Hahaha, at least with NEXUS it's a security oriented pre-screening! At LHR you get the priority screening line based on frequent flier points.
I don't hate Air Canada, but I am not in love with them, either. This year hasn't been exceptionally bad for me: only had my bags lost twice and delayed three times. I've also been bumped to executive class couple of times and got that elusive Elite status that makes frequent travel a little more tolerable.
Seriously, anyone who moans about air travel within North America ought to give their heads a shake.
In my experience, which is going on four years of solid international travel, the biggest problems at airports are the passengers. People who do not bother to educate themselves on things before they arrive:
-not knowing proper check in times for whatever particular airport you're traveling from.
-not being packed in an organized fashion that also leaves you emergency kit in your carry on.
-starting things off by being rude. Rarely have I seen a customer service agent be rude first
-not being prepared to enter security. NO LIQUIDS and, FFS, get your frigging electronics out and ready to be screened separately, it's been like this for a while now - don't tell me you did not know, if you had have prepared you would know.
-if you have kids then run a practice session with them. They'll think it's fun and others will not want to murder you.
-ask for help. I am in the same boat as you and I will help to anyone. Ask, seriously. Especially when connecting in strange airports.
-being demanding and impatient - the fucking plane will not leave without you so long as you're at the gate for first call.
-not boarding by seat and row number.
-getting excited because there are too many people in the priority boarding lane - having Elite status doesn't allow you to be an asshole :nod:
-monopolizing flight attendants time.
-bringing carry-on bags that defy the size of the carry on compartments.
-generally acting like an asshole.
-trying to intervene in on board disputes (no matter how much fun it might be to tell that wander off)
-go ahead, take your shoes off, I do. But please, for the love of God, leave your manky socks on to hold in the smell.
-respect personal space.
-If this is your first time flying then please educate yourself and do not panic. Be polite. Say please and thank you. Show respect for others. It's kinda like kindergarten
Most of all - do not make the lives of others miserable because YOU fucked up. Any idiot should know that airlines are unforgiving and that airports are literal minefields of potential delays. PLAN FOR IT.
Now, to be fair, I'll mention what bothers me about Air Canada:
-indifference. I know you've had a long day, but this is your job (whatever it is, flight attendant, baggage check, gate)
-I would like the whole can of Coke, please. Stop treating it like it cuts into your retirement package when I want more than a mouthful of drink.
-show that you care by being proactive - when these dinks start crashing the line and frigging up the seating order and thereby delaying things and causing chaos...shame them! I have seen it done in London many a time. Shame the bastards and send them back to their seats.
-deal with customer issues promptly and personally.
-quit giving silly discount coupons to business travellers. I am smart enough to tell you I travel for business and my tickets are paid for by my firm...so I have little to no need for 30% off of wherever Air Canada flies between midnight April 1st and 4 am April 9th excluding certain destinations and only if there is a vacancy.
-SMILE!
I, for one, would not want to see lessened security for anyone. You got a shiny card? Big frigging deal. Flight crew, catering staff, Timmies employees on departures level, they all have to go through security. It's a small inconvenience that can be lessened if you take some responsibility. Suck it up and arrive a little early and all your woes go away.
Edited to properly insult a group of people and not refer to them as plumbing pieces.