March Break 2022 may seem far away right now and the timeline for the resumption of leisure travel beyond Canada remains uncertain, but it still might be a good idea to explore your options if you tend to plan trips around the school calendar. I recently did some searching to see what shows up for Halifax departures using Aeroplan points. [Read more…]
Air Canada’s Cheap Year Round One-Way Airfare Halifax to London – Creative Itinerary Options
If you like to keep an eye out for good transatlantic airfares, you’re probably aware that a one-way flight can be disproportionately expensive. This is not usually an issue, however, because most folks are booking round-trips anyway. But if you do find a low one-way fare, it could be an opportunity to put together an interesting and affordable itinerary, either by combining it with a reward flight or securing two trips through nested tickets. [Read more…]
Points and Miles Tips for a Budget Trip to Ottawa
We as Canadians are very fortunate to live in this country. If you have not yet visited our nation’s capital, I suggest you consider putting it on your list of places to visit someday after leisure travel eventually resumes. To help make it happen on a budget, I’ve compiled a few tips that might be useful for anyone planning a trip and interested in using points and miles. [Read more…]
Czech Republic and Poland on Points in Autumn 2021 (Post-Pandemic Trip Research)
Has the prospect of a COVID-19 vaccine spurred you to contemplate where you’d like to go when travel becomes a thing again? I am feeling relatively hopeful so I thought I’d put together some trip ideas to file away. I don’t know if any of these will actually materialize, but I find it enjoyable to at least engage in a bit of daydreaming. Here’s a plan for a trip to the Czech Republic and Poland using various loyalty currencies. [Read more…]
First Impressions of the New Aeroplan – A Maritimer’s Perspective
After much anticipation, the redesigned Aeroplan program is finally here. I’ve now had the chance to do a few searches and form some preliminary opinions. At least for my own travel purposes, I’m not horrified by the changes and so at this point I’m giving it a tentative thumbs up while I continue to get a handle on it. [Read more…]
Aeroplan Flights From Atlantic Canada Worth Booking Before November 6, 2020
Aeroplan, Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, is set to undergo major changes soon. If you’re contemplating any reward flights within the next eleven months or so, it’s a good idea to compare your options booking before the transition versus afterward. Your geographic location or preference to include a multi-day stopover are important factors in the decision, especially for flights within Canada. [Read more…]
COVID-19 Insurance Included In Air Canada Flight Bookings For Travel Until April 12, 2021
Air Canada now includes COVID-19 insurance coverage when you book a flight. This most recent announcement reflects a continuing effort by airlines to encourage new bookings during a challenging time for the travel industry. Although travel remains on the back burner for many Canadians, this news might lead at least a few people to weigh their options when it comes to planning a possible trip. [Read more…]
When Will The 737 MAX Return To Halifax?
It was in the news recently that Transport Canada has completed test flights of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Europe is set to conduct its tests very soon as well. I thought this was a noteworthy development and thus might be worth pondering what a return of the controversial aircraft would mean for travellers in the Maritimes. [Read more…]
Aeroplan New Member 2500 Mile Bonus (Until September 30, 2020)
If you’re not signed up with Aeroplan, now’s a pretty good time to do it. When you join during the current promotion, you’ll receive bonus miles (soon to be called “points” under the new program) if you earn at least one mile by September 30, 2020. [Read more…]
Major Aeroplan Changes – Implications For Maritimers
The Aeroplan program is set to undergo a significant transformation on November 8, 2020 and many of the details have just been released to the public. It’s always an unsettling time before impending changes to a loyalty program, so it’s a relief to now be able to examine the differences. My primary concern is how it will affect Aeroplan redemptions out of airports here in the Maritimes. [Read more…]