ZOOM AIRLINES

The 14th Annual Tartan Day Dinner and Scot of the Year Award was conducted on April 6, 2006, at Casa Loma in Toronto under the auspices of the Scottish Studies Society. Members of the Scottish Studies programme at the University of Guelph explained their role in connection with the Foundation. Then it was time for Nola Crewe to present this year's award of "Scot of the Year for 2006" to Hugh Boyle, who gave a brief acceptance speech. This was followed by lucky draws for 2 bottles of Aged Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky and two Travel Vouchers for trips to Glasgow on ZOOM airlines. Before the final draw for the travel voucher, someone shouted, "Make sure that you mix the tickets up well!" Guess who won!

There were several ticket counters for the Zoom Airlines in the reception area. We were early and the service was prompt. The waiting area was spacious and bright. All members except pilot and co-pilot made an appearance at the boarding area. All personnel impressed us as being efficient and pleasant. The pilot noticed a youngster waving to him from the window in the waiting area, and he waved back from the cockpit of the plane.

Although the front seat in this economy section did not recline, it was served first with refreshments and meals. We agreed that the wine was a fine touch with the meals. The in-flight movies were enjoyable.

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We noticed that Zoom flight crews stayed at the Radisson SAS Hotel. Other than that, Zoom Airlines had no further investment in the hotel according to employees at the desk. It was just good advertising.

Ticket counters opened on time, but were too rushed for Pat to take pictures. There was very little space in the small, dark waiting area at the ZOOM counter, so we bought a coffee at the enclosed area opposite some washrooms. I discovered belatedly that I was given a faulty boarding pass, but Pat was away from the table when I was summoned to the Zoom counter. The problem was eventually corrected. I noted that an airport security officer from the reception area was assisting a stewardess at the boarding gate, and a commemorative photo of the event was taken by Pat. A few more pictures were taken after we boarded . . . and a brief Glasgow shower bade us farewell. We had reclining seats . . . second row from the back.

Zoom Airlines deserves top marks for customer care, its meals, its refreshments and in-flight movies (even though one of the features was cut just before we landed).

POSTSCRIPT: All aspects of the Globus Tour (GJ0512 Scottish Highlands and Islands) in 2007 were extremely enjoyable. The Radisson SAS Hotel on Argyle Street was able to book only one extra night (May 25), but our Marlin Travel Consultant arranged for accommodation at the Holiday Inn Glasgow Riverside and gave us vouchers verifying the reservations for the nights of May 26 and 27 with breakfasts for the next mornings. It was a shock to discover that this Holiday Inn had no reservation for us. They did eventually managed to deliver us to the nearby Jurys Inn Glasgow Hotel on Jamaica Street with possibly better accommodation. By and large, there was less confusion in the main lobby due to the soccer tournament.

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