Canadian Travel Hacking

Year: 2014

  • 1,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for bookings made on Aircanada.com (Ends November 14)

    Top up your Aeroplan balance by earning 1,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for every new booking made at aircanada.com on November 12, 13 and 14, 2014.

     air-canada-promo

    Book with Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada rouge™ for flights to anywhere in any fare for travel until June 15, 2015.

    Due to GMT time on web, eligible bookings will actually include bookings made between November 12, at 00:01 Eastern Standard time until November 14, 2014, at 23:59 Eastern Standard time.

    Offer is eligible exclusively for online bookings on aircanada.com (Canadian and U.S. Editions only) and aircanada.com/agents. Must be an Aeroplan Member. If you are not an Aeroplan Member, you can visit the Aeroplan web site (www.aeroplan.com) and enrol today. Membership is free.

    In order to be eligible to receive the Bonus Aeroplan Miles, you must provide your Aeroplan number when you or your travel agent completes your purchase online at aircanada.com. Bookings must be made online either at aircanada.com or aircanada.com/agents to qualify for this promotion.

    A maximum of 1,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be given for each new booking. Only one bonus per new booking will be given, regardless of the number of passengers on the reservation.

    Don’t miss out on your chance to boost your Aeroplan earnings! Book now.

  • Victoria to Hawaii for $397 round trip! #yyj

    As a Victorian (already sick of the winter), run to get this deal!

    alaska-sale

    Alaska and Air Canada are having a competition for a great fares to Hawaii (Waikiki or Maui) for under $400.

    I found many flights for December and January.

    Good luck and if you haven’t been yet, now is the time!

  • American Express Platinum Benefit – Complimentary Advance Screening of Mockingjay

    American Express Platinum Cardmembers are invited to an advance screening of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, starring Jennifer Lawrence.

    mockingjay

    The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of Commander Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage.

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, November 19, 2014
    Registration – 7:00 p.m.
    Screening – 8:00 p.m.

    This film is rated PG-13.

    COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS AVAILABLE:

    Toronto:
    SilverCity Yonge & Eglinton, 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON
    Three hundred and seventy (370) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember

    Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, 259 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON
    Three hundred and sixty (360) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember

    Calgary:
    Cineplex Odeon Westhills Calgary, 165 Stewart Green SW Calgary, AB
    One hundred and sixty (160) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember

    Vancouver:
    Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver, 900 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
    One hundred and seventy (170) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember

    Edmonton:
    Cineplex Odeon South Edmonton Cinemas, 1525-99th Street NW, Edmonton, AB
    One hundred and fifty (150) complimentary tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit of two (2) tickets per Basic Platinum Cardmember

    Due to the high demand for access to this event, American Express asks that Platinum Cardmembers adhere to the following guidelines:

    • Reservations for movie screenings can only be made through the Concierge team by phone. Email reservations will not be accepted.
    • Tickets and seats in the theatre are allocated to Platinum members on a first-come, first-served basis.
    • Platinum members and guests will be asked to provide photo ID when picking up the movie tickets.

    TO BOOK THESE TICKETS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PLATINUM CONCIERGE AT 1-866-323-6979. TICKETS ARE VERY LIMITED AND ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

  • 50% Transfer Bonus for RBC Rewards (Avion only) to Avios – Nov 1 to Dec 31

    Special British Airways Executive Club offer for RBC Avion® cardholders – Convert your RBC Rewards points into Avios and receive 50% more◊. Offer valid from November 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014. Convert your points today!

    rbc-rewards-logo

    RBC Avion cardholders and clients who hold other eligible RBC Royal Bank products or services that earn RBC Rewards points, have the option of converting their RBC Rewards points to Avios. As a member of the British Airways Executive Club they can spend them on a range of rewards, including flights with BA and their oneworld® partners, flight upgrades, hotel accommodation and car rental¤.

    You must be a member of the British Airways Executive Club in order to convert your points.

    Please allow 3 business days to ensure that your BA Executive Club member number has been activated.

    Here is a link about the promotion.

