After disappearing for a few months, WestJet’s Member Exclusive fares recently returned. Unfortunately, they are a shadow of their former selves. They went from being an outstanding perk of the WestJet Rewards program to a modest benefit. Here are my thoughts on the new ME fares but you’ll definitely need to form your own opinion, especially if you’re a holder of a WestJet credit card. [Read more…]
COVID-19 Insurance Included in WestJet Flights and Packages, Excluding USA (Starting Sept. 18)
[UPDATE: The United Sates is no longer excluded from WestJet’s COVID-19 insurance and emergency medical coverage has been increased to $200,000. Check WestJet’s website for details] According to a recent email, beginning September 18, 2020 your WestJet flight or package vacation, with some exceptions, is now going to include COVID-19 insurance when flying to destinations in the UK, Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean. The United States is excluded. For those willing and able to travel, it’s possible this addition could entice them to make a booking. For the rest of us, we can continue to daydream about potential future trips. [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…]
Saving For Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Part 4 – Flights From Halifax (and Trip Update)
In Part 4 of my series on planning for a Disney trip I turn the focus to booking flights to California or Florida. Once you’ve got a handle on park admission and accommodation, you have to figure out how to get there. So, if you’re not just going to hop in your vehicle and hit the road, it’s time to sort out plane tickets. [Read more…]
Halifax to Europe Airfare Under $800 (Summer 2020)
If you’re watching for airfare deals to Europe from Halifax, you’ve likely noticed that the best fares tend to be in May/June and September/October. If you can only travel in July or August, finding a bargain is more of a challenge. I looked to see what’s currently available in the summer of 2020 under $800 per person, return. [Read more…]
Open-Jaw Non-Stop Flights From Halifax Under $700 (UK and Germany)
Three airlines offer non-stop flights to Europe from Halifax: Air Canada, WestJet and Condor. We might as well remove Air Canada from the list, however, because the grounding of the 737 Max 8 has put the London Heathrow non-stop in limbo with no foreseeable return. This is particularly unfortunate as it was the only flight that wasn’t limited to seasonal service. On the bright side, both WestJet and Condor offer non-stop flights to more than one city. Therefore, I did a bit of searching today to find a couple of reasonably priced non-stop open-jaw itineraries for spring 2020. [Read more…]
Last Minute Halifax To London $551 (January – Early February 2020)
If you’re itching to fly off somewhere and don’t need beaches and palm trees, here’s a great fare to London, UK. It’s on WestJet which means connecting in Toronto (YYZ) as the seasonal non-stop service to London Gatwick (LGW) from Halifax (YHZ) doesn’t begin until April 26th. [Read more…]
We Booked A WestJet Member Exclusive Fare – Was It The Right Move?
I recently wrote about the annual passholder discount for the onsite hotels at Universal Studios in Orlando. The 3 hotels in the premier category offer the added perk of unlimited express access to many attractions in the parks. Upon finding 2 nights at the lowest rate, we made a speculative booking. We also booked a nearby Doubletree on Hilton points for the arrival night. A couple of days ago we went ahead and booked a flight. [Read more…]