Air Canada announces service to Copenhagen from Toronto

Air Canada announced today it will launch service between Toronto and Copenhagen on Jun 24, 2010. The non stop daily flights will be operated with a Boeing 767-300ER with the new interiors.

Flight timings as follows:
Toronto-Copenhagen Dep 1715 Arr 0655+1
Copenhagen-Toronto Dep 1220 Arr 1450

Source: Air Canada

Air Canada relaunches seasonal service between St. Johns and London UK

Air Canada has announced that the will reintroduce direct non-stop service between St. John's Newfoundland and London Heathrow for the summer 2010 season. The flight this time around is better timed for connections in London and St. John's. The service will run daily between May 27 and Sep 26, 10

Flight Timings
St. John's - London Dep 2155 Arr 0625+1
London - St. John's Dep 1235 Arr 1435

Source Air Canada Press Release

Air Canada 2010 Top Tier Program Details

Air Canada and Aeroplan released the details of their 2010 Top Tier program today. For the first time in many years, it seems it is being met with cheers rather then jeers from some of Air Canada's Top Flyers. It appears that Air Canada has listened to them and made changes to some of the issues the Top Tier members had with the program. Here are some highlights:

- The 30% premium on IKK redemption (Super Elite Special Access to Aeroplan Reward Seats/J Priority Rewards) will be removed. This was put in place for 2009 and received a lot of negative feedback from Super Elites.

- Super Elites will be able to designate immediate family members who will be able to travel, unaccompanied by the member, on any international J Priority Rewards. Previously the member had to travel on the same reservation

- The J Priority Rewards are subject to capacity controls. According to Air Canada this will only affect a small number of flights typically during peak travel periods.

- Top Tier Upgrade remain relatively unchanged including the ability to upgrade from Tango Plus M and U fare classes.

- Electronic Upgrades are being developed so that paper certificates will not have to be carried. Not set date yet though.

- Air Canada/Aeroplan are evaluating a potential lifetime status program. Details will be communicated to those who qualify.

- Tier bonuses remain the same except now you can also earn them on United and Continental as of Jan 1, 2010, for example 100% (Super Elite), 50% (Elite), and 25% (Prestige) bonus

- seat selection privileges and 2011 re-qualification all remain the same.

You can find all the details on the 2010 Aeroplan Top Tier Program on the Aeroplan Website

The new Starwood Credit Card is an American Express

Although you can't sign up for it yet, SPG has announced that they have partnered with American Express to issue their new credit card in Canada after the termination of their partnership with MBNA Canada.

Few details are available yet but the card will earn 1 Starpoint per C$1 spent and will come with a 10,000 Starpoint sign up bonus. It will also offer some sort of accelerated point earning feature.

So far it does not look too bad although the 10,000 Starpoint Sign up bonus is a little on the low side compared to the U.S. equivelant or some of the higher end cards in Canada but that could be negated if the benefits and accelerated point earning are worthwhile.

More details can be found here

WestJet adds new routes, expands service on 19 others

CALGARY, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - WestJet today unveiled its flight schedule for
the summer of 2010, featuring five new routes and expanded service on 19
trans-border and international routes.
The summer schedule also includes new non-stop service between Vancouver
and Kitchener-Waterloo, Vancouver and San Francisco, Edmonton and Kamloops,
Edmonton and San Francisco, and Toronto and Puerto Vallarta.
Five Canadian cities will see seasonal routes become year-round, including:

- Vancouver to Los Angeles, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun
- Edmonton to Cancun
- Calgary to Phoenix, Palm Springs and Cancun
- Toronto to Atlantic City, Miami, Puerto Plata, Bridgetown, Cayo Coco,
Varadero, Turks and Caicos, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and Cancun
- Montreal to Las Vegas and Cancun

Full details on the WestJet Press Release

Delta cuts Montreal - Cincinnati route

As part of the shrinking of their Cincinnati hub, Delta will be cutting service between Montreal and Cincinnati as of Feb 11, 10

Source: Airline Route Updates

Ethiopian Airlines to join Star Alliance in 2010

Following the successful integration of a partnership with Star Alliance founding member Lufthansa, Ethiopian is now setting it sights to get full membership in the Star Alliance. No exact date has been set but according to this article it states that the airline is set to join early next year.

Continental Announces New OnePass Elite Benefits

This was received this an email from Continental last week. The following new benefits are being offered for Elite levels in Continental's OnePass program:

System-wide Upgrades
Platinum Elite members who earn at least 100,000 Elite Qualification Miles (EQMs) or 120 Elite Qualification Points (EQPs) will earn four, one-way electronic System-wide Upgrade certificates. These certificates can be used in conjunction with any published fare on Continental, Continental Micronesia or Copa Airlines flights and are not subject to additional fees.

New Elite level — OnePass Presidential Platinum Elite
Presidential Platinum is a new invitation-only Elite tier designed to reward Continental’s top Platinum Elite members with some exciting new benefits. Members who achieve this level will be given all the benefits of a Platinum Elite member, plus top priority in Elite Upgrade recognition and flight standby, a dedicated VIP phone line and 25,000 bonus miles.

The initial spending qualification will be $30,000*, and Elite members will be able to track their eligible spending at continental.com starting mid-year 2010.

*$30,000 is the inaugural spend threshold for 2010. In subsequent years, this threshold may change in order to preserve the exclusivity of this program.

Rewards Canada on Newstalk 1010 tonight

If you live in the Toronto area or anywhere where you can listen online I am scheduled to be on Ryan Doyle's show tonight on Newstalk 1010 around 8:35EST. Be sure to listen if you can. No specific topic of yet just a general overview of Rewards Canada and what we do.

Air Canada 10% off flights to the U.S. when using a Visa card

Travel from January 6 to March 31, 2010! To get your exclusive discount, simply enter this promotion code when booking and pay with your VISA card: 4N6JQRV1

Offer ends December 31, 2009. Valid on published Tango Plus, Latitude, Executive Class fares

View the complete offer on Aircanada.com

Cathay Pacific increase Toronto flights for summer 2010

Beginning March 28, 2010, Cathay Pacific will increase service between Toronto and Hong Kong to 10 flights a week from the current 7.

Source: Airline Route Updates

Air France to reduce Canada flights for Summer 2010

According to Airline Route Updates, Air France will only operate 3 flights per day between Montreal and Paris as compared to the 4 per day this past summer. As well Toronto will not see the seasonal up gauge to a 747-400 as the route will continue to be flown with an A340-300.

First details of WestJet RBC MasterCard revealed

The first few details of the new WestJet RBC MasterCards have been revealed on the RBC website. Without knowing all the details yet it is hard to give a full judgement on the cards but from the earning standpoint on the cards they seem to be about average.

There are two offerings from RBC, the first is the WestJet RBC World MasterCard which offers 1.5% in WestJet dollars on everyday spending and assuming that WestJet dollars are 1 for 1 in redemption means this card offes a 1.5% return. This 1.5% falls below cards like the Capital One Miles Plus and Diners Club MasterCards but is equal to cards like the TD Travel Visas. Chances are this card will have an annual fee as it will have enhanced travel insurances and the higher earning rate of the 1.5%

The second offering is called the WestJet RBC MasterCard and it offers 1% back in WestJet dollars. We can assume this card will either have no annual fee or a low one like the CIBC AeroClassic Visa. Once again assuming a 1:1 redemption ratio this card falls in line with such cards at the ScotiaGold Passport Visa, Capital One Miles MasterCard and the majority of the credit union/small bank reward cards.

Since this card will be part of a significant rewards program in Canada you will soon see it on our comparison charts to see how it stacks up against other Canadian Travel Rewards credit cards.

