Friday, November 30, 2012
VIA RAIL CUTS BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
VIA Rail has implemented a new carry-on baggage policy that cuts the allowable weight in half. Passengers are be permitted to bring aboard a maximum of two articles weighing no more than 11.5 kg each in addition to one personal article such as a laptop bag or small backpack. Carry-on bags are also not allowed to be larger than 54.5 cm x 39.5 cm x 23 cm. Alternatively, passengers can bring one carry-on bag weighing no more than 18 kg. Bags between 18 kg and 23 kg will be subject to a $20 surcharge but VIA will not allow any luggage over 23 kg. Up until now, VIA passengers were allowed to bring two pieces of carry-on luggage up to 23 kg each and as big as 66 cm x 46 cm x 23 cm.
VIA spokesperson Mylène Bélanger says VIA has been educating passengers about the new policy for several weeks but expects there will be a period of adjustment. She says those who do not follow the new guidelines will be asked to redistribute the weight into other pieces of luggage or check it into the baggage car of their train or the next train offering checked-baggage service (Only 30 percent of trains on the Windsor-Quebec City corridor offer checked baggage service, according to Bélanger).
VIA Rail's new baggage policy brings it in line with those of the major Canadian airlines. For more information about these new baggage allowances and other baggage allowances visit:
http://www.viarail.ca/en/useful-info/baggage.
Important Notice - Mexico: Entry Requirements
Minors travelling alone or accompanied by a third party
Effective as of February 15, 2013, the Mexican authorities have announced that minors (under 18 years of age) travelling to Mexico alone or accompanied by a third party of legal age (grandparent, aunt/uncle or other) must present, in addition to a valid passport, a document showing the consent of both parents or those with parental authority or guardianship over the minor.If the document is issued in Canada it must be notarized, legalized by the Mexican Consulate or Embassy, and translated into Spanish. The text of this document must contain the parents’ authorization for the minor to travel alone or, if applicable, information on the adult who is authorized to be responsible for the minor during the trip. The document must state the purpose and length of the trip, and specify the dates of entry and departure, as this will be a requirement for allowing the minor to leave Mexican territory.
For more information, please contact the Embassy of Mexico in Canada.
http://embamex.sre.gob.mx/canada_eng/ or
Mexican Consulate in Toronto
http://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/toronto/index.php/en
Thursday, November 8, 2012
NEWS FOR AVID TRAVELERS:
INFLIGHT WI FI COMES TO CANADA
Canadian regulators have cleared in-flight Wi-Fi provider Gogo to expand its network north of the border, a move that will allow the Illinois-based company's airline customers to offer in-flight Wi-Fi service on flights between the US and Canada.
Gogo said Tuesday it expects to start construction on Canadian cell sites in the fourth quarter of 2012 and have the network running by the end of 2013.
The company's technology uses an air-to-ground network consisting of land-based cell towers that beam signals to aircraft. Gogo service is available on more than 1,600 commercial aircraft including all domestic mainline Delta Air Lines planes as well as all flights on AirTran Airways and Virgin America.
American Airlines and United Airlines also offer Gogo service on select flights.
Passengers use their own Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to access the broadband service.BREAKING NEWS: Canadian Passports and Border Clearance
PRETTY PASSPORTS
Harder to copy and more expensive
Canada's passports are being updated to include chip technology and watermark images designed to prevent fraud, but are also going to cost a lot more. The new passports will have computer chips embedded in them - technology that's already used in dozens of other countries, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said Friday. Each blank page of the document will also contain watermarks depicting iconic images from Canadian history. ``Canada's new passport is not just a ticket to new places, new cultures, and new experiences,'' Baird said. ``It tells the world who we are: a nation built on freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law.''
Not exactly the purpose of a passport, but ... The new passports will be renewable for either five or 10-year periods, but they'll come with a price: $120 for five years, up from the current $87, and $160 for the 10-year option.
Passports for children will be $57, an increase of $20. For those applying outside of Canada, the fee skyrockets to $190 for a five-year passport - up from $97 - and $260 for the document that would expire in 10 years. By comparison, it currently costs $135 to apply for a new passport in the US - $25 less for a renewal. An adult passport in the UK costs the equivalent of about $117.
The 16 distinct images include sports scenes - obligatory illustrations of the Grey Cup and Stanley Cup - and Canadian landmarks such as old Quebec City, the Prairies and Parliament's iconic Centre Block.
