Airlines
WestJet Introduces New Baggage Fee
WestJet is now charging a $25 fee for a first checked bag on Econo fares for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. The new fee applies to bookings made as of Sept. 15 onward, for travel on or after Oct. 29, 2014. Passengers flying to any of WestJet's international destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe may continue to check a first bag at no charge. The carrier indicated that the change, which applies to Econo fares only, is expected to affect approximately one in five WestJet guests. Passenger selecting a Flex fare will receive one...
Air France Contest Coming to a Close
The Air France contest in honour of its 80th anniversary is coming to a close. The last installment, “80 Years of Passion for Service,” offers Canadian travel agents one last chance to win a pair of tickets to Europe. Until Sept. 30, agents can sign up for the contest by answering the eligibility question about Air France and service. Afterwards, they can register each ticket they sell on a flight departing from Canada for any eligible Air France destination. Entrants can double or triple their odds of winning depending on the booking class of the tickets they sell: one chance...
Heathrow Preps for Strike Action
Contingency plans are in place as London's Heathrow Airport prepares for a strike tomorrow (Sept. 12). Extra staff are being put in place at Heathrow to cope with a 24-hour ground handlers strike. Reports say the airport is also bringing in extra “passenger ambassadors” to help minimize disruptions or confusion for passengers. Despite this, officials at Heathrow are urging passengers to allow extra time for travel through the airport and has advised travellers to check with their airlines if they have any concerns. The strike action was called after talks broke down between...
Sunwing Set to Launch Ottawa-St. Petersburg Service
It will soon be even easier for residents of Ottawa to reach some of Florida’s finest beaches with the introduction of Sunwing Vacations' new direct, non-stop flight to St. Petersburg-Clearwater, commencing Dec. 18. Departing Thursdays, the weekly service will be operated on Boeing 737-800 series aircraft that seat 189 passengers. The addition of the new route this winter will make Ottawa the third Canadian city to benefit from a direct, non-stop service to the region after Toronto and Halifax. Both St. Petersburg and Clearwater frequently make it into the top 10 best beaches...
Pilot Walkout Leads to Lufthansa Flight Disruptions
A planned pilot walkout has forced Lufthansa to cancel more than 100 Munich flights today (Sept. 10) affecting thousands of passengers. The eight-hour walkout by members of the Vereinigung Cockpit union is the third strike at the German airline in two weeks. Lufthansa has published a special flight schedule for its Munich hub at its http://www.LH.com web site. Thomas Klühr, member of the Lufthansa German Airlines Board, Finances & Hub Munich, commented, “This strike will cause severe inconveniences for our passengers, especially during the final holiday week in Bavaria...
Qatar to Start Non-Stop Doha-Phuket Service
Qatar Airways will boost services to Thailand with the introduction of non-stop flights to Phuket, effective Oct. 26. The airline currently serves the Doha-Phuket route daily via a linked service through the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker commented, “The start of non-stop services from Doha to Phuket offers travellers from around the world access to the popular tourist destination in a reduced time, from across our expanding global network. “With the upcoming winter holidays, this is a great opportunity for travellers from the Middle East, Europe,...
WestJet, Live Different Team Up
WestJet has launched a three-year, enhanced partnership with Canadian charity Live Different and its Hero Holiday program, an initiative providing year-round global humanitarian opportunities in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Thailand. Since 2012, WestJet has supported Live Different with the WestJet Hero Holiday program on an annual basis in the community of Nuevo Renacer, located near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. This year's Hero Holiday, taking place in October, marks the beginning of a new three-year partnership with the organization. “Our goal is to find...
Southwest Unveils New Look
Southwest Airlines introduced a modern new look to its brand yesterday at an event dedicated to its employees. The airline unveiled a new aircraft livery, named Heart One, airport experience, and logo. The new look “puts the airline’s Heart on display, showcasing the strength of the nearly 46,000 employees company wide.” “Our collective heartbeat is stronger and healthier than ever, and that’s because of the warmth, the compassion, and the smiles of our people,” said Southwest president and CEO Gary Kelly. “The Heart emblazoned on our aircraft, and within our new look,...