Stay for Free at the Pan Pacific in Vancouver

My buddy Damon just alerted me to this sweet little deal on Pan Pacific’s site:

We invite Air Canada Business Class travelers to enjoy a complimentary night’s stay between Oct 1, 2008 and January 31, 2009. Simply present your boarding pass or a copy of your electronic ticket at check-in, then relax and enjoy our idea of a window seat.

You know, that WOULD be worth booking a Business Class trip on Air Canada. Sadly, there’s no Business Class on the Dash-8 flights between Penticton and Vancouver, so we won’t be staying at the Pan Pacific anytime soon.

But if YOU can, check out the details here.

Great News about Fuel Surcharges?

I received an email from Air Canada yesterday that included the following statement:

“Great news. The fuel surcharge is now included in all our North America fares.”

GREAT news? Who are they trying to kid?

Especially since Westjet announced yesterday afternoon that it will no longer collect one-way fuel surcharges of $20 for short haul, $30 for medium and $45 for longer flights.

On a brighter note, Air Canada did say that they will cancel their fees for the second checked bag on Tango and Tango Plus fares within North America effective September 23rd. That’s a savings of $50 per round-trip flight.

Priority Screening Now Available at Some Canadian Airports

Here’s the second portion of the message that I received from Air Canada today…

…enjoy the convenience of Priority Security Clearance when you travel in Executive Class or Executive First from select Canadian, U.S. and international airports.

Priority Security Clearance lanes have recently been introduced in Toronto. The new Pearson Priority – Air Canada Priority Lanes are now available and fully operational. These lanes are designed to expedite your entry to airport security screening zones via a clearly indicated, separate pre-board access lane, allowing you to arrive at your boarding gate more quickly. Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver and Edmonton also have Priority Security Clearance lanes, with more coming soon to other Canadian airports.

Again, FINALLY!!

I’ve enjoyed that privilege from time to time flying out of Las Vegas (where it is sorely needed) and it’s a complete blessing.

Instead of spending 20 to 30 minutes shuffling through the security line, you’re through in 5 minutes.

There are a LOT of things that you can do with that extra time, not least of all grab a drink or a bite to eat… the latter of which of course isn’t available on too many airlines nowadays.

Air Canada Introduces Priority Boarding

The following is a portion of a notice that Air Canada sent to its ‘Prestige’ class members:

“Priority Boarding is now available for travel within Canada and to the U.S. when you fly in Latitude, Executive Class or Executive First®. This exclusive privilege minimizes your waiting time at the airport by letting you board first, or at your leisure.”

Well HURRAY and FINALLY!

United Airlines has been giving boarding preference to its loyal customers for the longest time already, so I’m glad that Air Canada finally woke up.

But then again, because no one ever actually boards by seat and row number in Canada anyway – because the agents won’t turn anyone out of line regardless of the fact that their row hasn’t been called -what difference will it make?  I’ll still be looking for a place to stow my stuff in an overhead bin that isn’t anywhere near my seat.

On My Way: Air Canada Finds Another Way to Make Money

This has certainly been a lucrative week for Air Canada.

First they announce new reduced baggage allowances wherein you’ll pay $25 a leg to take that second bag if you’re flying in steerage.

Yesterday they announced a fuel surcharge that will cost you up to $120 more per round-trip flight.

And, in the middle of all that, I found an email from Air Canada that introduces their new insurance plan, called On My Way.

For just $25 on short-haul flights (1,000 kms or less) and $35 for long-haul flights, (one-way) you’ll enjoy the peace of mind knowing that if your flight is delayed or disrupted due to weather, airport or air traffic delays, Air Canada’s new travel assistance service will help you arrange complimentary hotel accommodations, car rental or other ground transportation, and meals.

Better yet, you will get automatic flight information updates sent to you by SMS and email. Woohoo!

Hmmm… you might think that means that they won’t fork over the cost of a hotel anymore when their flight arrives late and you miss your connection.. unless of course you spend $50 to $70 more per ticket.

But if you read the On My Way benefit chart, you’ll see that they DO offer limited hotel, ground transportation and meal assistance for overnight delays (within North Amercia) without the need to purchase On My Way.

Air Canada specifically states that “On My Way is not a replacement for travel insurance or the services your travel agent may provide” and that the service is “uniquely designed to minimize your worries”.

In the almost 5 decades that I’ve been travelling on commercial flights, I’ve only been stranded overnight once (in Edmonton) and Air Canada handled all the hotel, ground transportation and meals quite nicely, thank you.

Ergo, I’m NOT worried and I’m NOT buying it.

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