Saskatoon and Regina Air Service

[CoryB]

The challenge with adding SEA to YQR, YWG or YXE is that you end up with a lot of overlap in the service already available through YVR.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by CoryB

The challenge with adding SEA to YQR, YWG or YXE is that you end up with a lot of overlap in the service already available through YVR.

True, but at least it's something. I mean, Winnipeggers could probably get to many places in the US by simply going to YYZ instead of connecting via ORD/DEN/MSP, but the competition provides more consumer choice.

At least AS would provide an alternative to the great Canadian duopoly for those in SK.

[CoryB]

Do people really connect through ORD? That is sort of like saying LAS is a "hub". I mean in a pinch you can use ORD and LAS as pivot points of flight routing if needed but they are more destinations than hubs.

Personally I think Canada Jetlines has more to offer YWG, YQR and YXE than limited service from AS to SEA.

[jmt18325]

A lot of routings connect through ORD.

[casper]

Originally Posted by jmt18325

A lot of routings connect through ORD.

ORD is a major hub for both United and American.

As for Alaska, they a good choice for connections to the west coast, Hawaii, and Pacific Northwest. There may be some destinations in the mid-west where that would be the best option given that area is not well servered from Calgary or Vancouver.

Alaska is merging with Virgin American. I don't think the Virgin America network helps SK much.

[esquire]

ORD is a huge hub, one of the most important in the world.

[one_brick_at_a_time]

Route Map July 25th to October 2nd, 2016



Compared to...

Route Map October 3rd to October 31st, 2016

[The Bess]

nothing of interest for me to use newleaf as most of my family members in sask, alberta and bc

[casper]

Originally Posted by The Bess

nothing of interest for me to use newleaf as most of my family members in sask, alberta and bc

An airline where you will be nickeled and dimed at every step of the way.
- Printing boarding pass at airport $10
- Carry on bag $31-46 per bag in advance $84-92 per bag at the gate
- First Checked baggage $23-80 per bag
- Second Checked baggage $37-104 per bag

Only flies a given route a two-three times per week. No connections only point-to-point.

This is an airline to avoid at all cost.

[SkydivePilot]

Does anyone know if the old Air Canada Cargo building has been torn down yet? Thank you.

[Nathan]

Originally Posted by casper

An airline where you will be nickeled and dimed at every step of the way.
- Printing boarding pass at airport $10
- Carry on bag $31-46 per bag in advance $84-92 per bag at the gate
- First Checked baggage $23-80 per bag
- Second Checked baggage $37-104 per bag

Only flies a given route a two-three times per week. No connections only point-to-point.

This is an airline to avoid at all cost.

This is exactly how discount airlines in Europe function, and they are quite successful. If you want to have a weekend getaway to visit friends or family in another area of the country and spend less than $500+ on flights, this is a very good options. Besides, the traditional carriers are also starting to nickle and dime as well, especially on domestic flights.

[esquire]

Originally Posted by Nathan

This is exactly how discount airlines in Europe function, and they are quite successful. If you want to have a weekend getaway to visit friends or family in another area of the country and spend less than $500+ on flights, this is a very good options. Besides, the traditional carriers are also starting to nickle and dime as well, especially on domestic flights.

Agreed. If you're flexible enough to take advantage of it and savvy enough to avoid the fees, it's a great option. I haven't used NewLeaf yet but I like the fact that I can fly to their destinations for half the normal cost.

[CoryB]

A couple years back we managed to catch an amazing deal on an Allegiant flight to Hawaii because of the savings from all the extra fees that get bundled into normal ticket prices of other airlines. The leg room on the flight was even better than what WestJet offers and as it was a new route from them at the time the low passenger count meant my wife and I had an empty seat next to us. Could not have asked for a better experience. Based on that we would fly NewLeaf or a similar carrier again if the flights and destinations matched our plans.

[PhotoJim]

Originally Posted by casper

The one draw back from Regina or Saskatoon is the same one that we have out of YYJ, you would clear customs in SEA. If you arrive at a slow time it is not a problem, if you arrive at a bussy time the lineups can be long.

If a person doesn't want to play this safe by having longer connection times between flights, getting a NEXUS card might be a good move. It saves me considerable time at some border crossing and airports. Unfortunately, the nearest place to get a NEXUS card interview for those in central and eastern Saskatchewan is Winnipeg, southeast possibly Pembina, ND (western may find Edmonton, Calgary, or Coutts/Sweetgrass close).

[CoryB]

For the value you get a Nexus card is really worth it. The card costs $50 and is valid for 5 years. If you take one US round trip a year that is $5/airport for expedited screening, not counting any connecting flights on the way. If you are going through a busier airport like YYZ, YYC, YVR or any of the large US side ones it can be a huge difference in time.

The Nexus card also entitles you to use the US side Pre Check lines for a fraction of what US originating travellers need to pay.

[The Bess]

Agreed. If you're flexible enough to take advantage of it and savvy enough to avoid the fees, it's a great option. I haven't used NewLeaf yet but I like the fact that I can fly to their destinations for half the normal cost.
Reply With Quote

I agree its just from saskatoon it looks like only connection is to Hamilton

[Stormer]

Originally Posted by esquire

Agreed. If you're flexible enough to take advantage of it and savvy enough to avoid the fees, it's a great option. I haven't used NewLeaf yet but I like the fact that I can fly to their destinations for half the normal cost.

Just booked to Kelowna and my return flight was $12.26 plus taxes and baggage. Will split a checked bag with my partner so no biggie. Thanks NewLeaf.

[casper]

Originally Posted by PhotoJim

If a person doesn't want to play this safe by having longer connection times between flights, getting a NEXUS card might be a good move. It saves me considerable time at some border crossing and airports. Unfortunately, the nearest place to get a NEXUS card interview for those in central and eastern Saskatchewan is Winnipeg, southeast possibly Pembina, ND (western may find Edmonton, Calgary, or Coutts/Sweetgrass close).

NEXUS is a nice option. Benefits in SEA are mixed. If customs is backlogged you end up stuck upstairs waiting to get into the customs and immigration hall. The lines only split once you get downstairs that the point where NEXUS has a separate line up, CDN and US citizens and everyone else. For CDN and US passport holders you use an automated machine.

[casper]

Sounds like NewLeaf is only flying to Saskatoon (and three other cities) on a seasonal basis.

http://business.financialpost.com/news/t...emporarily-ceases-flights-to-four-cities

[PhotoJim]

Originally Posted by casper

Sounds like NewLeaf is only flying to Saskatoon (and three other cities) on a seasonal basis.

http://business.financialpost.com/news/t...emporarily-ceases-flights-to-four-cities

/me waves from Regina... we're in Saskatchewan too! And we're one of the four.

Frustrating. Oh well. Flying out of Regina really sucks right now.