TL; DR: Couldn't do online check in (tried 3x), and the agent asked unnecessary questions about my pregnancy.
This was my first time flying Air Canada to and from Dublin, Ireland, and it was definitely a mixed bag. The return flight and interactions in the Dublin Airport was aggravating.
I tried to check in online the night before our departure: three times, actually, and received an error message each time, stating I'd have to see an agent.
It was difficult to locate the Air Canada queue in Terminal 1 at the Dublin Airport: unlike the other airlines (i.e. Turkish Airlines, RyanAir), there is no sign over the area. Rather, they had a small sign on a stand that was NOT in direct view: one would only see it if they were walking into the line.
I had to explain to security what the issue was before I could be allowed into line to see an agent. Thank goodness I took a screenshot of the error message I received! We were allowed into the "expedited" queue: which had TWO agents working. It took about 45 minutes to get to the front.
When I told the agent about my inability to check in online, she offered no explanation. Instead, she zeroed in on my pregnancy and asked several invasive questions:
"You are obviously pregnant. Do you have a doctor's note to fly? How many weeks are you?"
Etiquette dictates one should not assume a woman is pregnant. I have had businesses ask if "There are any medical needs they might need to be aware of," which is a much better approach than the assumption. For all she knew, I could have a medical issue, so the assumption (unless there is a fetus coming out of me!) was a poor approach.
Aside from her uncouth comment, there was still no need for an inquiry into whether or not I had a doctor's note nor how many weeks I am. My doctors know I'm flying. Further, Air Canada - similarly to all other airlines - allows travel up to and including one's 36th week. A doctor's note is not required to fly their airlines. Of four flights with AC, she was the only employee to broach and then cross that line. (And for inquiring minds who must know, I just hit 28 weeks.) https://www.aircanada.com/content/aircanada/us/en/aco/home/plan/special-assistance/travelling-with-children.html
Overall, the Air Canada staff at the Dublin Airport fell short and clearly need additional etiquette training. read more