YVR Airport & Sea Island Developments Discussion

[Johnny Aussie]

Asia capacity getting another bump in Summer 11.....

According to a posting on airlineroute.net, Philippine Airlines will introduce their new 77W on the 3 weekly MNL-YVR terminating flights.

The remaining 4 weekly MNL-YVR-LAS flights will remain 343.

This will commence 27 March 2011.

http://airlineroute.net/2010/12/09/pr-yvr-s11/

Also, noticed CO is bumping the IAH daily flight to a 739 over the peak mid December - mid January period... and UA upgrading a few flights to 320 from 319 in the same period (ORD and DEN, including one of my flights to DEN).

[mezzanine]

Interesting report from the CBC this AM. I would imaging it would be very difficult for any canadian airport to compete with flights to US destinations versus us border airports unless something fundamental happened at the federal level.

I also didn't know this:

The only thing that has restricted Bellingham airport from offering international flights has been its runway size, which has now been lengthened. That means larger aircraft can start to use the facility.

Flights to Mexico are scheduled to begin in 2012.

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbi...rport-yvr-competition.html#ixzz17dGgpOSo

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Also i had a quick question - anyone fly the JAL route YVR-NRT recently? I'll be going over xmas - critically, do they have in-seat power for notebooks or (i'm hoping) wifi? i'll be in the economy class. and that's regular, not premium economy.

[MalcolmTucker]

No wi-fi, yes on a/c. I don't think any airline has wi-fi on over ocean flights - most wi-fi systems use ground stations no? Putting Satellite internet on airplanes would be pretty expensive.

[mezzanine]

Lufthansa has had off-and-on again trans-oceanic / transcontinental wifi, they pulled out of boeing's system a few years ago, but have a new system that will wide spread roll-out this year. IIRC, it works via satelite.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/04/lufthansa-launches-in-flight-wifi-on-intercontinental-flights-u/

wifi may be a pipe dream on JAL now, but i am hoping there is in-seat power on JAL's NRT run.

[vanlaw]

Originally Posted by mezzanine

Interesting report from the CBC this AM. I would imaging it would be very difficult for any canadian airport to compete with flights to US destinations versus us border airports unless something fundamental happened at the federal level.

Somehow, someway, carriers flying out of YVR will have to come up with better pricing. Although I got this on a great seat sale, I just booked BLI -HNL on the new Alaska Air run for $330USD tax in round trip. Even without seat sale, it is still at least a couple hundred cheaper.

I think generally we just get screwed. A year or two ago, I was looking at pricing in summer for flight to Montreal. From YVR it was over $600. From Seattle, it was around $400, and that was flying the AC puddle jumper to YVR, then getting on the exact same flight to YUL as the $600+ flight. I broke down the fare, and taxes didn’t even come close to making up the difference.

I have also found that, in some circumstances, it is cheaper to fly round trip from Europe to YVR, then the other way around. For some reason, BA has really good pricing on expedia and Travelocity. In non-summer months, you can regularly get flights from Germany via LRH to YVR on BA for $750-$900 all-in, If you search the exact same dates, but switch it so it is round trip from YVR, it is generally 30-50% more. Interesting thing on that is if you actually search from LHR to YVR, it is more expensive, but the flight originating in Hamburg, Munich, Pisa etc that routes through LHR is cheaper, kind of like the SEA – YUL example above.

[Yume-sama]

Wi-fi on transcontinental flights would make my life. If we can put a man on the moon, I should be able to check my Facebook at 35,000 feet over the Pacific.

WRT to WestJet joining any serious alliance, I would think they would almost be "forced" to have some rows of premium seating. There are some serious airlines in that alliance, and when people have booked a First Class ticket, they won't settle for the current best seat on a WestJet plane... the Emergency Exit Row.

And Canadians getting screwed on pricing is nothing new. Even things that are MADE in Canada end up being more expensive here This is why Canada is not a serious shopping destination for Americans, or really anyone else. Except, of course, for luxury goods (Louis Vuitton, Hermes, etc.) which are still MUCH cheaper than in Japan, China, Russia, the Emirates, etc.

You can be quite wealthy with a lot less in the USA Homes, food, cars, gas, flights at a fraction of the price.

[Denscity]

flew into vancouver the other day from castlegar. there was hsbc signage all over the outside of the domestic terminal. hundreds of feet of it. never saw outside sponsorship on an airport before. is this normal?

