it was clear we would miss our connection no effort was made to put us on another flight to Europe from Newark; for example Lufthansa had a flight to Munich.
I was upgraded to Business Class; 3 seats instead of 4. We were served nuts and a drink on a 1 hour 15 minute flight. When we arrived a wagon was waiting to rush us to the gate. We had to pass Canadian Customs which was quick. However the door to the gates was shut and by looking at the board, I realized that my flight to Geneva had just left 5 minutes ago.
I had to wait in line about 30 minutes to pass passport control and then pick up my luggage. It was already 10 PM by now. I was offered a hotel room and $30 in vouchers for dinner, breakfast and lunch. I was put on an 8 pm flight to Frankfurt resulting in a 2 PM arrival in Geneva; 28 hours late.
I asked the agent "what about routing me through Zurich?", as I knew AC are partners with Swiss Airlines. She looked at me as if I was an idiot. "Why would you want to go through Zurich?" Later I found out that had she routed me on Swiss Airlines I would have gotten to Geneva at 8AM instead of 2 PM and avoided Frankfurt Airport which is a terrible airport. Long walks, confusing signeage and slow, slow, slow security personnel who work in "slow motion" with insufficient staff.
Gripe 1: No effort was made in Newark to get us to Europe the next day.
Gripe 2: No effort was made in Montreal to get me to Geneva as quickly as possible.
Air Canada are in the same alliance as Lufthansa and Swiss and in fact code share with Swiss from Montreal. So they should have transferred us to Lufthansa at Newark or at least put me on Swiss from Montreal. Their aim is to keep you on Air Canada no matter what.
I was put up at the Hilton Gardens near the airport. It was a nice hotel and I was lucky. Others were put up at the Travellodge, a 40 year old hotel which did not look all that nice.
Montreal to Frankfurt: The plane was a 777. The seats were comfortable, good legroom, good entertainment system which was easy to use. The crew were well groomed and very friendly. They also gave us a newspaper.
Mood lighting: this is the "new thing." Low lighting which in our case was bluish. Interesting but what I did not like was that they put it on the moment you board. I want to full lighting till after dinner. I find a dark cabin depressing unless it's sleep time.
Meal: Mediocre. Beginning salad and main dish were acceptable. But the desert was a cheap chocolate brownie which tasted disgusting. Also no cheese with the meal which I always like as it fills me up with the bread. I would have thought that a flight operating from "French Quebec" would have some cheese.
Breakfast was very good. A large banana muffin with delicious coffee
from a company called "Second Cup." In fact it was so good I had a "second cup."
The return trip:
Geneva to Montreal: The plane was a 767. I had changed my return date twice for a fee of $150 for each change. Even though AC only operate 4 times a week I was impressed that they accepted to change the return dates without paying even more.
The seating was comfortable. However the seat pocket in front of me had not been cleaned. I found a dirty napkin, plastic and in the seat pocket next to me a dirty stirrer.
Though my flight was in mid November the in flight magazine was from October. Three seats away I found a November issue.
The meal was again mediocre: edible salad and main dish. The desert was disgusting. A milky creamy white liquid with a peach. The peach was edible. Again no cheese. I was not very satisfied.
The snack was insufficient for an 8 hour flight. A small spinach thingy mig gig with not much spinach in it.
Montreal to New York: I had to pass US Customs in Montreal which I don't like. I prefer to do that in New York. We had to wait a lot. You don't get to see the suitcases. They take a picture of the suitcases.
The flight was in a small Embraer commuter plane; noisy and bumpy. Somwhat narrow seats.
Lost suitcase: I arrived in New York and to my lovely surprise one suitcase was missing. After 2 months Air Canada informed me that the suitcase is now officially lost. At the beginning I had to communicate with agents in India who had no clue what was going on. I gave up bothering calling them.
I am convinced that the suitcase was stolen. I had a permanent leather address tag on the top handle and 2 paper address tags; one was Air Canada and the other American Airlines. And on the side I had another American Airlines tag.
Though I had $4,500 worth of clothes / shoes / coats in the suitcase, Air Canada wrote me the following letter.
1. They are liable for up to $1,600 in losses as per the Warsaw Convention.
2. Because I could only prove a few hundred dollars of purchases from my receipts, they would only offer me $1,167 and 41 cents.
I love the 41 cents. Question: Who keeps 5 years of receipts on clothes they buy. Pathetic excuse.
3. I admitted in my application that I had Homeowners Insurance. So I was told by Air Canada to go to my own insurance company.
They made it seem as if it was my fault that the suitcase was lost. It reminded me of rape victims who get blamed for getting raped.
Conclusion: I don't consider Air Canada to be in the "major leagues." True the weather delay was not their fault but the lack of any attempt to get me to Geneva as quickly as possible was.
Losing a bag can happen but to lose it "permanently" is to me unbelievable. It happens very rarely. In fact I don't know anybody who has gone through this experience. They usually find the lost suitcases after a few days.
I had stress in both directions.
The people who work for this airline, the ground crew, air crew and reservations agents were all great; (except for the employee who may have stolen my suitcase, though I have no proof of that); I don't think I will risk flying with them again even if I get a free ticket.
To have to replace all my stuff is going to be a tremendous hassle. Because I thought I may have to stay as long as 2 months I had taken all my nice things with me.
Lesson: Buy sufficient luggage insurance as you never know what can happen.
Try to fly nonstop if you can. It greatly reduces the risk of lost luggage.
Pass Customs at your final destination not in between; in Canada in my case. It also reduces the risk of lost luggage.
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Anonymous on 01/25/2010:
"Our flight was delayed by 2 1/2 hours. And even though it was clear we would miss our connection no effort was made to put us on another flight to Europe from Newark; for example Lufthansa had a flight to Munich."
An airline doesn't pay for tickets on other carriers for weather delays.
Anonymous on 01/25/2010:
And just because there was a flight to Zurich does not mean there were seats available on that flight. You got there. Deal with it. Your mom falling does not mean the weather will be perfect so you have no problems flying.
semsem on 01/25/2010:
You miss the point. The delay is not my major gripe. The loss of my suitcase and the compensation below the maximum allowed pisses me off.
One person was put on Lufthansa and therefore got there the next day.
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Deplorable Treatment
Posted by
CALGARY ALBERTA, ARIZONA -- We booked our flights only a few weeks before flying. We were never informed of any policy regarding medical clearance. I clearly told every person I spoke to, the booking agent, and the subsequent 2 phone calls I made about my allergy. No mention of the fact that I need to take some action prior to flying was ever passed along. I was made to feel as if we were a huge inconvenience. A stressful situation was made extremely horrible because of the complete failure of the staff. I felt like I needed to pass this information along, although judging from other posts regarding Air Canada's customer service, I doubt it will be given any consideration. I am sure you have heard this before, but I will never give you my money again!
Just a note: Any allergy can become life threatening at any time without prior notice. Any person who has even had a mild allergic reaction to nuts, milk, eggs etc. can go into fatal anaphylactic shock the next time they are exposed. New allergies can occur at any time as well. On your site, when you say people with "severe allergies", you are misinformed about allergies. If you have qualified medical doctors reviewing the information, then they are misinformed. Ask an allergist or allergy specialist. Although I have never had anaphylactic reactions to nuts on a plane, it does not mean that I can be complacent. The only thing I realized after this atrocious situation was that Air Canada is protecting it's own hide and has no interest in customer service or basic human compassion.
Allergies are already a disability someone has to deal with daily. You can surely understand why someone would not want a reaction to food (that could have easily been replaced with something else), when they have no access to medical attention. And to address the response that it is an infringement to others' rights, it is an infringement to my rights not to be allowed to fly in a safe environment. Like I mention in the blog, I have never asked for any extraordinary measures to be made. And to address the response that other people are free to bring their own bags of nuts on the plane, I say yes they are. And I am free to ask them to refrain from eating them. If they refuse to comply, I should have the opportunity to move seats, or they can be relocated. It is a matter of health, and I have to be able to advocate on my own behalf. The only concession I require is that nuts not be served near me. I usually bring along enough snacks for everyone in the adjacent rows as well. I have no problem letting people know that their very small sacrifice of going nut free on the plane is greatly appreciated. There are some excellent nut-free trail mixes, cookies, crackers and granola bars available. There is no reason the airlines could not use these products.
Posted by Krista [snip]at 18:08 No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Air Canada has turned me off flying for good. Unfortunately, I am overseas and terrified to board a plane again after the horrible treatment of the Air Canada staff.
I have a peanut allergy and have flown many times on many different airlines without incident. Sometimes flight staff are helpful, sometimes not. I was appalled at the atrocious treatment we received on our flight from Calgary to Los Angeles.
I was flying from Calgary to Brisbane, with a plane/airline change in Los Angeles. I had my husband and 2 children with me as we were moving overseas. I had made all necessary precautions. I had called the airline twice prior to leaving to ensure a note was on my ticket about the allergy. I never ask for unreasonable actions to be taken, like making the entire flight nut free. I know that is not reasonable or possible. I don't even care if they make an announcement, I can inform people near me if I need to. All I need them to know is I have an allergy, where I am seated, and that I require they don't serve nuts near me. I will worry about the rest myself. I always have.
Upon entering the plane, I informed the first flight staff about the allergy and my seat number. She looked annoyed and asked me if I had an epipen with me. I always bring 2 on long flights, just in case. That is when things went sideways.
