The Great Air Canada Scandal

Part of the problem I have with Air Canada is the constant bullshit. Let me explain. I am trying to get Ottawacker Jr. to Victoria so he can spend time with his godmother and her family. At the same time, I would like to see them, and then (independently) head over to Vancouver to see my ageing uncle and aunt, pop over to Bowen Island to see a friend, and then go back to Victoria. It’s the flights I am interested in at the moment, and I have decided to cash in some of the Aeroplan miles I have been hoarding. There used to be a time when you could get to New Zealand on Aeroplan points – indeed, Mrs. Ottawacker and I have done it twice. Now, a flight to Vancouver is as far as normal people can get. But why, you might ask, is that the case? Surely, flying is still cheap and Vancouver is the in the same country? Indeed, they are advertising flights very cheaply from Ottawa – and the Aeroplan points seem like a great option… The issue is, as ever, in the small print.
 
This is our scenario. Ottawacker Jr. and I want to fly from Ottawa to Victoria/Vancouver on July 20-23 and come back on August 1-3. This is during the break from his regional soccer season, and I am trying to impress on him the importance of making a commitment and then sticking to it. Return flights are advertised at 40,000 points each, plus $76. Like a fool, you accept. Then comes a series of questions:
1.      Do you want to take hand-luggage? Yes.
2.      Do you want to take a suitcase? Perhaps.
3.      Do you want to be able to change your flight? I’m waiting for surgery – so maybe.
4.      Do you want to be able to book a seat? He’s 12, so yes.
5.      Do you want a meal during the flight? Nah.
6.      Do you want to leave at midnight or spend the night in Toronto airport? I think you know…
7.      Do you want to arrive at midnight or spend the night in Vancouver airport? See above.
 
The “flight calculator” then gives me a price with varying options. I can, admittedly, have the flights for 40,0000 points each, but the fee has now jumped to $1,330. I can pay a total of 120,000 points and only pay $857. I can pay 140,000 points and pay $390, or I can pay 190,000 points and pay nothing. 190,000 points is approximately $190,000 of loyalty points. Aeroplan is, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest rip off in the world. Is it any wonder Dick Turpin felt justified relieving stagecoach travellers of their wallets?
 
How Canada’s national airline justifies this bullshit is beyond me. Charging for carry-on luggage is ridiculous; paying for seat selection is scandalous; paying for a suitcase is the norm – but I still find it appalling. But ripping off loyal customers on their hard-earned rewards is a recipe for bankruptcy. I for one will be glad if it happens. Sheisters, the lot of them. So, I’m looking at West Jet and Porter. I might even have us fly to England and then fly straight back – as it would most likely be cheaper. But, above all, my message would be to AVOID AIR CANADA AT ALL COSTS.
 
Other than that, a reasonable day. I even solved the reason why there is so much ginger hair in the shower drain. Excuse the rather blurred blip – I was a bit taken aback.