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Air Canada Adds Apple TV+ to Its In-Flight Entertainment; WestJet Touts Sun Flights From Hamilton, Ontario

Air Canada today announced the expansion of its award-winning in-flight entertainment with the addition of exclusive Apple TV+ original programming beginning Aug. 1, 2023. The partnership marks Air Canada’s latest investment in the customer experience, adding critically acclaimed original programs including Ted Lasso, Bad Sisters, Severance, Foundation and many more for its global customers.

New and existing AppleTV+ subscribers will get 2 free months as a result of this new partnership.

“At Air Canada, we know that in-flight entertainment is an important part of our customers’ travel journey, particularly on long-haul flights. We continually evaluate opportunities to expand our entertainment and introduce exclusive, current content that our customers will love. We look forward to welcoming customers onboard to catch up on their favourite Apple TV+ shows or discover new hits during their flight,” said John Moody, Managing Director of Product Design at Air Canada. “This new partnership with Apple puts us on track to increase our onboard entertainment content by more than 95 per cent since last year. We look forward to introducing even more entertainment before the end of 2023.”

Air Canada customer.

Earlier this year, Air Canada was recognized by Global Traveler as Best Airline for Onboard Entertainment for the fifth consecutive year, and by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) with the Passenger Choice Award for Best Entertainment in North America. With 420+ movies, 1,000+ TV episodes, 130+ music albums, podcasts and more, customers can enjoy the best programming from boarding to landing. All content onboard Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment equipped aircraft is complimentary for all customers.

Air Canada’s partnership with Apple follows the airline’s recent collaboration with Mattel which brings more family fun with some of the most popular kids’ shorts.

In May, Air Canada and Bell began offering free messaging for all Aeroplan members worldwide on all Wi-Fi equipped aircraft across Air Canada’s fleet, including Air Canada Rouge and Air Canada Express flights. Customers can send and receive text-based messages via onboard Wi-Fi using popular messaging apps including Apple’s iMessage, Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger, Rakuten’s Viber, and Messages by Google. 

Last November, Air Canada became the only Canadian carrier to offer live Canadian TV featuring English and French channels, giving customers the ability to cheer on their favourite sports teams by watching global sporting events in real time, as well as live news onboard equipped flights.

 

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards.

WESTJET COMMITS TO CARIBBEAN AND FLORIDA FLIGHTS OUT OF HAMILTON

The Mayan ruins at Tulum, south of Cancun. JIM BYERS PHOTO

The Mayan ruins at Tulum, south of Cancun. JIM BYERS PHOTO

The WestJet Group has announced enhancements to its winter schedule serving Hamilton, including flights to Cancun, Punta Cana, Orlando and Tampa.

Officials said WestJet is sustaining the community’s key sun connections as the airline works through a transitionary period and completes the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop.

The WestJet Group has proudly served Hamilton for 23 years and while the integration of Swoop has resulted in a reduced schedule serving the community, this is a temporary measure required as the airline continues to responsibly execute the incorporation of Swoop’s highly successful business model into WestJet.

“Hamilton was integral to Swoop’s success and remains a valuable part of the WestJet Group’s future,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “As we work through this transitionary period, WestJet’s service from Hamilton will be centered on our strategic focus of providing non-stop domestic connectivity to Western Canada and the sun destinations we know our guests rely on us for to escape the winter cold.”

Route Frequency Start Date
Hamilton – Cancun 3x weekly November 25
Hamilton – Punta Cana 3x weekly November 26
Hamilton – Orlando 3x weekly November 24
Hamilton – Tampa Bay 3x weekly November 24

 

In addition to its sun schedule, WestJet will also provide non-stop connectivity between Hamilton and Calgary, operating four times weekly. With frequent service to Calgary, operating year-round, WestJet will ensure Hamilton is one seamless connection away from its 787 international hub, granting seamless access to travel across Canada, the United States, Central America, Europe and Tokyo.  

 

PLAY OFFERING FLIGHTS FROM HAMILTON TO GERMANY

Frankfurt, Germany. Brandy Willetts- Unsplash

Frankfurt, Germany. Brandy Willetts- Unsplash

PLAY, a low-cost airline operating flights between Iceland and Europe, has launched ticket sales for flights from Hamilton/YHM to Frankfurt in Germany. The first flight with PLAY to Frankfurt will be on December 14, and it will operate four to five times a week throughout the winter.

To celebrate the first flight with PLAY to Frankfurt, the airline has announced a limited-time flight sale, starting from as low as $259 exclusive of taxes and fees. The sale started on July 27, 2023 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on August 10, 2023. Canadians will be able to book the discounted fare for travel dates between January to March 2024. For complete sale details, and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit flyplay.com/canada-offers. Travel for this new route will be facilitated through Frankfurt Airport, only 20 minutes away from the city that is best known for its unique art scene, history, museums, dashing skyscrapers and inviting neighborhoods.

 

AIR TAHITI NUI SALE ROM LAX TO TAHITI

 

 

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora in Tahiti. Yowza.

Air Tahiti Nui, the most immersive in-flight travel experience and the flagship carrier of French Polynesia, is offering a ten-day flash sale on flights from Los Angeles to Papeete, Tahiti.

For a limited time, travelers can soak in savings on getaways to French Polynesia, with Air Tahiti Nui’s Los Angeles to Tahiti Flash Sale, available for booking within August 1-August 10, 2023, for travel within October 20 – December 15, 2023; or January 20 – March 31, 2024.

Passengers who book a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete (PPT) can take advantage of round-trip fares from $802 per person in Moana Economy class, the best deal on the market. It has never been easier for travelers from the U.S. to snorkel with Manta Rays, explore indigenous French Polynesian culture, or laze away in an overwater bungalow, all in one of the most unspoiled landscapes in the world.

Plus, enjoy a free checked bag, inflight entertainment, meals and alcoholic beverages, pillow, blanket, and amenity kit for the ultimate comfortable flight – all included in the fare.

The special fare is redeemable by booking directly though Air Tahiti Nui’s website or by calling the airline’s call center at 1 (877) 824-4846.

GREAT CANADIAN CASINO RESORT TORONTO OPENS HOTEL NEAR PEARSON AIRPORT

 

A room at the Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

 

Great Canadian Entertainment is pleased to announce that The Hotel at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, the newest addition to its new $1 billion campus is now open. Blending modernity, comfort, and excitement under one roof and just minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport, The Hotel at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto offers 400 well-appointed guest rooms, with nearly half boasting breathtaking views of the legendary Woodbine Racetrack. These spacious accommodations range from 400 square feet to 840 square feet and include several accessible rooms and suites, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of guests. 

 

Premium rooms and suites include:

–        Premium King

–        Premium Two Queen

–        Premium Accessible King or Two Queen

–        King Corner Suite

–        Two Bedroom Suite

–        Accessible King Suite

 

Each guest room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests will find a 55” Smart TV, in-room safe, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini fridge, and a coffee maker, providing convenience at their fingertips.

 

For those seeking a truly indulgent experience, prestige suites offer an array of additional features. Alongside the amenities available in the premium rooms, the suites boast a separate living room, a fully equipped bar unit including a fridge and microwave, and a spacious bathroom. Accessible suites are also available in addition to accessible rooms. 

 

As part of the resort experience, The Hotel at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto will soon unveil its wellness area. This dedicated space includes a state-of-the-art fitness center with cutting-edge equipment, and a wet area featuring a heated indoor pool, a hot tub, and a steam room. The wellness area is set to open in the coming weeks, offering guests the ultimate retreat to unwind. 

 

Reservations for The Hotel can be made by visiting Great Canadian Toronto’s website.