The changes are designed to deter counterfeiters and make the passport more secure, said Baird. ``It will help us ensure that the Canadian passport remains a secure document that can help facilitate trade and travel.'' The new documents will begin rolling out in unspecified "select locations" in the first three months of 2013, with wide availability expected by mid-July.
BORDER CLEARANCE PROGRAM TO EXPAND
LUC Portelance, President of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Howard Eng, President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), has announced the planned expansion of the Automated Border Clearance (ABC) Program at Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport.
ABC is an innovative concept that uses self-service kiosk technology to partially automate the processing of eligible travellers (Canadian citizens with a valid passport and Canadian permanent residents with a valid permanent resident card) returning to Canada. ABC offers a safe and viable alternative for the processing of eligible travellers by the CBSA. The self-service kiosks are easy to use and do not require preregistration or payment of any membership fees. Eligible travellers who choose an ABC kiosk should have all of the necessary documents on hand when they approach the kiosk, including the CBSA Declaration Card, their Canadian passport or Canadian permanent resident card, and all receipts for purchases made abroad.
To use the kiosk, the traveller activates the kiosk touch screen, scans their travel document, inserts their completed Declaration Card and answers a few clarifying questions as required. Once finished at the kiosk, travellers present their printed kiosk receipt and travel document to a border services officer at the next checkpoint for verification. The ABC kiosk allows up to four travellers residing at the same address to be processed in a single transaction if they are all identified on the same CBSA Declaration Card. While this innovative technology will be new to Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport this winter, it has already proven to be enormously successful in Vancouver and Montréal
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Thursday, September 20, 2012
TRAVEL CHECK LIST
Going on a trip......being prepared can make the difference between a great trip and a tiring trip! Are you ready? Use this checklist to help. If you would like a copy of this checklist in Word format just email me at fred@yyztravel.com
BEFORE YOU GO
□ CHECKED FOR TRAVEL ADVISORIES?
Get important notices at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/index-eng.php and www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp
□ ALL APPROPRIATE VACCINATIONS?
It never hurts to be ready www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/reason_raison4-eng.php
□ TRAVEL AND HEALTH INSURANCE?
Remember that your provincial or territorial insurance plan may not cover medical costs outside your home province. Check with your travel consultant.
□ PASSPORTS UP-TO-DATE?
To travel outside of Canada, even to the United States, all children (and adults) need a passport. Learn more at www.passportcanada.gc.ca/
□ DOCUMENTATION FOR CHILDREN (IF REQUIRED)
If you are crossing any borders without both parents of any travelling kids, you may need written consent to bring children with you. Learn more at www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/children_enfants-eng
□ LEAVE COPIES OF YOUR PASSPORT ID PAGES, ITINERARY AND INSURANCE POLIC NUMBERS WITH A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER
If you lose any of these, you’ll have a resource to help you re-obtain them.
□ PUT ALL IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS IN YOUR CELL PHONE
Including:
• Airline’s customer service numbers
• Any pre-arranged transportation
• Hotels or your host
• Travel insurance provider’s emergency number
□ PASSPORTS
□ CASH & CREDIT CARDS
A small amount of cash is a good idea in case credit or debit cards are not accepted
□ IDENTIFICATION CARDS
□ VACCINATION CERTIFICATES (IF REQUIRED)
□ TICKETS
□ ITINERARY
Include hotel and rental car confirmations
IN YOUR CARRY-ON
□ FIRST, THE CARRY-ON RULES
For quick security checks, follow the carry-on rules for Canada outlined at: www.catsa.gc.ca/packsmart
□ ACTIVITIES (COLOURING BOOKS, GAMES, ETC…) FOR KIDS?
□ PACK ALL ELECTRONICS TOGETHER
…for quick security checks.
□ CAMERA OR VIDEO CAMERA
□ CHARGER OR SPARE BATTERIES FOR YOUR CAMERA AND OTHER ELECTRONICS
□ PEN AND PAPER
□ CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR YOUNGER FAMILY MEMBERS
1 set of essentials for everybody in their carry-ons
Including 1 pair of underwear, socks, toothbrush, etc., in case your luggage doesn’t make it.
□ A WRAP THAT COULD DOUBLE AS A BLANKET
□ PUT MEDICATIONS IN YOUR CARRY-ON
Don’t pack medications in your luggage in case it’s separated from you.