As always you can find our main comparison chart here

To see the WestJet cards on RBC click here

US Airways to cut Toronto - Phoenix service

Per Airline Route Updates, US Airways will be canceling their one time daily flight between Toronto and Phoenix as of Feb 28, 10

Bonus Page Updates Dec 1-4

Dec 4 - Hilton HHonors | Hyatt Gold Passport | Scandic Frequent Guest | Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Dec 3 - Air Canada Aeroplan | Jet Airways JetPrivilege | Marriott Rewards | Scandinavian EuroBonus | TAP Portugal Victoria
Dec 2 - Accor A|Club | Continental OnePass | Delta SkyMiles | EVA Air Evergreen Club | US Airways Dividend Miles
Dec 1 - Air Berlin Top Bonus | bmi Diamond Club | Priority Club

Priority Club Quarter 1 2010 Promo, you saw it here first! Earn up 20,000 bonus points or 4,000 miles

Earn 1,000 Bonus Priority Club points or 200 Bonus Airlines Miles will be awarded on every qualifying night at InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Express by Holiday Inn™, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites® hotels worldwide. Earn up to a maximum of 20,000 points or 4,000 miles.
Full Details, Online Registration and Booking (Registration is required)

Valid Feb 1 - Apr 30, 10

Be one of the first the find out about SPG's new Canadian Credit Card

We have got many emails and people asking if there will be a replacement for the MBNA Starwood Preferred Guest MasterCard. The simply answer is Yes. However no details are out yet but Starwood has made a sign up page that will notify everyone when the new card is out. We posted this as a comment in one of our other posts but it does get missed so here it is again:

SPG Canada Credit Card Notification

Air Canada adds second bag fee on U.S. and European flights

Wow I am little surprised by this move, I understand the need nowadays for ancillary revenue but one thing that has kept me and I am sure others on Air Canada and WestJet was the lack of baggage fees. Now Air Canada says they are matching U.S. and International Carriers with a second bag fee on flights to the U.S., Europe and Israel. Most U.S. airlines have first and second bag fees for U.S./Canada travel and along with most European carriers a second bag fee for transatlantic flights but this is were Air Canada had a chance to stay ahead of the game and not be a follower. Chances are WestJet will not add a second bag fee and will feed off this in their marketing campaigns as they did nearly two years ago when Air Canada added baggage fees for a short time period. Luckily when I travel alone I don't usually have checked luggage and with my family we keep to one bag a piece, so at this time we should be OK when we fly Air Canada, I'm sure though many travelers will be caught off guard at the airport on their trips to the U.S. or Europe.

The fees for second checked bags are
- For flights to/from the United States (including Hawaii, excluding Puerto Rico): CAD/USD $30.
- For flights to/from Europe and Israel: CAD/USD $50.

The only good thing is that Air Canada flights within Canada, to Sun Destinations outside the U.S., Asia and Australia will remain with no baggage fees. As well the fee for a second checked bag to/from the United States, Europe and Israel will not apply to Air Canada Prestige, Elite, Super Elite members or Star Alliance Silver and Gold members.

Source: Air Canada Press Release

British Airways/RBC Avion 50% bonus offer on transfers is back

It maybe a month later this year, but one of Canada's top bonus offers for credit cards is back again. The semi annual offer for RBC Visa Avion cardholders that offers 50% bonus BA Miles for transfers of RBC Rewards points to British Airways' Executive Club is now on until Jan 31, 2010.

This offer allows cardholders to receive a lot of BA miles and can offer cheaper point alternatives for redeeming for flights on British Airways. The only catch is the same as with any frequent flyer program and that is availability. As an example you can redeem 37,000 RBC Rewards points for 50,000 BA Miles, which gets you one free flight (taxes/fees extra of course) from Canada to the UK and select countries in Western Europe. Compare this to a regular RBC Avion redemption of at least 65,000 RBC Rewards points if you booked via RBC. So if you have the flexibility and think you can work around availability issues with BA's Executive Club you can be traveling a lot sooner by taking advantage of this promotion.

Find out the full details of the promo on BA's Canada Website

Bonus Page Updates Nov 23-27

Nov 27 - Air Berlin Top Bonus | Air France KLM Flying Blue | American AAdvantage | Mexicana Go | Miles & More | Priority Club | Starwood Preferred Guest
Nov 26 - Alitalia MilleMiglia | Emirates Skywards | JAL Mileage Bank
Nov 25 - Air China Phoenix Miles | Air India Flying Returns | Choice Privileges | Etihad Guest | Icelandair Saga Club | Sutton Place Prestige
Nov 24 - British Airways Executive Club | Delta SkyMiles
Nov 23 - Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | US Airways Dividend Miles

Huge Alaska Airlines sale from Western Canada

Alaska Airlines has dropped fares from Western Canada to the U.S. for the first quarter of 2010. Book by Dec 7 for travel Mon-Thu and Sat between Jan 5 - Mar 10
Book online atAlaskaair.com
Sample one way fares:
Calgary - Seattle $75
Calgary - Los Angeles $90
Calgary - Palm Springs $90
Calgary - Phoenix $93
Calgary - San Diego $93
Calgary - Las Vegas $98
Edmonton - Los Angeles $83
Edmonton - Palm Springs $83
Edmonton - Seattle $86
Edmonton - Phoenix $100
Edmonton - Las Vegas $108
Vancouver - Las Vegas $80
Vancouver - Seattle $75
Vancouver - Palm Springs $90
Vancouver - Los Angeles $98
Vancouver - Phoenix $98

Earn double Aeroplan Miles on Air Canada's new routes

Earn Double Aeroplan Miles when you register and fly non-stop between Calgary and Honolulu or Maui (Kahului), in Economy and Executive Class® on Air Canada.
Offer is valid with the following fare options (booking classes): * Executive Class Lowest/Flexible (J, C, D, Z) * Latitude (Y, B) * Tango Plus (M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, L, A) * R class (Executive Class Upgrades)
Dec 5 , 09- Jan 31, 10

Earn Double Aeroplan Miles when you register and fly non-stop in Economy and Executive Class between Montreal and Houston, operated by Jazz.
Offer is valid with the following fare options (booking classes): * Executive Class Lowest/Flexible (J, C, D, Z) * Latitude (Y, B) * Tango Plus (M, U, H, Q, V, W, S, L, A) * R class (Executive Class Upgrades)
Nov 30, 09- Jan 31, 10

Full details on each offer and registration links can be found on our Aeroplan page.

Korean Air expands on Alaska Airlines and Delta codeshares to Canada.

The expanded codesharing on Alaska Airlines has Korean now offering their flight numbers on Alaska's flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and Victoria. Previously the codesharing only covered some of Alaska's routes out of Vancouver
Source: Airline Route Updates

Korean has also placed their codes on Delta flights from Montreal to Atlanta and New York JFK
Source: Airline Route Updates

EgyptAir to cancel Montreal-Cairo route

EygptAir's Montreal-Cairo summer seasonal route that has been operated since 2000 will not be returning for the summer of 2010.

Source: Airline Route Updates

LoyLogic application will allow loyalty program members the ability to redeem their points via the iPhone

Press release from LoyLogic:

November 23, 2009

Loylogic enables the mobile communication channel for loyalty programs.
Loyalty program members can now redeem their points via the iPhone

Zurich, Switzerland and Atlanta/GA, USA – Loylogic will launch another innovation: the first full blown loyalty program application that allows for real-time points redemption with the Apple iPhone. MobApp™ is the latest addition to Loylogic’s portfolio of loyalty solutions and enables loyalty programs around the world, to add the mobile communication channel through an easy-to-integrate and easy-to-manage turnkey solution.
Loylogic MobApp™ will soon be launched with the first program client and once again will provide the loyalty industry with an innovative and customer-friendly tool to deepen engagement and program satisfaction.

Member Experience – Get full access.
Loylogic MobApp™ loyalty provides program members all relevant program information at any time and anywhere. Members will be able to
• view program account information;
• check the latest partner promotions;
• browse a list of all program partners;
• retrieve general program information;
• benefit of channel-exclusive promotions;
• redeem points through an easy-to-navigate reward shop.


Program Experience – Drive member engagement.
By opening the mobile channel for members, loyalty programs around the world make sure to cope with the quickly changing needs of their mobile member base. Launching an iPhone application will increase the relevancy of the program, boost member engagement and help companies to stay top of mind with their most valuable customers.
In addition, loyalty programs get an opportunity to offer an exclusive promotional channel to participating program partners. The feature helps strengthening partnerships with key program stakeholders and adds new points earning opportunities for members.

Easy to Get!
Loylogic MobApp™ is suitable for any loyalty program and can be implemented within a short time frame. Loylogic also handles the entire application registering process with Apple worldwide.
The solution is supported by a dedicated Content Management System that can be managed by the program team or outsourced to Loylogic for a small management fee.
Loylogic MobApp™ is easily skinned in a program’s look and feel, and will add a series of innovative features in 2010.

About Loylogic
Loylogic is the leading provider of global points ‘earn’ and ‘burn’ solutions to loyalty programs. We help our program customers to boost member engagement by combining loyalty innovation with state-of-the-art technology and the fastest-growing global merchant network. Loylogic Inc. is an independent company with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland and offices in Atlanta, USA and Dubai, UAE. For more information, visit www.loylogic.com.

WestJet announces seasonal summer service to Bermuda

WestJet announced on Monday that will offer seasonal non-stop service between Toronto and Bermuda starting in May 2010.

At this time there are no further details on frequencies and flight timings.

