Canadian Travel Hacking

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  • Air Canada Launches Membership Program for Kids

    All Aeroplan members between the ages of 2 and 12 who reside in Canada or the United States qualify to become Skyriders. Take this opportunity to help make their flying experience extra special.

    ac_kids

    The Skyriders starter kit consists of various useful items all emblazoned with Pax cheerfully flying across them. Your kids will get a friendly introduction letter, a sturdy luggage tag and a logbook to keep a record of each one of their flights.

    This is fun for kids (I can’t wait to show my little ones their little flight book).

    Here is a link for more information.

  • Yet Another Class Action Suit – Air Canada / WestJet Baggage Fee

    I read this new article today about yet another class action suit for Air Canada / WestJet.

    A proposed class action lawsuit alleges that Air Canada and WestJet “colluded to fix the price” and introduce a charge for a first checked bag fee within days of each other.

    The suit also plans to claim that the added charge has “unjustly enriched” the two airlines, because it comes with no extra service.

    “It doesn’t seem fair and it doesn’t seem right,” says Lorne Hoedel, a Regina resident and the lead plaintiff in the proposed lawsuit.

    When the fees came out, I was surprised how quickly Air Canada was able to respond with a new policy (unless they were working on implementing it in that time).

    Personally, I would love to see some of the extra fees go down on the regular ticket as I don’t pay for this fee anyways (I have the CIBC Aerogold Visa card – waives baggage fee).

    What do you think of this suit? 

    Here is a link to the story on CBC.

  • Earn 1,000 Free Aeroplan Miles by Signing-Up for Fairmont Hotels Loyalty Program

    When you enroll in Fairmont Hotels’ loyalty program by November 15, 2016, you’ll earn 1,000 Aeroplan miles.

    To get the deal, you must sign-up through this link.

    1000-bonus-aeroplan-miles

    Fairmont President’s Club, a recognition program designed with your individual travel preferences, passions and interests in mind. We are committed in providing benefits and privileges that offer convenience and access to what you want when you travel.

    Membership is complimentary and your Fairmont President’s Club experience begins the moment you arrive at any of our hotels with a private reception desk offering express check-in and checkout and continues during your stay with complimentary high-speed internet access and local calling, Fairmont Fit, complimentary use of TaylorMade golf Clubs at select hotels, exclusive savings at Willow Stream Spas, Fairmont Store and so much more.

    Talk about some easy miles to acquire (beats having to do a test-drive)!

    Thanks Rewards Canada!

  • Canadians: Save 25% on 4-Day or Longer Tickets and Enjoy All 4 Disney Theme Parks

    Finally a deal for Disney (although our current exchange is terrible)!

    multi-day-tickets-sliver

    Here are the conditions:
    -Tickets (unless upgraded with Park Hopper or Water Parks & More Fun Options) are valid for admission to one theme park per day.
    -Tickets and any options purchased must be used within 14 days of first use.
    -Items are priced for Canadian Residents only. Savings compared to the price of the same ticket sold at the Theme Park Ticket Window.
    -All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced. Water parks subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures.
    -Tickets will be sold as exchange certificates, which must be redeemed at the theme park Main Entrance for admission.
    All Guests must present a valid Canadian passport to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use.
    -Residents of Canada who are not Canadian citizens must bring valid passport and valid proof of Canadian residency.
    Offer is valid for advance purchase only and is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows.

    To take advantage of this special offer, you must purchase your tickets in advance between September 16, 2016 and February 28, 2017.

    Be sure to book enough days to explore all the excitement at all 4 theme parks!

    The best part? You can use these discounted tickets at any time during 2016, 2017 and beyond—they won’t expire!

    Here is a link to the promotion.

  • How to Join Air Miles Canada Class Action Lawsuit

    It is incredible what is happening with Air Miles Canada at the moment.

    This week, JSS Barristers, a Calgary law firm, filed a class action lawsuit against LoyaltyOne, the company that owns and operates the Air Miles rewards program in Canada.

    head-logo

    The proposed class includes persons, resident anywhere in Canada, with a positive Dream Rewards Miles balance at any time on or after December 28, 2011.

    You do not need to take any positive steps to join the lawsuit. If you fall within the proposed class, you are automatically a member of the class, unless you expressly choose to opt out.

    I personally collect Air Miles when I get a good offer or with regular shopping but I don’t go out of my way to collect them.

    Here is my Transactions to show where I use my miles. I would avoid Dream Miles like the plague as it take so long to collect.

