service fees, fuel, surcharge, leg room, seat pitch
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
01/06/08 10:57 Filed in: Travel news
The Good: More room
Some airlines are finally acknowledging what you, the customer & we, the travel agent have already known.... that they have been squishing people into economy seats like sardines. This is slowly changing as the charter airlines are now just figuring out that a comfortable guest is a happy customer (and potentially a repeat customer). This bodes well for everybody who flys on a charter flight; starting with Air Transat this June, they will be offering additional leg room for all their future flights. Other operators are now offering seat upgrades for somewhat more nominal rates. This is all good for everybody.
The Bad: More service fees
In order to offset rapidly rising fuel costs, airlines are adopting whatever it takes to reduce the weight of the planes and generate more revenue. Major US airlines (including United, American, US Air, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Alaska) have now implemented a $25 fee in most cases for checking in a 2nd bag for travel within North America. The only Canadian airline that has adopted this policy to date is Air Canada. Unless you are member of the carriers frequent flyer plan or flying business/ first class (these individuals are currently excluded from these baggage restrictions), the message to all flyers is to pack lightly or be prepared to pay. It is highly suggested that you check the website of the carrier you are travelling with for more details.
To add insult to injury, many airlines have also increased their fees for incidental items as well. Traveling with pets (if even allowed) will now cost you more. Flight change fees have also increased with some airlines along with new fees associated with the carriage of sporting items (hockey bags, sticks, ski boots etc.) if not registered in advance. Beware if you are traveling with Air Canada...if these items are not pre-registered expect to be paying an extra checked bag fee ($125 fee is not uncommon). You can prevent this if you or your travel agent pre-register these items. Naturally, we will take care of these details for you if your travel arrangements are made through us.
The UGLY: Fuel surcharges
They now prevail for all flights with Canadian carriers; both Air Canada and Westjet have now implemented fuel surcharges based on the distance flown. These surcharges currently range from $20-40 each way. Thinking of a winter vacation? You will not be able to escape the fuel surcharges there either; the major Canadian tour operators (Air Transat, Nolitours, Sunquest, Signature Vacations) have also introduced fuel surcharges averaging $160 return per person.
What does this mean to you?
If you have your heart set on an inexpensive last minute holiday or that special holiday vacation, it’s best to research it and then book at the earliest opportunity to avoid future surcharge increases (fuel surcharges are not regulated so the airlines/tour operators can raise the prices at any time). Again, we can help you with all your travel needs... just call us at 780.901.9855 or email “escapenow@justsaywhere.com”.
Some airlines are finally acknowledging what you, the customer & we, the travel agent have already known.... that they have been squishing people into economy seats like sardines. This is slowly changing as the charter airlines are now just figuring out that a comfortable guest is a happy customer (and potentially a repeat customer). This bodes well for everybody who flys on a charter flight; starting with Air Transat this June, they will be offering additional leg room for all their future flights. Other operators are now offering seat upgrades for somewhat more nominal rates. This is all good for everybody.
The Bad: More service fees
In order to offset rapidly rising fuel costs, airlines are adopting whatever it takes to reduce the weight of the planes and generate more revenue. Major US airlines (including United, American, US Air, Continental, Delta, Northwest, Alaska) have now implemented a $25 fee in most cases for checking in a 2nd bag for travel within North America. The only Canadian airline that has adopted this policy to date is Air Canada. Unless you are member of the carriers frequent flyer plan or flying business/ first class (these individuals are currently excluded from these baggage restrictions), the message to all flyers is to pack lightly or be prepared to pay. It is highly suggested that you check the website of the carrier you are travelling with for more details.
To add insult to injury, many airlines have also increased their fees for incidental items as well. Traveling with pets (if even allowed) will now cost you more. Flight change fees have also increased with some airlines along with new fees associated with the carriage of sporting items (hockey bags, sticks, ski boots etc.) if not registered in advance. Beware if you are traveling with Air Canada...if these items are not pre-registered expect to be paying an extra checked bag fee ($125 fee is not uncommon). You can prevent this if you or your travel agent pre-register these items. Naturally, we will take care of these details for you if your travel arrangements are made through us.
The UGLY: Fuel surcharges
They now prevail for all flights with Canadian carriers; both Air Canada and Westjet have now implemented fuel surcharges based on the distance flown. These surcharges currently range from $20-40 each way. Thinking of a winter vacation? You will not be able to escape the fuel surcharges there either; the major Canadian tour operators (Air Transat, Nolitours, Sunquest, Signature Vacations) have also introduced fuel surcharges averaging $160 return per person.
What does this mean to you?
If you have your heart set on an inexpensive last minute holiday or that special holiday vacation, it’s best to research it and then book at the earliest opportunity to avoid future surcharge increases (fuel surcharges are not regulated so the airlines/tour operators can raise the prices at any time). Again, we can help you with all your travel needs... just call us at 780.901.9855 or email “escapenow@justsaywhere.com”.