Source: WestJet

Emirates: Save up to $3,000 on all routes in First or Business Class

Save up to C$3,000 on Emirates Flights out of Toronto
Savings of CAD 3,000 are applicable off roundtrip First Class fares,
savings of CAD 2,000 are applicable off one-way First Class fares,
savings of CAD 1,000 are applicable off roundtrip Business Class fares,
savings of CAD 500 are applicable off one-way Business Class fares
Fares valid only when utilizing scheduled Emirates® non-stop transatlantic service (Emirates® flights EK 241 and EK 242) to and from Toronto (YYZ). Discount is applicable to all destinations serviced by Emirates. Travel must commence by October 28, 2010.Book by Nov 25, 09

Book online at Emirates

BMO to buy Diners Club North America Franchise

BMO announced today that they will be buying t he Diners Club North America Franchise from Citigroup. It is a big move that will see BMO double its corporate credit card business and hopefully they will allow the personal card to be available once again to the Canadian and US public as their personal card, at least in Canada, is one of the best cards available (it ranked #1 in the Hybird Card category in our 2009 rankings of Canadian travel credit cards). Perhaps BMO can take this brand even farther then Citi did and make the card 'prestigious' once again like it used to be in the 70's and 80's.

I would have to assume though by the wording 'franchise' that the Discover Group, issuer of the Discover Card is still the owner of the Diners Club brand and BMO will simply be licensing it just like Citigroup did.

Press release from Canadian Press

(Thanks to long time Rewards Canada reader Andrew S for the lead on this one!)

Bonus Page Updates Nov 16-20

Nov 20 - Continental OnePass | EgyptAir Plus | Finnair Plus | Starwood Preferred Guest
Nov 19 - AeroMexico Club Premier | GoldpointsPlus | Philippine Airlines Mabuhay
Nov 18 - Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Delta SkyMiles
Nov 17 - Air Canada Aeroplan | Priority Club
Nov 16 - Emirates Skywards

WestJet delays the launch of their Frequent Flyer program

Mar 4, 10 Update: The program has been launched http://blog.rewardscanada.ca/2010/03/westjet-reveals-frequent-guest-program.html

According to an article in the Financial Post the highly anticipated launch of WestJet's Frequent Flyer program has now been pushed back to 2010. Latest reports had the program launching late November/early December but due to the ongoing issues with WestJet's new reservation system that date has been changed to January. WestJet wants to make sure their new reservation system is stable and working properly before launching the program.

The program itself that has been delayed numerous times is taking a page out of the Travel Rewards Credit Card industry by allowing members to redeem points for full or partial travel with no black out dates. Basically you will put your points/dollars (the proper term for WestJet's reward currency has not been released yet) towards the purchase of any ticket at the going rate from WestJet. Many Travel Point and Hybird Credit card programs do the same, for example redeeming 5000 points for a $50 credit towards any travel that is booked. Of course the more points/dollars you have the bigger the discount towards that travel.

What is good about programs like these is that you don't have to have a lot of points to redeem and get some sort of reward versus the set point programs like most frequent flyer programs where you need a minimum amount of points to redeem for a flight.

The main downfall of the credit card type or WestJet type of program is that value is lost when you have to redeem for expensive/non-seat sale flights as you may have to redeem more points versus the set point programs which require the same amount of points for a flight regardless of what it is selling for (of course this is the best case scenario not taking into account black out dates, availability etc)

We will continue to keep you up to date on all the happenings with the WestJet program as soon as they are released and like many of our readers we wait with anticipation.

Wi Fi now available on select Air Canada flights to the U.S.

Air Canada first announced that they will be providing onboard Wi Fi access early in 2009 and that has finally come to fruition, albeit only a very small number routes for a trial period:

"Enjoy full internet access for only $9.95 US

Gogo® Inflight Internet service is now available for a trial period until January 29, 2010 on select long haul flights travelling over the United States from Toronto or Montreal to Los Angeles.

In our continuing effort to provide the best travel experience around, we’ve taken a major step forward, becoming the first Canadian airline to offer our customers in-flight Internet access with Gogo® Wi-Fi service on select aircraft to keep you connected. You can now chat, surf or e-mail, tweet, and more on board.

Look for the Wi-Fi symbol on board next time you fly!"

Excerpt from Air Canada

Air Canada announces Calgary-Tokyo service

Well it is official and all the speculation can end now as Air Canada today announced direct non-stop Calgary to Tokyo service beginning March 27, 2010. As mentioned in our previous post, the flight will initially run 3x weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Air Canada will operate the new non-stop service with fully refurbished 211-seat Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft offering a choice of Economy Class and Executive First service featuring 24 lie-flat bed suites.

Flight Timings:
Calgary-Tokyo Dep 1220 Arr 1400+1
Tokyo-Calgary Dep 1600 Arr 1045

Source: Air Canada Press Release

Air Canada to charge for access to preferred seating

If you have booked a flight on Aircanada.com over the past week and half or so, you'll have noticed that you can pay to be able to reserve Emergency Row, Bulkhead and other preferred seating locations at the time of booking. Normally those seats would have been assigned at the airport or reserved for elite customers who by the way can also book this preferred seats for free depending on their status and fare class.

Pricing ranges from a low of $14 for Tango Plus fares under 350 miles to $100 for travel between two international cities via Canada.

Full details can be found here

Bonus Page Updates Nov 9 - 13

Nov 13 - Air Canada Aeroplan | Choice Privileges | Delta SkyMiles | Emirates Skywards | Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | Scandic Frequent Guest | South African Airways Voyager | Starwood Preferred Guest
Nov 12 - Best Western Rewards | US Airways Dividend Miles
Nov 10 - Asiana Club | British Airways Executive Club | Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Continental OnePass | Korean Air SkyPass | Marriott Rewards | Mexicana Go | Miles and More | Priority Club | SATA Imagine
Nov 9 - Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Porter to launch seasonal Myrtle Beach service

Porter Airlines has announced that they will offer 2x weekly seasonal service between Toronto Island Airport and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The route will run from Feb 28 to May 30, 2010.

Porter Press Release

United adds third daily Toronto-Denver service

According to Airline Route Update (Jimyvr at Airline Route is a great source for this info!) United will be adding a third daily flight between Toronto and their Denver hub as of Feb 11, 2010. The flight will be operated by United Express with an Embraer E170.

New flight timings:
YYZ-DEN Dep 1500 Arr 1650
DEN-YYZ Dep 0840 Arr 1350

JAL drops Vancouver - Mexico City Route

As part of Japan Airlines major restructuring and downsizing, the popular continuation of their Tokyo-Vancouver to Mexico City will be discontinued as of Jan 18, 2010. The main leg between Vancouver and Tokyo will remain at its regular frequency of 1x daily.

Source: Airline Route Updates

Fly British Airways from Canada to the UK or beyond and earn a Complimentary Companion Ticket

When you book a flight and travel on or before January 29, 2010, you'll receive a complimentary companion ticket* which can be used in conjunction with your next purchased ticket. You and your companion can travel in any cabin, to any of the over 300 destinations British Airways flies to worldwide. Book your ticket and your companion ticket from January 4 through July 30, 2010 and travel from January 11 through December 15, 2010
Full Details Online Registration and Booking

* Must book a round-trip transatlantic ticket in qualifying World Traveller (Y, B, H), World Traveller Plus (W, E), Club World (J, C, D, R) or First (F, A) fares

Delta drops Halifax-Boston route, adds Halifax-New York JFK

According to Airline Route Updates, Delta will be dropping their 1x daily Halifax-Boston route and replacing it with a 1x daily Halifax-New York JFK route.

Bonus Page Updates Nov 2-6

Nov 6 - AeroMexico Club Premier | Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | Starwood Preferred Guest
Nov 5 - Accor A|Club | American AAdvantage | El Al Matmid Club | EVA Air Evergreen Club | Priority Club | US Airways Dividend Miles
Nov 4 - Air Canada Aeroplan | Hilton HHonors | Jumeirah Sirius | Marriott Rewards | Scandinavian EuroBonus
Nov 3 - Continental OnePass | Petro Canada Petro Points | United Mileage Plus
Nov 2 - ANA Mileage Club | Miles and More

Bonus Page Updates Oct 26-30

Oct 30, 09 - British Airways Executive Club | bmi Diamond Club | Marriott Rewards | Priority Club | Thai Royal Orchid
Oct 29, 09 - American AAdvantage
Oct 28, 09 - Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Continental OnePass | TAP Portugal Victoria
Oct 27, 09 - Air Canada Aeroplan | Delta SkyMiles | Starwood Preferred Guest
Oct 26, 09 - Air France KLM Flying Blue | Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Jet Airways Jet Privilege | Petro Points

US Airways cuts Las Vegas service by more then 40% including Canadian services

As part of the US Airways huge decrease in service from their Las Vegas hub, the following routes they served from Canada are being axed:

Las Vegas – Edmonton CANCELED eff 16DEC09 (currently 1 Daily Express)
Las Vegas – Toronto CANCELED eff 23NOV09 (currently 1 Daily)
Las Vegas – Vancouver CANCELED eff 01DEC09 (planned resumption from 16DEC09, shelved)

(Source Airline Route Updates)

Save 10% on Air Canada flights to Asia with Visa

Exclusive offer! Save 10% when you pay with your Visa card

Take advantage of this exclusive offer. Check back often for new offers.