    My Statements for Last Twelve Months

    Date Description Reward Miles Bonus
    10 Sep 16 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES +200
    03 Sep 16 BROADMEAD 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    03 Sep 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    27 Aug 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    21 Aug 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99186504645 -95
    20 Aug 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +8
    13 Aug 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    06 Aug 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    31 Jul 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92750334002 -50
    30 Jul 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    30 Jul 16 BROADMEAD 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +4
    30 Jul 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    25 Jul 16 REXALL COOK ST BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +5
    23 Jul 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    23 Jul 16 JAMES BAY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    25 Jun 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92738244802 -2
    18 Jun 16 HILLSIDE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    11 Jun 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    11 Jun 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99172561435 -285
    07 Jun 16 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    04 Jun 16 SWCB UNIVERSITY HEIG 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    04 Jun 16 QUADRA BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +5
    04 Jun 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    28 May 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    21 May 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    16 May 16 IRIS STANDARD OFFER +33
    16 May 16 IRIS 10 X AM ON PURCHASE +297
    08 May 16 850 LANGFORD PKY VIC 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 May 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 May 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92727723790 -190
    07 May 16 Dream Reward CONF# 92727723808 -190
    04 May 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99165219892 -95
    03 May 16 BONUS REWARD MILES +50
    30 Apr 16 HILLSIDE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    02 Apr 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    28 Mar 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99158747214 -475
    22 Mar 16 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +500
    19 Mar 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    12 Mar 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    06 Mar 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99155123401 -190
    05 Mar 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    05 Mar 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99154934170 -285
    27 Feb 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    22 Feb 16 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +500
    20 Feb 16 QUADRA BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +4
    20 Feb 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    13 Feb 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    10 Feb 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99150678896 -665
    06 Feb 16 JAMES BAY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    06 Feb 16 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    03 Feb 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99149562763 -570
    02 Feb 16 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 -1
    30 Jan 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    30 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99148996384 -190
    29 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99148646187 -190
    22 Jan 16 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +500
    16 Jan 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    13 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99145849768 -570
    09 Jan 16 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 Jan 16 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 99144771278 -190
    31 Dec 15 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    31 Dec 15 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    26 Dec 15 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +4
    26 Dec 15 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +4
    26 Dec 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89142411951 -475
    26 Dec 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89142499659 -475
    25 Dec 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM +3
    24 Dec 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89142168064 -475
    23 Dec 15 APPLE.COM AIRMILESSHOPS.CA PURCH BONUS +25
    22 Dec 15 UPTOWN MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    22 Dec 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +1,500
    19 Dec 15 QUADRA BONUS REWARD MILES +400
    19 Dec 15 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    19 Dec 15 HILLSIDE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +6
    13 Dec 15 TILLICUM MALL 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    12 Dec 15 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES +200
    12 Dec 15 QUADRA 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    11 Dec 15 GLOBAL KNOWLEDGE BONUS REWARD MILES +50
    26 Nov 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89135949421 -95
    22 Nov 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +1,000
    14 Nov 15 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    08 Nov 15 AIR MILES Cash Reward CONF# 89133275753 -1,140
    07 Nov 15 REXALL TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +3
    03 Nov 15 APPLE.COM 1 REWARD MILE FOR EVERY $20 +51
    31 Oct 15 TUSCANY 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +2
    26 Oct 15 Dream Reward CONF# 82655500070 -3,800
    22 Oct 15 CUSTOMER INSIGHTS MYLCBO REGISTRATION +30
    22 Oct 15 AMERICAN EXPRESS PROMOTION +1,000
    10 Oct 15 PARKSVILLE BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +4
    10 Oct 15 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +200
    10 Oct 15 PARKSVILLE 1 REWARD MILE PER $20 +1
    07 Oct 15 Dream Reward CONF# 82655500062 -1
    03 Oct 15 TUSCANY BONUS REWARD MILES ON PRODUCT +25
    24 Sep 15 Current balance preference 100%AIR MILES CASH 0%DREAM

    Full Disclosure: I redeem my Dream Miles for anything but travel because I am not a fan of their award chart. I am also not a fan of their redemption catalog (fluctuating prices) and not enough discounts for elite members (I am Oynx). 

    Here is a link to the class action.

  • TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card Signup Bonus: 30,000 Aeroplan Miles, Annual Fee Rebate for First Year (Ends Dec 2, 2016)

    I found a new application link for the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card.

    TD-A-AC_Infinite_E_07Nov13

    This is a nice little bonus.

    • Welcome Bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles with your first Purchase
    • 10,000 Aeroplan Miles when you keep your Account open and active for 90 days after Account approval
    • 5,000 Aeroplan Miles when you add an Authorized User to your Account by December 2 (Authorized User must call and activate their Card by January 16, 2017)
    • Annual Fee Rebate for the first year (Primary Cardholder only) – that’s $120 in savings!

    This is a great card to get for the high sign-up bonus.