□ A SMALL SUPPLY OF YOUR KIDS’ FAVOURITE SNACKS
Familiar food is comforting
PACKING LIST
Use the lines below to list what you need for each family member. You can print multiple copies of this page, one for each family member.
TOILETRIES
□ Toothbrush
□ Toothpaste
□ Deodorant
□ Sunscreen
□______________________
□______________________
□______________________
□______________________
CLOTHING
□ _____ pairs underwear
□ _____ pairs socks
□ ______________________
□ ______________________
□ ______________________
□ ______________________
□ ______________________
WEATHER GEAR
□ Hats
□ Sunglasses
□ Umbrella
□ Rain poncho or jackets
□______________________
OTHER
□ _________________________ _
□ ____________________________
□ ____________________________
□ ____________________________
□ ____________________________
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
PASSPORT CANADA UPDATES
PASSPORT CANADA: SIMPLIFIED RENEWAL PROCESS
PASSPORT Canada has issued guidelines for Canadian citizens to confirm whether or not they qualify for the simplified renewal process. Eligible citizens need only to provide a completed Simplified Renewal Passport Application (PPTC 054) accompanied by their most recent passport, the required fee and two recent photos.
PASSPORT CANADA: NEED TO TRAVEL IN A HURRY?
PASSPORT Canada has issued a reminder to travellers who need to travel in a hurry but who do not have a valid passport. They can apply for a passport in person at a Passport Canada office and for an extra fee they can expedite the processing. Proof of travel may, however, be required.
For more information http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx
PASSPORT Canada has issued guidelines for Canadian citizens to confirm whether or not they qualify for the simplified renewal process. Eligible citizens need only to provide a completed Simplified Renewal Passport Application (PPTC 054) accompanied by their most recent passport, the required fee and two recent photos.
PASSPORT CANADA: NEED TO TRAVEL IN A HURRY?
PASSPORT Canada has issued a reminder to travellers who need to travel in a hurry but who do not have a valid passport. They can apply for a passport in person at a Passport Canada office and for an extra fee they can expedite the processing. Proof of travel may, however, be required.
For more information http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Canadian Passport Process for Children is changing October 1, 2012
As of October 01, 2012 a passport application for a child under 16 must include one of the following proof of parentage documents (which demonstrates the child-parent relationship):
* A detailed birth certificate issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial vital statistics agency that indicates the name of the parent(s)
* A court-issued adoption order indicating the name of the adoptive parent(s), or
* A foreign birth certificate that indicates the name of the parent(s) (documents in a language other than English or French must be translated into English or French).
There is an exception: A proof of parentage document is not required with the passport application only if a Canadian passport has previously been issued to the child and it is the same parent(s)/legal guardian(s) who applied for the previous passport participating in the new application process.
These new requirements are intended to further enhance the security of children's passports.
The child's most recent passport must be submitted when using the exception (you must submit the passport if it's still valid).
Passport Canada recommends that you contact the embassy or consulate of all countries the child will be visiting to inquire about entry requirements.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
TRAVEL ALA CARTE WITH PEPPERONI AND MUSHROOMS
Pizza is a favourite with business travellers..........
A survey of USA Today readers, who are some of the world's most-frequent business travellers, find that they apparently prefer pizza to other gourmet delights when on the road. Many are passionate about pizza, calling it a quick, satisfying, inexpensive meal thatsaves time during a hectic business schedule.
In a survey of 2,015 of its readers on the subject of pizza, Zagat found:
• New York-style thin-crust pizza is the most preferred style
• Next is brick-oven pizza
• Then Neapolitan pizzas
• Chicago-style deep-dish pizza ranks fourth.
When it comes to toppings, the top three are:
• pepperoni
• mushrooms
• sausage.
And the best cities for pizza according to business travellers – Chicago and New York.
A survey of USA Today readers, who are some of the world's most-frequent business travellers, find that they apparently prefer pizza to other gourmet delights when on the road. Many are passionate about pizza, calling it a quick, satisfying, inexpensive meal thatsaves time during a hectic business schedule.
In a survey of 2,015 of its readers on the subject of pizza, Zagat found:
• New York-style thin-crust pizza is the most preferred style
• Next is brick-oven pizza
• Then Neapolitan pizzas
• Chicago-style deep-dish pizza ranks fourth.
When it comes to toppings, the top three are:
• pepperoni
• mushrooms
• sausage.
