Flying from Los Angeles to Toronto with American Airlines

A convoluted flight path on approach to Toronto. Photo / Kristin Edge

Kristin Edge flies aboard American Airlines AA2654, from Los Angeles to Toronto.

The plane: A319 Airbus EOW.

Class: Economy, but I had a window seat over the wing to see the city of Toronto as we flew in. It was a pretty tight fit even for my very short legs and the seats did not recline.

Flight time: 4hr 28m and it's at capacity.

Luggage: Up to 23kg of checked luggage, and carry-on can be one personal item and one bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 45 x 35 x 20cm.

Check-in: Transiting through LAX is a bit of a mission, it's a labyrinth of doors and queues and a bit of walking. Actually, finding my way from the customs clearance to gate was a bit confusing. Luckily, an official-looking lady with a walkie-talkie and a computer print-out was able to point me in the right direction. It was busy with no seats at the gate lounge and I soon found myself joining plenty of fellow passengers stretching out on the floor.

Fellow passengers: Mostly Canadians heading home. My neighbour was James. He was heading back to Toronto after visiting an old school mate who is in the music industry in LA.

Entertainment: Everything you would expect on an international flight. They claim to have the largest library of any US carrier including movies, TV shows, music and games.

Managed to watch the Hidden Figures film, about a group of black female mathematicians who helped Nasa win the space race. It was viewed on a touch screen.

The food: Snacks for sale. My sandwich on white bread was rather sad looking with bright yellow cheese and pale ham. Water, tea and coffee are free. Alcoholic beverages are for sale.

Toilets: While the plane was full it seemed staff kept the bathroom facilities nice and clean with plenty of toilet paper and fresh handwash. However, early in the trip the punters were given a warning from the captain that crew are working in the galley and "don't loiter while waiting to use the toilet, the crew have a job to do".

Service: Business-like and efficient but always with a smile.

On time: We left the bright lights of LA on schedule but it was another story when we came to land in Toronto. The very chatty pilot informed us we were in a queue of 12 planes and were number three. The good news was short-lived. As we neared Toronto, we were told thunder had closed some approaches and we were in a holding pattern with three planes below us. It was a whiteout outside and turbulence meant we all had to belt-up.

While circling, the pilot announced: "It is dangerous for even the staff to get up, please remain seated unless you are choking or bleeding." The captain then let us know a bird had been hit in Toronto and it was being cleaned up and we were not allowed to land. He said we had enough fuel for one more attempt then if we couldn't land we would head to Detroit to refuel.

Fortunately, we landed - applause immediately broke out from the relieved passengers.

But there was more bad news - lightning means ground crews were not allowed outside when there is lightning within five miles (8km), so we sat on the tarmac for another 35 minutes.

Would I fly again: Yes but I would make sure I grabbed a bite at LA airport before boarding. The unscheduled excitement before landing in Toronto certainly added to the experience.