  • Choose from 36 Vancouver Hotels w/$50-$125 AMEX Gift Card

    36 Vancouver hotels partnered with beVancouver tourism group to offer AMEX Gift Cards (valued up to $125 per booking) that can be applied toward any purchase, including the hotel stay.

    vancouver-hotels

    Combined with already aggressive room rates, this savings equals up to 70%. Travel is valid most dates through February, perfect for early holiday shopping or as a base to explore the nearby world-class slopes.

    Hotels and deals are at a range of properties from budget-conscious to luxury, including (per night pricing):

    $50 AMEX Gift Card per stay
    •Comfort Inn – Downtown … $89
    Newly renovated hotel in the Entertainment District

    $75 AMEX Gift Card per stay
    •The Sylvia Hotel … $115-$135
    Landmark property on English Bay offering a beachside experience
    •The Best Western Plus Downtown Vancouver … $90-$105
    Overloo

  • WestJet Rewards Elite Status Match and Fast Track

    WestJet is starting to try to get more loyal Air Canada Altitude members to jump ship with this status match promotion.

    tiers-get-gold-header-EN

    They have a status match promo and a Fast Track promo.

    Status Match:

    They will match to a 2014 or 2015 top tier status with another Canadian airline is defined as having achieved status through the equivalent of a minimum 25,000 qualifying miles or a minimum of 25 qualifying flight segments in that program during a calendar year. All status levels above the minimum qualifying miles or flight segments required to achieve status with the airline are eligible for this Promotion.

    To participate in the Status Match promotion (the “Promotion”), you must join WestJet Rewards at westjet.com/rewards and must individually submit a request to participate between October 29, 2014 and January 31, 2015 by sending an email to [email protected] and providing the following information:

    1. your first and last name
    2. your 9-digit WestJet ID (provided to you upon joining WestJet Rewards)
    3. a scanned copy of your membership card in the other Canadian airline’s frequent flyer program showing your name and 2014 or 2015 top tier status, or a boarding pass from travel taken on the same airline between January 1, 2014 and January 31, 2015, also indicating your 2014 or 2015 top tier status within that program.

    Fast Track:

    Get the flight benefits of Gold when you achieve $1500 in qualifying flight spend for WestJet flights flown between October 29, 2014 and January 31, 2015.

    • Flight benefits associated with the Gold tier (comprised of ten airport lounge vouchers, four advance seat selection vouchers, first and second checked bags free, no fee to change to an earlier/later flight on same day of travel, priority security screening at select airports and advance boarding) will be awarded to registered members based on achieving a minimum of $1,500 in qualifying flight spend for WestJet flights flown during the Promotion Period.

     

  • Free Apps That May Work Without Paying for In-Flight Wi-Fi

    I enjoy airplane wi-fi, especially without paying for it!

    gogo-logo-lock

    Did you know that some apps can work without the in-flight WI-FI?

    The prices are outrageous for posting a Facebo

    Erica Ho at Map Happy found that many Google apps, as well as a few others, often work as long as you’re connected to the wi-fi network on the plane.

    Here is a list of apps to use for FREE!

    • Gmail
    • Google Voice (sending and receiving)
    • Google Drive
    • Google Maps
    • Google Hangouts
    • Google Plus
    • Google Translate
    • Google Image Search
    • Google AdSense
    • Google Analytics
    • Google Search from phone search bar

    Have you used this before?

    Personally, when I was on a cruise I was able to visit other websites even though I never paid for the WI-FI. I need to test this for our future Air Canada flights using Go-Go.

  • Up to 25,000 bonus miles for converting to Aeroplan – Ends Nov 24, 2014

    From October 27 to November 24, 2014, convert points from a wide selection of partner loyalty programs to earn up to 25,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles.

    Aeroplan Transfer Bonus
    Aeroplan Transfer Bonus
    Please note that while the conversion of Membership Rewards® points from American Express Cardmember accounts into Aeroplan Miles is still possible, it is not eligible for this bonus mile promotion.

