This is not new. Ever since QF contracted the completely useless call centres overseas and gave them zero ability to help, involuntary changes have become a nightmare.
IIRC the live tv concept was pioneered by B6. And how about the nosegear incident at LAX where the pax were watching the live news coverage of their flight as they circled off the coast.
I wonder how well the kiosk can manage calling Border Farce to get a dual passport override code?
Although I imagine it would do a better job than QF as that's been a nightmare.
In that case try typing Qantas complaints into google and it should be the top result. They will try and fob you off to self help articles, but just close the pop-up.
We used to, until I picked it up one day and found that it was cool as underneath when running. Don't bother now. Of course YMMV for those with other brands.
The Doug Parker led AA took the tools away from the staff on the ground. They MUST follow what the computer says. Staff no longer have any discretion to help.
That is about what you would have spent on petrol anyway.
I agree that it should have been explained to you when you picked up the car as you didn't specifically reserve an EV. However that pricing seems to be competitive.
Buy a $6.45 20l Bunnings pail to protect your clubs a la the Home Depot bucket that has been posted online.
I've also heard that unscrewing driver heads and putting them in your carry-on can help.
If you go UA, you can purchase a concierge service for the LAX connection and MEL arrival. Unfortunately not available at YUL.
This is in addition to wheelchair assistance which needs to be requested separately.