BWIA330 From Canada, joined Jan 2001, 919 posts, RR: 0 Posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 2593 times:
Hey,
I thought it was pretty ok. I was dissapointed that we didnt get the gift that we were promised. That was just wrong. I got very lost in the airport trying to find the proper gate and the GTAA helpers didnt even know what they were doing as well. The departure area is what I am most impressed with as it is very modern looking and practical which I like. HAHAHA I did see an Air Transat L-1011 parked at my gate when I finally got it it, so they did have it there, but we didnt get to board it.
Overall it was a good experience. The GTAA has alot of things to work out before opening the airport. To many things went wrong today and people got lossed easily.
AC330 From Canada, joined Feb 2001, 331 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 2549 times:
I went to a trial back on Nov 1st and all I can say is...BOOOOORIIIINNG!!! It was really strange...normally I LOVE being at the airport...but I would have MUCH rathered spend the morning at an active terminal! It was really cool for the first 15 minutes getting to see the new building and everything but then for the next 6 hours....YAWN!! They gave us these boarding passes and we would go to our gate and LITERALLY sit there for an hour doing absolutely NOTHING!! We didn't even have a great view to watch the planes at the other terminals....don't get me wrong....the new terminal is great...I just thought the test trial was unbeleivably boring. I also didn't get the "gift" that was promised.
Olympus69 From Canada, joined Jun 2002, 1737 posts, RR: 8 Reply 2, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 2529 times:
There did seem to be a bit of a screw-up with my group, Constellation. I was supposed to go to gate 523 to board a flight to Frankfort but never reached it. I was told I was now an arriving passenger but didn't realize I was supposed to be starting phase 3 and should go to gate 106 to get a bus. I was mis-directed and had to go though security a second time.
Other than that I enjoyed seeing a lot more of the terminal than on previous tests. I even managed to get a photo of the new Air Canada Star Alliance 763. Not good enough for A.net though.
Captaingomes From Canada, joined Feb 2001, 6413 posts, RR: 58 Reply 3, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 2507 times:
AC330, I agree, the first trial was very boring, and we didn't get to see pretty much anything. That was not the case this time, as we got to see a heck of a lot. It was more satisfying in that regard.
But I will also agree that it was poorly organized this time around. Maybe more planning was necessary, and there was very little indication that we were going from one phase to another. Some things were hard to find, and I found the navigation through the terminal a bit confusing in some respects.
BWIA330, I was told before that there would most likely be a TS L1011 at a gate, so I'm happy you got to see that.
"it's kind of like an Airbus, it's an engineering marvel, but there's no sense of passion" -- J. Clarkson re: Coxster
Captaingomes From Canada, joined Feb 2001, 6413 posts, RR: 58 Reply 4, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 2487 times:
More about the trials ... I agree, we were promised something in return for volunteering, and we only got a pen.
One thing that I didn't like was that there wasn't any mention that we were going to secure areas and as such would be going through the normal screening process as if we were a passenger (unless I missed that entirely). As such, I had a Swiss Army Knife with me, and the two times I went through security I was questioned about it and was told they might have to take it away. These sort of details should have been communicated with us before going to the trials. I had to remind them that I wasn't traveling, and as such this was only a simulation, and we were not told. I just thought I'd add that in.
"it's kind of like an Airbus, it's an engineering marvel, but there's no sense of passion" -- J. Clarkson re: Coxster
EmiratesA345 From Canada, joined Jun 2003, 2120 posts, RR: 10 Reply 5, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 12 hours ago) and read 2486 times:
Hi guys,
I thought it was quite interesting. It was nice to finally see the face behind some of the posts.
The terminal itself looks amazing. As for the way it is planned out, its not as great. I didn't like how there was NO separation between domestic arriving and departing passengers. I was in a wheelchair, and signs for people with disabilities for alternate routes (where there may only be an escalator) was hard to find. I do realize the airport is not yet complete, and those details may be added later.
The tunnel (not an underground tunnel) that took you to gate 111, was also kind of crappy looking compared to the rest of the terminal. It was lacking windows, and was just dark and miserable looking.