Next thing I know the plane is completely full, and a very abrasive woman comes with a large manual to point very aggressively at a statement about their policies. She informs me and my family that we are to disembark the plane immediately as I never received medical clearance to fly. I was stunned. This had never happened before. We gathered our things and left the plane. I was visibly upset. I was trying to ask her questions as we proceeded back to the terminal. She informed my husband that he needed to "calm me down" or we would be escorted from the airport.
I was never told that I needed medical clearance to fly.
I was trying to hold it together. My kids were getting upset as well. We explained that we had a connecting flight to Brisbane, and had just travelled from Halifax, and had nowhere to go. They were going to "try" and get me the medical clearance.
They let us on the plane again, but then shortly after, we were told to leave again. Then, they let us back on the plane again. I signed a waiver that if I died it was not Air Canada's fault. Then they said we had to get off the plane again. They kept asking if I had ever had a reaction on a flight before. I kept repeating that I had not. Three times! Everyone on the small flight is looking at us. Everyone is angry. The plane is very late already. They tell us WE are delaying the plane too long and people will miss their connecting flights. I KNOW, we are about to miss ours!
We are standing in the terminal in disbelief. By this time my kids and I are all very unhappy. My husband is very angry. They have removed our luggage from the plane for the third time. When someone yells that I have clearance and can board.
We are rushed on the plane, but not before we are inadvertently told that the note on my file that stated I had a nut allergy was in fact CLEARLY written on my ticket. There should have been no confusion. If they required medical clearance, they did not tell me.
Here is the final kicker. As we are walking down to board the plane for the fourth time, my husband said something along the lines of "this is bulls**t". Not appropriate, but I think that was rather restrained considering. All of a sudden we are surrounded by security staff that insist we apologize to the Air Canada staff or we won't be allowed to fly. The flight attendant is bawling, like we have done her a great injustice. We are forced to apologize. She won't even look at me the entire flight.
When we finally get seated again. I can't even speak because I am so upset. I sit and stare straight ahead for 3 hours. I am appalled at the treatment we received. The announcement made by the pilot was equally disturbing. He said it was not Air Canada's fault, it was a policy they had to follow. If it is not their fault, who's fault could it possibly be? And of course there is always some ignorant person on the plane who very loudly states, "all this for a stupid nut allergy, just kick them off." As if I have any control over having an allergy. If I had the choice I would obviously get rid of it. I was born with it, and will die with it, hopefully not on a plane though.
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JR in Orlando on 02/27/2013:
That the OP needed prior medical approval is right on the Air Canada Website. Under medical conditions, one condition is:
"You have a severe allergy to peanuts or nuts, or are severely allergic to cats, and would like to request a buffer zone in order to help avoid the risk of exposure. The buffer zone option is available only to passengers who are severely allergic to cats, peanuts or nuts."
The Website sets forth expressly what the passenger must do prior to the flight:
"If any of the medical conditions listed in the question above apply to you, you will need to request medical approval, as follows:
1.Book your flight at aircanada.com, with Air Canada Reservations, or with a travel agent.
2.Print a copy of the Air Canada Fitness for Travel form and:
1.Complete Section A by entering your name, contact information and flight details;
2.Have your attending physician complete all other sections that apply to your medical condition.
3.Email* your completed Fitness for Travel form to us at: firstname.lastname@example.com
1.Make sure the subject line of your email contains your date of travel (day, month and year), family and first name, and Booking Reference. E.g.: 26/SEPT/2012, Jones, Mary, N3EI4E
2.We will need to receive your completed form at least 48 hours before your departure (72 hours before for certain destinations).
3.The Air Canada Medical Assistance Desk will review your request and confirm if you are deemed fit for travel, with or without conditions.
*If you prefer, you can also fax your completed form to us at:
1-888-334-7717 or 514-205-7567"
Thus, the OP did not do what was required prior to getting to the airport. The other passengers had a right to be upset, when someone wants special consideration, but does not take the steps required of them, so that everyone has to wait.
JAKFK on 02/28/2013:
Great comment and research JR! In addition, flying on a plane is a privilege, and not necessarily a right.
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Disturbingly shabby treatment of a customer
Posted by
I was booked on an Air Canada flight home to Vancouver from Ottawa on October 2, 2011 at 6PM. My wife was also booked on the flight. I arrived with much the same luggage and carry on items that I have arrived at airports, for an average of 40 domestic flights per year, for the last 15 years: a suitcase to check in and a small backpack and guitar in a cloth case as carry on. As a point of fact: a cloth guitar case cannot be checked in as there is ample evidence that Air Canada baggage handlers mistreat instruments (I watched one handler stand my guitar, which was in a fiberglass flight case, on one end and drop it onto the conveyor belt and proceeded to do the same with my travel mates guitar – I will never trust a guitar in a cloth case to your baggage handlers, other than for a gate check). Another fact, on long haul flights my cloth guitar case easily fits into any overhead and leaves lot's of room to put other baggage on top and around.
Today is the first time in the 12 years of domestic travel that I have been denied the right to carry my guitar on board with me. The agent told me that this is the policy of the airport, not Air Canada, and that I had to check the guitar. I know this is not true as I traveled from Ottawa airport twice in the last 30 days with my guitar in a cloth case on board both times. I told her this and she tried to tell me that was not possible. She would not even offer me a gate check tag, which I know is available to people with strollers much larger than my guitar so, I protected my personal property, canceled my Air Canada flight and booked with WestJet. When I came back to the Air Canada lineup my wife was still checking in and it was very clear to your agent, as I had Westjet ticket in hand and my guitar on my shoulder, that indeed I could carry on my guitar if I traveled with WestJet.
The fact that your agent and her supervisor insisted that I could not travel from Ottawa with my guitar as carry on is untruthful and the fact that they suggested I was not telling the truth is highly offensive. My wife and I travel for our separate businesses a great deal and were looking forward to sharing a flight together. Your uncivil staff caused us much stress, financial loss and hassle and forced us to travel separately.
I also must say that I travel a fair amount internationally and have never been denied the right to carry my guitar on board – even when carrying a guitar in a large flight case and quite prepared to check my guitar: in Madrid, Frankfurt, Havana, Puerto Vallarta, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Warsaw, Narita, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago….my guitar goes on board with me. No other airlines put people through what your agents did to me yesterday – and you are considered our national airline!
Air Canada just lost a customer and I am beginning to believe what people are saying about Air Canada's unspoken but obvious mandate: "We're not happy until you're not happy".
Yours truly,
Edward Henderson
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Anonymous on 10/03/2011:
Its discretion of the staff if you carry a guitar on board as it exceeds the carry on size limit. If you fly as much as you claim I take it you are a Elite and the FC check in gives a lot of latitude.
I'm not sure what sort of guitar fits in the bin of any of AC's WB fleet, I know the puny Martin Backpacker doesn't fit the center bins of the B777.
AC isn't the national airline anymore than US Airways or American is the national airline of the US.
trmn8r on 10/03/2011:
I am surprised this has not been an issue in the last few years for you. Maybe 5 years or more ago, but not since they started being militant about carry-on sizes.
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Continued Poor Service
Posted by
The following are three letter's I've written to Air Canada and still no improvement in service.
Monday, May 31, 2010
I'm writing this while flying on your one of your planes from London to Calgary in executive class. IâÂÂm on flight 2051, it was originally 851, but yesterday's flight was cancelled. Your planes are nice, but your staff and catering need much training and lag far behind other international airlines. I've written this before, and still haven't seen any changes over the past one year. (IâÂÂve attached my preview emails).
You have once again made a mockery of my vegetarian meal, it was cold plane rice and veggies. I've attached the pictures. Even the staff were making fun of it, warning me not to eat it, as it looked unappetizing. Well I took the meal, but I should have taken their advice. It was horrible. I did not eat it. You should experience, traveling 10 hours on flight, paying lots of money, not being able to get a proper meal and continually experiencing bad service. I dare you to eat the meal that was offered to me.
I am a super elite member and have been an either elite or super elite for the past decade. You know for the first time, I have made a conscious decision not to take Air Canada on business and personal travel. My most recent flights to Toronto, Orlando, DC and a couple of other destinations have been not been on Air Canada on purpose. I thought I would try AC once again my recent trip to Europe, but I was again disappointed. Surprisingly enough, the service on BMI your STAR alliance partner was excellent and with good food options for vegetarians.
I request you to make a sincere effort to make the meals for vegetarians (AVML and VGML) more enjoyable. I have personally talked to office staff in Calgary and have volunteered good caterers that you can use. I've written several times about this and still the food has not changed, even in executive class.
I've tried many times to write and to improve service and vegetarian meals on your flights, over the past year. You have tried to appease me with $100 coupons for future flight. But you still haven't realized that I am not looking for small financial appeasements I find it personally insulting that you have not attempted to make any changes.
I've tried writing letters to you directly, but no action. Now you can be assured that I will go public and file formal complaints with consumer groups and the aviation industry. Consumers should be warned that you do not take customer service or feedback very seriously.
A very disappointed customer!
January 1, 2010
I am writing to give you an update of my travel experience with Air Canada over the past few months and especially over the Christmas holidays. I had the pleasure of speaking to Ms. McAmmond in September and told her that I would provide feed back. I have flown with Air Canada numerous times since the last email, including a couple of overseas flights. The service in overseas business class is improving however, the vegetarian food on the business class flights from Calgary to Europe is still sub-par. The food from Europe to Canada is very good.