And the best cities for pizza according to business travellers – Chicago and New York.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
PASSPORT CANADA WEBSITE & EPASSPORTS
NEW LOOK FOR PASSPORT CANADA’S WEBSITE
PASSPORT Canada has unveiled its new-look website, which has been reformatted to reflect the Government of Canada‟s latest design guidelines and accessibility standards.
The new website has a cleaner look and improved functionality for a more straight forward browsing experience and is organized so that it‟s easier for visitors to find all the information they need about Canadian passports, passport applications and renewals. Passport Canada has also placed its most requested information first, to ensure that visitors can find what they want with minimum navigation.
All key information is accessible from drop-down menus in the top menu bar and all material is fully bilingual.
EPASSPORT ROLL-OUT SLATED FOR SPRING 2013
PASSPORT Canada has confirmed on its website that, from spring 2013, all new Canadian passports will be electronic passports, or ePassports. The exact timelines will be announced at a later date but meanwhile the transition to ePassports will begin before the end of this year. The Canadian ePassport will have an electronic chip embedded in the back cover of the book. The chip adds an extra layer of security to the passport and makes it more tamper-proof. The chip in the ePassport stores the same personal information that is normally seen on page 2 of the passport (except for the holder‟s signature), the photo and a country specific digital security feature (or „signature‟) that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada. No additional information about passport holders or their travels will be stored on the chip. The chip will only contain the personal information as seen on page 2, the holder‟s photo and a Government of Canada signature. ePassport readers will be installed in Passport Canada‟s 34 offices for people who would like to see the information stored on their chip to make sure it is accurate.
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx
PASSPORT Canada has unveiled its new-look website, which has been reformatted to reflect the Government of Canada‟s latest design guidelines and accessibility standards.
The new website has a cleaner look and improved functionality for a more straight forward browsing experience and is organized so that it‟s easier for visitors to find all the information they need about Canadian passports, passport applications and renewals. Passport Canada has also placed its most requested information first, to ensure that visitors can find what they want with minimum navigation.
All key information is accessible from drop-down menus in the top menu bar and all material is fully bilingual.
EPASSPORT ROLL-OUT SLATED FOR SPRING 2013
PASSPORT Canada has confirmed on its website that, from spring 2013, all new Canadian passports will be electronic passports, or ePassports. The exact timelines will be announced at a later date but meanwhile the transition to ePassports will begin before the end of this year. The Canadian ePassport will have an electronic chip embedded in the back cover of the book. The chip adds an extra layer of security to the passport and makes it more tamper-proof. The chip in the ePassport stores the same personal information that is normally seen on page 2 of the passport (except for the holder‟s signature), the photo and a country specific digital security feature (or „signature‟) that proves the passport was issued by the Government of Canada. No additional information about passport holders or their travels will be stored on the chip. The chip will only contain the personal information as seen on page 2, the holder‟s photo and a Government of Canada signature. ePassport readers will be installed in Passport Canada‟s 34 offices for people who would like to see the information stored on their chip to make sure it is accurate.
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
EUROPE’S TEN MOST FAVORED RAILWAY STATIONS
European railway stations are creatively and distinctively crafted in the name of art and passion. With the finest architecture and richest history combined, here are ten of travelers’ top picks for station destinations.
ANTWERP CENTRAL STATION (BELGIUM): For a country of fine architecture and vast kinds of talents, Belgium shows it all through its 107 year-old train station. It displayed the Belgian greatness both in
performing arts and architecture. The Antwerp Central Station definitely deserves its spot in the top ten.
GARE DU NORD (PARIS FRANCE): Located in the city of love, Gare du Nord, became Europes busiest railway station. For around 150 years now, the station designed by French architect Jaques Hittorff serves 190 million annual travelers. The station is also popularly mentioned and used from local French books to Hollywood movies including The Da Vinci Code, The Bourne Identity, Ocean’s Twelve and Mr Bean’s Holiday.
ATOCHA TRAIN STATION (MADRID SPAIN): Springing out from 1889’s inaugural building, Madrid’s major transport hub was refashioned by architect Rafael Moneo, into his calming vision of palm trees, exotic plants and turtle ponds. Cafés and other establishments, accompanied by an extraordinary 4,000 square meter tropical garden replaced the original building and makes passengers enjoy their travel.
LEIPZIG CENTRAL STATION (LEIPZIG, GERMANY): This train station is a large part of Germany because it has been serving the country for years. Leipzig Central Station survived the World War II. Europe’s largest railway station in the heart of Germany is a place of history and is worth a hop off your train. With its 24 platforms within 83,460 m² floor area and 293 metre-long façade, no wonder it can serve 100,000 daily, heavy passengers.