Save 10% on our flights to Asia** Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Seoul and Tokyo.

Travel until March 31, 2010! To get your exclusive discount, simply enter this promotion code when booking and pay with your VISA card: 4CTNM2E1

Offer ends November 30, 2009.

This offer is available on new bookings only. The discount applies exclusively right here at aircanada.com on Air Canada published Tango Plus, Latitude, Executive Class fares when you pay with your Visa card and cannot be combined with any other offer.

Full Details

Edelweiss returns to Calgary/Vancouver to fly the yearly Zurich route, Swiss to codeshare

It has been a few years since Edelweiss flew into Calgary and Vancouver on the summer seasonal Zurich run. Belair, the Air Berlin subsidiary has plied this route the past couple of summers. Now, with Edelweiss' return, customers will be able to buy the SWISS codeshare on this route and connect to other Swiss flights in or out of Zurich on their itinerary. It also means that as long as your ticket is under the SWISS code (LX) you can earn miles in the Miles and More program. Flights will operate weekly on Mondays from May 31 to Sep 14

Schedule as follows:
YYC-YVR Dep 1240 Arr 1300
YVR-ZRH Dep 1440 Arr 0955
ZRH-YYC Dep 0925 Arr 1130

More details can be found on the Edelweiss website

Aeroplan Fall/Winter Bonus Miles for flights

Air Canada launched their next set of Aeroplan Flight bonus offers recently which definitely are targeting routes and fare classes that are slow at this time and ones that have competition on them. All offers run until January 31, 2010. The bonuses are split into North America and International and are as follows:

North America
Earn up to 15,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles when you fly within Canada and between Canada and the US. Complete 3 one way flights to earn 3,000 bonus miles, complete 3 more (6 total) to earn another 4,000 bonus miles (7,000 total) and earn 8,000 more after completing another 3 (9 total). Full Details and online registration (Registration is required). The following routes qualify for this promo
Within Canada:
* Halifax to Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
* Montreal or Ottawa to Halifax
* Toronto to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax
* London ON to Calgary
* Edmonton to Yellowknife, Toronto
* Calgary to Toronto, London ON, Yellowknife, Kamloops
* Vancouver to Toronto, Kamloops
* Kamloops to Calgary, Vancouver
* Yellowknife to Calgary, Edmonton
Between Canada and the U.S.:
* Montreal and Las Vegas, Newark, New York-LaGuardia
* Las Vegas, Newark, New York-LaGuardia to Montreal
* Toronto to Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Newark, New York-LaGuardia
* Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Newark, New York-LaGuardia to Toronto
* Edmonton to Los Angeles
* Los Angeles to Edmonton
* Vancouver to Los Angeles, San Diego
* Los Angeles, San Diego to Vancouver

International
Earn Double Aeroplan Miles for every roundtrip or 2 one-way segments in Executive First between Canada and
* Frankfurt, Munich, London, Zurich, Geneva, Paris, Madrid, Rome
* Tel Aviv
* Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul
* Lima, Bogota, Sao Paulo , Santiago , Buenos Aires , Caracas
* Sydney
Full Details and online registration (Registration is required).

Earn Double Aeroplan Miles for every roundtrip or 2 one-way segments in Economy Class between Canada and Geneva, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Santiago, Buenos Aires, or Sao Paulo Full Details and online registration (Registration is required).

October: a busy month for Rewards Canada and the Frequent Flyer Industry!

You may have noticed not much has gone on here on the Rewards Canada Blog for the past two weeks or so. We had been busy preparing for and attending the FFP-ARAC conference (Frequent Flyer Program - Ancillary Revenue Airline Conference) hence the lack of posts here or updates on the Frequent Flyer Bonuses Group of websites. Now we are back at it, bonuses are being posted on the websites as of Monday and I am ready to get back to blogging as well.

October 2009 has proven to be a busy month for the frequent flyer industry with loss of multiple FF programs and changes in the face of alliances. This month we have seen one of the worlds largest programs, Northwest's World Perks completely disappear as it has been fully integrated into Delta's SkyMiles program. In Europe, we lost two frequent flyer programs with Brussels Airlines Privilege program closing down and the airline joining parent company Lufthansa's Miles and More program. Finally TUIFly's Bluemiles program vanished on Oct 24 to become part of Air Berlin's Top Bonus program.

On the alliance front, the big news is Continental officially joining the Star Alliance. Most major airlines in the Star Alliance (United, Air Canada, Lufthansa as examples) have already or will be in the next week or so launching codeshares with Continental. As well all the frequent flyer programs have been connected so that members can earn and burn on Continental in their favorite program and vice versa for OnePass members.

Brussels Airlines has also announced that they should officially join the Star Alliance on Nov 9 with the same features outlined for Continental.

The only thing left to be announced this year on the Frequent Flyer program front is the launching of WestJet's reward program and I was assured by WestJet at the FFP-ARAC conference that it will happen before the end of 2009.

With that being said, I am happy to be back at the business of posting bonus offers and FFP news and hope that our readers are too.

Finnair increase summmer seasonal Toronto-Helsinki service

According to Airline Route Updates, Finnair will be increasing their 2010 summer seasonal service between Toronto and Helsinki to 5 times weekly from the 4 weekly flown in 2009. The service will from Jun 6, 10 to Sep 9, 10

United to offer complimentary and unlimited upgrades to Elite Members

We know how you value the ease of travel being an elite member brings to you. Now we're making it even easier. In the second quarter of 2010, we’ll automatically request an Unlimited Domestic Upgrade on behalf of all elite members and up to one companion when they travel within the Continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean.

When Unlimited Domestic Upgrades are launched, we’ll be transitioning all of our elite members to the new upgrades, replacing 500-Mile Upgrade certificates. Elite members can still use their existing Regional Upgrades during their full 12-month validity period. However, new certificates will no longer be issued. If you’re not an elite member, don’t worry – you’ll still be able to use your existing certificates any time during their full 12-month validity period, just like you do today.

Further details on Unlimited Domestic Upgrades and other exciting enhancements will be available on Mileageplus.com in early 2010. Stay tuned.

Full Details

Air Canada adds New Delayed and Cancelled Flight Service

Now you don't have to wait in line at the airport or be on hold with AC reservations!

Straight from the Air Canada website:

"In our ongoing effort to deliver a superior level of service and reduce the problems associated with flight disruptions, we are proud introduce our new Delayed and Cancelled Flight Service.

Now, when an Air Canada or Jazz flight is cancelled or is expected to be delayed due to severe weather, you can search for another flight or cancel you remaining flight(s) online – no need to call Air Canada Reservations or see an Air Canada airport agent.

How it works:

• If Air Canada advises you that your flight has been cancelled, or if severe weather conditions are expected to bring about a flight delay or cancellation, you may access the service online using your booking reference number and passenger name.
• If your flight has in fact been delayed or cancelled, the service will advise you, in many cases, that we have already rebooked you on an alternate flight, thus minimizing disruptions to your travel plans. Naturally, you’ll then be able to:
  • View your new flight details (if you’ve been rebooked) and check in if your flight is eligible for online check-in,
  • Search for another flight to your destination (no change fee will apply), or
  • Cancel your remaining flights altogether.

If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you’ll also be provided with a link to the service when you check in for your original flight via the Web, your mobile device or at an airport kiosk.

Because flight disruptions are never easy on anyone, we invite you to learn what else you can do when your flight is delayed or cancelled."

Full Details

Emirates 2 Day Sale - Save up to $3,000 out of Toronto

Today and tomorrow, Emirates is reducing First and Business Class fares by up to $3,000* to select destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand from Toronto (YYZ). There's no better time to take advantage of Emirates' award-winning service aboard the A380 including our Onboard Lounge, Shower Spas (First Class only), multi-course meals, fine wines and over 1,200 channels on demand. Purchase your ticket by October 7, 2009 for travel anytime. No blackout dates.
Business Class (one-way) $500 off
Business Class (roundtrip) $1,000 off
First Class (one-way) $2,000 off
First Class (roundtrip) $3,000 off

Book online at Emirates

Save 20% on any Porter Flight

Use promo code TURKEY20 to save 20% on any new Porter bookings. Book by Oct 5 for travel until Dec 15

Book at Flyporter.com

AA releases schedule for the new Calgary/Vancouver - Chicago routes

From Airline Route Updates:

American Airlines has loaded the schedules for its planned Chicago - Calgary (eff 05APR10) and Chicago - Vancouver (eff 10JUN10) service in Summer 2010.