My wife and I flew business class yesterday (Jan 3/10) from Houston to Calgary, returning from our family Christmas vacation. Two issues for you to note regarding yesterday's flight and act on immediately: i) we had to share a meal as there weren't enough meals on board in business class and ii) only half of our luggage arrived as they said the flight was full and it common for luggage to be left behind. We still haven't received our luggage. We are shocked by this. We cannot believe that there were not enough meals on board on business class and secondly why our luggage (tagged with priority tags) were not loaded on the plane. Please investigate and respond. I am seriously considering lobbying our company to pull AC as our preferred carrier.
September 16, 2009
I've been meaning to send you an email for sometime now. It continually amazes me how poor the service on Air Canada continues to be. I am a frequent business traveler, within North America and Overseas. Compared to other airlines, including some US carriers, Air Canada continually rates at the bottom of the rung in my books. I usually fly business class and even in business class I continually receive poor service and without a smile! As - write this I'm on Flight 845 from Frankfurt to Calgary. I noticed a huge difference after my short haul connecting flight from Paris on Lufthansa. The attendance on Lufthansa are so friendly and courteous and food on that short 55 min flight was very good. They even remembered that I take vegetarian, which Air Canada often forgets even though it is on the profile and my travel agent requests. By the way, Lufthansa is pretty low on the service list when compared to Singapore airlines, Cathay Pacific or Thai Airlines.
I don't know if you actually read these emails or even care. I find it embarrassing that Air Canada can't even greet me with a smile when board one of your flights after a long overseas trip. Why are your employees so grumpy and unhappy?
Here are three issues. May be you can actually use them as constructive criticisms to improve the service and customer experience.
Food - the food offered on board is terrible. I am a frequent traveler and often don't have time to eat before boarding a plane. On top of that I require vegetarian food (which in always request by my travel agent). One would at least expect some decent food for that price. On any other airlines, they would treat you with an exquisite vegetarian option. But not on your airline. I often get plain rice with steamed vegetables. This totally unacceptable. I've had a few agents apologize for the poor excuse for a vegetarian dinner. Often the salad is even a few days old.
Flight attendants - Is it not possible for you to train your attendants to smile. I rarely recall a moment when an Air Canada staff will treat a customer with care and warmth. 'Get on... hurry up and sit down' is what I usually get. Every other airline (except some US carriers) welcomes a traveler with a smile and is grateful they have chosen them for their travel. Not Air Canada.
Agents - The same poor service is also a problem with non flight agents. They never seem to be happy to serve you. They would rather be on their coffee break.
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Alain on 06/02/2010:
You are indeed following through with your plan of action. It's a pity Air Canada is not doing the same for you.
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Air Canada. World Worst Airline
Posted by
Frustrated Flyer
TERRACE, WASHINGTON -- Rather than re-write the whole thing. This is the letter I just sent to Air Canada. We can only hope they broke.
Customer Service
Air Canada
I have never in the past taken the time to write to Air Canada as it has always been my understanding that customer service is your lowest priority. I should mention that as a rule I avoid travelling with your company, yet, I have managed to become a Prestige member of Aeroplan. A status that I have just found out also mean absolutely nothing, but for now, I will cover the major reasons for writing.
Now, I should explain that for the most part I suffer they normal abysmal service of Air Canada, as my fellow passengers do, and is a point of great humour to discuss what new levels of low service can achieved with your efforts. I won't for example expect an answer to why a flight attendant, after seating us on an early morning flight out of Vancouver on the way to Terrace deciding that cooking and eating his breakfast was more important than getting his customers a cup of coffee. Mind you we all enjoyed the smell of his freshly microwaved food as it flooded the plane while we sat with dry mouths and caffeine withdrawal. Nor will I expect you to tell me why I had to be ignored while one of your flight attendants decided it was more important to complain in explicit language how incompetent the staff in the terminal was to the flight crew. Such things are just the day to day operation of Air Canada.
What I will complain about was my trip from hell last week, and the even longer trip for my baggage. It all started in Ft St John, B. C. at about 9am local time, January 30th, 2009. I was booked on Flight 8184. A very nice lady at the counter told me the aircraft was `mechanical` and would be late or maybe cancelled. I appreciated knowing that, but that is par for the course. She told me there would be an announcement. Well, I sat with phone in hand to make the usual rearrangements of my day, only to hear… absolutely nothing. Finally, we get told the aircraft has landed. Just as well it did if it was mechanical don't you think? It would have been nice if someone would have said something, but what the heck, it's only Air Canada.
We made Vancouver on time, and I actually got lunch, so we are doing well. I now board flight 8242 for Terrace, and as always I called my wife to say we are away on time, just before I leave the holding area. At which time we sit on the plane for 45 minutes without a clue what is happening, only to find out there is a weather advisory on this flight. Well, I can't hold weather against you (maybe). Half way to Terrace the pilot advises us he is turning around for Safety reasons. In the mean time, my wife is waiting for me in Terrace, where she sees the flight is going to be late (not cancelled or anything). She does see other aircraft landing from other airlines (the ones I much prefer travelling with). So she leaves, as do all the others people waiting. Everyone there believe the flight will be in at 4pm, only it's actually on the ground in Vancouver at this time, and no one in Terrace says anything, or changes the screens. I did call her shortly after, so she didn't make the unnecessary trip but you can bet lots of people did.
Now I am told since this is a weather issue, everyone is ``on their own` for hotels. I am one of the lucky ones that gets a ticket for the evening flight. However, we are told the baggage is going to be deplaned, and sent to the baggage area outside of security and we needed to go and get it, check it back in again, and then go back through security. How utterly customer friendly this move is! But wait, there's more; the six of us wait for OVER 1 HOUR to collect our baggage so we can give it back to you! The result is by the time we checked in again, went thought security again, we are almost late for the flight we have been booked on, which is flight 8244. Remember that lunch I got. Well my stomach had forgotten by then, but I have not time to get anything as I dash for the flight. Oh well, I am sure I can have a bag of pretzels for dinner.
We get back on the plane, and of course there is another weather advisory, but what the heck, I have missed my evening appointment anyway. (If I had travelled with Hawkair I would have arrived twice already). We take off, we get there, and miracle upon miracle we land. We get off the plane and line up for our baggage. WHAT BAGGAGE. You guessed it; our baggage had been taken off. By the way, that would be the same baggage we had to go get outside of security after waiting over an hour. IF someone had made a simple courtesy announcement, we at least would have gone home mad, and not sat around for 30 minutes waiting for bags that weren't there.
I stand in line. I tell my story, and I am told my bags would be delivered to my home the next day. So, on Saturday, I wait around for my bags, as they won't deliver if I am not home. Guess what… no bags. I wait all day... and nothing.
On Sunday I call... and I call, and I call... in the afternoon I get through, and am told my bags are in Prince Rupert, but they can't get them to Terrace. But, they will get them on the night bus (Greyhound), and if I want, I can drive out to Greyhound to get them at 10:30 at night. I said forget it... tomorrow is now fine. Do you think I got my bags on Monday? Hell no. Monday morning I am on the phone again, and this time no one knows. OH, I will get a call very soon when they find out. Do you think I got a call? Silly you... of course not. The bags showed up on Monday afternoon.
At no time did I get a call, an apology, anything that would suggest Air Canada gave a damn. So I guess they don't. It's no wonder that the local community up here is desperate to get Westjet in.
I have heard that Air Canada customer service mantra is `Please let us know if we haven't done enough to p*ss you off`. Let me assure you, you did.
I almost forgot the Prestige thing... I was so pleased with the Business Class upgrade certificates, so I should have known there was a catch. I fly for business short haul, but I fly to Ottawa as a volunteer for a major sport organization, and I fly Tango class to save the members money. (Usually a weekend only trip). I had hoped these coupons would make my weekend trips bearable. I guess not, as they only work on Latitude or better. Still, they sure do look pretty sitting on my fridge.
If by chance you actually read this far down and my efforts don't wind up in the shredder, I sure would like to know why you think I should ever give you my money, and just what do you think will happen when no one flies with you. I know for a fact, I don't know one single person who doesn't avoid your airline.
Sincerely Frustrated
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Soaring Consumer on 02/03/2009:
Very well written. Voted helpful.
Anonymous on 02/03/2009:
Frustrating experience I'm sure. Your grievance is with Jazz not Air Canada. Jazz operated your flight and like most feeder carriers they have nothing to do with the mainline operation - except at times make it look bad.
Some explanations. No carrier accommodates pax due to weather. The reason your a/c got turned back due to weather was it was a turboprop, not capable of flying down to CAT 2> weather. Other carriers landing that day may have had pilots with a CAT 2> ticket, a/c with HUD's etc.
There is no microwave on a Dash 8.
No company be it an airline or not wants to hear how you'll never use them again - why would they try to make things right in that case?
wgaguy1984 on 02/05/2009:
I can't believe they made the passengers recheck their bags and go through security again rather than rerouting the luggage for them. But the complaint about weather just makes you look like a heel, file that one with Jesus (or the deity of your choice) not the airline.
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Air Migraine
Posted by
WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- I have had previous unpleasant traveling experiences with Air Canada in 2000 and 2003. However, I simply figured that it was a long time ago and perhaps isolated incidents and decided to give it another try. I booked a flight that connected through Montreal to Heathrow from Washington DC. There were some weather related delays and I was told I would have to now fly to Toronto instead of Montreal. I agreed and after a few hours delay and several very unpleasant encounters with Air Canada staff I arrived in London only to find out that my bags had never made it. I wasn't able to receive my luggage until Christmas day, in the afternoon. I was upset about this, but understood that sometimes these things happen.
