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Travelling Air Canada? Here are some new tips
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Spotlight on Travel - Mike Cohen
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I
have travelled by air twice in the past year, both times with Air
Canada.
Prior to that my most recent experience was with Allegiant
Airlines out of Plattsburgh. It is interesting to note that even though
I have been flying since I was young, the industry seems to be changing
so rapidly that if you are idle for a few months you really need to go
the airline’s website for a fact finding check and ask others for
their advice.
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Here are some subjects to keep in mind.
Aeroplan Points: Over the last few months I have in fact received a
number of telephone calls and emails from readers. One complained that
Air Canada’s Aeroplan system wiped out some 15 years of frequent
flyer points. I told her that if you do not use your Aeroplan card at
least once a year, even at Esso when you pump in some gas, then you
will lose all of your points. I called Aeroplan to plead her case.
Aeroplan insists they sent her two letters, warning that her card
within a certain time period or it would expire. She maintains those
letters never arrived. What did the Aeroplan agent tell me? “I
would recommend that she take this up with Canada Post,” she
replied. “Our policy states that once we send the letter out, we
have undertaken our responsibility.” Aeroplan does have a website
(www.aeroplan.com) which allows you to keep track of your account. Sign
on.
Self-Check: Print out all of your departure information and when you
get to the airport find the self- check in counter and follow the easy
instructions to print out your own boarding pass and luggage stickers.
It saves a lot of time.
Snacks: Pack or buy snacks. The only freebies on this flight are soft
drinks, juices or water. They charge for sandwiches, depending
upon availability. Do not buy any waters before you do the security
check. They will be confiscated.
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Baggage: You are permitted two bags each and they must each be a
certain maximum weight and specific size. If they go over you will be
handed an extra charge. So if you pack to leave and figure you only
need three bags between the two of you, bring an extra suitcase. It is
more than likely you will have more stuff on the way back.
Earplugs: Some Air Canada flights offer a fantastic service- television
and movies on demand. There are plenty of options to choose from,
including top-notch films which were very recently in the theatre. And
any Dollar store type earphones will work in their outlets. Make sure
to bring a pair with. Otherwise Air Canada will sell you one for $3.
Taxi or Limo: After an influx of large flights you might find the wait
for a taxi very long at Trudeau Airport. Some taxi drivers have even
been known to be picky about whom they take and where. If you
figure a cab ride will cost about $40, spend an extra $10 and take a
limo where the wait is minimal and the comfort superb.
Mike Cohen’s email address is info@mikecohen.ca. Log on to his travel advice column at www.sandboxworld.com/travel
Photo: Brian Losito
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