WestJet and the union representing its flight. attendants have reached a tentative agreement, bringing an end to the work stoppage and network-wide operational disruption, and withdrawing both the strike and lockout notices. The airline announced the move at 6:35 a.m. today. The agreement will now go to WestJet Cabin Crew for a ratification vote.  “We are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement that reflects the hard work and professionalism our cabin crew,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer of WestJet. “We know this disruption has been frustrating for our guests and WestJetters and we’re sorry for that. Our Read more

The union representing some 4,400 WestJet flight attendants called a strike early on Sunday morning August 2, plunging Canada into travel chaos on the busy August long weekend. WestJet says all flights have been cancelled. As of 7 a.m. ET on Sunday, FlightAware.com reports 723 cancellations; 115 on Saturday, Aug. 1, 495 today and 113 for Monday, Aug. 3. WestJet said 250,000 customers have had their August long weekend travel cancelled. The cancellations don’t include WestJet Encore or WestJet partner airlines, such as Delta. CUPE local 8125 and WestJet management were engaged in tense negotiations right up to the 12:01 am Read more

  WestJet has begun cancelling flights as a potential strike looms in less than 24 hours.   The airline today said it has been forced to cancel 309 flights due to the potential strike. FlightAware.com, a website that tracks airlines, said WestJet has cancelled 115 flights for Saturday and 188 for Sunday, plus 11 for holiday Monday.    The Calgary International Airport departures page was showing cancelled WestJet flights to Toronto, Chicago, Las Vegas, Vancouver, Montreal and Honolulu. The Vancouver International Airport departures page was showing cancelled WestJet flights to Toronto, Calgary, Atlanta, Maui and other airports.   WestJet said Read more

There’s still nearly two months left of summer (fall doesn’t arrive until Sept. 21), which means there’s plenty of time to get out on a road trip and enjoy great places in the U.S. and Canada. Here are a few personal faves.   COOL SPOTS IN THE U.S.A. PITTSBURGH   I grew up near Oakland, California and our family had season tickets for the Oakland Raiders football team. I hated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a passion. Years later I was working in the sports department for the Toronto Star, and talked my editor into having me drive to Pittsburgh to Read more

Great deals for Canadians heading to New York City, new online passport renewals for Canadians, new basic premium economy and basic business class seats for Air Canada, and new flights to beautiful Madeira. All in today’s post. NEW YORK CITY WANTS YOU! In a push to bring Canadian travellers back to the Big Apple, New York City Tourism is launching a new two-week program offering 30% discounts on hotels, restaurants, and tourism attractions across the city. NYC’s Northern Neighbour Deal, which runs from Aug. 18 to Sept. 7, promises discounts on more than 40 hotels, including the fabulous Ace Hotel. Read more

MSN has a fine item posted on ten of the best Caribbean islands for folks who want to get away from the crowds. I’ve visited six of them: Bequia, Iles des Saintes, Dominica, Eleuthera, Anguilla, and Nevis. They’re all outstanding destinations for travellers looking to get away from it all. BEQUIA: This is a delightful island south of St. Vincent that’s easily reached by ferry. Part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the main town of Port Elizabeth has a super casual feel and is decorated with wildly colourful Bougainvillea and other flowering plants. Stroll along the Princess Margaret waterfront Read more