My flight returning on January 10th was also delayed but no one notified any of the passengers of this until after the scheduled departure time, at which point I inquired whether or not I would be able to make my connecting flight. I was treated as if it was my fault that the plane was delayed and was given abrupt and rude replies and made to feel that I wasn't worthy of a proper answer. After a 2 hour delay the plane was finally ready for take-off. When we got closer to our destination the pilot informed us that passengers heading to Baltimore would have to spend the night in Toronto. I was distraught but again knew that there was nothing I could do about it.
When we arrived in Toronto, I was informed that if I were to rush I'd make the connecting flight to Baltimore. I inquired about my bags, and very rudely I was told that they would not make it and that they would be delivered once the plane arrived, which would be the next day because there was no longer any flights to Baltimore. I was told to head to my gate and when I asked which way to go I was told to read the sign. At this point, I was tired, and extremely frustrated with the Air Canada staff. There was a fellow passenger who was experiencing the same frustrations and shared with me that this happens to her almost every time she flies with Air Canada. I vowed to never fly Air Canada again and made my way to the gate.
Once I arrived at Baltimore International Airport, I headed to baggage claim to give my information for my luggage. There was no one there so we had to wait for a man to show up and tell us that he's not an employee of Air Canada but a contractor. He said he'll be delivering our luggage and for us to fill out a form. I verified again when our bags would arrive and was told that it would be the next day at the earliest. I rushed to get out of the airport because I had a dinner engagement I had to get to and I was already running very late. I had left my mobile phone at home because I didn't want any interruptions and I wasn't expecting a phone call. However, my cousin informed me that she had received a message on her phone from a man claiming he had my luggage and was outside my house (I had given her number as an alternate number). I called him back only to have him YELL at me saying that the reason phone numbers are given is so you can be reached at anytime.
I tried to reason with him by telling him that unless my bags were on the same plane I was on, it couldn't have arrived. He said it had arrived and that he was now on his way back to the airport and that he would have to deliver my bags the next day at an unspecified time. I begged and pleaded with him that he come back and he finally agreed to meet me at my house in 20 minutes. I explained to him that I was in the middle of having dinner 2 miles from my house however would be able to meet him outside and get my bags from him. He agreed, but said if he didn't see me outside that he'd leave and would not come back. I was amazed to be treated this way after all I had gone through that day with the airline, but still I went outside after 20minutes because I didn't want to miss him. It was raining, cold and I had no umbrella but I waited patiently at a major intersection next to the traffic light.
When I called him, he again YELLED at me and said that I had to wait and that he'd call when he got there. He finally called stating he couldn't see me. I asked him to describe the vehicle he was in, and he said a van but refused to elaborate. He was belligerent and extremely unprofessional. After 15-20 minutes of me standing and walking in the rain in heels, in the middle of having dinner, he finally arrived. He of course did not have my bags, but mistakenly had somebody else's and had a very nonchalant attitude offering no apology. I was furious and the rest of my evening was effectively ruined. I was so mad I cried.
My luggage was finally delivered the next day at a later time than I was told and with no choice I had to of course wait for it. I wrote the tag number of the rudest human being I've had the misfortune to cross paths with but I was so disheartened I didn't even have the desire to place a complaint. However, I decided to do so now as I am still angry and don't want anyone to have to go through what I went through. I travel to Canada and to Europe very often and though delays and cancellations can and do happen, mistreatment should not. This was by far the worst experience I've ever had to endure and will make sure to inform friends, family and acquaintances to select another airline.
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Intolerable Treatment By Air Canada Staff
Posted by
Flying back from Paris to Toronto December 27, 2008. Air Canada staff on long haul flight spent most of the 8.5 hours standing in the galley talking to their friends who were also on the flight. Had to go ASK for water after no stewards had come around for more than 3 hours. This seemed to annoy the steward greatly, as I had to walk into the galley to ask.
Asked this steward for directions on how to navigate Pearson airport, as due to flight delay, I was now in danger of missing connecting flight. I asked if there was any assistance provided to get me to my connecting flight. I was told "you're on you're own". I asked for directions through the airport system to speed my way through. I was told "go through the hallway, to level three" and he walked off. Pearson Airport is MASSIVE and has three terminals. I had no idea what hallway he was talking about and level three was in fact, the wrong place for domestic departures.
At 3 P.M. Toronto time, for reasons unknown all, walkways in Terminal 1 were non-operational. Walked at least 1/4 mile with luggage to my gate. Flight at the gate desk was posted as being ON TIME, even though the clocked showed it was already an hour late. Woman at desk REFUSED to communicate, answer any questions from any of the confused passengers and snapped at all customers who were merely asking when the connecting flight might leave, or if it would. We are not idiots and yes, we do understand that weather causes delays. This is NOT what any of the CUSTOMERS were asking, we only wanted a status update.
After 5 hours of waiting, suddenly the gate board changed to read a Halifax flight. No information was given regarding where the flight to Winnipeg had gone. 100 passengers were milling about trying to help each other, huddled around one man with a Blackberry who was getting web updates on Air Canada cancellations. Air Canada woman at desk continued to stare into space.
An hour later, she finally announced the flight was indeed cancelled. She put a 1-800 number up on the board for rebooking. An elderly gentleman could not read the number and Russian travelers could not understand what to do. They were in the same boat as the rest of us, who are Canadian and actually read English. The elderly gentleman and the Russians were spoken to so patronizing and with such contempt, I was embarrassed.
Finally, we were yelled at by the Air Canada woman to go to Air Canada customer service desk and re-book, which was "down the hall". If you've ever been to Pearson Terminal 1 you will understand that this could mean anything - What hallway?, we wondered. Like dazed cattle, we wandered off.
I tried phoning the number this crabby woman posted from a pay phone 10 feet from her desk. After being on hold for 1 hour, I very politely asked her if she could step over my way as I had a question. She refused, even though she was standing at an empty desk. I explained that if I hung up and walk to her, the last hour would be wasted. She said "that's not my problem". All I wanted to know was whether or not we should give up for the night and find a hotel in Toronto. She picked up her purse from the desk and walked away in the middle of my sentence.
I tried another Air Canada agent at another desk that was also empty. I just wanted information and directions. She stood there and talked on her cell phone to her girlfriend for 15 minutes as I watched, before finally looking at me and yelling "I'm on the phone - can't you see that", and continued talking about last night's party.
This seemed pointless, so I walked off in search of SOMEONE who could direct me.
I spent 1 hour wandering around Pearson Airport trying to find the Air Canada customer service desk. Never did. I'm not a stupid person and can follow directions. None posted.
Finally I left the secure area and tried the main Air Canada ticketing desk. A very rude "Air Canada Ambassador" (insert sarcastic snort here) was yelling at the group that this was not the desk for rebooking a flight, but only for buying tickets. "Where do we go to rebook?," said the group of dazed cattle. "I don't know," she snapped and walked off.
I went back through security again (always a pleasant experience) and wandered with the rest of the passengers. The elderly man was sitting down, he had no idea what to do, or where to go and could not continue walking around and around.
Finally, I stopped an Air Canada pilot walking through with is flight luggage. That's right, a PILOT, and politely asked him if we should give up for the night. He was the only human who treated me with courtesy, and he and a navigator walked me to another Air Canada gate and asked the woman there if she could get me on a flight to Winnipeg. Credit where it's due, she tried and did provide a boarding pass on the next flight, but warned the plane was still in Ottawa so would be delayed another 2 hours at least, if it arrived at all. At this point, I had been in transit over 22 hours and was ready to pass out.
I went to sit down for 5 minutes and have a bit of water and think of what to do. I then went back to the gate only to find it deserted. I could no longer find my flight on the departures board, so I went BACK OUT SECURITY again to find the "Air Canada Ambassador" (insert snort). I asked, very politely, if she could tell me if my flight had again been cancelled and what I should do, as it was no longer on the departure board. She said, "How should I know, do I look like I have a departure board in front of me?" I said, what do you recommend? She snapped that I should go back through security to my original gate. I explained it was deserted. She walked off in the middle of my sentence.
I went BACK THROUGH SECURITY again (that's three times for one domestic flight, each time having my luggage searched) and finally found a departure board the showed the gate of my flight to Winnipeg had been changed, but the flight was not cancelled. It was at least another 1/4 mile walk back through the terminal to the other side, where lo-and-behold, there was my flight departure gate and the 100 CUSTOMERS I had been wandering with for the past 8 hours.
I saw the pilot who had helped me earlier also waiting and went to thank him for helping me. I will not use his name to protect him, but he said he is embarrassed by the treatment Air Canada gives it's customers and HE ALSO HAD BEEN ON THE PHONE FOR THREE HOURS, trying to get information on what plane he was supposed to fly, and said the PILOTS are treated one mere step above the customers. He also said he is waiting for retirement desperately and tells all his friends and relatives to fly WestJet.
The flight was again delayed 2 hours, because this time, while we had an airplane ready and a pilot and co-pilot ready to fly, there was no steward crew.
Finally after 29 hours of being in transit with this airline, I was in my seat ready to head home. My overhead light did not work, nor did the in-seat television screen. I politely mentioned this to the stewardess and said "I realize you can't fix it now, but you might want to make note of it". She snapped "I can hardly do anything about it now". I re-explained that I realized this, and was just pointing it out so she could make note and tell the maintenance crew and she said "I guess you'll have to be content with sitting here with your eyes closed." I am not making this up.