[Yume-sama]

lol HSBC has plastered themselves in a big explosion of HSBC ads at every airport in the World it seems like.

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by mezzanine

wifi may be a pipe dream on JAL now, but i am hoping there is in-seat power on JAL's NRT run.

I haven't been on JAL for a few years, but I checked seatguru and JAL's website and it appears their 777-200s do not have in seat power in Y class. I would check with JAL directly to be sure. If not, I recommend buying a couple of spare batteries?

[Yume-sama]

It would be hard to imagine they wouldn't, if the old 747's had them. Though, I think it was only 1 per 3, not on every seat like in Air Canada.

Actually, maybe AC's economy is only 2 per 3? I haven't been back there in awhile. But the USB plugs are a nice bonus for iPhone / iPad, etc.!

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Wi-fi on transcontinental flights would make my life. If we can put a man on the moon, I should be able to check my Facebook at 35,000 feet over the Pacific.

WRT to WestJet joining any serious alliance, I would think they would almost be "forced" to have some rows of premium seating. There are some serious airlines in that alliance, and when people have booked a First Class ticket, they won't settle for the current best seat on a WestJet plane... the Emergency Exit Row.

And Canadians getting screwed on pricing is nothing new. Even things that are MADE in Canada end up being more expensive here This is why Canada is not a serious shopping destination for Americans, or really anyone else. Except, of course, for luxury goods (Louis Vuitton, Hermes, etc.) which are still MUCH cheaper than in Japan, China, Russia, the Emirates, etc.

You can be quite wealthy with a lot less in the USA Homes, food, cars, gas, flights at a fraction of the price.

I think you mean "intercontinental."

I do agree with your Westjet comment . I reckon if they would be serious contenders to join One World they would have to upgrade some services (adding premium seating). Imagine going from CX first (or their new J which I hope to experience soon) to WS economy. However, this happens now anyway on a lot of carriers where regional flights just dont have any premium seating to offer.

We have similar problems in Australia with pricing. We export a lot of premium stuff and then pay more $$$ for lesser quality. It pisses me off when I go to Singapore a few times a year and see, for example, Aussie apples, for about 1/2 the price we pay here and we know that these apples are better than our apples... how do you like them apples!? or bananas So what is the answer? Don't know.

Not so sure about your luxury items comment though. LV, is one company, that basically has worldwide pricing. The only reason I know this is my partner is addicted to this brand (amongst others!) and I have had the "pleasure" of buying these all over the world and the pricing is very very similar around the world. A quick fluctuation of the USD can make a difference in the short term, but very rarely would you find an item "MUCH" cheaper anywhere in particular.

Your comment about the US is pretty valid too. Although there is a significant reason why their housing is cheaper right now!!

[Johnny Aussie]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

It would be hard to imagine they wouldn't, if the old 747's had them. Though, I think it was only 1 per 3, not on every seat like in Air Canada.

Actually, maybe AC's economy is only 2 per 3? I haven't been back there in awhile. But the USB plugs are a nice bonus for iPhone / iPad, etc.!

JAL's website is pretty vague about the economy seat. And seatguru (love this website) does not show AC power on the 777-200, only the 777-300.

ACTUALLY - seatguru may have made a mistake... they have the 777-200ER all three versions as 773. Therefore it appears that there may be AC power in Y!!

Definitely best to check with JAL directly to be sure!!

[trofirhen]

I just read the CBC article posted by Mezzanine. The Americans know they can offer cheaper flights, and they also know Canadians will go to their airports to get them.
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If YVR wants to remain the "league" of major airports, something's gotta give. Either the government has to exempt transborder and overseas flights from HST, or the Canadian Transport Commission will have to (somehow) take the bull by the horns and do something - don't ask me what.
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Luckily for Vancouver, this is affecting YYZ as well (people flying out of Buffalo) otherwise they wouldn't give two hoots in hell.
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We have to start ramping up, or we'll be second fiddle to Sea-Tac (and even, limitedly I will admit), to Bellingham.
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Laugh if you will. See if you are still laughing ten years -or less - down the road.

[twoNeurons]

I'm pretty sure Bellingham is enjoying siphoning off traffic. A lot of locals "like" Canadian $$$ it buoys their economy but don't particularly like "Canadians" because they find the cross-border shoppers demanding, condescending and at times rude.