    Maximum 25,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles can be earned per Aeroplan Member. Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be issued by Aeroplan as follows: 1,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be deposited into the member’s account when the total Aeroplan Miles earned by converting points from any combination of eligible partner programs during the promotion is between 5,000 and 9,999 Aeroplan Miles; OR 2,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be deposited into the member’s account when the total Aeroplan Miles earned by converting points from any combination of eligible partner programs during the promotion is between 10,000 and 19,999 Aeroplan Miles; OR 4,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be deposited into the member’s account when the total Aeroplan Miles earned by converting points from any combination of eligible partner programs during the promotion is between 20,000 and 49,999 Aeroplan Miles; OR 10,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be deposited into the member’s account when the total Aeroplan Miles earned by converting points from any combination of eligible partner programs during the promotion is between 50,000 and 99,999 Aeroplan Miles; OR 25,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles will be deposited into the member’s account when the total Aeroplan Miles earned by converting points from any combination of eligible partner programs during the promotion is between 100,000 and 149,999 Aeroplan Miles. Bonus offer valid only on conversions made between October 27 and November 24, 2014 (11:59 EST).
    POINTS.com: Aeroplan Miles procured via a Trade transaction with another member on Points.com are not eligible towards the conversion bonus threshold. Conversion of Membership Rewards® points from American Express Cardmember accounts into Aeroplan Miles are not eligible for this promotion. Although eligible CIBC Aventura cardholders as of October 1, 2013, can convert their Aventura points to Aeroplan Miles, these conversions are also not eligible for this promotion. Please note that conversion from Diners Club Rewards Points to Aeroplan Miles are eligible to the bonus miles promotion currently in market. BONUS MILE CREDITING: Bonus miles are credited 7 10 days following successful receipt by Aeroplan of a conversion transaction from the partner. Note that some partners may take up to 2 weeks to submit point to mile conversions to Aeroplan.

  • Air Canada introducing Altitude changes in Early 2015

    Air Canada has announced some changes to its Altitude program.

    Seat Sale!
    Air Canada

    Introducing redemptions to Premium Economy
    In early 2015, Aeroplan members will be able to redeem their Aeroplan Miles for Premium Economy seats on Air Canada. Details will be forthcoming soon.

    250 Mile Minimum
    For travel as of March 1, 2015, miles earned will be based on the actual distance flown and the fare option purchased for each flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada rouge and Star Alliance™ member airlines. Mileage accrual will no longer be rounded up to a 250 Mile minimum. This change includes Rapidair flights between Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montreal or Ottawa, or between Toronto City Centre Airport and Montreal.

    Here is the updated chart:

  • 15% Off – Air Canada Global Sale; Ends October 24, 2014

    Flight deals: Find the latest sale fares. Book now!

    Seat Sale!
    Seat Sale!

    You’ll save 15% on flights to worldwide destinations with Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada rouge. This offer is only available here at aircanada.com until October 24, 2014. Book now to take advantage of this sale!

    Total prices displayed include air transportation charges, including taxes, fees and charges, as well as surcharges. Seats are limited. Flight restrictions may apply. Complete fare rules including; day-of-week restrictions, departure dates, travel days, advance purchase and minimum and maximum stays are displayed by clicking on the price. Seats are limited on peak travel days. Additional restrictions are listed below.

    All fares displayed on this page are in Canadian dollars, per person. Tickets must be purchased by 23:59 EST/20:59 PDT on the ticketing deadline date. Fares are valid at time of transmission and apply to new bookings only. Price is subject to change without prior notice and for representative information ONLY. All taxes, fees, charges and surcharges are subject to change. Please refer to the booking flow by clicking on the search option in order to see the final price/breakdown or contact Air Canada reservation at 1-888-247-2262. Certain international destinations may have tax, fee or charge that must be paid at the point of origin or at departure. Please contact the nearest foreign government office of the country you plan to visit for definitive, up-to-date information. Country-specific and interactive passenger-specific information is also available at www.iatatravelcentre.com and www.voyage.gc.ca. Fees for optional services, such as itinerary changes, additional baggage, advance seat selection, or certain special service requests, may increase overall cost, for more information, please consult: http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/products_services.html. All seats are limited and subject to availability. Certain flights may not be offered on each day of the week. The fares indicated are not valid on seasonal route past the last date the flight operates. Certain flights may be operated by other carriers on a codeshare basis.