The steward on this flight made a deliberate point of bumping my arm on every pass through the cabin. I really don't know why, as the seat across the aisle was open and there was plenty of room and I merely had my arm on the armrest - that is what's it's there for. He acted like a man who thought he was doing us the biggest favor possible by bringing a cart of water through the cabin.
I will sum up the hell of this experience by saying that yes, we CUSTOMERS do realize Air Canada does not control the weather and that flight delays are a part of travel. All we wanted was some information, communication and assistance to get home. What we got was silence, sarcasm and indifference.
Were it not for this kind pilot, I would likely still be lying on the floor of Pearson Airport. As with everyone who has posted here, I too can say, I WILL NEVER FLY AIR CANADA AGAIN. It was a debacle from start to finish and I've never been treated so poorly by a business before. With the exception of 1 per cent of the staff that do try to be human (thank you to the kind pilot and the woman who did book my on the following flight), Air Canada is staffed by surly, angry and indifferent human beings who could not care any less.
I don't know if this is a symptom of morale problems within the company and unhappy staff, but if it is, I recommend these individuals leave their positions and find something that makes them happier. They're going to have to leave soon anyway, as more and more and more of us refuse to use this airline. It is my sincerest wish that bankruptcy follow shortly. I don't say that lightly as a Canadian. If you are reading this, try WestJet. At present, they still seem to try to accommodate the paying CUSTOMER. Air Canada might want to take some lessons.
Arrived in Toronto.
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Anonymous on 12/28/2008:
Worst airline in the world. My sister-in-law is a flight attendant with Air Canada and she has admitted that, because they are unionized, they don't bother being polite to customers because they are protected by the union and complaints will be disregarded. Unfortunately, no flight on Air Canada will ever be pleasant. Fly WestJet (if you can stand the annoying staff with their onboard "jokes").
jktshff1 on 12/28/2008:
There were quite a few delays Dec 23-27 due to weather. The stewards don't necessarily know the layout of all the airports they connect with. Do your homework, Pearson has a good website with directions. Why would you expect a Canadian to speak Russian? Christmas and airport were a pain this year.
Anonymous on 12/28/2008:
Finaciallyfit...."Worst airline in the world?" Hardly, one of the highest rated airlines in the world, with numerous awards. An excellent J class product, Star Alliance model.
The majority of North American airlines have unionized flight attendants(AA,DL,NW,US,CO,etc) Bad customer service is individual and situation specific and I doubt systemic to AC.
Ben There on 12/29/2008:
Flying Westjet would be a better option if only they flew to anywhere besides Canada and some beach destinations. I have not had any major problems with AC, but I have only used them to/from USA and Canada. I have noticed that the staff in Toronto are a bit more rude than than those in Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver.
Buddy01 on 12/29/2008:
I was wondering about you getting a seat on that other flight. How did all those other rebooked people get their tickets since it was only a chance meeting with a pilot that you got yours?
Anonymous on 12/29/2008:
kak dela ya ruski.
Anonymous on 12/30/2008:
Perhaps, VF-213, I should have said one of the worst airlines to be fair.I've travelled all of the American airlines, a majority of the European and Asian airlines and I stand by my assertion that Air Canada is one of the worst. From experience, I know that bad service from flight attendants is not limited to AC, but I only rarely ran into decent service from AC FAs. Awards are one thing, customer experience another.
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Poor Customer Service - Lost Baggage/Travelling With Infant
Posted by
VANCOUVER -- I was very disappointed with my experience with your airline on April 1, 2008. I was traveling with my 8 month old infant. I reached the gate with my stroller and before entering the aircraft, received no assistance with my stroller. One of the flight attendants saw me struggling with my diaper bag, my carry on and my baby trying to get the stroller folded up. Instead of coming to assist me, she continued to fix her hair. I finally managed to fold up my stroller just as one of the other attendants came to help me. I was very surprised because I have flown with Air Canada a number of times and have never experienced this before.
Upon arrival at the Vancouver airport, I discovered that my car seat did not arrive. I stood there waiting at the special baggage claim only to learn that no one knew where my car seat was (it was bad enough that three flights had their baggage directed to one carousel). When I went to the desk to inquire about my seat, the gentleman gave me a file number and offered me a loaner seat. He also mentioned that the belt I had put my car seat on in Toronto had been breaking down all day. Why I wasn't told this when I checked in at Toronto, I'm not quite sure. He brought out a seat and I asked him what the history was and he said he knew that the seat had never been in any accidents. I am not sure how he could be so sure of this unless he was the seat at all times but I felt I had to take his word for it.
There was no sticker with the date of manufacture on it so I also had to ask what year it was made (it is not safe to use a seat that is more than 5 years old), he didn't know but said that it was less than 5 years old. Despite the lack of comfort I felt, I was offered no other choice so I thought I would try it. I finally managed to install the base of the seat 30 minutes later. At this point my baby had fallen asleep. Thinking I was ready to leave a transferred him from his stroller to the car seat only to realize that I could not tighten the straps. Vey upset, I Marched back in to the airport, carrying my son in the seat to have someone show me how to tighten the straps. Someone else was at the desk and he didn't know how to tighten the straps (I had to take my sleeping son out of the seat so he could try to figure it out) so he decided to get me a different seat. He brought out a seat without a base and I told him I need one with a base. So he again disappears into the back and brings me a different seat. So now I had to go back to the car and return the base to the first seat and then figure out how to install the second seat.
Again there was no date of manufacture on the seat and the gentleman told me it was his old seat and showed me how to tighten the straps. This seat however, was in much better condition than the first seat. I do not understand why I was not offered this seat to begin with. Regardless, I proceeded to put my son in this seat and tried to tighten the straps. I could not get them tight enough (there should onlybe one finger-breadth between your child and the strap). I had someone tighten the straps for me and then proceeded home. This ordeal resulted in an extra 90 minutes at the airport (my flight was also delayed so this made the night even longer!). I called the baggage claim number on my way home from the airport and I was told that they had no information on my seat. This was very upsetting but I was told to call back the next morning and that they would know more at that time.
The next morning, they had located my seat and the web said it was scheduled for delivery at 7am. I received a call at 7am telling me asking me if I would be home between 12pm and 3pm as that would be the window in which it would be delivered. This was not acceptable to me as I had many things to do, most important of which was to go to the store to buy food for my son. I could not use the loaner seat because I was unable to get the straps tight enough and was not willing to risk driving with him unless he was properly strapped in. I was told to call Air Canada by the delivery driver. After being on hold for 30 minutes, I managed to have an agent answer my call. I explained the situation to her and told her how I believed my seat should be a priority as I was unable to do anything unless my son was with me (I had nowhere to leave him and no one to get food for me).
After much complaining on my part, she said she would try to have it to me before 12 but could not make any guarantees. She confirmed my address and phone number where I could be reached. She then asked me for my Aeroplan number. As I was providing this information to her, she somehow ended hanging up on me. I waited for her to call me back (I wasn't going to sit on hold again and she had just confirmed my phone number so I expected her to call me back) but she didn't. My seat also did not arrive until 2:59pm.
This resulted in me losing a day of vacation (it was already a short trip). I have sent a complaint to the airline and have yet to hear back. I love the fact that you can't speak to anyone in person...the only thing they provide you with is a complaint page on their website. This airline prides itself in providing "value-added customer service." I have yet to see this. I guess I can always pay $25 to talk to someone on the phone.
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GothicSmurf on 04/09/2008:
What a horrible experience, but if you have no one to watch your son, but didn't want to use your loaner car seat to get groceries then why such a fuss?
yoke on 04/09/2008:
As frustrating as it was for you the airline did the best they could. You are lucky to have gotten your carseat so fast.
Anonymous on 04/09/2008:
Aside from the staffer grooming herself while you struggled with the stroller, I think the carrier performed very well for you.
rebellovebone on 06/09/2008:
I agree fully with yoke and ghost here...you seem very hard to please, tis life my dear, tis life...
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Incredibly rude, minimalist rigid service
Posted by
TORONTO, OHIO -- March 16th 2008
Toronto's Pearson Intl Airport at 5:30am - 7:30am
Arriving at the airport I immediately spoke to a Air Canada counter clerk to ask where to be directed for my flight to Chicago. With slight misdirection I clarified with AC Jazz and not United. Then I was referred to the right place for check-in. Arriving at check-in I waited in line to speak to a clerk at the beginning of the line-up and was told I needed to do a self check-in. Not knowing how to do it, I attempted several times. No luck. When the attendant freed up I asked for assistance. I was told to re-try some things to which I replied it didn't work. She then saw for herself that the machines could not read my barcode (the official web printout was too big) and I was told to go to another counter for regular check-in.
And then the problems began.
Arriving at the counter. As I waited for attendants that were chatting amongst themselves to finish up and notice me but before that could happen I noticed another attendant in the back and asked her for assistance. I felt relieved to be able to speak to someone whom I thought could help.
I explained that I had been running around from counter to counter and had no luck with the self check-in. When she asked for the flight number she stated that I was too late to check-in. It was now 7:02am. And this is where the problems began.
Though I think it was somewhat rude and irritating to be completely denied any help after being told I was too late (again by 2 minutes!!!). Air Canada being the national carrier I cannot understand that some employees are hard-line minimalists and seem to relish their hard stances with customers misfortunes.
She gave me no help asides suggesting I leave my luggage behind for my trip! Or perhaps having someone else fly with me. I then mentioned that it was important that she try something, anything to get me on that flight at 7 as I had a connecting flight (separately booked, yet with Star Alliance, ANA from Chicago to Narita NH011 leaving Chicago at 10:45am) She suggested I go to the ticketing counter for help on another flight to Chicago.
