Bad enough that we’re getting squeezed into airplanes. Now consumers around the world are facing skyrocketing airline prices. Bloomberg reports that corporate travel manager American Express Global Business Travel analyzed tens of thousands of client transactions on international flights to and from Asian destinations and found some serious inflation at work. A typical New York-to-Hong Kong flight in economy class cost more than twice as much this year as in 2019, and almost a third more than last year. “Fares have been bolstered by tight capacity going into travel’s peak season and customers are eager to book, often upgrading to Read more
Sunwing
A new airline satisfaction poll puts Southwest, JetBlue and Delta at the top of the charts. But Canadian airlines came away with below average scores. The annual J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study 2023 finds Southwest on top among Economy/Basic Economy airlines with a score of 827. Delta was number one for Premium Economy, totaling 848 points. For First Class/Business Class, JetBlue scored the best mark with 893 points. Air Canada was fifth out of six airlines in First/Business, with a mark of 830. That’s below the average score of 846 in the category. For Premium Economy, Air Canada Read more
The WestJet Group today announced that it has completed its acquisition of Sunwing Vacations and Sunwing Airlines. WestJet said the transaction, originally announced in March 2022, combines the two Canadian aviation and leisure travel success stories, “and will bring greater choice, competitive airfares and increased direct access to sun destinations to Canadian travellers. “In addition, it positions Sunwing to continue its growth across Canada and permits the newly merged company to protect jobs.” Initially, the airlines will continue independent operations, maintaining a sharp focus on providing an exceptional guest experience and ensuring safe operations. As the two entities transition Read more
A report from Christopher Reynolds of Canadian Press lays out some startling information on the reduction of flight options for Canadians, and the increased cost. In a story that appeared in the Toronto Star, Reynolds wrote that prices on flights between Halifax and Montreal rose 69% after WestJet cancelled the route. He also noted that fares between Winnipeg and Regina umped 39% after Air Canada left the route for WestJet. Quoting the airline website Hopper, Reynolds said that, since 2019, roundtrip air fares for Canadians for trips to Europe have risen 32%, while those to the U.S. have gone Read more
Air Canada Vacations has some great last-minute sun deals on offer. Until March 26, save on last-minute escapes with up to $300 off per couple on select vacation packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Hawaii. Book by March 26, 2023 for travel up to April 30, 2023. They have deals at the Harmony Suites in lovely Saint Lucia from $1,089 per adult. If you love Hawaii, you can stay at posh Kapalua Villas on Maui for $2,815. The villas are located above Kapalua Beach, one of the prettiest in Hawaii, with fabulous snorkeling just a few meters from Read more
