Air Canada had the worst on-time performance for North American airlines in 2023 -- and many Canadians aren't surprised.
Metro Vancouver travellers took to social media in droves following the release of a new report, which placed Canada's largest airline five percentage points below the second- and third-lowest carriers, U.S.-based JetBlue Airways and Frontier Airlines.
Air Canada landed 63 per cent of its flights on time last year, placing it last among the continent's 10 largest airlines. That means roughly 140,000 planes rolled up to the gate late — more than 15 minutes after scheduled arrival.
WestJet, Canada's second-largest carrier, placed seventh overall, landing 69 per cent of its flights on time.
Canada's longest-running TV show, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, shared a playful quip about Air Canada's poor score on its X channel, remarking that it was "still waiting for comment."
According to a new report, Air Canada ranks last for on-time performance in North America. We're... still waiting for comment.
— 22Minutes (@22_Minutes) January 3, 2024
Travellers react to delayed Air Canada flights
Scores of people took to X to poke fun at Air Canada or to share their frustrations with the airline. Many of them remarked that it was "laughable" or "sad" that they were late so often, while one woman commented that they should "be ashamed of themselves."
A couple of cheeky Canucks joked that "Air Canada is not happy unless you're not happy."
Wow. Air Canada was once ranked one of the best in the world. Sad really.
— marcopaulo (@marcomanino) January 3, 2024
If you are taking an Air Canada flight, 37% of time it will land late. That's a laughable 140,000 flights arriving late last year. https://t.co/wQX7Rdg8YA
— gregpoirier (@gregpoirier) January 3, 2024
AIR CANADA should be ashamed of themselves. They should be putting customers first and stop over booking by over 100%. Yes, they may be making money right now but are losing more and more customers every day. Thank goodness there are other airlines that actually put customers 1st
— Jo (@JollyJo996) January 3, 2024
Air Canada is not happy unless your not happy.
— Paul McMillan (@PaulMcM23246021) January 3, 2024
Air Canada doesn’t control the weather, but I still fully blame Air Canada.
— Rob Chmara (@TheProcessLives) January 3, 2024
Air Canada is Number 1 in North America......oh..for being late . Only on time 63%
— bruce edwin anderson (@tgapw) January 3, 2024
Will be using Air Canada on Monday so I'm a little nervous!
— Brian 😎🍁 (@rammyramstein) January 3, 2024
Air Canada launches program to prevent lost baggage
Air Canada recently launched a new program to prevent travellers and their bags from getting separated during their journey.
A new feature in the Air Canada mobile app allows customers to track the progress of their baggage and mobility aid in real-time at "key points" while they travel. Travellers will be able to see their bags move from the check-in at the airport to the plane and then through connections before arriving at their final destination.
With files from the Canadian Press.
