Airlines
Take A Break With Transat
Need a break? Well, if you do, Transat is offering travel agents a 20% discount on its flights and packages to the South. It’s an offer that also provides agents with the perfect opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Traveller Care health and safety program. This promotion is valid for bookings made from Dec. 9, 2020, to Jan. 31, 2021, for travel before April 30, 2021. Some exceptions apply. For more details on how to make a reservation, agents are invited to Get...
It’s In The Cards
Chase and Air Canada have announced a strategic partnership that will make Chase the exclusive issuer of the airline's Aeroplan U.S. credit card. As a part of this partnership, Mastercard will become the exclusive payments network for the new offering in the U.S. The announcement comes one month after Air Canada launched its transformed Aeroplan loyalty program, which brings more value, increased flexibility, unparalleled access to Air Canada, and flight rewards with over 35 partner airlines. Mark Nasr, vice president, loyalty and eCommerce at Air Canada, said: “We are delighted...
Amadeus, Star Alliance Making It Touchless
Amadeus and Star Alliance have announced a partnership that will allow travellers enrolled in Star Alliance Biometrics or in Amadeus Traveler ID the benefit of accessing a growing number of airports where identity verification can be utilized during their journey. By joining forces, Amadeus and Star Alliance are creating a more global, frictionless, and touchless journey for the millions of frequent flyers enrolled in the respective programs of its member airlines. Launched last month, Star Alliance Biometrics allows passengers to pass through curb-to-gate touchpoints within...
The Spirit Of Giving
For Canadians and airline communities across the country, Christmas looks different this year. So, in its annual Christmas Miracle video, WestJet is highlighting why it’s important for the spirit of giving to remain strong during these more than difficult times. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, WestJet, with the help of WestJetters, have donated more than 1.3 million items nationwide. For this year's Christmas Miracle, the airline hopes to inspire this same giving. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDucCdjUmBg Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet’s chief...
Sunwing Takes Off To Cuba
Sunwing resumed service to Cuba this past weekend (Dec. 13), launching weekly flights departing from Toronto and Montreal to Varadero on Sundays. Samantha Taylor, chief marketing officer at Sunwing Travel Group, said of the new service that: “Our customers have been eagerly awaiting our return to Cuba and we’re excited to be bringing them back to this popular island under our wing,” said “Cuba has been a favourite vacation destination of Canadian travellers for over 50 years. We have brought many Canadians to this beautiful destination in the past and we’re happy to help...
A Window Of Opportunity
GlobalData says that direct booking providers have a ‘window of opportunity in post-pandemic travel. The data and analytics company notes that online travel agents (OTAs) were the primary choice of booking channel for 44% of global respondents in Q3 2019, however, it continues, disputed refund policies, coupled with a lack of efficient customer service, give leading service providers an opportunity to boost direct bookings in post-pandemic travel. Johanna Bonhill-Smith, travel & tourism analyst at GlobalData, said that: “OTAs dominate the online travel market space, but the...
More Vacation Options From Sunwing
In a move that will help better service customers from coast to coast, Sunwing is offering Canadians more flexible opportunities to head back to the tropics this winter. The tour operator’s vacation packages now include options for flights on board a range of international alternative carriers and hotel stays in seven tropical destinations, with a wide variety of departure dates and options from regional gateways. Transfers and support from Sunwing’s destination representatives will also be included with select packages. Andrew Dawson, president of Tour Operations for...
A First For Air Canada
Air Canada is offering its customers the safety and convenience of a new boarding option utilizing facial biometrics. The technology is now available for customers departing San Francisco International Airport (SFO) with plans to progressively roll it out for customers at other US airports where the airline operates. Andrew Yiu, vice president, product at Air Canada, said: “Air Canada has introduced numerous touchless processes throughout the customer journey, and we are pleased to now offer an optional, innovative biometric boarding choice for customers departing SFO that is...