A worry-free departure
No worries when we left for Tokyo this Wednesday at the beginning of the afternoon (before the breakdown), no waiting at security, an Air Canada flight which left on time. We were looking for where the people were (except for our flight which was overbooked), it was very quiet and even no traffic to get to the airport from the South Shore. We had a lot of apprehensions and we were even rather surprised at how well everything went!
Catherine Drinkneault
Crowd is a good thing
It’s anecdotal, but the crowds are good. I’m currently at YUL, it’s 9 p.m. and restaurants, bars and shops are open! I’ve taken the same flight several times since last fall and it was better to arrive well equipped and with a full stomach, because everything, absolutely everything, was closed at this time of year.
Jerome Croteau, Montreal
Unhappy with Air Canada
We have been traveling by plane regularly for several years and in the light of our last three experiences in 2023, it is to be expected that from now on, using this means of transport represents a high risk of unforeseen events! Particularly with Air Canada. Despite the kindness of its staff, it seems obvious that this organization is disconnected from the field at its highest level. For us, it’s over with this company, even if we have to travel the 650 km separating us from Montreal-Trudeau in order to have a choice!
Christian Morasse, Rouyn-Noranda
A good experience
Just got back from a short trip to Paris and both flights with Air Canada were exemplary in terms of accuracy. Anecdotally, the return flight landed on the tarmac at the second scheduled on the ticket. Both trips to the airport were flawless. Boarding in Montreal went smoothly, with no waiting. Likewise, the return to Montreal, despite a 30-minute delay, was facilitated. No problems with the procedure for entering Canada or with baggage claim.
Solange Cormier
12 days of vacation, 70 hours of transport
Twelve days of vacation in Quebec, leaving Marseille to visit friends and rest there. One way, 24 hours to do a Marseille (passing through Paris) Quebec (instead of Montreal). After boarding in Marseille and checking in directly for Montreal, cancellation (for technical reasons) of the Paris-Montreal flight… 4 hours of research with Air France staff, very efficient, involved and friendly, to find a replacement solution to succeed in finding a flight 14 hours later, but for Quebec! My friends made a slight detour to pick me up. With a miracle on arrival: my suitcase! For my return I thought it couldn’t be worse… Well what optimism! I then took 40 hours from Montreal to Marseille! With a 24-hour stop at Amsterdam airport (flight Amsterdam-Marseille canceled due to the weather) and a stage in Paris with a 3-hour wait… Arriving in Marseille to close the loop without a suitcase… On the other hand , KLM staff, a shame, no effort, no explanation or help finding accommodation or other solution. This is unacceptable, especially since I was able to compare with the Air France staff 10 days before. I’m leaving in September to see my friends and I wonder if I shouldn’t anticipate and go away for 15 days! To sum up, 70 hours of round trip Marseille–Montreal for 10 days on site! Let’s take it all with a smile despite everything… I hope my next trip will be quicker and quieter (I’ll tell you in September…).
Anouk, from Marseilles
Bad reception in Montreal
My spouse and I returned from England on June 24, by KLM. We have nothing but congratulations to send to this company for the quality of service, the good humor of its flight personnel and the price of a one-way ticket. Everything got complicated after landing: waiting more than 30 minutes to leave the aircraft, because we were not parked near an access corridor, but had to wait for evacuation buses that were slow outstanding. The bus left us at a level where we had to take escalators which didn’t work, forcing us to climb up with our cabin luggage. To make matters worse, the door that gave access to the corridor leading to customs was locked. We were piled on top of each other. A comment came to me during this experience: Montreal Airport, synonymous with hay wire management. Luckily we had no checked baggage.
Yves Archambault
A reputation to preserve
Very significant improvements have been made inside the airport. Cheer. But the access to the airport itself is Kafkaesque, worse than anything I’ve seen anywhere, whether in Europe, Asia or the North American continent. Last Sunday, traffic congestion began on Chemin de la Côte-de-Liesse! This must be corrected as soon as possible, Montreal’s reputation is suffering.
Guy Lavoie, Pointe-Claire
Dusting off management
I have over 1200 flights on my life counter. Air travel carries its inherent risks and contingencies with this ever-growing mode of transportation. We have reached a breaking point in the balance between airport demand and capacity in a context of labor shortages and environmental and social restrictions. To accommodate ourselves and limit the inconveniences, we only travel out of season and avoid airports, carriers and countries whose efficiency is deficient. Unfortunately, Montreal is one of the worst managed airports I have visited in my life. A little turnaround from management wouldn’t hurt.
Julien Houle