Friday, April 6, 2018
Air Canada this week has commenced selling a five-tier economy fare structure that offers stripped-down airport and onboard amenities at the lowest fares with additional comfort for the most expensive fares.
The most expensive ‘Latitude’ fare provides a completely refundable ticket, priority check-in, two complimentary checked bags, access to preferred seats when available, a complimentary Air Canada Bistro Voucher, 125% Aeroplan Miles accrual and access to the carrier’s Maple Leaf airport lounge in exchange of a fee.
On the other hand Air Canada’s most restrictive ‘Basic’ fares do not allow any alterations and do not earn Aeroplan Miles.
Customers can pay for checked bags, advance seat selection and also inflight meals and beverages. The ‘Basic’ fares would only be available for booking. They would still offer complimentary carry-on baggage, free inflight entertainment and the option to buy onboard WiFi access where available.
The fare types are also available on Air Canada Rouge.
Heather Clifton who is the cruise and travel consultant at CruiseExperts Travel in Vancouver said that this is the attempt of Air Canada to keep up with and match the pricing structure that was introduced by WestJet in March.
Early this year, Air Canada launched a basic economy fare for price-sensitive travellers. It was followed soon after by WestJet with its ‘Econo’ (lowest) fares.
Additionally WestJet is also launching a separate ultra-low-cost cair carrier entitled Swoop in June that would be flying out of secondary airports like Hamilton, south of Toronto is offering one-way fares close to the levels of the Basic fare tier of Air Canada.
Monday, December 11, 2023