Schedules are:
Chicago - Calgary
AA3733 ORD1515 - 2012YYC CR7 D
AA3734 YYC0805 - 1220ORD CR7 D 06APR10-

Chicago - Vancouver
AA2397 ORD0910 - 1135YVR 738 D
AA2398 YVR1230 - 1830ORD 738 D

Porter Airlines increases New York and Boston frequencies

From the press release

"Porter Airlines is enhancing its New York and Boston schedules to better connect these two critical markets with Toronto City Centre Airport (TCCA), beginning Nov. 15.

New York flights via Newark Liberty International Airport increase to eight daily roundtrips from seven, while Boston moves to four daily roundtrips from three. Weekend service also increases in New York."

Earn Aeroplan Miles at Thrifty foods in British Columbia

Aeroplan announced that it is expanding its partnership with Sobeys Inc. to now include its Thrifty Foods stores in British Columbia.

Starting today, Aeroplan Members can earn miles at more than 20 Thrifty Foods stores by joining Club Thrifty Foods and auto-converting their Club Thrifty Foods points into Aeroplan Miles. Similar to the Club Sobeys model, for every 2 Club Thrifty Foods points that members convert, they'll receive 1 Aeroplan Mile. Each week additional miles can be earned through in-store "bonus points" offers.

Press Release

Special 15% off discount code for between US/Canada & TLV

From Air Canada's Andrew Yiu on Flyertalk, AC is offering the following to celebrate 15 years of service to Tel Aviv

15% off (all fares) when you book your flights between Canada/USA and TLV.

Travel must be completed by Dec 15. Enter discount code 4CKJ8PA1

The promo is valid until further notice from Air Canada

US Airways Accelerated Elite Status

US Airways is offering accelerated Elite Status earning when you fly with them between Oct 1 and Dec 25, 09. Flights on US Airways and US Airways express count and the following shows the mileage/segment requirements to reach the various status levels

• Fly 7,500 miles or 10 segments and earn Silver Preferred status
• Fly 15,000 miles or 20 segments and earn Gold Preferred status
• Fly 22,500 miles or 30 segments and earn Platinum Preferred status
• Fly 30,000 miles or 40 segments and earn Chairman’s Preferred status

Find the full details on the US Airways website

American Airlines to add Vancouver/Calgary-Chicago route

American Airlines is slated to offer mainline service between Vancouver and Chicago starting in Spring/Summer of 2010 and offer American Eagle service between Calgary and Chicago starting in the same period

Source AA Press Release

Air Canada offers expanded Maple Leaf Lounge Access

In attempts to continue to grow ancillary revenue, Air Canada has now expanded the single pay per use access to its Maple Leaf lounges to passengers traveling on Tango Fares. Prior to this only Tango Plus and Latitude customers could buy the passes at the time of purchasing their tickets online through Air Canada. Of course for Tango customers the $45 entrance fee is higher then for the $35 for T+ and $30 for Latitude.

Some of Air Canada's elite flyers are already showing their disillusion to this change because to them this is a further dilution of the top tier elite benefits where they get access for free to what should be a pleasant experience. Their fear is that some MLL's (Maple Leaf lounge) are already at or over capacity at certain airports and/or certain time and that this will make them even more crowded.

For Air Canada (and most other airlines) these alternate sources of revenue have been the route to follow as airfares stay low and they look for ways to make a profit. The ancillary revenue market for airlines is now exceeding $10 billion per year worldwide and Air Canada has been a major player in this market with alternate money making streams such as offering Maple Leaf Lounge access to select ticket buyers and now by offering it to the masses.

Petro Points now offers 20 points per $ on convenience store and car wash purchases

Previously you could earn 10 Petro Points per dollar spent on convenience store and car wash purchases, now with this latest change that has doubled to 20 points per dollar. Gas purchases remain at 10 points per dollar and that is where most people do earn their Petro Points, so while this change does not seem too significant, the 20 points does equate to 2 Cathay Pacific Asia Miles per dollar spent. Nowadays there are not too many retail places where you can earn 2 Major Airline miles per dollar, usually it is only .5 to 1.5.

Rexall now offering Aeroplan miles

As of Sep 12, Rexall in Western Canada began offering Aeroplan miles for all purchases made including prescriptions. The regular earning is 1 Aeroplan Miles per $1 spent. Stores in Ontario are not included and will continue to offer AIR MILES Rewards Miles.
The Aeroplan website does not have any more details on the partnership as their link to Rexall is broken. Apparently the official launch of the partnership will be in October with full announcements and possible promotions.

Air Canada Rapidair: Triple Aeroplan Miles and free same-day standby

In what looks to be a response to WestJet's Eastern Triangle pass, Air Canada is offering triple Aeroplan miles for Rapidair flights between Toronto and Montreal or Ottawa. As well if you are flying on a Tango Plus fare or higher you standby for free at the airport for same day flights. The Triple Aeroplan mile offer runs until Dec 31 and requires registration. See the link below for more details.

Rapidair info

Aeroplan Triple Miles registration

Rewards Canada is eight years old!

Wow I can't believe that Rewards Canada has been around for eight years now. Rewards Canada was started as small hobby website in late August of 2001 partially to teach me some basic HTML programming and what better way then to do it by fulfilling my passion for airlines and frequent flyer programs.

Back in 2001 we maybe had 100 visitors in the first month. now, Rewards Canada is nearing the 40,000 visitor mark each month and as many of you know we have expanded into the Worldwide markets with the Frequent Flyer Bonuses brand of websites. Although I still have a day job, Rewards Canada is no longer a hobby but a full fledged business focused on providing travel rewards information to the Canadian market.

The website is now featured quite regularily in the media and I actually just completed a full travel rewards supplement for Macleans Magazine. It is the first time I wrote something for the media rather then consulting or providing them with background information. It was fun to do and hopefully more projects like this will come along.

I want to thank all of our visitors, readers, subscribers and affiliate partners for the 8 years of support. I am looking forward to the next 8 years of Rewards Canada and hopefully you are all too.

Thanks and best regards
Patrick Sojka
CEO/Founder

Air Canada and Asiana expand codesharing on each others routes

Air Canada will be placing their code on Asiana routes within Korea and to Japan, Thailand and Vietnam while Asiana will be placing their code on Air Canada routes between Vancouver and Calgary and Vancouver to Ottawa.

Source:
Airline route updates 1 2

Bonus Page Updates Sep 3, 09

Air China Phoenix Miles | American AAdvantage | Finnair Plus | Marriott Rewards | Starwood Preferred Guest | United Mileage Plus

Highlights:
Air China: 1 Bonus Phoenix Mile per specific currency when you book online at the various Air China websites
American: Double Elite Qualifying Status Miles on all American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection flights
Finnair: Earn up to Triple Plus Points when you rent from any participating Avis location worldwide.
Marriott: Earn a Free night when you Stay twice at any of over 3,000 Marriott® properties Worldwide.
Starwood: 999 Bonus Starpoints and room upgrades, breakfast or parking for $9.99 for stays at participating hotels in the Northeast and Midwest U.S.
United: Double elite qualifying miles or double elite qualifying segments on qualifying United® or United Express® flights.

Bonus Page Updates Sep 2, 09

Aerosvit Meridian | Delta SkyMiles | Miles and More | Priority Club

Highlights:
Aerosvit - Earn Bonus Meridian Miles on round trip flights between Kiev and Athens, Stockholm, Thessaloniki or Toronto.
Delta - Earn up to 50,000 Bonus SkyMiles with the Your Bonus promotion. Earn an additional 5,000 bonus miles for each round-trip flight flown on Delta, Northwest, Air France or KLM to a maximum of 50,000 bonus miles
Miles and More - Double Status Miles for all scheduled flights within Europe operated by Adria Airways, Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Luxair and SWISS.
Priority Club - 5,000 Bonus Priority Club Points after your next qualifying weekend stay (Friday and Saturday nights, two nights total) at any IHG hotel worldwide

US Airways adds second bag fee for Transatlantic flights

Following American Airlines lead, US Airways (and also see our post for Continental) has added a $50 checked bag fee for the second bag on Transatlantic flights effective Oct 7. The $50 fee is applicable if you choose to pay it online when you book, otherwise it will be $55 at the airport. Also the fees for US Domestic and Canada flights are all going up by $5 for the first and second checked bags.

Source: Travel Weekly

Bonus Page Updates Sep 1,09

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank

Highlights
Japan Airlines - Double Mileage Bank Miles when you stay at any participating Swissotel Hotels & Resorts in the Americas, Asia Pacific or Europe

One of Canada's best Credit Cards is gone: MBNA Starwood Preferred Guest MasterCard

The top hotel card in our 2009 credit card rankings, the MBNA Starwood Preferred Guest MasterCard is now finished in Canada. As of Aug 31 applications were no longer being accepted by MBNA for the card and current cardholders will have until Feb 28, 2010 to earn Starpoints on the card, after that point they will be issued a new MBNA credit card.