ROSSIO RAILWAY STATION (LISBON, PORTUGAL): No one can blame anyone for frequently mistaking this station for a palace or theatre. With its romantic inspired façade designed by architect José Luís Monteiro, the 125 year old station is considered one of the greatest works of Portuguese engineering in the 19th century. Located in Lisbon’s Rossio Square, Trains get to the station through a 2,600 metre-long tunnel, exhumed under the city.
COPENHAGEN CENTRAL STATION (DENMARK): Opening in the time of his royalty, King Christian X, Copenhagen Central Station invited over 800 VIPs just to witness the magnificent event.
CENTRAL STATION (HELSINKI, FINLAND): With the Kivimiehet (The Stone Men in Finnish), greeting you at the entrance, you know you are in Finland. This distinctive feature adds up to the station’s award winning design of local granite construction by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen.
LIÈGE -GUILLEMINS TGV STATION (BELGIUM): Another Belgian pride is Spanish architects’ Santiago Calatrava’s Liège-Guillemins TGV Station. 13 years in the making, the station succeeded to exhibit the sleek futuristic design with the 32 meter high arch in glass and white concrete construction and concurrently serve 36,000 daily passengers riding to Brussels, Paris, Aachen, Cologne and Frankfurt.
CENTRAL STATION, AMSTERDAM (HOLLAND): Though controversial at the time it first opened, Amsterdam’s Central station continued to server its daily 250,000 passengers catering 1500 trains everday.
ZAGREB CENTRAL STATION (CROATIA): Built in just two years, this station spans a colossal 186.5 meters long making it Croatia’s largest station. Designed by Hungarian architect Ferenc Pfaff, the station
serves rides to cities Vienna, Budapest, Zurich, Munich, Salzburg, Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Belgrade for over 120 years.
Source: YYZ Travel Group July 2012 Newsletter - Business First
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
PLACES TO STAY - WHERE NEXT?
Dubai plans underwater hotels
Well, it’s certainly something new. Government-backed investment company Dubai World has signed a deal to develop undersea hotels. The hotel is to be a discus-shaped residential building 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. It is connected to another discus above water.
The rooms will feature a special lighting system and miniature underwater vehicles that can be operated from inside allowing guests to take a closer look at the underwater creatures using macro photography.
The project will be funded by Swiss company, BIG InvestConsult, which holds the technology rights.
More info and pictures at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/12/underwater-hotel-dubai_n_1511501.html
Well, it’s certainly something new. Government-backed investment company Dubai World has signed a deal to develop undersea hotels. The hotel is to be a discus-shaped residential building 10 metres beneath the surface of the sea, composed of 21 hotel rooms adjacent to the underwater dive centre and a bar. It is connected to another discus above water.
The rooms will feature a special lighting system and miniature underwater vehicles that can be operated from inside allowing guests to take a closer look at the underwater creatures using macro photography.
The project will be funded by Swiss company, BIG InvestConsult, which holds the technology rights.
More info and pictures at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/12/underwater-hotel-dubai_n_1511501.html
Thursday, May 3, 2012
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
NOT GOOD ENOUGH -Looking for value
A new report says travellers are increasingly unhappy with online travel agents and supplier websites. The reason for the dissatisfaction is that most OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) misread their customers, by concentrating primarily on price rather than value, The report, "Travel 2020: the Distribution Dilemma" reveals that fewer than half of leisure and business travellers believe they’re getting value for money when they book online.
Personalized service which is generally lacking in OTAs and at supplier sites is a major cause of the problem. A focus on these areas by traditional agents could tilt the scales in their favour - especially as travel spending continues to rebound. "While booking fees have declined over time, the disassembly of the travel agent model has also resulted in a decrease in customer services," wrote Steve Peterson, lead author of the report. The study says technology has hindered customer service at least as much as it has helped, because travel suppliers have turned increasingly to automation and away from human sales reps to fulfill travel orders. This is not the first report to suggest travellers are unhappy with OTAs.
Atmosphere Research Group's fourth-quarter 2011 survey of 5,058 online leisure travellers in the US found that 69% said they enjoyed online travel planning and booking, but just 54% believed that travel websites presented clear information.
