Archived Newsletters

November 2022
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AIR CANADA 2023 INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC EXPANSION

New European services to Brussels, Toulouse and Copenhagen highlight the strategic expansion and restoration of Air Canada’s international network for 2023. The carrier will also resume key Asia services to Tokyo-Haneda and Osaka as well as restoring frequencies to popular destinations in the Atlantic, Pacific and South America regions.

Schedule highlights include:

• Toronto-Brussels – 5 x weekly year-round starting June 1
• Montreal-Toulouse – 5 x weekly year-round starting June 1
• Montreal-Copenhagen – 5 x weekly in summer starting June 1
• Toronto-Tokyo Haneda – daily year-round starting May 1
• Vancouver-Osaka – 4 x weekly in summer starting June 2

Increased frequencies from

  • Toronto to LHR, Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Madrid, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Algiers, and Narita;

  • Montreal to Frankfurt, Geneva, Nice, Sao Paolo, and Narita; and Vancouver to Brisbane, Hong Kong, and Seoul.

Air Canada's reach to Europe and beyond will continue through their Star Alliance partners.

They will also increase their presence in Scandinavia with the addition of summer service from Montreal to Copenhagen, a Star Alliance hub that offers connections throughout Northern Europe, while enabling customers on both sides of the Atlantic to visit and explore each other’s countries conveniently.

 

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TO CHECK OR NOT TO CHECK, THAT IS THE QUESTION!

As COVID-19-related restrictions lift and demand for travel returns, airport goers are left wondering yet again if checking a bag is worth it. On top of the hefty costs, travellers are also grappling with the growing concern that their luggage may never even reach their final destination.

Air Canada changed its policy on sun destinations, removing the option of a complimentary checked bag from all cross-border flights in North and Central America.  Prices for a second bag rose to $100 from $50 on select flights to all other international destinations including Europe and Asia.  

Use Air Canada's checked baggage calculator to determine your free checked baggage allowance, and any additional fees should you exceed it.

WestJet also changed its checked luggage policy this summer. Now, travellers are encouraged to pre-pay for their first and second checked bags as the airline introduced an increased fee of $10 per bag for passengers who pay for a checked bag less than 24-hours before their flight departs.

You will be able to prepay for up to two pieces of checked baggage on WestJet operated flights at any time up to 24 hours before your flight.  Ask your Uniglobe Travel Advisor for assistance.

WestJet luggage policy

Make sure you check your appropriate airline baggage policies before you pack and head to the airport, each airline has their own policy.   Beyond comparing flights between airlines, consider if the basic fare option is best for you. If you are planning to check in one or more bags, a more flexible, premium option may be of better value.   Your Uniglobe Travel Advisor can make sure you have the best fare suited to your needs.  Contact us today to book.

 

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WestJet, KLM Codeshare Provides More Connections

WestJet has initiated the placement of its “WS” codeshare on KLM-operated flights as part of its long-standing codeshare relationship with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Through the codeshare, travellers will have convenient access via Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) to and from 20 cities including:

  • Vienna
  • Brussels
  • Copenhagen
  • Frankfurt
  • Athens 
  • Milan
  • Lisbon
  • Glasgow 
  • Manchester 

Combined with the restart of WestJet’s non-stop 787 Dreamliner service between Amsterdam and Calgary on Nov. 14, 2022, the resumption of the codesharing on KLM operated flights will give travellers greater access between Canadian and European points for travellers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Travellers using the codeshare will gain a host of benefits, including optimized Amsterdam connections, through check in for all flights at their first departure, baggage checked through to their final destination, and the ability to earn and use WestJet Rewards dollars on all flights