According the William Sanders, a spokesperson from Starwood, SPG will announce a new credit card soon however no details have been provided at this time. We look forward to seeing what it will offer as the MBNA version was quite a decent card for spending up to $30,000 on. Chances are the new card will come with a fee but will have more benefits, better points earning and more. As well since SPG is tied in with AMEX in the U.S., there is the probability that the new SPG card may be an American Express. Now we just have to wait and see.

To read some comments and the official response from William, visit this thread on FlyerTalk.com

Continental adds second bag fee for Transatlantic flights

Following in the footsteps of some other U.S. majors, Continental will charge $50 for a second checked bag on certain economy class tickets. The fee is effective as of Sep 15 for all tickets bought on or after Aug 27. If you pay online when booking your ticket, the price is reduced to $45. Elite members of Continental's OnePass program, First or Business class fares, Full fare Economy (Y Class), Continental PresidentialPlus and the military traveling on official orders are all exempt from the fee

Bonus Page Updates Aug 28,09

Air Canada Aeroplan | Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | American AAdvantage | bmi Diamond Club | Priority Club

Highlights
- Aeroplan Earn 1,500 Bonus Aeroplan Miles with the "Your Trip Your Way Promotion" when earn or redeem with 3 or more select Aeroplan partners.
- Alaska: Earn up to Triple Mileage Plan Miles on all Air Pacific flights. Earn double miles in Economy or triple miles for business class.
- American: Double AAdvantage Miles for flights between Dallas DFW and Manhattan, KS.
- bmi: Double Diamond Club Destinations Miles every time you fly for two months after joining the Diamond Club program.
- Priority Club: Earn up to 10,000 Bonus Priority Club Points for completing non-hotel stay partner activity.

Save 20% on Air Canada routes that Porter Airlines also flies

Use promo code 4C4XGCD1 at aircanada.com to receive a 20% discount off all fare types. Discount is valid for travel until December 16, 2009 and in effect until August 31, 2009. The promotion is available on the following routes:

Halifax, YHZ (NS) - Ottawa, YOW (ON)

Ottawa, YOW (ON) - Halifax, YHZ (NS)

Halifax, YHZ (NS) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Halifax, YHZ (NS)

Quebec, YQB (QC) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Quebec, YQB (QC)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Thunder Bay, YQT (ON)

Thunder Bay, YQT (ON) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

St. Johns, YYT (NL) - Halifax, YHZ (NS)

Halifax, YHZ (NS) - St. Johns, YYT (NL)

St. Johns, YYT (NL) - Ottawa, YOW (ON)

Ottawa, YOW (ON) - St. Johns, YYT (NL)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Montreal, YUL (QC)

Montreal, YUL (QC) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Ottawa, YOW (ON)

Ottawa, YOW (ON) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Boston, BOS (MA)

Boston, BOS (MA) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - Chicago, ORD (IL)

Chicago, ORD (IL) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Toronto, YYZ (ON) - New York, EWR (NJ)

New York, EWR (NJ) - Toronto, YYZ (ON)

Bonus Page Updates Aug 27, 09

Etihad Guest | Northwest WorldPerks | US Airways Dividend Miles

Highlights:
Etihad - Double Miles for flights between Abu Dhabi and Capetown or Hyderabad
Northwest - Triple WorldPerks Miles when staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
US Airways - 1,000 bonus Dividend Miles for participating Starwood hotels stays in Arizona, San Diego and Las Vegas

Delta to increase seasonal service to Cranbrook

Delta's Salt Lake City to Cranbrook seasonal service will increase to 3x weekly from 2x based upon the success of last season which was the first year that Delta flew this route. The flights will start Dec 19

Flight timings as follows:
Cranbrook-Salt Lake City Dep 1350 Arr 1545
Salt Lake City-Cranbrook Dep 1110 Arr 1325

Air Canada reduces service to Seoul for Winter 09/10

According the Airline Route Updates, Air Canada will be reducing their Vancouver-Seoul service to 5 flights per week from daily. The reduced periods are between Nov 1 - Dec 15, 09 and Jan 7 - Mar 28, 10

Air Canada to launch non-stop service to Athens and Barcelona from Montréal and Toronto

Air Canada announced today that they will launch seasonal summer service between Montreal and Barcelona, Montreal and Athens, Toronto and Barcelona and Toronto and Athens. This comes as the Greek national carrier Olympic is pulling out of Canada. All the flights times are set up to allow connections from the many of AC's Canadian and U.S. cities plus connections on the European side Aegean in Greece and Spanair in Spain.

The flights will run for the busy summer season between Jun 3 and Oct 18 with the following timings:

Montreal-Athens (3x weekly) Dep 1825 Arr 1040+1
Athens-Montreal (3x weekly) Dep 1215 Arr 1530

Toronto-Athens (3x weekly) Dep 1750 Arr 1040+1
Athens-Toronto (3x weekly) Dep 1215 Arr 1610

Montreal-Barcelona (3x weekly) Dep 1845 Arr 0805+1
Barcelona-Montreal (3x weekly) Dep 1145 Arr 1400

Toronto-Barcelona (3x weekly) Dep 1815 Arr 0805+1
Barcelona-Toronto (3x weekly) Dep 1145 Arr 1440

Bonus Page Updates Aug 26, 09

GoldpointsPlus | Northwest WorldPerks | Priority Club

Highlights:
GoldpointsPlus - Earn 2,000 bonus Gold Points when you book a bed and breakfast package for stays in the Americas
Northwest - Earn Triple WorldPerks miles on Budget car rentals of 3 days or more
Priority Club - Receive a $25 Gift Card per night for Target, Lowes or Best Buy when you stay at the Hotel Indigo Fishers-Indy's Uptown

20% off Air Canada flights to FLL, MCO or TPA

20% off between Canada & Fort Lauderdale, Orlando or Tampa.
Book by Aug 30, 2009
For travel Sep 1 - 30, 2009.

Enter discount code 4C4V3GQ1 at Aircanada.com

Bonus Page Updates Aug 25, 09

Air Canada Aeroplan | Air France KLM Flying Blue | US Airways Dividend Miles

Highlights:
Aeroplan - Earn up to 10,000 bonus Aeroplan mile when you open a CIBC unlimited chequing account
Flying Blue - Canadians earn 3,000 bonus miles when you join the program and fly with Air France within 6 months
Dividend Miles - Earn up to 50,000 bonus miles (incl 4,000 status) for non-flight partner activity

Air Canada to launch new Montreal-Brussels flight (with same plane service from YYZ)

Announced on August 20th, the new Air Canada non-stop service between Montreal and Brussels will launch on June 12, 2010 and allow for connections with upcoming Star Alliance member Brussels Airlines. The flight includes same plane service to/from Toronto. Connections include some key destinations in France and Africa like Toulouse, Lyon, Abidjan and Dakar. The flights will operate daily on a year round basis with a Boeing 767-300ER.

Flight times are as follows:
Toronto-Montreal Dep 1700 Arr 1815
Montreal-Brussels Dep 1940 Arr 0840+1
Brussels-Montreal Dep 1045 Arr 1225
Montreal-Toronto Dep 1400 Arr 1515

Air Canada to offer more sun destinations for this winter

Air Canada (in conjunction with Air Canada Vacations) have announced a large winter expansion to new and existing sun destinations. The new destinations include Fort de France, Martinique and La Romana, Dominican Republic. Existing destinations like Varadero will see increase in weekly flights from Toronto and new flights from Vancouver.

The complete listing of new flights is as follows:
Toronto-La Romana, Dominican Republic - New destination with Air Canada
flights departing every Saturday beginning December 19 onboard 120-seat Airbus
A319 aircraft.

Toronto-Varadero, Cuba - Increase to five times weekly, departing
Mondays, Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays onboard 120-seat Airbus A319
aircraft.

Montreal-Fort de France, Martinique - New Air Canada flights launched in
July will continue year-round, departing every Sunday onboard 120-seat Airbus
A319 aircraft.

Montreal-Fort Myers, Florida - New Air Canada flights will depart Sundays
beginning December 6 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.

Montreal-Samana/El Catey, Dominican Republic - New Air Canada flights
will depart Saturdays beginning December 19 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319
aircraft.

Montreal-Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - New Air Canada flights will depart
Fridays beginning December 25 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.

Montreal-Tampa, Florida - Weekly flights doubled with flights departing
Thursdays and Saturdays beginning November 7 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319
aircraft.

Montreal-Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - Increase to four times weekly,
departing Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays onboard 140-seat Airbus A320
aircraft.

