WestJet, Cathay Pacific sign partnership deal

From the Globe and Mail

"WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. have signed a partnership deal, one in a series of co-operation pacts that WestJet is targeting with foreign carriers.

Calgary-based WestJet has been looking to forge links with the Hong Kong-based carrier for nearly six years, but they needed to overcome technology hurdles. With WestJet recently upgrading its computer reservations system, the two airlines will be taking their first step in the partnership.

“We signed and are in the process of implementing an inbound interline agreement with Cathay Pacific that should be in place later this month,” WestJet chief executive officer Gregg Saretsky said during a conference call Tuesday.

The “interline” pact calls for co-operation on ticketing and baggage handling, making it easier for a traveller on a Cathay trip into Canada to catch a connecting flight operated by WestJet. The partnership should be rolled out over the next several weeks, said Cathay spokeswoman Jennifer Pearson, who added that the Asian carrier already has an interline agreement in place with Air Canada."

Rewards Canada's Credit Card Comparison Chart Updated

At the end of last week I finally had a chance to update our very popular Credit Card Comparison chart. The update was to add two new cards that were released this year, the Starwood Preferred Guest Card from American Express and the WestJet RBC MasterCards.

You can view the updated chart here to see how these two cards stack up against other popular travel rewards credit cards.

Over the next few months you will some more credit card related items on Rewards Canada. The second annual Top Canadian Travel Rewards Credit Cards is in the works, we are working to put a portion of our comparison chart into the Financial Post (4th year running) and will be adding another card that was released in March, the BMO World Elite MasterCard into some of our charts and if time allows, we'll provide a complete review of that card as well.

Continental & United agree to merge

Continental and United Airlines have agreed to merge the two airlines to create the worlds largest airline. Not too many details have been released and the deal will be subject to government approval. What we do know is that should the merger go through, the airline will be called United Airlines but will use the Continental colors and logo. Chicago will be the headquarters of the new airline however it appears Houston will be the main hub. At this point, the announcement does not affect any of the airlines flights or frequent flyer programs, both will continue to run independently until the merger closes, which is expected to happen by the end of 2010.

We will continue to keep our readers up to date on the merger, primarily on the frequent flyer side as more news develops. You can also visit the website created by CO and UA which details the merger.

Earn 500 Bonus Miles & Dining Credits or Free nights at Fairmont Hotels. Must book by May 5

Here is a great limited time booking offer for stays this summer from Fairmont Hotels:

Earn 500 Bonus Miles with Air Canada or American when you book an Everyone’s an Original rate at participating Fairmont Hotels & Resorts locations Worldwide. Plus receive either a $50 dining credit (up to a maximum $150 a day, credit must be consumed during stay) in the currency of the host hotel OR a free night – free night must be a consecutive night stay at one hotel, minimum night stay required and varies by hotel. Book by May 5 for stays until Oct 15, 10

Full Details and Online Booking at Fairmont hotels

New Priority Club iPhone App - Earn 1,000 bonus points for booking

InterContinental Hotels Group has launched an iPhone app for their Priority Club program and are offering members 1,000 bonus Priority Club points for each completed stay that is booked via the iPhone app until Jun 15, 10.

All you have to do is download the app from the AppStore and start to make you bookings!

For more details and a link for downloading please visit here.

WestJet cancels Toronto-Atlantic City service

According to WestJet's Facebook page service to ACY from YYZ is cancelled as of May 9, 2010. WestJet cites that the route did not see the demand they had hoped.

FFB is giving away 2 prizes of 2 Free Nights at any Hyatt Worldwide!

I have once again teamed up with Hyatt to give away some free night stays at any Hyatt worldwide! All you have to do is leave a comment on our Frequent Flyer Bonuses blog. The giveaway ends on Apr 30, so check it out soon!

Also don't forget about FrequentFlyerBonuses.com 5th Anniversary contest: www.5years5waystowin.com

Virgin America confirms Toronto start date

Virgin America will officially start service from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Toronto on June 23, 10. The flights are up for sale on Virgin America and if you are one of the first 500 Twitter Followers to click a special link from @VirginAmerica you will get a 50% off voucher code.

The schedules for the new flights are as follows:
Toronto-Los Angeles Dep 1800 Arr 2015
Los Angeles-Toronto Dep 2315 Arr 0700

Toronto-San Francisco Dep 0815 Arr 1040
San Francisco-Toronto Dep 0830 Arr 1559

US Airways offers system-wide Double Status and Earned Mileage

In what could be a repeat of last Spring and Fall, US Airways has released a promotion that offers double Preferred Status miles and Double Dividend miles on all US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle flights Worldwide. It is not entirely clear whether this promotion was a reaction to Southwest Airlines system-wide double credit promotion but nonetheless we should see other airlines match US's offer within the next 7 to 10 days. When they do so, we will have a repeat of last spring and fall where airlines offered system-wide double status mileage. The difference this year is that US Airways is offering up not only double status miles but also double earned miles! A pretty good offering to kick off the Spring 2010 season.

The offer from US Airways runs until June 15, 2010 and does require registration. Please visit this page on US Airways to register.

For information on other US Airways offers please visit our Dividend Miles Bonus Mile Opportunities page.

Air Canada Travel Advisory - Flights cancelled to/from London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt

This is from Air Canada but it is pretty much the same story for any airline flying into these and many other European cities:

MONTREAL, April 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Air Canada advises that as a result of the spread of volcanic ash over northern Europe due to volcanic activity in Iceland, a number of European airports have closed until further notice. Flights have been cancelled to and from the following European airports served by Air Canada: London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt. As other airports may be affected resulting in flight cancellations and delays, Air Canada will provide updates on aircanada.com as further information becomes available.

Customers with flights to or from affected areas are advised to check on the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport by consulting the Air Canada website at aircanada.com, or by calling Air Canada's automated flight information system at 1-888-422-7533, or by using a web-enhanced cell phone.

In order to facilitate changes to travel plans, Air Canada has revised its ticketing policy for customers booked on flights that are subject to cancellation. Those customers wishing to make alternate travel arrangements can do so without penalty, space permitting, by contacting Air Canada Reservations toll free in Canada and the U.S. at 888-247-2262; TTY: 1-800-361-8071 or Air Canada Reservations worldwide. Due to increased call centre volume, wait times may be longer than usual.

"Air Canada is closely monitoring the situation and is doing everything possible to accommodate affected customers," said Duncan Dee, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Due to heavy loads, particularly on flights to London starting today and into the weekend as a result of the end of Easter holidays, it may take several days after the re-opening of the affected European airports before customers will be able to resume travel."