Feeling helpless that she was just a do-as-little-as-I-can worker I asked to speak to her boss. She went to fetch Elizabeth. Elizabeth re-iterated the same thing in even more of a hard-line fashion. I received even less help from her. Not only that but the tone of voice and manner with which she spoke to me was incredibly rude and NOT warranted in any scenario. I felt as if I was the one that had done something wrong. I explained that I had been given the run around and self-check did not work. To which she replied that 90minutes is ample time to check-in give that the first 30 minutes before the flight are to sort out people with troubles. Unfortunately she did not want to hear my side of the story and I only had one option which was to seek the ticketing office.
The next flight with United was too late for me to connect to my Chicago flight to Japan. I am completely taken aback by this treatment and extremely disappointed by the treatment I received.
I used to be proud to be a Canadian and using air Canada but if this is the face of things to come I cannot in good conscience recommend nor mention Air Canada to anyone wishing to travel by airplane.
In short, though I am now stuck in Toronto and out of TWO airplane tickets due to some inflexible and non-empathetic clerks and rules. It would have been at the very LEAST a decent thing for Elizabeth to be a little more courteous and the other staff members more willing and less anal to help.
On the upside at the ticketing booth, a certain Kim was very nice and helpful. But as for Elizabeth (who didn't give me anymore information than that when asked) I believe she requires more in depth customer skills training or a return back to BASIC customer service seminars.
Extremely disappointed and stuck in Toronto,
After I spoke to kim who offered me a direct flight to Japan One way 2400$CDN or return 1500$ I opted to not bother with Air Canada anymore. I chose to go with the cheapest airline I could find on such short notice. I flew Continental from Toronto-Newark-Tokyo for 940$tax in (return).
Better food, better service, better entertainment, better plane. It wasn't perfect but miles above Air Canada already.
I don't expect Air Canada to respond to my complaint which is pretty much the same as I wrote here minus names. I don't even expect them to read it, let alone offer any compensation! Nor do I expect the Toronto Star or Toronto Sun papers to pick this up either so I guess I'll try the Canadian Transportation Authorities.
I will NOT let this go! I lost a great opportunity in Japan, plus a days wages, plus stress caused, wasted tickets, PLUS the new ticket!
In the unlikely event that they should contact me an update will be posted.
UPDATE THURSDAY APRIL 10th 2008
Below is a summary of your request and our response.
Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.
You may also update this correspondence by replying to this message.
Because your reply will be automatically processed, you MUST enter your reply in the space below. Text entered into any other part of this message will be discarded.
[===> Please enter your reply below this line Please enter your reply above this line <===]
If your issue remains unresolved, please update this question at
Rude Service at Check-in
Discussion Thread
Response (David Jones) - 04/10/2008 09:37 AM
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX:
Thank you for your email. We appreciate the time you have taken to write to us and are pleased to address your concerns.
At Air Canada, we make every effort to respect the scheduled departure time of all flights. A delay of even a few minutes can result in the loss of a take-off position. This, in turn can impact an entire day's operations and further inconvenience a greater number of customers.
The absolute deadline for check-in of all flights is as follows; within Canada - 30 minutes, to and from the United States - 60 minutes, and Internationally - 60 minutes. Our systems are programmed such that they will not accept passengers who do not meet these requirements.
Pre-assigned seats will be held only until the established check-in cut-off time. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the reassignment of any pre-assigned seats and the cancellation of the reservation. Passenger acceptance deadline information is provided with all airline tickets and is part of the conditions of carriage. Your Toronto to Chicago coupon is available for use for one year from the original date of issue subject to any fees that may apply. Regretfully, we are unable to assist with the other ticket you have booked as the journeys were separately ticketed.
We are truly sorry to learn of the circumstances that led to your not being able to board AC 501 on March 16 to Chicago and the resulting missed connection to ANA. We are aware that our operation is judged primarily by the image and service of our public contact personnel. All employees are expected to perform their duties in a courteous, friendly and efficient manner with a full appreciation of our customers' needs. Air Canada has a genuine desire to improve its service levels and your feedback is one of the most important means we have to achieve this goal. Clearly, in this case, we fell short and did not meet your expectations. Your concerns will be forwarded on to the Toronto Customer Service Manager for internal review.
Once again, we sincerely regret the inconveniences you have encountered and assure you we are working hard to earn your continued loyalty. We hope you will allow us a future opportunity to provide you with a more pleasant travel experience.
David Jones
Customer Relations
Though better than nothing this still just isn't enough and leaves everything hanging. This solves nothing. Air Canada I want more than the typical customized template response! I want action! This is for your good (and mine) in the end!
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PMSNBC on 03/16/2008:
Air Canada is under control of the federal government. Many people, employed by the government, will give you poor service because they know that they have a job for life. This poor attitude, by government employees, even occurs in the United States, especially in agencies like the TSA or the post office.
Ben There on 03/16/2008:
"Air Canada is under control of the federal government." - Air Canada has been a completely private company going on about 20 years now...
bigboxworker on 03/16/2008:
Air Canada is not run by the government it is a private company for many years now. It has crappy service because in Canada there are no other Airlines that offer direct routes to the vast amount of destinations offered by Air Canada, and for the price point set by Air Canada.
Anonymous on 03/16/2008:
I used to fly Air Canada from Portland, OR to Hong Kong every couple of months. I did find their prices to be, usually, several hundred dollars cheaper than the other alternatives.
The first few flights were fine, however, the service did seem to go downhill as time went on and the flight attendants, especially, were pretty abrupt. And that's from someone who rarely requests anything.
When I tried to book flights to use my miles, that was impossible. I would try 3-6 months in advance, and there was never anything available. I finally cashed them in for dining certificates--which were nowhere near the value that a flight would have been.
So, I will be going to Singapore in May and, guess what Air Canada, I will be using another airline--Cathay Pacific seems to have their act together. It makes you wonder how many customers have switched.
Thanks for the post globe trotter. You let me know that I made the right choice--and that they are still going down-hill.
PleasedAsPunch on 03/17/2008:
I understand the disappointment you feel. My mother, brother and I flew into Canada from England via Canada Air then were supposed to connect from there for a flight to Rochester, NY. They are the most disrespectful bunch I have ever had to deal with, and that was BEFORE the problems started. After we were stranded in Pearson Airport due to our flight cancellation caused by bad weather, we were treated like pariahs. I vowed I would NEVER, EVER use Canada Air again.
bargod on 03/17/2008:
That's always the trouble when one company has a monopoly.
Anonymous on 03/17/2008:
Excellent point Bargod.
Anonymous on 03/17/2008:
They may be the only (major) Canadian airline, but you can fly other airlnes out of Canada. Maybe they will start to get it when their customers continue to flock (no pun intended) to other airlines.
I guess if you have to fly in-country, you have no choice, but I wouldn't choose them if there are alternatives when flying out-of-country.
bigboxworker on 03/17/2008:
there are lots of alternatives in canada when flying out of the country, but Air Canada still has a monopoly because they are the only Airline in Canada that offers the most non stop routes out of Canada and they often offer prices that are very competitive.
Ben There on 03/19/2008:
Someone should tell Westjet that there are no other domestic Canadian airlines besides Air Canada... They think they fly to 40 cities in Canada, USA and Mexico. Silly them.
rudybjr on 05/01/2009:
Airline employees are always going to seem rude and not helpful when you arrive late. They can't reopen a closed flight. The comment about Elizabeth being less of a help....Helping you in your mind was probably, open a closed flight, delay it until you get to the gate and inconvenience everyone. Sorry, doesn't work that way.
Flyer on 01/23/2013:
I never fly with AirCanada anymore.
I would rather fly via the USA for less money, and with more ease.
Canadian borders as a Canadian are increasingly become more frustrating to cross from abroad. (but not the US)
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Not Allowed To Fly - I Am Disabled
Posted by
VANCOUVER, BC -- AIR CANADA – to Los Angeles – NOT!
Attempt to travel to Los Angeles from Vancouver on New Year's EVE via AIR CANADA was ended when the pilot had me removed from the plane. It was his decision that I needed a medical certificate to fly after having a coughing reaction to perfume as we just started to back out after the plane loaded. I had fully recovered – was seen to by AIR CANADA STAFF and by ambulance paramedics who agreed that I was fine but the captain of AIR CANADA FLIGHT 554 on December 31, 2005, decided that I would not fly on his plane. That began another host of unfortunate events which saw not only that I did not have my vacation, but that I did not return home until almost midnight without having had any meals or beverages (except a coffee with Danielle, the only saving grace that AIR CANADA can claim), no access to my medications that were in my luggage, and not much empathy from a clearly overworked and very tired staff.
