Everything today revovles around loyalty promotions!
News, Tips & Tricks
WestJet has added a third price category to their fare structure. The
new category called ‘Plus‘ is their top end fare which could almost be
considered a Premium Economy fare as it offers instant access to their
new Premium Economy seats that offer more leg room. Over and above that
there are lot of other features to the Plus fare. Here is what Plus
includes:
- complimentary flight change and cancel options
- extra baggage allowance (two free checked bags)
- extra legroom (36-inch seat pitch)
- a complimentary food item and alcoholic beverages from our inflight menu
- advance boarding and overhead bin space
- priority security screening at available airports
A quick check of fares between Calgary and Vancouver reveals that the Plus option may not be a bad option even for those who may be price conscious:
You can see the price difference is $115.50 between Econo and Plus but if your were to book
either the Econo or Flex fare you would have to pay $20-$23 to check a second
bag (assuming you are checking a second bag), seat selection would be
$10
-$11.50 assuming regular seating, but if you wanted Plus seating it
would be an extra $45-$51.75 and then you get a food selection and an
alcoholic beverage which would cost you up to $14 on board.
Lets do the
math on this:
| Base Fare | Second Bag | Plus Seat Selection | Food & Beverage | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Econo | $172.33 | $20 | $45 | $14 | $251.33 |
| Flex | $251.08 | $20 | $45 | $14 | $330.08 |
| Plus | $287.83 | 0 | 0 | 0 | $287.33 |
So even for price conscious people the Plus fare can be attractive if you
meet all of the above assumptions that you have a second bag, want to
eat on board and want the extra leg room. I know if I met those criteria
I would consider to take on the extra $36 for the ability to have
complimentary flight changes and cancellation options. For this example the only reason to
consider Flex Fare would be if you did not want advance seat selection
or have the need for a second checked bag.
Big Bonuses coming?
With September fast approaching and everyone ending their summer
holidays, people are going to start exploring how they can earn back the miles and points they redeemed on their summer vacation and this may include switching credit cards or loyalty programs. The Credit Card companies know this are getting ready to pounce with new offers and more. We know of some new offers coming this September so be sure to follow us here on the blog, Facebook and Twitter to make sure you don’t miss out these new promotions!
Travel Deals
Accor Hotels has launched their latest ‘private sale’ with savings of up to 50% of their regular rates. For example stays in the U.S. and Canada of at least 2 nights are being discounted by 40%. Stays must be booked by August 29. Full details can be found here
Bonus Offers
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
– Earn up to 3 Mileage Plan Miles per dollar spent when you use GroundLink car services. More… Until Sep 30, 13
China Southern Sky Pearl Club
– 2,000 SkyPearl Kilometers for stays at participating Langham properties in China. More… Sep 1 – Dec 31, 13
–
Double SkyPearl Kilometers for stays of 2 or more nights at any
Shangri-La hotel, resort, Traders hotel or Kerry hotel Worldwide. More… Sep 1 – Nov 30, 13
Emirates Skywards
– Triple Skywards Miles for at all Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. More… Until Sep 30 , 13
Hyatt Gold Passport
– 1,500 Bonus Gold Passport Points for stays at any of 15 participating hotels in Atlanta. More… Until Nov 30, 13
La Quinta Returns
– Get up to a 25% Discount when buy La Quinta Returns Points. More… Until Aug 25, 13
Royal Air Maroc Safar Flyer
– Double Safar Flyer Miles on Europcar rentals in France and Morocco. More… Until Sep 30, 13
–
Earn up to Triple Safar Flyer Miles on Sixt rentals Worldwide. More… Until Sep 30, 13
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
– 500 BonusMiles&Smiles and a free upgrade to the next room
category for stays on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night on the Best
Available Rate at the Movenpick Istanbul. More… Sep 1 – Dec 29, 13