The baggage claim area was really nice. I liked how it was so open and airy.
I also didn't get this gift that we were promised. I was told it was the pen, that we got.
1world From Canada, joined Jan 2002, 199 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 2472 times:
Very disappointing day. Big waste of time
The GTAA has a lot of work to do in order to get this terminal up to spec.
The scenarios that we were given for the trials were really badly done and if I was a passenger I would have got lost many times not to mention probably missing a connection.
The team leaders were just as lost as we were. They were also the people we had to see if we had any questions.
I wouldn't recommend volunteering for GTAA to anyone unless you want to walk out of their frustrated with the whole experience.
BTW we were told in the initial briefing that we would get a gift for helping out and in the end got nothing. PATHETIC. Even worse is my 3 year old was told by a few GTAA people that she would get a toy and guess what NOTHING.
Olympus69 From Canada, joined Jun 2002, 1737 posts, RR: 8 Reply 7, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 11 hours ago) and read 2456 times:
One thing that I didn't like was that there wasn't any mention that we were going to secure areas and as such would be going through the normal screening process as if we were a passenger (unless I missed that entirely). As such, I had a Swiss Army Knife with me, and the two times I went through security I was questioned about it and was told they might have to take it away
The security business was talked about at the briefing - in fact I think they specifically mentioned knives. However, the material e-mailed before the previous trial stated that we were going to be subjected to a genuine screening, so we shouldn't carry anything that we wouldn't on a real flight. They didn't do that this time.
AWspicious From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 8, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 2417 times:
Having participated in all the previous T-New trials, I'm of the opinion this one didn't go as smooth as the others. I suspect the GTAA feel the same way, too. Perhaps the pressure is on to meet deadlines and the staff are working extremely hard to accomplish their goals... resulting in the less than perfect simulation. I won't fault anyone for this, though. These things are unavoidable. Hey.... At least we got to ride the shuttle! Although, I'm sure, after (inadvertently) riding the shuttle for the third time, some of you grew weary of the experience. (A380; You still with us, man? )
It was good to meet a few more of you, today. Most impressive to meet a three year old who knows as much about airplanes (if not more) than some people I know! Pretty good turn out today, eh Captain and GMonney?! Also, I would like to find out what company handles the cleaning contract ;-]
Anyway, I have no problems participating in future trials. The aim is to work-out (minimize) any bugs prior to launch. Glitches are unavoidable, but, having less problems to deal with on opening day will make for fewer cases of 'ground rage".
Thanks for the pen and aerial photo!
Yyz717 From Canada, joined Sep 2001, 15990 posts, RR: 59 Reply 9, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 2387 times:
I went to a trial back on Nov 1st and all I can say is...BOOOOORIIIINNG!!!
That's why I havent participated. It sounds incredibly boring. I had a tour of the facility in May when it was under construction. That will do me until it opens. To each their own I guess.
Panam, TWA, Ansett, Eastern.......AC next? Might be good for Canada.
Cor_18 From Canada, joined May 1999, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 2381 times:
Went there.. all three times.. this latest event, it seemed was the most unorganized, but we did get to see more of the terminal. The best part was the baggage pick-up... very spacious.. very big, and goes for as long as you can see. reminds me of the HK airport. I agree with everyone else, the volunteer helpers didn't have a clue what was going on, and since i was trying to find a gate in the 500's, i was going around in circles as if..all directions lead nowhere. I took a bus two times, went back two times..finally someone asked me where i was supposed to be, i said gate such and such in the 500's, and she said that i was supposed to be at gate 120.. (which later meant 122) (another mistake) where the TSC L1011 was. Throughout the day i heard people complaining how they were sent back and forth at least 4-5 times, but at least the lunch was good hmm what did we have.. the food was exactly the same as last time, so everything was expected. The same sandwiches, cake, mars bars, etc. but the drink selection at least was exapaned
Olympus69 From Canada, joined Jun 2002, 1737 posts, RR: 8 Reply 11, posted (9 years 5 months 4 weeks 1 hour ago) and read 2362 times:
The 'gift' we got at the previous two trials was a key chain with a miniature GTAA construction helmet that was a tiny flashlight for aiming at keyholes in the dark. Also, I think they were handing out radios to the kids.