Reprinted from Business First - YYZ Travel Group May Newsletter
Monday, April 16, 2012
Passport Update: Dominican Republic
STARTING April 30, Canadians will be required to present a passport, valid for the length of their stay, to visit the Dominican Republic. Until then, Canadians entering by direct air travel only have to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.
However, Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies. Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, at a cost of US$10, which is valid for 30 days. Those wishing to stay longer must pay a surcharge at the airport upon departure or request an extension by visiting the Department of Immigration in Santo Domingo. Those wishing to work in the Dominican Republic must apply for a business visa. More information can be obtained by contacting the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Ottawa.
A departure tax of US$20 is charged for stays of up to two weeks. The departure tax for stays longer than two weeks varies depending on length of stay and nationality. The tax applies to all international flights and may be included in the price of the airline ticket. Travellers should confirm this information with their travel agents.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Airline Jargon......what does it mean?
Have you wondered what a split ticket is? Are you confused as to what is the difference between a direct and non stop flight? Your travel professional can help you navigate through this maze of jargon and ensure that your flights are booked properly and not have you arrive in Sydney Nova Scotia instead of Sydney Australia. But for those that still insist on booking their own flights hopefully some of the explanations below will help you........
Airline alliance: An agreement between a group of airlines involving the sharing of flight codes, reservation systems, airline clubs, or frequent flyer benefits (see code share below). The two largest are Star Alliance and Skyteam.
Airport code: the three digit code which is unique to a specific airport. eg. YYZ for Toronto or LHR for London Heathrow
Code share: An agreement between two airlines in which each shares its flight codes, which means travelers purchasing one airline's ticket might actually be flying on the other carrier's plane. Many connecting flights involve code-share partners. Might also include other types of agreements, such as reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
Connecting flights: a journey where the passenger must change planes to reach their final destination. The passenger will disembark one plane and go through a second boarding process before boarding the plane that will take them to their final destination.
Connecting point: the airport where the traveller changes planes.
Consolidators: airlines often sell blocks of seats to a third party who then sell these to passengers at discounted prices. The airlines are reluctant to publicly discount tickets and so mask this process through consolidators. The tickets usually have a number of restrictions on them so check the conditions of your travel arrangements carefully before booking them.
Direct flight versus non-stop: A flight which involves one or more stops (however, you stay on the same plane). Depending on time some airports allow passengers to disembark during the stopover and board again just before takeoff.
"Non-stop" means there are no stops before you get to your destination. Most customers prefer non-stop flights and will pay a premium for greater speed and less hassle.
Illegal connection: flights that are booked where the time between landing and taking off on the next flight does not adhere to the legal minimum requirements
Minimum connecting time: the smallest amount of time that is allowed to change planes at an airport. If these conditions are breached it is known as an Illegal connection. General rule is 45 minutes on domestic flights and 1 hour on international connections.
Open-jaw: a ticket that allows the traveller to depart from a different airport to the one in which they landed. For example you could fly from Toronto to London but return to Toronto from Paris.
Open ticket: Full fare tickets that have no restrictions and allow you to change the date of return for a fee. They are more expensive, but not always a lot more. Usually have a 1 year time limit on the return flight.
Split ticketing: the purchase of two separate roundtrip flights to a destination. As example you find a roundtrip fare from Toronto to Vienna that costs $ 1,200. However while you were searching you found a roundtrip ticket from Toronto to Amsterdam for $ 600 and then an roundtrip ticket from Amsterdam to Vienna for $ 400. By booking these two tickets separately you would have saved $ 200. However, you must ensure proper connection times and of course flights are from the same airport. Example is London Heathrow and London Gatwick. (See minimum connecting time above)
Stopover – an overnight stay (or possibly longer) at a location en-route to your final destination. This is usually done to break up a very long journey eg. London to Sydney with a stopover in Hong Kong. Most airlines do not charge extra for a stopover.
Airline alliance: An agreement between a group of airlines involving the sharing of flight codes, reservation systems, airline clubs, or frequent flyer benefits (see code share below). The two largest are Star Alliance and Skyteam.
Airport code: the three digit code which is unique to a specific airport. eg. YYZ for Toronto or LHR for London Heathrow
Code share: An agreement between two airlines in which each shares its flight codes, which means travelers purchasing one airline's ticket might actually be flying on the other carrier's plane. Many connecting flights involve code-share partners. Might also include other types of agreements, such as reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
Connecting flights: a journey where the passenger must change planes to reach their final destination. The passenger will disembark one plane and go through a second boarding process before boarding the plane that will take them to their final destination.
