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Taken September 2003 from Toronto Pearson to Frankfurt

I am a frequent flier traveling several times per year between North America and Europe. I always go economy class and usually have to rebook some portion of my ticket. This time I went Air Canada, which proved to be a major mistake.

Over a month in advance I knew I needed to change my return ticket on a different date. I called reservations several times, most of the time, they would say just "no" to all of my requests.

I log onto their online reservations I found out that tickets between Toronto and Frankfurt are being sold for roughly $ 600 round trip for the specific dates I needed to go. That's cheaper than my own ticket which was roughly $ 950. After pointing this to Air Canada, why they can't rebook me when they are still selling tickets for those flights that are supposedly full. They put me on hold forever and came up with this: I have to pay a penalty of $ 140 (OK with me) and upgrade my ticket for $ 495. Upgrade to what? From economy class to economy class? I understand that not all seats are equal, but wanting me to pay almost $ 650 to upgrade my already paid ticket, when the return fare they are currently selling is just plain ridiculous.

To come up with a solution, I suggested using my frequent flier miles to upgrade to Business Class. Could not do that either.

After calling reservations for the 7th time I at least got a representative that understood me being upset. She confirmed that Air Canada's ticket rules indeed make no sense.

One thing I have to add: While you are on hold you are being told something about introducing Air Canada's new flexible fares. Do they call this flexible?

I understand that rules are rules, but when they obviously make no sense, airlines should be able to help you out.

Next time I fly United. Never had any trouble re-booking a ticket with them.