Captaingomes From Canada, joined Feb 2001, 6413 posts, RR: 58 Reply 12, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 2304 times:
For all of you, watch the CBC's National on Monday night, and the "magazine" portion, which is around 12 minutes I believe, will be on the GTAA, and I think a good part of it on the trial we went to.
"it's kind of like an Airbus, it's an engineering marvel, but there's no sense of passion" -- J. Clarkson re: Coxster
Canuckpaxguy From Canada, joined Sep 2003, 1510 posts, RR: 56 Reply 13, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 6 days 13 hours ago) and read 2285 times:
My first trial...and first a.net event for that matter.
I thought the trial itself was a bit disorganized, but then again, it's a trial right? As for gifts? I actually got THREE pens since Lesley had to keep replacing them for me!
The highlights for me were meeting the a.net guys, that awesome fishtank and parking in that awesome parking lot with the high-tech parking guides. Did you guys notice the red and green lights above your cars? When a car is in the spot, the light is red; green when the spot is free. There are also electronic signs at each row of cars that tells you how many free spaces are available. I thought that was very cool.
I'd go back and do it again, but I'd make sure not to get my hopes up.
Thanks again guys...Good to meet all of you.
Hope the rest of your spotting went well and that the Montreallers had a good flight home.
AWspicious From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 14, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 2226 times:
"As for gifts? I actually got THREE pens since Lesley had to keep replacing them for me!"
uh... Make that four. You scooped mine when you were filling out that form at the end of the trial
I caught the CBS report. Seemed like an alright piece. Nevermind the critics - I believe the hype won't be in vain. A few teething problems... But, that's to be expected.
Was cool meeting some of you for the first time. Good seeing familiar faces again, too.
Cor_18 From Canada, joined May 1999, 40 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 2193 times:
Watched the CBC report on the airport.... Was very profesionally planned out, and enjoyed the part where the camera was attached to a piece of luggage going through check-in all the way to where they place the baggage onto the airplanes. I was happy since i was in the background three times and one was a nice close-up. I do believe they are having another trial in January, but the clip said that this previous one was the last one. Does anyone else know more about this? Hopefully we will be able to volunteer again
Yyz717 From Canada, joined Sep 2001, 15990 posts, RR: 59 Reply 17, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 2174 times:
I too saw myself 3 times on the CBC feature - but no close-up.
Whew....no close-up...what a relief.
Seriously, I know a few other people (non-spotters) who went and found the whole event incredibly boring. I guess for spotter and airport aficionados...the trials hold more allure.
[Edited 2003-12-03 04:47:46]
Panam, TWA, Ansett, Eastern.......AC next? Might be good for Canada.
Captaingomes From Canada, joined Feb 2001, 6413 posts, RR: 58 Reply 18, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 2172 times:
Corey, when they mentioned on the the CBC about no more trials, they said before it was unvieled to the airlines, or something to that effect. There will be at least one more to be held in January.
"it's kind of like an Airbus, it's an engineering marvel, but there's no sense of passion" -- J. Clarkson re: Coxster
BWIA330 From Canada, joined Jan 2001, 919 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 2150 times:
Hey,
I missed the CBC thing but I know im in the camera because the camera guy was standing right next to us and also taped us as we were in the front. Is this CBC thing showing again or is it available on the net to see?
Captaingomes From Canada, joined Feb 2001, 6413 posts, RR: 58 Reply 20, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 2147 times:
Sorry BWIA, but I don't think there's a way to watch it anymore. I did a quick check on the CBC website and from what I see, you can't download it either.
"it's kind of like an Airbus, it's an engineering marvel, but there's no sense of passion" -- J. Clarkson re: Coxster
BWIA330 From Canada, joined Jan 2001, 919 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (9 years 5 months 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2023 times:
Hey,
Well im one of the better looking people. HAHA. My grandma was watching the news and she saw me and my father in the broadcast, I just missed it sadly.
Sponsor Message: 
From Canada, joined Jan 2001, 919 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
Printer friendly format 