Connecting point: the airport where the traveller changes planes.
Consolidators: airlines often sell blocks of seats to a third party who then sell these to passengers at discounted prices. The airlines are reluctant to publicly discount tickets and so mask this process through consolidators. The tickets usually have a number of restrictions on them so check the conditions of your travel arrangements carefully before booking them.
Direct flight versus non-stop: A flight which involves one or more stops (however, you stay on the same plane). Depending on time some airports allow passengers to disembark during the stopover and board again just before takeoff.
"Non-stop" means there are no stops before you get to your destination. Most customers prefer non-stop flights and will pay a premium for greater speed and less hassle.
Illegal connection: flights that are booked where the time between landing and taking off on the next flight does not adhere to the legal minimum requirements
Minimum connecting time: the smallest amount of time that is allowed to change planes at an airport. If these conditions are breached it is known as an Illegal connection. General rule is 45 minutes on domestic flights and 1 hour on international connections.
Open-jaw: a ticket that allows the traveller to depart from a different airport to the one in which they landed. For example you could fly from Toronto to London but return to Toronto from Paris.
Open ticket: Full fare tickets that have no restrictions and allow you to change the date of return for a fee. They are more expensive, but not always a lot more. Usually have a 1 year time limit on the return flight.
Split ticketing: the purchase of two separate roundtrip flights to a destination. As example you find a roundtrip fare from Toronto to Vienna that costs $ 1,200. However while you were searching you found a roundtrip ticket from Toronto to Amsterdam for $ 600 and then an roundtrip ticket from Amsterdam to Vienna for $ 400. By booking these two tickets separately you would have saved $ 200. However, you must ensure proper connection times and of course flights are from the same airport. Example is London Heathrow and London Gatwick. (See minimum connecting time above)
Stopover – an overnight stay (or possibly longer) at a location en-route to your final destination. This is usually done to break up a very long journey eg. London to Sydney with a stopover in Hong Kong. Most airlines do not charge extra for a stopover.
Friday, April 6, 2012
AIRPORT NEWS FOR AVID TRAVELERS
MONTRÉAL-PIERRE-ELLIOTT-TRUDEAU International Airport has become the first airport in North America to offer passengers self-service baggage drop-off points, essential counterparts to the kiosks and other self-service systems already available. This latest development means that Montréal-Trudeau passengers can now complete the entire check-in process themselves. However, before proceeding to a self-service baggage drop-off point, they must have already checked in and printed their luggage tags at a self-service check-in kiosk. This process normally takes less than a minute. Airline agents are available to help passengers if necessary.
Developed in collaboration with COFELY Services, a subsidiary of the GDF-Suez Group, the new selfservice baggage drop-off points are equipped with bar-code readers and touch screens that passengers can use to enter the necessary information by following the instructions. In this way, the system automatically matches pre-checked-in passengers with their pre-tagged luggage. WestJet is the first airline to adopt the process for its flights. Other carriers operating out of Montréal-Trudeau are also planning to offer their passengers this option soon. Passengers who still wish to have the option of checking in at a traditional airline counter are welcome to do so. Self-service baggage drop-off facilities are also already in operation at some of the world‟s airports, notably in Europe.
Courtesy of YYZ Travel Group April 2012 Newletter
Monday, March 5, 2012
ONE PERSON, ONE PASSPORT - NO EXCEPTIONS
IMPORTANT
Passport Canada reminds Canadians that every person, whether a child or baby, must have a valid passport when travelling outside of Canada. Regardless of whether the child or baby is accompanied or is travelling alone, a valid passport is needed. Passport Canada is advising passengers planning a trip to make sure they know the requirements and precautions for travelling with children. Additional documentation may be required.
CANADIAN PASSPORT APPLICATION FORMS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Online passport application forms prompt users to enter the correct information in the right places Passport Canada has announced that Canadians can now fill out their passport application online. Using an interactive form that prompts users to enter the correct information in the right places, Canadians can now avoid the risk of error that comes with the paper forms.
Canadians still have to print the form, sign it and mail it to Passport Canada or submit it in person at a designated Passport Canada location You still have to print the form, sign it and either mail it to Passport Canada or submit it in person.
Visit ppc.gc.ca for more information or to fill out the online form.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
USE THEM OR LOSE THEM - AIRLMILES
Air Miles sets expiry date on unused reward miles
One of Canada's most popular loyalty programs has a message for Air Miles collectors: use 'em or lose 'em.
