Canadian Airport Thread II

[samuelx88]

How can Westjet expect to grow in Québec when their only flight to YQB is a 2X weekly YYC-YQB from July to August only, priced above 500-1500$ per direction? It seems like they aren't even trying anymore to be competitive when even Fredericton has more flights.

[JakeLRS]

Originally Posted by msmariner

Why is this a problem? You’re not forced to buy the fare category. Seems like most WS flights with this option are much cheaper. Gives people an option to fly more affordably. We don’t seem to be able to hold on to so called low cost airlines. Plus Westjet has way more frequencies than Flair.

Ironically, browsing some routes, fares are either the same price or more expensive than when it was simply a “basic” fare. This new swoop fare is just removing carry ons and limiting more stuff for essentially the same price.
It’s not about reducing fares, it’s all a money grab. The price difference between ultra basic and eco is also now more noticeable as well.

Westjet continues to innovate ways to be Canada’s most greedy airline while finding ways to cut corners on service.

[LO 044]

Originally Posted by msmariner

Why is this a problem? You’re not forced to buy the fare category. Seems like most WS flights with this option are much cheaper. Gives people an option to fly more affordably. We don’t seem to be able to hold on to so called low cost airlines. Plus Westjet has way more frequencies than Flair.

I don't buy the fact that the fares will go down. Even if your statement is true about the fares being lower NOW, I feel like WS will slowly creep up these ultra basic fares to a point where they equal previous basic fares. That might be now or when Flair goes under. Flair going under is an assumption of course but a decent bet. I really think that WestJet's reputation / flying experience is really going down hill versus AC but I guess only time will tell and we'll see how this venture goes.

Edit. After posting the above it looks like JakeLRS beat me to it and I agree with him.

[nname]

Originally Posted by hollywoodcory

Busy week for route announcements at YYC it seems.

4Y is planning MUC-YYC in S25 up to 5x weekly:
https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240604-4yns25muc

This will likely replace some of the FRA frequencies (perhaps dropping that back to just daily).

This is indeed the case, just updated in AC system:
4Y76/AC7392 FRA-YYC 12347(333) 56(332)
4Y90/AC7384 MUC-YYC 12467(333)

[Calfan12]

AIR CANADA MAY 2025 VANCOUVER – OSAKA SERVICE INCREASES

Air Canada in May 2025 plans to increase service on Vancouver – Osaka Kansai route during off-peak season. The seasonal service in Northern summer 2025 season commences on 02MAY25, with 4 weekly flights scheduled for the month of May, with 787-9 Dreamliner.

This route in May 2024 and first half of June is scheduled 3 times weekly.

AC023 YVR1325 – 1620+1KIX 789 x247
AC024 KIX1800 – 1125YVR 789 x135

https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240605-acmay25kix

[Calfan12]

Originally Posted by msmariner

Why is this a problem? You’re not forced to buy the fare category. Seems like most WS flights with this option are much cheaper. Gives people an option to fly more affordably. We don’t seem to be able to hold on to so called low cost airlines. Plus Westjet has way more frequencies than Flair.

Well said & agree. It’s great to have options to choose from✅.
Whether it’s WestJet, Air Canada, Porter, Flair or others airlines✈️ here in Canada to Domestic, US /International destinations.

In mid April 2024, I did a “long-distance western canada trip by bus” & used Riderexpress, from Edmonton YEG- Vancouver YVR with a (bus connection in Calgary YYC) & bus from YYC- YVR. The long distance bus trip from Alberta to Vancouver (gets more busier with passengers boarding/fills up near Kamloops BC) . On the way back to Alberta by bus, same thing (YVR- Kamloops portion) of the bus trip is the busiest. https://riderexpress.ca/

I’m willing to do a long distance bus trip (again) for Domestic travel, at some point.

[Dominion301]

AC offering 'free wine and snacks in Y' on all domestic and transborder routes until the end of 2024. PD effect?

https://www.newswire.ca/news-release...895755999.html

[thenoflyzone]

WestJet going one way, Air Canada going another!

[Zmonkey]

Originally Posted by Dominion301

AC offering 'free wine and snacks in Y' on all domestic and transborder routes until the end of 2024. PD effect?

https://www.newswire.ca/news-release...895755999.html

This is what Competition should be doing!
Long term if WestJet basics starts lowering prices, that will be a good thing. I just don't think it will.

[LO 044]

Originally Posted by thenoflyzone

WestJet going one way, Air Canada going another!

This is exactly what I was thinking. AC is racing to the top matching PD's offerings. WS is racing to the bottom (or ultra basic) matching Flair's "you get on the plane but that's about it" offerings.

WS and Flair should take this to the next level lol. Bring back those people mover buses famous at YMX and even YEG. A basic fare gets you a ride to the plane at a parking position. An ultra basic fare allows you to walk across the tarmac in -30 degree weather plus windchill factor and up non-covered stairs.

[MonctonRad]

Don't forget the fees for washroom usage while on board.