I booked my ticket through Air CANADA'S WEB SITE and since there is no avenue for identifying my special NEEDS, I SPOKE TO A TICKET AGENT by telephone AS I BOOKED IT SO I COULD MAKE SURE I COULD BE SEATED WITH MY ATTENDANT, LET THEM KNOW I USED A WHEELCHAIR FOR MOBILITY, AND THAT I WAS EXTREMELY ALLERGIC TO PERFUME. This information was, as far as I know recorded in my file. When we arrived at the first counter, I again let them know about my special needs and my allergies. I wear a double medical mask to protect myself as best I can from inhaling the particles. At Vancouver Airport all passengers are forced to go through the DUTY FREE store in order to go through Customs where there are many perfume molecules in the air, so this is the first place my lungs became agitated. At the counter at the gate I once again identified my problems and special needs to the agent at the desk who said to make sure to let the purser know. Since I use a wheelchair, I promised I would tell the staff when I was preboarded. I immediately let the staff know and they seemed accommodating. At every turn I was honest and informative with Air Canada staff letting them know what might happen and that I had medication to handle the situation should it arise - and that I may need Emergency Oxygen should the reaction be severe. I even explained a previous experience to one flight attendant. She nodded in understanding. It was not until one of last three passengers boarded that I experienced some respiratory distress, took out my ventolin, coughed (as I do when reacting) and chewed a Benadryl. The flight attendant asked if she could help and I said Oxygen would help (as it clears the chemical from my lungs, and is not the systemic and dangerous jolt that epinephrine –the epi-pen, would provide- which is really more medicine that I needed for that reaction). Within seconds I was fine… but the decision to end my flight was made. My holiday was ruined and the flight of the rest of the passengers was delayed while that poor decision was made.
Danielle, an Air Canada ground employee, decided to try valiantly to save my holiday, but was given wrong information by her own company all along the way. First she was told that my family physician could FAX in a medical clearance so we managed to get hold of the doctor, get her FAXED the necessary forms, which she prepared to FAX to the MEDICAL DESK at AIR CANADA. After wasting my doctor's time and energy, it turned out she would be required to examine me again at that time to determine my fitness to travel, which was not feasible since I was at the airport and she was a 4 hour round trip away (and it was New Year's EVE!) Meanwhile, the medical clinic at the airport which had been open when this fiasco began was now closed so that option disappeared while my poor doctor was attempting to get clearance for me. More phone calls were made. A promise was made to let my traveling partner know I would be coming to meet him the next morning – he did not receive any messages from Air Canada when he deplaned in Los Angeles – nor did he get any message on the flight before he deplaned. He had no idea they were working on saving the vacation for me.
By this time all the walk-in clinics in Richmond had closed and I had to go to Richmond Hospital Emergency Clinic to get clearance to fly. I arrived there at 4:30 and saw a doctor at 6:15 and had the needed note in my hand by 6:30. Danielle, from AIR CANADA, had arranged for me to stay for $82.00 plus tax at a nearby hotel so I could fly out in the morning. I agreed that it might be a worthy investment to save my holiday. AIR CANADA did not offer to pay this expense. The hotel was near the hospital but it was raining and cold and dark so I could not wheel myself to this hotel. Wheelchair taxis were averaging over an hour wait. The hotel said they would come and pick me up. I had a contact at the hotel named HAYMAN who kept promising they would pick me up shortly – I communicated several times with him by cell phone – which meant I had to exit the hospital into the cold night air as cell phones are not allowed at Richmond hospital. I also was now unable to get hold of anyone at the MEDA desk number DANIELLE had given me for AIR CANADA – I just got a recording every time I called. (My cell phone records will document all my outbound calls.) If I did fly out, I would have no way of connecting with my partner…I phoned the hotel again -I finally gave them my cell number – still no one came – at 8:30 I called again in tears and was given the hotel manager who said he knew nothing about it and would send someone – I asked them to bring my luggage to the hospital then phoned my son to come and get me and take me home to Anmore. I arrived home just after 11:30 PM.
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Ponie on 01/03/2006:
I've read this letter several times and hesitated to respond. I was afraid I'd come off as being insensitive to the disabled. I'm not. I go out of my way to assist anyone who is disabled. But, I think you're asking too much. Everyone involved did their best to accommodate you, yet you lodge a very detailed complaint. Why do you expect the rest of society to jump through hoops because you have a disability? I think you're selfish and have a 'poor me' attitude. Where can you go in this world without encountering someone who uses perfume, cologne, etc.? I have that blasted allergy to shellfish, so don't go into a seafood restaurant for dinner. I think it would be best if you stay within the confines of your own home and live in a bubble.
spiderman2 on 01/03/2006:
I don't think you are allowed to bring your own oxygen on airplanes. They will provide it for you (at a cost). Also, people that have certain medical conditions that make it hard to breathe, will be exacerbated in the air. I'm sure this is why they wanted this passenger to have medical clearance. I know it inconveniced this person, but if there would have been an in-air incident, can you imagine the lawsuit!
CrazyRedHead on 01/04/2006:
Also, why would you put you medication in your luggage? Why not keep it with you in a carry on bag?
llodge on 07/10/2006:
All I can say is what a disgrace. The management of Air Canada should be ashamed, not to mention the flight captain. I am very sorry for your pain and frustration.
judyblucky on 02/07/2010:
I am disabled with Cerebral Palsy and I feel for you but also at the same time the pilot was right to return you to the gate.Imagine what he may have faced if you didn't recover or if somebody around you decided to break out a fresh bottle of channel #5.
Anonymous on 02/07/2010:
The pilot has every right to deny ANYONE they feel is either a danger to the passengers, the plane, or possibly in need of medical attention. Think about it. What if you are in the air, and someone sprays some perfume. You could literally DIE before they could land. Then imagine the lawsuits your family would file for the AIRLINE'S negligence.
And think about this for a moment. A few years ago people were flying with simple colds and coughs...which turned into a pandemic called SARS. I am sorry, OP, but when I am on a plane, I expect the pilot to care more about my life than your feelings.
Anonymous on 02/08/2010:
What they say is true. If I were the captain, the minute you told the attendants that you might require oxygen, I'd have sent you packing too. Knowing the problems that you may have, why wouldn't you have done all this beforehand?
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Clint Bowyer 10 - quart Insulated Cooler
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NASCAR fans: The Clint Bowyer 10 - quart Insulated Cooler is the officially - licensed way to keep your "cold ones" cold!
Made in the USA and ready for race day! The front-end of Clint's #15 5-hour Energy car, expertly detailed with a high-definition vinyl decal wrap. Under the hood you'll find dual wet / dry compartments for favorite drinks and snacks.Start your engines:
- 6 1/ 2 quarts wet or dry storage area
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- Super strong HDPE plastic, 100% recyclable
- HDPE liner FDA-approved material for direct food contact
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Roasted Salmon with Rosemary-Garlic Rub
(recipe for Rosemary-Garlic Rub and salmon recipe created by Kalyn. This rub is good on salmon, chicken, or pork, so make the full amount and store in a glass jar.)
Rosemary-Garlic Rub Ingredients:
4 T sea salt
2 T dried cracked rosemary (see note)
2 T granulated garlic (not garlic powder)
1 T coarse grind black pepper
1 T Spike Seasoning (optional, but recommended)
Rub Instructions:
Roasted Salmon Ingredients:
1 piece salmon per person
2 tsp. olive oil for each piece of salmon
1-2 tsp. Rosemary-Garlic Rub for each piece of salmon
(Use about 1 tsp. of rub divided between both sides of the salmon unless it's quite a large piece of salmon.)
South Beach Suggestions:
More Phase One Salmon to Savor:
Foil-Baked Salmon with Basil Pesto and Tomatoes
Friday Night Grilled Salmon Two Ways
Roasted Salmon with Balsamic Sauce
Greek Salmon Cooked in a Grill Pan
Herb Encrusted Grilled Salmon
Grilled Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato, Olive, and Caper Relish


text:
I would like this very much, not only as I would get a Illumina figure but a bio to solve her mystery!!
I would like this very much, not only as I would get a Illumina figure but a bio to solve her mystery!!
Check out my MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE ART & More at my ART BLOG!!!
JafariStew's ART BLOG!! UPDATED 11.2.14!!
"Revenge is like JAFARI STEW, it tastes best served cold..." ~SKELETOR (the Beginning part 2)
It would have been cool to get her in the 200X line. But you know a MOTUC version of her would just be another repainted Teela body with a new head. No thanks, I'll pass.
Good Buyers/Sellers/Traders: Royalt1us, chrisbryan, AGE, UnemployedSkeletor, EwR-Disaster, Kero, jaggerart, Uki, skully, overlordofevil, Neo, He-Bruely, returnofplex, Jonny Tyler, Herewegoagain, lemure77, bigassbuzz. (if I've had a transaction with you and your not on this list, please remind me.)
I definitely would want Illumina and her cat! I've wanted one as soon as I saw her. A He-Man.org exclusive would be WICKED!
Re-Used parts:
- Teela buck (obviously)
- Evil-Lyn cape (if they make it)
New Parts:
- Head
- Dual spear weapon
Her cat would be almost 100% re-used:
- Battle Cat buck
- Clawdeen saddle (it's almost identical, just 200X-ized with a blanket underneith)
Only new part would be a head piece (crown, if you will)
Take part in Illumina Day! Let people know who she is and help get her in MOTUC.
You can join the Illumina Facebook page here!
Tweet Me!
I've just changed my profile picture because we got Geldor in MOTUC!
I'd definetly buy her! Maybe they could release her as a "sub Exclusive" for 2011?
I could go for her and the cat as a deluxe SDCC set.
Quote the Raven, Nevermore.
It can't rain all the time.
"Live the journey, for every destination is but a doorway to another."
The Blonde Teela (Battleground and Alcala Teela) Thread
MegaGearMax's 200X/MYP Screen Grabs
Sagitar 200X Prince Adam 200X Sorceress Evilseed (MYP)
Take part in Illumina Day! Let people know who she is and help get her in MOTUC.
You can join the Illumina Facebook page here!
Wanna try something new? visit http://adam032010.proboards.com/index.cgi!!