As of Saturday, participants in the Air Miles reward program will be required to use their existing miles before they expire on December 31, 2016. In addition, reward miles earned after New Year's Eve will only be valid for five years after they're first posted. Air Miles collectors gather miles by making qualified purchases from the program's participating sponsors. Until now, the miles - redeemable for eligible merchandise, including electronic goods, plane tickets and vacation packages - never carried an expiration date.
There are more than 10 million active Air Miles collector accounts. The programme gives away more than $500 million in rewards each year, said Neil Everett, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer for Air Miles. Everett said while the programme has been "tremendously successful,'' there's still a large percentage of collectors who have never redeemed miles.
“We've got collectors with miles sitting on our books for 20 years,'' he said in his recent interview. “As a result of that, it makes it very difficult as a programme continues to grow to be able to basically plan your financials accurately. And as a result, we need to get better discipline in place.'' Everett said they want collectors to redeem because it's the only way the programme stays viable.
Everett said the average collector who redeems miles typically takes 2 1/2 years from when they start earning to when they cash them in. A new feature called Air Miles Cash will allow collectors to instantly cash in their miles at participating retailers, using them toward purchases for items like gas and groceries. Under the programme, which begins in March, 95 reward miles will earn collectors $10 off while cashing out their purchases.
Collectors will be able to redeem in $10 increments up to a maximum of $200 per day, including taxes. But collectors won't be able to carry over existing miles to redeem for Air Miles Cash. Everett said they interviewed nearly 3,500 collectors and asked whether they wanted the programme keptthe same or opt for the instant cash feature that would require them to start fresh. Given the choice, Everett said collectors loved the convenience of instant cash and accepted the inability to transfer miles as a short term problem. Tens of thousands of collectors have apparently activated accounts for Air Miles Cash with most splitting their miles between dream rewards - for merchandise and travel - and cash rewards.
Everett notes that about one-third of rewards redeemed annually are for trips, and collectors succeed at doing sobecause they set goals, research and assess how to best leverage the programme. Everett acknowledges accumulating enough miles to redeem for trips won't be achievable for everyone, which is why he said Air Miles Cash is another option.
One of Canada's most popular loyalty programs has a message for Air Miles collectors: use 'em or lose 'em.
As of Saturday, participants in the Air Miles reward program will be required to use their existing miles before they expire on December 31, 2016. In addition, reward miles earned after New Year's Eve will only be valid for five years after they're first posted. Air Miles collectors gather miles by making qualified purchases from the program's participating sponsors. Until now, the miles - redeemable for eligible merchandise, including electronic goods, plane tickets and vacation packages - never carried an expiration date.
There are more than 10 million active Air Miles collector accounts. The programme gives away more than $500 million in rewards each year, said Neil Everett, executive vice-president and chief marketing officer for Air Miles. Everett said while the programme has been "tremendously successful,'' there's still a large percentage of collectors who have never redeemed miles.
“We've got collectors with miles sitting on our books for 20 years,'' he said in his recent interview. “As a result of that, it makes it very difficult as a programme continues to grow to be able to basically plan your financials accurately. And as a result, we need to get better discipline in place.'' Everett said they want collectors to redeem because it's the only way the programme stays viable.
Everett said the average collector who redeems miles typically takes 2 1/2 years from when they start earning to when they cash them in. A new feature called Air Miles Cash will allow collectors to instantly cash in their miles at participating retailers, using them toward purchases for items like gas and groceries. Under the programme, which begins in March, 95 reward miles will earn collectors $10 off while cashing out their purchases.
Collectors will be able to redeem in $10 increments up to a maximum of $200 per day, including taxes. But collectors won't be able to carry over existing miles to redeem for Air Miles Cash. Everett said they interviewed nearly 3,500 collectors and asked whether they wanted the programme keptthe same or opt for the instant cash feature that would require them to start fresh. Given the choice, Everett said collectors loved the convenience of instant cash and accepted the inability to transfer miles as a short term problem. Tens of thousands of collectors have apparently activated accounts for Air Miles Cash with most splitting their miles between dream rewards - for merchandise and travel - and cash rewards.
Everett notes that about one-third of rewards redeemed annually are for trips, and collectors succeed at doing sobecause they set goals, research and assess how to best leverage the programme. Everett acknowledges accumulating enough miles to redeem for trips won't be achievable for everyone, which is why he said Air Miles Cash is another option.
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