    Here is my Aeroplan Miles guide (that will show you some great redemptions in this program).

  • $520 for Air Canada Maple Leaf Access (Minister Charges Taxpayers for Access)

    I wish Minister Philpott knew about travel hacking and the benefits of some our credit cards before charging Canadian taxpayers for Air Canada Maple Leaf Access.

    I still don’t know why politicians charge for elite privileges like limo services or first class flights. These shouldn’t be used by MPs.

    Spokesman Andrew MacKendrick told The Canadian Press on Monday that Philpott intends to repay the $520.

    In a statement, Philpott said she has already directed her department to review all of her expenses, vowing to fully reimburse any other filings found to be inappropriate.

    “I apologize and we will take steps to ensure this does not happen again,” she said.

    Here is a link to the story from Canadian Press.

    What are your thoughts when politicians charge taxpayers for these extra perks? 

    I understand that many travel a lot more than the average person and need to provide good service to their constituents, but there is a level of expectation needed.

  • WestJet – Gold status match with flight – Ends Sept 23, 2016

    Earn Gold with WestJet.
    Status match is back and this time, it’s even easier to experience Gold. If you have top-tier status in another airline OR a travel rewards program, you’re halfway there.

    160915-tiers-status-match-header-EN
    To take part:

    Send in proof of top tier status in another airline’s frequent flyer program, or travel rewards program, before September 23, 2016.* Be sure to include:
    Your first and last name
    Your 9-digit WestJet Rewards ID (provided to you upon joining WestJet Rewards). If you’re not already a member you can join now.
    A photo or scanned copy of your membership card in another airline’s frequent flyer program or travel rewards program showing your name, top-tier status and valid dates.
    Take at least one WestJet flight between now and October 31, 2016 and you’ll be on your way to enjoying Gold flight benefits through December 2017.*

    Get Gold and enjoy these flight benefits:

    Two free checked bags
    Ten airport lounge passes
    No fee for same-day flight changes requested at check-in
    Advance boarding
    Priority screening (at select airports)
    Four advance seat selection vouchers

    Here is a link to register.

  • Visit National Parks and Historic Sites For Free on July 1 (Canada Day)

    I am so proud to be Canadian and our government needs to show our citizens how gorgeous our country is!

    Parks Canada photo
    Parks Canada photo

    To celebrate this day on July 1st, access to all national parks and national historic sites managed by Parks Canada will be free.

    We have so many national parks and historic sites so this is a nice perk to have this free for just one day (I think the US has many days like this each year).

    Here is a link to all the locations and the activities they have planned.

    I will be in Halifax enjoying the activities at the Civitel.

    What are your plans?

  • NewLeaf Travel is Back – Flights take off July 25, 2016 (Pros and Cons)

    NewLeaf Travel Company Inc. is resuming sales with ultra-low fares and an expanded route map.

    Customers will be able to book flights on the NewLeaf web site from 12 Canadian cities: Halifax, Moncton, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Kelowna, Kamloops, Fort St. John, Abbotsford and Victoria.

    The first flights can now be booked for July 25, 2016.

    I wanted to share some pros and cons of this new airline:

    Pros of New Leaf

    Getting WestJet and Air Canada to lower prices

    It will be interesting to see if when WestJet and Air Canada start to match prices on these routes.

    I did a sample search between Victoria and the furthest East on a direct flight I could go is Winnipeg:

    new-leaf
    This is a great price compared to a comparison on Google Flights.

    google-flights

    They have really brought down the prices by a huge amount!

    Flying Boeing 737-400 passenger jets

    It is impressive that they are using more modern jets and in my experience some of the US-based are still using the older jets (like Allegiant).

    Cons of New Leaf

    No flights available everyday

    One of the positives of the major airlines that I have experienced is that they will help you find an alternative way to get to your destination. I am not sure about New Leaf – time will tell.

    new-leaf-schedule

    If the plane is not working when would the next flight take place?

    From their website

    • NewLeaf and the carrier will make all reasonable efforts to transport the passenger and his/her baggage at the times indicated in timetables.
    • NewLeaf will not guarantee and will not be held liable for cancellations or changes to flight times that appear on passengers’ tickets due to force majeure.

    Large difference in fees for baggage

    The maximum allowable size of a carry-on bag is 23 x 40 x 55 cm (9 x 15.5 x 21.5 inches) including handles and wheels. If the bag exceeds these dimensions or cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight, it will be checked for a $80 fee.

    Yikes! That is a large fee that is almost as much as the flight!

    Large List of Airlines that are now defunct

    The fact that there is a page on Wikipedia does not bode well for this airline! History is not on there side as these 2 major players can match prices for a while to put them out of business.

    What do you think about New Leaf?