Review - Air Canada Express Business Class CRJ-900 Toronto Pearson to Washington Dulles
AC8620 YYZ-IAD
August 23rd, 2023
Posts in this series:
Introduction - The Andean Crossing
Review - American Airlines Business Class B777-200 New York Kennedy to Buenos Aires Ezeiza
Review - Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton
Review - Flybondi Economy Class B737-800 Buenos Aires Aeroparque to Mendoza
Review - Auberge du Vin, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Tupungato
Review - Mandarin Oriental Santiago
Review - The Ritz-Carlton Santiago
Review - Air Canada Business Class B787-8 Santiago de Chile to Toronto Pearson
Review - Air Canada Express Business Class CRJ-900 Toronto Pearson to Washington Dulles
Check-in:
Our last flight on this trip was on Air Canada’s regional jet to DC. We checked in and made our way past the CBP Pre-clearance facility, so our flight would land in the US as a domestic one. Air Canada provided its Maple Leaf Lounge after immigration, which was better than nothing.
Lounge:
The lounge was rather crowded, so we made a lap and left.
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Trans-border at YYZ
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Trans-border at YYZ
Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Trans-border at YYZ
Boarding:
Kind of like Miami Airport where all the regional flights leave from a shanty terminal, the same setup applied here. Boarding was delayed by 45 minutes, and the gate agents could not be less competent. First of all, I don’t understand why there were five of them working a CRJ? Second of all, there was just neither order nor communication. They sort of just stood there not doing anything, while being rude to anyone who approached them. The terminal was crammed and poorly ventilated, which only exacerbated certain body odors. There was virtually no room to stand, let alone sit. The passengers were obstreperous. I generally have high tolerance for stress, having worked jobs that required 100-hr weeks, and I thought I was about to have a panic attack.
Eventually we were allowed to board, and I filled my lungs with as much fresh air as I could on the apron. I felt like Ben Affleck in Argo. Actually that’s funny because the only way they escaped was by faking a Canadian accent, lol.
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 at YYZ
Once onboard, I managed to find a bit of tranquility.
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 Business Class Cabin
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 Business Class Cabin
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 Business Class Seat
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 Business Class Seat
The seats on these CRJs were identical to what we have in the US, with the exception of the personal screens. I don’t think any US carrier has these on their CRJs. Prior to taking off, we were offered a bottle of water.
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 Business Class Pre-departure Drinks YYZ-IAD
Inflight:
After takeoff, a hot towel was offered, followed by a small snack meal. There was no choice. I had some iced water to cool off from the inferno terminal.
Air Canada Express CRJ-900 Business Class Snacks YYZ-IAD
On Arrival:
The short flight quickly came to an end. I found the regional experience on Air Canada to be on par with those of its American counterparts. Service on this flight was well-intentioned, however, all the other aspects on Air Canada were lacking for me. From check-in to boarding to baggage delivery (an hour after gate arrival), nothing went smoothly. I said in the preceding Air Canada review that I wouldn’t avoid Air Canada, but after a second disappointing showing, I might just send it to the doghouse.