[msmariner]

Originally Posted by LO 044

This is exactly what I was thinking. AC is racing to the top matching PD's offerings. WS is racing to the bottom (or ultra basic) matching Flair's "you get on the plane but that's about it" offerings.

WS and Flair should take this to the next level lol. Bring back those people mover buses famous at YMX and even YEG. A basic fare gets you a ride to the plane at a parking position. An ultra basic fare allows you to walk across the tarmac in -30 degree weather plus windchill factor and up non-covered stairs.

The same Air Canada that just walked back it seat selection fees?? Face it all airlines are in it to make money. So anything that can save a potential flyer some money is good

[LO 044]

Originally Posted by msmariner

The same Air Canada that just walked back it seat selection fees?? Face it all airlines are in it to make money. So anything that can save a potential flyer some money is good

The point is I don't believe it will save you money. WS will creep up it's ultra basic fare to a basic fare level over time and especially when/if Flair goes under.

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by LO 044

This is exactly what I was thinking. AC is racing to the top matching PD's offerings. WS is racing to the bottom (or ultra basic) matching Flair's "you get on the plane but that's about it" offerings.

WS and Flair should take this to the next level lol. Bring back those people mover buses famous at YMX and even YEG. A basic fare gets you a ride to the plane at a parking position. An ultra basic fare allows you to walk across the tarmac in -30 degree weather plus windchill factor and up non-covered stairs.

Maybe WS can start charging for people to use the lavs. Or offer standing room space.

[Calfan12]

Originally Posted by msmariner

The same Air Canada that just walked back it seat selection fees?? Face it all airlines are in it to make money. So anything that can save a potential flyer some money is good

Well said again. All airlines ✈️has their different prices✅. I’m a leisurely traveller & my family is the “same” . We usually choose the most affordable option & doesn’t matter what airline it is.

Plus I’m the (only one) in my family, that enjoys a “long distance bus travel” in Canada for Domestic Travel & I will take this option (sometimes) over flying.

On my way back on Riderexpress bus in April 2024 from Vancouver YVR to Edmonton YEG via (Calgary YYC), there was 1 passenger from YVR going all the way to Eastern Canada by bus via Winnipeg YWG, as YWG is “currently the only” connecting point available from Western Canada to Eastern Canada for long distance bus travel, after Greyhound left.

I’m hoping to do a Eastern Canada long distance bus trip eventually at some point next. As I only have done the Western Canada long distance bus trip, from Edmonton YEG - Vancouver YVR /Victoria YYJ, BC via YYC & back to Alberta.

[thenoflyzone]

Originally Posted by msmariner

The same Air Canada that just walked back it seat selection fees?? Face it all airlines are in it to make money. So anything that can save a potential flyer some money is good

They did walk back though (and now, they seem to be going the other direction). Would WS do the same if enough people protested?

[Dominion301]

Originally Posted by Calfan12

Well said again. All airlines ✈️has their different prices✅. I’m a leisurely traveller & my family is the “same” . We usually choose the most affordable option & doesn’t matter what airline it is.

Plus I’m the (only one) in my family, that enjoys a “long distance bus travel” in Canada for Domestic Travel & I will take this option (sometimes) over flying.

On my way back on Riderexpress bus in April 2024 from Vancouver YVR to Edmonton YEG via (Calgary YYC), there was 1 passenger from YVR going all the way to Eastern Canada by bus via Winnipeg YWG, as YWG is “currently the only” connecting point available from Western Canada to Eastern Canada for long distance bus travel, after Greyhound left.

I’m hoping to do a Eastern Canada long distance bus trip eventually at some point next. As I only have done the Western Canada long distance bus trip, from Edmonton YEG - Vancouver YVR /Victoria YYJ, BC via YYC & back to Alberta.

Not to turn this into a bus thread, but it's interesting how Ontario Northland has expanded as far west as Winnipeg and how the buses into Thunder Bay, the Sault and Sudbury allow for relatively easy routings/connections to Ottawa and Toronto. Back in the day Greyhound had direct buses from Ottawa and Toronto to Vancouver, so aligning with Rider Express is as good as it now gets.

[Harley613]

Originally Posted by JakeLRS

Ironically, browsing some routes, fares are either the same price or more expensive than when it was simply a “basic” fare. This new swoop fare is just removing carry ons and limiting more stuff for essentially the same price.
It’s not about reducing fares, it’s all a money grab. The price difference between ultra basic and eco is also now more noticeable as well.

Westjet continues to innovate ways to be Canada’s most greedy airline while finding ways to cut corners on service.

I'm booking my annual Hawaii flight right now and the 'Ultrabasic' is a little more than I usually pay for the regular economy (inflation, I get it), but the 'Basic' is almost $200 more than the 'Ultrabasic'. No ability to add carry-on to 'Ultrabasic', only a checked bag for $130. I don't check bags anywhere I fly, so looks like I'm getting hosed here by Westjet.

[LO 044]

^So we already have 2 people sharing their experience of how prices have not gone down. Nice try WestJet.

[ScreamingViking]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Don't forget the fees for washroom usage while on board.

I wonder if they can charge by volume. Does that toilet technology exist?