The economy seats, like most economy seats, are tolerable if not exactly comfortable.

I don't think a 3 star Michelin chef could make food taste good at 33,000 feet in a dry cabin. But for airline food, it's okay.

International service, being usually long-haul flight, is generally better than domestic.

Some planes are newer than others, which also makes a difference to comfort.

We've had our luggage delayed 24 - 72 hours 3 times (on separate occasions), and ALL THREE TIMES it was on Air Canada.

NOT a fan.

The Canadian government has legislation in place which restricts the amount of foreign ownership of airlines with bases in Canada. Thus, they have created a protected environment that has produced a virtual monopoly by Air Canada. What happens to service in a monopoly? It ceases to matter, as all compliants are answered with, "there's no one else. Like it or lump it." They have also been trying to salvage their corporate butts for over two years by laying off staff willy-nilly, usually front-line staff. So, when you have fewer employees to do the same amount of work and those employees do not know if they have any job security whatsoever, staff morale nosedives. Thus, be prepared to deal with rude, surly, indifferent and apathetic gate agents, flight attendants, baggage personnel and the like. However, I do understand your desire to scoop up this deal - that is an unbelievable price! Just rise above the nasty AC employees and enjoy your trip!

As a canadian I am often forced to use AC on international flights, not enough competition so we do not get good deals as you seem to have. Flying from Toronto to Madrid and paid 1400 canadian per ticket,so you are exceptionally lucky. Our tickets were bought 3 months ago and since my friend who is travelling with us paid even more. Service is Indifferent as is on most North American airlines.It is as if the crew are doing you a favour. Check in at airports local or foreign is Always slow they somehow Never seem to have adequate staff. On more than one occasion my confirmed seating has been released to someone else. They often will not have our special meals. We have 2 kids and usually of the 4 special meals at least one is not available, not the food is anything to get excited about but with kids it at least keeps them occupied for 20 mins or so.And the time it takes to get ones luggage is ridiculous especially when one lands in Toronto.I used to live out west and flew Canadian into Calgary regularly and did at least 4 flights per year,they were efficient polite and certainly our first choice, too bad they were taken over. I once flew from Newfounland to Toronto and the lady across the aisle had 2 kids who were toddlers all the crew in our cabin were intolerant of these kids and exceptionally rude to this rather stressed out young mother.

I seem to be in the same position as you, having purchased a round trip from Chicago to London for $352.26 tax included. I haven't flown AC and now am not sure I want to but the price was too good to pass up.

Hi, I flew around the world a few years back on a mixture of Air NZ and KLM flights, but for our Amsterdam-Toronto leg we found ourselves on an Air Canada flight. Food and comfort were on a par with many other airlines I've used, and service was OK - not up to Air NZ, but way better than Qantas with whom I've also flown many times.

Interesting comments. How do you define a "good" airline? Perhaps they should be rated against some set standards. Airlines do offer a choice of service. Does a low fare make it a "good" airline? Seat room satisfaction is a function of personal size. Today, airlines are not charging enough to cover actual costs. Short term tactics to stay in business cause most customer complaints. Please consider your travel options if there were no airlines. Imagine a rail trip to an East coast port, then the sea voyage, next the trip to London. Ten days? UPS will pre-deliver your luggage. But the cost is high. Forget the food service, bring your own. Most complaints about food arise because customers can't smell its aromas.