Airlines
Calling All Agents! Vote in Agents’ Choice
With just a few days left, now is the time to vote in Agents' Choice. From airline to tour operator to cruise line to car rental company, and everything in between, vote for all your 2020 favourites in 40+ categories before it’s too late. Proudly sponsored by Collette, Manulife, Trafalgar, Uniworld, and WestJet, agents who vote will be entered in a draw to win one of five fantastic prizes. Results will be announced in the special Agents’ Choice double-issue of Canadian Travel Press / Travel Courier. Baxter Media's annual Agents' Choice Readership Survey is Canada's original,...
Vouchers, Credits Are An Appropriate Approach: CTA
With major disruptions in both domestic and international air travel as a result of the spread of COVID-19, the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) advises that for flight disruptions that are outside an airline's control, the Canada Transportation Act and Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) only require that the airline ensure passengers can complete their itineraries. Some airlines' tariffs provide for refunds in certain cases, but may have clauses that airlines believe relieve them of such obligations in force majeure situations. The CTA notes that the legislation,...
COVID-19 Update: Transat, Hola Sun and More
Transat to Operate Special El Salvador, Guatemala Flights Air Transat has announced the deployment of two special flights over the next few days to return Canadians stranded in El Salvador and Guatemala back home. These flights, operated in collaboration with the Government of Canada, are in addition to those already planned by the airline. “To date, our repatriation flights have brought approximately 46,000 customers back home, and this number will continue to rise in the coming days,” says Jean-Marc Eustache, president and chief executive officer of Transat....
Air Canada Foundation Works With Second Harvest
Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation are working with Canadian food rescue organization Second Harvest's FoodRescue.ca to redistribute fresh food items from Air Canada's in-flight kitchens as the airline begins suspending the majority of its international and US transborder flights as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. “While so many of us are staying home during these extraordinary times, we also remain united in taking care of each other. These difficult moments remind us of the importance of continuing to support our communities and help Canadian families in need,” said...
COVID-19 Update: ACV, Transat and More
ACV, Transat Ease Final Payment Deadlines Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has announced that until further notice it is offering a new flexible final payment deadline of 25 days prior to departure, down from the current 45-day deadline. Final payment will now be extended to 25 days prior to departure (previously 45 days) for all individual vacation packages to all destinations excluding cruises. Normal cancellation terms and conditions still apply including EBB terms and conditions. The new temporary measure excludes group bookings. “We are hearing that providing...
Air Canada Begins Operating Cargo-only Flights
Through its Cargo division, Air Canada has begun using its aircraft to operate cargo-only flights to Europe, with other flights planned for Latin America and South America. The aircraft on these flights carry no passengers, but move time-sensitive shipments, including medical supplies to combat COVID-19, and goods to support the global economy. “Air Canada Cargo has long served as a vital link in global supply chains and with the disruption arising from the COVID-19 pandemic our capabilities are more important than ever. Although we have announced very significant temporary...
6,900 Employees Depart WestJet
Yesterday (March 24), WestJet announced that 6,900 employees are leaving the organization — with 90% of those leaving voluntarily — resulting in the same amount of staff the airline had in 2003. “6,900 WestJetters are receiving notices confirming early retirements, early outs and both voluntary and involuntary leaves,” said Ed Sims, WestJet President and CEO. “This is devastating news for all WestJetters. The fact that we avoided a potentially worse outcome is testament to the spirit and selfless attitude demonstrated by our people, who have enabled WestJet to continue...
Air Canada’s Repatriation Efforts Continue
Air Canada will operate six special flights from Lima, Barcelona and Quito this week to enable Canadians stranded abroad to return home. The flights, operated in collaboration with the Government of Canada, are part of Air Canada's ongoing efforts to repatriate Canadians. “Several hundred Canadians trapped in Peru, Ecuador and Spain since the imposition of restrictive travel measures by the authorities will finally be able to return home. Air Canada remains fully mobilized dealing with this global health crisis and we have committed to keep operating internationally, transborder...