I think this probably has to do with two things:

• Many Canadians who cross-border shop are "deal-hunters" and will spend $15 to save $12. (yes, I know there are considerable savings on some items). These kind of shoppers are usually quite demanding.
• Bellingham/Blaine/Sumas are all rather pastoral, small-town communities unnaturally butted up against a big metropolitan city. When you have the "city" folk from "Canada" come and buy stuff, there's a cultural divide which people label as "those durn Canadians"

In any case, I'm just saying that there are several motivations behind the desire for BLI to succeed and residents in the area are no strangers to siphoning off business. It's a shame it's so close to YXX. That's traffic that YXX could have had.

[teriyaki]

Originally Posted by twoNeurons

In any case, I'm just saying that there are several motivations behind the desire for BLI to succeed and residents in the area are no strangers to siphoning off business. It's a shame it's so close to YXX. That's traffic that YXX could have had.

Perhaps, but there also might be the case that they're catering to a type of traveller that wouldn't have otherwise travelled if their only choice was a flight out of YVR at an inflated price.

In any case, competition is inherently good, YVR and other Canadian airports just have to find ways to stay competitive and not stubbon on policy (this is where i'm concerned).

[Millennium2002]

Unfortunately, with the regulated airline market (or in other words strong government control) and strong opposition from Air Canada, that seems more like a wish than anything else. I think our airports will unfortunately fall to second-class after a few more years unless something is done to boost business here.... and maybe then we'll realize our mistake. By then, however, it'll be a really sad catch-up game. ><

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Wi-fi on transcontinental flights would make my life. If we can put a man on the moon, I should be able to check my Facebook at 35,000 feet over the Pacific.

WRT to WestJet joining any serious alliance, I would think they would almost be "forced" to have some rows of premium seating. There are some serious airlines in that alliance, and when people have booked a First Class ticket, they won't settle for the current best seat on a WestJet plane... the Emergency Exit Row.

And Canadians getting screwed on pricing is nothing new. Even things that are MADE in Canada end up being more expensive here This is why Canada is not a serious shopping destination for Americans, or really anyone else. Except, of course, for luxury goods (Louis Vuitton, Hermes, etc.) which are still MUCH cheaper than in Japan, China, Russia, the Emirates, etc.

You can be quite wealthy with a lot less in the USA Homes, food, cars, gas, flights at a fraction of the price.

a Coach bag and Uggs for everyone! even nicole ritchie

[SpongeG]

Originally Posted by teriyaki

Perhaps, but there also might be the case that they're catering to a type of traveller that wouldn't have otherwise travelled if their only choice was a flight out of YVR at an inflated price.

In any case, competition is inherently good, YVR and other Canadian airports just have to find ways to stay competitive and not stubbon on policy (this is where i'm concerned).

we saved about $200 each using bellingham to go to san fran last year plus the parking is much cheaper than YVR

they are adding hawaii flights in january 2011 from b/ham - could do well

[trofirhen]

Originally Posted by mezzanine

Interesting report from the CBC this AM. I would imaging it would be very difficult for any canadian airport to compete with flights to US destinations versus us border airports unless something fundamental happened at the federal level.

I also didn't know this:



========================

Also i had a quick question - anyone fly the JAL route YVR-NRT recently? I'll be going over xmas - critically, do they have in-seat power for notebooks or (i'm hoping) wifi? i'll be in the economy class. and that's regular, not premium economy.

Originally Posted by teriyaki

Perhaps, but there also might be the case that they're catering to a type of traveller that wouldn't have otherwise travelled if their only choice was a flight out of YVR at an inflated price.

In any case, competition is inherently good, YVR and other Canadian airports just have to find ways to stay competitive and not stubbon on policy (this is where i'm concerned).

Originally Posted by Phusion

GJ. I always fly out of Seattle. I usually save more than 1/2 on plane tickets when I fly out of there. And I'll continue to do it until YVR smartens up and stops raping customers with inflated prices.

BLI's non-stop hawaii route should be making YVR veryyy nervous

Originally Posted by SpongeG

we saved about $200 each using bellingham to go to san fran last year plus the parking is much cheaper than YVR

they are adding hawaii flights in january 2011 from b/ham - could do well

Interesting, synchronistic stements and responses..

[Gordon]

YVR could probablu adjust it's long term parking prices but the other fees related to the airfares are under the control of the federal government.

Vancouver to Frankfurt is about $150- 200 more expensive than Seattle

Vancouver - Miami is the same difference

Bellingham being has a significant advantage cost wise over any major airport

YVR has some of the lowest landing & terminal fees in Canada . YYZ isprobably the most expensive airport for airlines to operate in North America.