My .org feedback thread: http://he-man.org/forums/boards/showthread.php?t=71883
I would gladly take an Illumina figure. I loved the MVC comics (Great job Val, Emiliano, and Company!). (I still need the last issue, though. If anyone cn help a fella out, PM me! )
Not to sound like a creepy cheerleader for Uki, but it's nice to know there is at least one person on this forum who is extremely positive & friendly all the time. I don't think I could be that nice even if you paid me. If we ever give out awards for "forum member of the month", Uki gets my vote. -Mr. Shokoti
Subscribe for MOTU Minis 2015!!!
Shes stunning! But I have a feeling that Mattel may shy away from blue skinned figures,after the Avatar abominations have been peg warming for a few months-Years!!
hmmmm.........I wonder if shes Skeletors Mother?
If you want Illumina let mattel know here! Mattel doesn't seem to want to do her... maybe they need to know how much we want her! Plus she's easy to do... not a lot of new tools... and they could even make her cat, stretching out the battle cat mold again!
Last edited by Patreek; February 10, 2010 at 12:23am.
Who wants a fan-pitched character?
I do!!!!!!
A Want List of Sorts: Peekablue, Saurod, Veena, Calix, Evilseed, 200X Head Pack, Mara, Point Dread & The Talon Fighter... and all the other POP & NA characters.
Fan pitched my fanny ! It was suppossed to be canon until Mattel went all ape poo and dictated the comic. Yes, Toyguru I want one ! Please Please Please. And if you don't make one, I bet Hunter Knight would be more than happy to take my cash and make one !
I'm sorry, that came off a little bratty. I just really like Illumina. I don't know anything about her, but her design is wicked ! Love it. Easy repaint ! C'mon Mattel!
Once you kill the cow, you gotta make a burger
Positive Trade with : Thehorde,
I would like one......but please.......no more Teela body repaints.
Keep The "Classicized" 200x Heads in MOTUC!
Matty Savings For the Year because of No DOS Purchases: $210
What was this fan pitched idea, and who is this fan? Can anyone shed any light on this??
I support Illumina. Avatar sold like a billion tickets in the theatre.. There's no reason 3D blue people who ride beasts can't make make money in MOTUC either!!
She just don't impress me.
big geek
Wanna try something new? visit http://adam032010.proboards.com/index.cgi!!
My .org feedback thread: http://he-man.org/forums/boards/showthread.php?t=71883
I was hoping there was some sort of "create-a-character" contest I didn't know about.. and the winner has an appearance in the MVC Comic.
But calling the people who worked on the official comic during the 200X time period fans is pretty rude, imo.
I bought their comics in a brick and mortar store!! I didn't think you could buy fan fiction like that.. this really leaves a bad taste in my mouth...
whatever.. it'll be a different story next week.. "we just found out we can put out illumina with unflocked ears"


text:
NCLB Update
Back to School Checklist
TQ Source
Results Agenda
From the Interagency Staff...
Quote to Note
Upcoming Events
NCLB Update (http://www.nochildleftbehind.gov/)
In a recent letter, Secretary Paige reminds the nation's superintendents that the arts are a core academic subject under the No Child Left Behind Act andcontrary to prevailing opinionNCLB provides funding and flexibility that can be used to improve art education. "I believe the arts have a significant role in education, both for their intrinsic value and for the ways in which they can enhance general academic achievement and improve students' social and emotional development," he asserts. "The arts, perhaps more than any other subject, help students to understand themselves and others, whether they lived in the past or are living in the present." The Secretary cites Title I (disadvantaged students), Title II (teacher quality), and Title V (innovative programs) as funding streams to support the core subjects. For example, Arizona is utilizing $4 million in Comprehensive School Reform (Title I, Part F) funds to support the arts at 43 schools throughout the state. He also references research that shows the arts serve as a "critical link" to help students develop thinking skills and become motivated to achieve at higher levels. For more information, please go to http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/secletter/040701.html.
As states release their 2003-04 student achievement data, the Education Trust, a non-profit organization whose mission is to make schools work for all children, has released two documents explaining the accountability and public reporting provisions of No Child Left Behind. "ABCs of AYP" (http://www2.edtrust.org/NR/rdonlyres/37B8652D-
84F4-4FA1-AA8D-319EAD5A6D89/0/ABCAYP.PDF) details new rules for limited English proficient students, students with disabilities, and participation rates. "Questions to Ask About NCLB Reports" (http://www2.edtrust.org/NR/rdonlyres/8ABC094A-8403
-471B-A9F4-9C9D28A751AF/0/QuestionstoAsk.pdf) is a guide to information that should be publicly available.
Revised guidance regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act addresses three issues: whether children awaiting foster care placement are eligible for McKinney-Vento services; whether children displaced from their homes by a disaster are eligible for McKinney-Vento services; and whether a school district must provide transportation services to homeless children attending preschool. For more information, please go to http://www.ed.gov/programs/homeless/guidance.pdf.
Back to School Checklist
With some students already back in school and most returning in the upcoming weeks, Secretary Paige unveiled a three-page checklist of questions and tips for parents, schools, and the community. The checklist is sorted by "Academic Curriculum and Achievement" ("Does the school district have written guidelines on the amount of homework given for each grade level?"), "Helping Parents and Students," "Teacher Training and Quality," and "Student Discipline." For more information, please go to http://www.ed.gov//parents/academic/involve/nclbchecklist.html.
Also: OIIA's "Tools for Student Success" catalog presents brief descriptions of available material for parents and teachers, as well as information on how to obtain these publications in hard copy or online at no cost. For more information, please go to http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/tools-for-success/.
TQ Source
TQ Source (http://www.tqsource.org/), a new collaboration between the Education Commission of the States (ECS) and the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, contains a multitude of resources for teacher quality issues. Currently, TQ Source provides resources for teacher preparation, recruitment, and retention. Resources under each of these issues include: state policy (policy information for all 50 states); data (user-customized graphs and tables based on reliable data); publications (summaries of publications and research); and initiatives (information about teacher quality initiatives and programs). Resources for other teacher quality issues, such as certification, licensure, and professional development, will be posted as they become available.
Results Agenda
Accountability is a mantra Secretary Paige not only advocates on the road but practices at home. As evidence, the "U.S. Department of Education's Results Agenda" highlights valuable results that the people of the agency are producing, describes how the agency is operating more effectively to produce results, discusses how a results-oriented enterprise benefits the people of the organization, and outlines additional results that are in the process of being realized. Consider the following paragraph:
"From a financial management perspective, the Department of Education is unique among federal government agencies. The Department has a high number of appropriations (over 200) for which it must manage, consolidate, and account. Yet it maintains the smallest number of employees while managing the third largest discretionary budget of Cabinet-level agencies.... This achievement is evidenced by the Department's 'clean opinions' on the audits of its fiscal year 2002 and 2003 financial statements. (In the history of the Department, a clean opinion has been received only once before in 1997.)"
Bulleted lists of results are also offered for elementary and secondary education, postsecondary education, special education and rehabilitative services, evidence-based education, and civil rights. For more information, please go to http://www.ed.gov/about/reports/annual/results2004/.
According to a new report from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 1.1 million children, or 2.2 percent of the country's children ages 5-17, received their education at home in 2003. That number represents a 29 percent increase from 1999, when 850,000 children, or 1.7 percent of the country's school-age children, were being homeschooled. And, more than 60 percent of the parents who homeschooled said they did so for one of two reasons: they were concerned about the environment in their children's regular schools or they wanted to provide religious or moral instruction. Only 16 percent claimed dissatisfaction with the academic instruction at other schools as the most important reason for homeschooling. For more information, please go to http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2004115.
From the Interagency Staff...
Thanks to a $320,000 grant from the Qwest Foundation, the congressionally charged National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial is distributing educational CD-ROMs that allow students to explore important aspects of the expedition through the eyes of historians and American Indians. The CD-ROM includes a curriculum for fourth- through twelfth-grades designed by a team of educators from Philadelphia and St. Louis and linked to National Council for Social Studies and National Science Teachers Association standards; teachers can easily incorporate three to six lesson units into existing lesson plans. For more information, please go to http://www.backtoschoolwithlewisandclark.org/.
Quote to Note
"There is a culture of callousness around us. Everywhere we see violence, crime, disrespect, hatred, indifference, and disregard. The culture of callousness spreads like a disease, infecting our music, our movies, our motives, and our minds. Skepticism, nihilism, and relativism threaten any effort at value formation. We see the results. Polls over the past several years have shown that a majority of our citizens identify a decline in moral values as one of the major causes of our problems. A much larger percentage of our citizens say that our values have weakened over the past generation. But there are those who remain committed to a life of responsibility. Individual personal responsibility is key to fulfilling the obligations we owe both to our families and ourselves. It also is the way we fulfill the obligations we owe to our community and to our nation."
Secretary of Education Rod Paige (8/3/04)
Upcoming Events
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, sponsored by the American Library Association. For more information, please go to http://www.ala.org/ala/pio/piopresskits/
The first "Education News Parents Can Use" broadcast of the season, "Back to School: Ready to Read, Ready to Succeed," is scheduled for September 21 at 8:00 p.m. For more information, please go to http://registerevent.ed.gov/downlink/event-flyer.asp?intEventID=178.
Credits, Subscribe & Unsubscribe
Please feel free to contact the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs with any questions:
Deputy Assistant SecretaryKen Meyer, (202) 401-0404, email@example.com
Program AnalystAdam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, firstname.lastname@example.com
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!), please contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/index.html.