Ottawa-Turks & Caicos - New Air Canada flights will depart Mondays
beginning December 21 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.

Ottawa-Fort Lauderdale - Increase to daily flights beginning December 19
onboard 93-seat Embraer E-190 aircraft.

Halifax-Samana/El Catey, Dominican Republic - New Air Canada flights will
depart Thursdays beginning February 11 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.

Halifax-Tampa, Florida - New Air Canada flights will depart Mondays
beginning February 8 onboard 120-seat Airbus A319 aircraft.

Vancouver-Varadero, Cuba - New Air Canada flights will depart Fridays
beginning December 25 onboard Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

Continental Airlines returns to Edmonton

In another Star Alliance connection, Continental will be returning to Edmonton as of November 2 with daily flights from Houston. Flights are timed to connect with Continental flights to Latin America and Southern U.S. and will be operated with a mix of Boeing 737-500s and 737-700s

Flight times as follows:
Edmonton-Houston Dep 0640 Arr 1156
Houston-Edmonton Dep 1800 Arr 2145

Sunwing to fly Montreal-Ft. Lauderdale

According to Airline Route Updates, Sunwing Airlines will fly a twice weekly service between Montreal and Ft. Lauderdale starting on Dec 13, 09.

Flight times are as follows:
Montreal - Ft. Lauderdale Dep 1645 Arr 2020
Ft. Lauderdale - Montreal Dep 1220 Arr 1545

Air Canada to launch service between Calgary and Honolulu and Maui

Calgarians can now avoid connecting in Vancouver (or LAX, SEA, SFO) to get to Hawaii as Air Canada announced on Aug 18 that they will launch direct service from Calgary this winter. Both cities will start with once weekly service on Dec 5 and by mid to late December will be running at twice weekly to Honolulu and three times weekly to Maui. The flights will run until the end of April and be operated onboard Air Canada's Boeing 767-300ER's. Hopefully they will run the XMed planes with the new interiors and not one of the three they did not retrofit. However as the non-retrofitted planes do get quite a bit of rotation on sun/vacation routes due to lower yields, chances are the route will see them at least some of the time. No matter what I think my family will be hitting Maui again this year (even more then once perhaps)

Flight times are as follows:
YYC-OGG Dep 1420 Arr 1835
OGG-YYC Dep 1955 Arr 0515+1
YYC-HNL Dep 1405 Arr 1820
HNL-YYC Dep 1940 Arr 0510+1

Air Canada to launch non-stop service between Montreal and Houston

Of course during the week I decide to take vacation, Air Canada and other airlines announce a bunch of new routes from Canadian cities. All the new routes had two main focuses, Sun Destinations and Star Alliance connections. So here I am playing catch up on the new routes.

The new Montreal-Houston route announced by Air Canada on August 19th, is a Star Alliance connection. Houston is a large hub for Continental Airlines which is joining Star Alliance on Oct 27. This new daily route starts on November 30th and is timed to arrive into Houston to connect to Continental flights across the southern U.S., Mexico, Central and South America.

Schedule:
Montreal-Houston Dep 0955 Arr 1155
Houston-Montreal Dep 1225 Arr 1640

Continental sets Oct 27 as entry date into Star Alliance

From Continental email sent Aug 12:

Travel through Oct. 24, 2009
OnePass members can continue to earn and redeem miles and make reward reservations on SkyTeam partners through Oct. 24, 2009. All reward travel on these partners must be completed on or before Oct. 24, 2010.

Travel on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, 2009
If you travel on a Star Alliance airline on Oct. 25 or Oct. 26, we will make every effort to ensure you automatically receive OnePass mileage credit (including Elite Qualification Miles/Points) and eligible customers receive lounge access. Please save copies of your travel documents for Oct. 25 and Oct. 26 — eTicket receipts and original boarding passes — until mileage credit is confirmed on your OnePass statement.

Travel Oct. 27, 2009 and beyond
When the transition to Star Alliance occurs on Oct. 27, 2009, OnePass members will begin earning base miles and Elite Qualification Miles/Points and be able to redeem miles on Star Alliance airlines.

Emirates 2 Day World Sale for Toronto departures

Receive an additional $150 off roundtrip Economy Class fares and $1,000 off roundtrip Business Class fares when you book online. Save on flights from Toronto to any one of Emirates over 100 destinations worldwide. Bookings must be made Aug 11 or 12. Travel is valid until Mar 10, 10 with Dec 5-Dec 24 blacked out.

Book online at Emirates

Air Canada cuts Madrid for winter season

From Airline Route Updates:

According to online GDS timetables, Air Canada will not fly the Toronto-Madrid route this winter. Initially it was planned that AC would fly the route 3x weekly.

US Airways to resume Edmonton-Las Vegas Service for the fall

Earlier this year US Airways cut their routes to Las Vegas from Calgary and Edmonton as part of a larger program in flight reductions out of LAS.

It appears though that the Edmonton - Las Vegas route has been reinstated and will be starting on Sep 11 (the incoming flight will leave LAS on the 10th) . It looks to be a 4x weekly routing for September (Mo,Tu,Fr,Sa) and then goes daily in October. The direct link will then end on Dec 16. Flights are operated by regional carrier Mesa Airlines with a CRJ900 as follows:

YEG-LAS Dep 630 Arr 832 x
LAS-YEG Dep 2128 Arr 139+1

Why I think WestJet teamed up with RBC Royal Bank and MasterCard

A conversation on Twitter last night had me answering some questions as to why I think WestJet went with RBC and MasterCard for the credit card that will be associated with their frequent flyer program and here is what I came up with:

- Why RBC? I would have to speculate that RBC was chosen because WestJet wants (and should be) affiliated with a major Canadian bank. It could not be CIBC as they are heavily tied into Air Canada/Aeroplan, BMO has Air Miles and although they had a previous relationship together the new WestJet program will technically compete with Air Miles, TD has put a lot of time and effort into their new cards and in all reality since you can redeem for any travel, the TD points earned can simply be redeemed for WestJet bookings so no real need to tie in with WestJet, which leaves RBC and Scotiabank. Scotiabank is one of the weakest in the travel rewards department while RBC has proven their might in the industry with the Avion, British Airways and Cathay Pacific cards, hence the link up with RBC.

- Why MasterCard? I believe there are a few reasons why MasterCard was chosen. Many people are asking why because RBC is traditionally a VISA supplier. First, WestJet's previous credit card that was tied into Air Miles was a MasterCard and it was quite successful leading me to believe WestJet has a comfortable and good relationship with MasterCard. Second, MasterCard may have pushed WestJet as MasterCard is not partnered with any major airlines in Canada for a direct airline branded credit card. The closest they come to is the Alaska Airlines MasterCard but Alaska only serves B.C. and Alberta, so while they a major U.S. airline, they cannot be considered the same in Canada. Compare this to VISA who have Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific cards in Canada. With this link up MasterCard will have a major airline to call their own, although soon enough WestJet will not be the only one as there are hints of another major U.S. airline launching a credit card here. Some may say why the RBC and MasterCard connection when there are many other MasterCard issuers in Canada. I would have to answer that outside of BMO with whom WestJet will now compete, all the MasterCard issuers in Canada are U.S. based banks and to team up with them just does not have the same marketing prowess as being teamed up with a Canadian bank, if fact some people may have been angered if WestJet had teamed up with one of the U.S. banks (Keep it Canadian right?)

So there you have it, when you look at all these factors the whole WestJet-RBC-MasterCard connection seems to make sense. Now we just have to wait and see with great anticipation how the rest of the WestJet frequent flyer program looks.

WestJet selects RBC and MasterCard to supply the new WestJet Travel Rewards Credit Card

WestJet announced today that they have selected RBC and MasterCard to be the supplier of the credit card for the upcoming WestJet Travel Rewards program. The card itself will be the first MasterCard issued by RBC, who have been solely a VISA provided to this point. The card should be released in line with the launch of the yet to be named WestJet Frequent Flyer program this fall.

It will be interesting to see what the card offers and if different versions will be available, for example a no/low fee version, a higher fee version with a full suite of benefits. The card will definitely have a significant role in changing the rankings of next years Top Travel Rewards Credit Card (see 2009 rankings here) as WestJet is such a key player in the Canadian market.

Source: WestJet

Exclusive online sale: Summer of deals from Air Canada - Week 6

WEEK 6: Aug 3 - Aug 9

20% off all Economy class fares and 15% off all Executive First fares

Valid between Canada and Australia.
Valid on AC operated flights only.
Travel completed by Dec 11, 2009.
Enter 4F7HCUG1 under Promotion Code.

Discount code will be valid until Aug 9, 2009.

