After a summer 2022 air travel season filled with delays and disruptions,
NBC News says air travelers should prepare for what could be more of the same this summer.
In an interview with CNBC, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said customers are more interested than ever in getting out of town this summer.
Air travel “is something the consumer’s prioritizing,” he said. “They may be pulling back in other areas … but I don’t see it in our credit card data, I don’t see it in our bookings.”
The New York Times recently reported that three of the largest carriers in the U.S. — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines — set records for quarterly revenue in the three months that ended in June. Profits more than doubled from the same period last year,
“We’re still in a world where demand is very strong,” Vasu Raja, American’s chief commercial officer, told reporters and investors on a call on Thursday, The Times stated.
Terminal One baggage claim, Toronto Pearson Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
While flight cancellations are down about 14% this summer compared to last, according to flight tracking website FlightAware, delays are up, and so are frustrations, CBS News reports.
Canada is actually in worse shape than the States. CTV News reports that Canada’s two biggest airlines saw a far higher proportion of their flights delayed this summer than many of their American peers, according to figures from an aviation data firm.
Overall, only half of Air Canada’s 31,168 flights were on time between June 19 and July 16, statistics provided by Cirium reveal. In comparison, 64 per cent of WestJet’s 14,998 flights touched down late, CTV said.
As if air travel hassles weren’t enough, Open Jaw Network reports there are problems at U.S. -Canada land crossings due to a shortage of U.S border agents.
“Travel between Canada and the U.S. is approaching pre-pandemic levels. But at the same time, there are more reports of U.S. border agent shortages – meaning those increased numbers of travellers are experiencing longer and longer wait times to cross the border,” Open Jaw stated. “That has stakeholders worrying the delays will reverse the tide of cross-border travellers.”
TOP DESTINATIONS FOR EUROPE THIS SUMMER
London England. Lucas Davies/Unsplash Photo
Dreaming of a European summer? The team at
Spin Genie analyzed the average price and the number of days it would take to view the tourist attractions of major European cities to create a list of the 11 best places to visit in Europe.
CITY COUNTRY AVERAGE HOTEL PRICE (USD)
Rome Italy $77 to $221
London England $111 to $332
Paris France $111 to $332
Amsterdam Netherlands $89 to $221
Prague Czech Republic $66 to $166
Barcelona Spain $89 to $166
Santorini Greece $166 to $332
Budapest Hungary $77 to $166
Reykjavik Iceland $111 to $221
Berlin Germany $77 to $166
Vienna Austria $89 to $166
Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Spin Genie says “As one of the most influential continents in the world, Europe is home to a vast range of diverse and culturally rich countries. From impressive historical architecture to quaint towns and delicious foods, every country offers travellers a unique and vibrant experience.
“Whether you want to indulge in fine French cuisine, relax in ancient baths or transport yourself back in time, Europe is the perfect place for bucket list adventures.”
“Budget-conscious travellers will be pleased to discover that several affordable cities offer incredible experiences without breaking the bank,” Aldworth says. “Budapest is often regarded as one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Europe. With its affordable accommodation options, reasonably priced dining choices, and inexpensive public transportation, visitors can explore the city’s stunning architecture, relax in its thermal baths, and indulge in its vibrant nightlife without straining their wallets.”
TOP 5 DON’T MISS ATTRACTIONS IN EUROPE
The Eternal City of Rome. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Trevi Fountain, Rome
“One of Rome’s most famous landmarks, the Trevi Fountain is a bucket list attraction,” says Aldworth at Spin Genie. “Toss a coin into the stunning Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most famous landmarks. Admire its Baroque design, intricate sculptures, and cascading waters, and make a wish for your return to the Eternal City.” I also suggest The Pantheon, and a walk around the neighborhood of Trastevere.
The London Eye and Tower Of London, London
London has a range of iconic landmarks, from historic buildings such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London to Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the London Eye. I love the walk on the Thames River’s south bank between Big Ben and Borough Market. I also recommend checking out the canals in Little Venice.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
No visit to Paris is complete without a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. Ascend to the top for panoramic city views or enjoy a leisurely picnic in its surrounding gardens. Paris will host the Summer Olympics next year, beginning July 26. For a fine urban walk, check out the action on Rue Mouffetard.
Bloemenmarkt, Amsterdam
The world’s only floating flower market, Bloemenmart is the perfect place for lovers of colour, beauty and flowers to visit. Admire colourful displays of flowers, bulbs and souvenirs and take home a piece of Amsterdam’s floral heritage. I also recommend The Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, as well as a visit to one of the city’s famous “brown cafes.”
Santorini Volcano, Santorini
Take a boat trip to Nea Kameni’s and Palea Kameni’s volcanic islets. Hike up to the active volcano’s crater, bathe in the hot springs, and learn about the volcanic geology that shaped the island.
PORTER AIRLINES BEGINS OTTAWA-VANCOUVER SERVICE
A Porter Airlines Embraer E195-E2 jet. Photo Courtesy Porter Airlines.
Porter Airlines is inaugurating service between
Ottawa International Airport (YOW) and
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) today. The route marks Porter’s first
Western Canada destination from
Ottawa.The new route begins with one daily roundtrip flight operated with Porter’s state-of-the-art 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. It offers a variety of connections to Eastern Canada via Ottawa.
“The Ottawa-Vancouver route is an important part of our expansion as we build a coast-to-coast network that offers travellers our unique approach to economy air travel,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “Travellers can connect through our well-established Eastern Canada network and enjoy Porter’s elevated economy experience each step of the way.”
All passengers will experience Porter’s genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service, including free, fast WiFi, a selection of premium snacks and free beer and wine served in real glassware. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares.
A WONDERFUL TORONTO MEAL
A fine array of dishes at Cibo Wine Bar on King St. West in Toronto. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Many thanks to the folks at Cibo Wine Bar on King Street West for a truly fabulous meal last night. We got to taste a wide range of dishes prepared by Chef Laura Petracca, who’s lovely to talk to and is a terrific chef. Her tagliatelle bolognese was a highlight, rich and creamy and perfect. It’s as good a bolognese sauce as I’ve had anywhere, including Bologna. She also makes a very good gnocchi with gorgonzola cheese (the same woman has been hand-making Cibo’s gnocchi for 10 years), a nice lobster ravioli, terrific pizza with sausage and truffles, a great risotto with almond and sundried tomato pesto, and moist, lovely arancini that was easily the best I’ve had anywhere. The tiramisu was outstanding and perfect for a summer night, while the Chocolate Baci Bomb was rich and wonderful.
Dessert at Cibo Wine Bar on King Street West in Toronto. JIM BYERS PHOTO
We had a nice spot on the sunny (later shady) patio on a perfect summer night in Toronto, and our waitress, Page, was superb. We also had some lovely Italian wine and a couple of terrific cocktails. I had the “Up in Smoke,” with Tanqueray No. 10 Gin, Cynar, Maraschino and Orange Bitters, which arrived in a smoke-filled glass. My wife loved her Agave Basil Smash, a light and summery but flavourful drink with Tromba Bianco Tequila, Mezcal Verde, Fresh Lime, Fresh Basil, Agave and Club Soda.
