Baggage, airlines,
Travel Trends

US vs Canadian Airlines? It's in the bag

23/01/10 02:59

Well, which is it?

This topic comes up with some frequency when I’m researching flight options for clients. Some flight options are presented to the client for review; they respond by saying that they can find a cheaper flight using a “fill in the blank US based airline”. In most cases I respond that similar flights using a Canadian airline, when practical, often offer far better value in the end. Here’s why:

  • Flown a US airline recently? Some may complain about their poor experience on a Canadian airline (it happens to everybody). Not every airline can be the Wardair of the skies (remember them? I’ll bet you do...and very fondly). There is no comparison when it comes to that often-overlooked factor: the flight experience. The service (or lack thereof) when traveling with most of the mainline US airlines is renowned: starting with disinterested/rude on ground staff, stewardesses, old & dirty aircraft, incorrect information from representatives, overhead bins packed to the rafters etc. How often have you experienced this with our 2 main Canadian airlines?
  • While on the subject of stuffed overhead bins, you certainly know why. US airlines (and others) have resorted to service fees in an effort to generate much needed revenue. The biggest contributor to their ancillary revenue is the fees associated with your luggage. Where it once was free to check in 2 pieces per person, no more. Baggage fees have been implemented; min $20 US for the first bag, even more for the second bag. Luggage overweight? Bring the credit card out; hefty fees will certainly lighten up your wallet in no time. To add insult to injury, in recent weeks most of the USA airlines have hiked their fees even more; tack another $5 US for the first bag and maybe more for the second. Ouch! On the other hand, let’s look at our main Canadian airlines baggage fees. 1 bag to be check in? No problem...that will be gratis. Bringing your golf clubs along? Again, that will be gratis if you are flying Westjet.

Of course, there are times when it make sense to fly with a US airline. Maybe one of the major Canadian airlines does not fly to where you need to go to or their schedule doesn’t meet your needs (i.e. to meet cruise connections). Or you just need to get from point A to point B on short notice. Or the price is simply no comparison...the US airline flight is MUCH cheaper even when baggage fees are factored in (it does happen).

In the end, in light of the poor service & baggage fees that border (cross?) the line of gouging, that extra $40 or $60 in upfront cost to fly Westjet or Air Canada may well be worth the expenditure; the decision is yours. I know what I would do...now I just have to change some other peoples minds.

Comments welcomed!


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