Coming Soon: Earn Aeroplan Miles at pet stores

Soon you'll be bale to earn Aeroplan miles at PJ's Pets/Pets Unlimited. Futura Loyalty Group who runs the RESP rewards program Futura Rewards and also has a contract with Aeroplan to administer retail partners announced that you will be able to earn Aeroplan miles or Futura Rewards at PJ's/Pets Unlimted 37 locations across Canada. The official launch date however has not been announced.

Source: Colloquy

Bonus Page Updates Jul 14 - 24

I apologize to those readers who come to the blog to see what programs have new bonus offers listed as I have not kept that up on the blog, so here is a quick list of the pages that have been updated:

Jul 24
United Mileage Plus
Jul 23
Air New Zealand Airpoints | British Airways Executive Club | Delta SkyMiles | Emirates Skywards | GoldpointsPlus | QANTAS Frequent Flyer | Thai Royal Orchid | US Airways Dividend Miles
Jul 22
Aeroflot Bonus | Asiana Club | JAL Mileage Bank
Jul 21
Accor A|Club | Aerosvit Meridian | Alitalia MilleMiglia | American AAdvantage | China Airlines Dynasty Flyer | Hilton HHonors | Hyatt Gold Passport | Marriott Rewards | Starwood Preferred Guest | Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Jul 17
Brussels Airlines Privilege | Jumeirah Sirius | Priority Club
Jul 16
Air France KLM Flying Blue | Etihad Guest
Jul 15
Air Canada Aeroplan | Continental OnePass | Egyptair Plus |Northwest WorldPerks
Jul 14
Best Western Rewards

Exclusive online sale: Summer of deals from Air Canada - Week 5

WEEK 5: Jul 27 - Aug 2

15% off all fares

Valid between Canada and South America.
Valid on AC operated flights only.
Travel completed by Dec 10, 2009.
Enter AMMFYWD1 under Promotion Code.

Discount code will be valid until Aug 2, 2009.

Aeroplan: Increased fare eligibility for Top Tier Upgrade Certificates

Air Canada/Aeroplan have for a limited time increased fare eligibility for Top Tier Upgrade Certificates. Now elite members will be able to upgrade from Tango Plus (rather then latitude) using 2009 North American Upgrade certs or 2009 System-Wide upgrade certs. This offer runs until Sept. 7, 2009.

Full Details

Exclusive online sale: Summer of deals from Air Canada - Week 4

WEEK 4: Jul 20 - Jul 26

10% off all Economy class fares
15% off all Executive class fares

Valid for within Canada.
Valid on AC operated flights only.
Travel completed by Dec 11, 2009.
Enter P6NEH3H1 under Promotion Code.

Discount code will be valid until Jul 26, 2009.

Extended to Jul 28, 2009, new code: XC4NA741, same conditions as above.

WestJet, Air France and KLM announce launch of interline relationship

Effective yesterday, the interline agreement between WestJet and Air France KLM came into effect. Both European airline will offer interline connections to WestJet's Canadian network. The interline agreement allows Air France KLM passengers to seemlessly connect to WestJet flights with one itinerary rather then two. Initially the agreement will allow for connections from Calgary to Vancouver and Edmonton as well as Vancouver to Calgary and Edmonton.

The future should bring reciprocal interlining for WestJet and the possibility of code sharing on various routes.

Source: WestJet press release

BMO revamps its AIR MILES MasterCard credit cards

BMO today announced some enhancements to their AIR MILES line of MasterCard credit cards that will be effective August 3. In an apparent move to compete better with many no fee credit cards and American Express, BMO has sweetened the benefits and rewards surrounding two of their rewards credit cards. For the Gold version, BMO is now offering travel insurances which previously were optional for a yearly fee and a bigger discount on AIR MILES flights. The Silver and Bronze options for the AIR MILES MasterCard appear to be rolled into one card with no fee (formerly a Bronze feature) and it earns 1 AIR MILES reward mile for each $20 spent (formerly a Silver feature)

The changes to the cards are as follows:
BMO Gold AIR MILES MasterCard
- Exclusive 25% discount on the number of AIR MILES reward miles required to fly (increased from 20%)
- Built in Collision Damage Waiver – covers damage, theft and loss-of-use of rental car
- Travel insurances: lost document and ticket replacement, lost luggage assistance etc.
- Double AIR MILES reward miles at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations worldwide
- The remainder of the features remain the same (Supplementary Card fee, double AIR MILES at Shell etc.)

BMO AIR MILES MasterCard
- No Annual Fee
- Earn 1 AIR MILES reward mile for every $20 in card purchases
- 1.5x AIR MILES reward miles at National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car locations worldwide
- The remainder of the features remain the same (free Supplementary Cards, 1.5x AIR MILES at Shell etc.)

Bonus Page Updates Jul 9, 09

Air Canada Aeroplan | Czech Airlines OK Plus | Marriott Rewards | QANTAS Frequent Flyer | TAP Portugal Victoria

Overview
- Earn 250 bonus Aeroplan miles for Hertz rentals in Canada and the U.S.
- Earn up to 6,000 bonus OK Plus miles on 8 flights in and out of Prague
- Complete update of the Marriott Rewards page with dozens of new offers
- Earm 1.000 bonus QANTAS Frequent Flyer miles for Budget rentals in Australia
- Earn double Victoria miles for Accor Hotels stays worldwide

Exclusive online sale: Summer of deals from Air Canada - Week 3

WEEK 3: Jul 13 - Jul 19

20% off all Economy class fares
10% off all Executive First class fares

Valid between Canada and Europe.
Valid on AC operated flights only.
Travel valid for Sep 8, 2009 - Dec 15, 2009.
Enter N4B4BA31 under Promotion Code.

Discount code will be valid until Jul 19, 2009.

Book online at Air Canada

Canada's Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards for 2009

Today on RewardsCanada.ca we posted our first annual picks for Canada's top travel rewards credit cards for 2009. We have combed over 35 different credit cards offering travel rewards for Canadians and of those there are a few that really stand out. While it is practically impossible to give this question a perfect one card answer, we can breakdown the market of Canadian Travel Rewards credit cards into five major categories that these cards fall into. Without further ado, here are the top travel rewards credit cards for 2009 as picked by RewardsCanada.ca:


Top Airline Credit Card
CIBC AeroGold Visa / AeroGold Visa Infinite

Top Hybrid Travel Credit Card
Diners Club Club Rewards MasterCard

Top Travel Points Credit Card (with annual fee)
Capital One Miles Plus Platinum MasterCard with No Hassle Rewards

Top Travel Points Credit Card (with no annual fee)
American Express Blue Sky Credit Card

Top Hotel Points Credit Card
MBNA Starwood Preferred Guest MasterCard

For the complete article, details on each card plus runners up in each category please visit the full Canada's Top Travel Rewards Credit Card for 2009 page on the Rewards Canada website

Care to comment on our choices? Want to voice your opinion on the good and the bad of all the Travel Rewards Credit Cards in Canada. Share you views and experiences by leaving a comment below.

Brussels Airlines Privilege Members must join Miles and More by July 31 to keep miles

As part of Brussels Airlines full integration into Lufthansa's Miles and More program, Privilege members who are carrying a mileage balance must register or link their account to Miles and More by July 31 to keep ensure those miles are equally converted (they guarantee this). It is not too clear what happens if you don't do it by July 31 but it looks like they may not guarantee that some or all of your miles will convert to Miles and More.

To complete the migration by July 31 visit the following page on Brussels Airlines website:
http://www.privilege.brusselsairlines.com/migrate/

WestJet adds 11 new U.S. and international destinations

From the WestJet press release:

WestJet today unveiled its largest-ever seasonal non-stop flight schedule, featuring a record eight new international destinations and three additional U.S. destinations for the winter of 2009-2010.

By late fall 2009, WestJet will operate service to 66 cities in more than 10 countries, as compared to 51 cities in eight countries one year ago.

Beginning in late fall, WestJet and WestJet Vacations will launch seasonal non-stop service to Varadero, Holguin and Cayo Coco, Cuba; Ixtapa and Cozumel, Mexico; St. Martin; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Freeport, Bahamas; Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii; Miami, Florida; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.

This new schedule also includes new, year-round service between Edmonton and Yellowknife and between Calgary and San Diego. WestJet launched both routes on a seasonal basis in May.

Source: WestJet Press Release

Bonus Page Updates July 7, 09

Aerosvit Meridian | Miles and More | Northwest WorldPerks | Scandinavian EuroBonus | Starwood Preferred Guest

Overview
- Earn bonus Meridian miles between Kiev and Baku
- Earn double Miles and More miles on flights between Saarbrucken and Hamburg
- Worldperks extends UK bonus mile offer
- Earn double EuroBonus points on flights to Lapland
- Earn 1,909 bonus Starpoints for stays at the Palace Hotel San Francisco