A year ago I was amazed by some of the low ($150 tax in, return) flights to Denver being offered by Frontier Airlines out of Minot. The prices were unbelievable and it instigated a bit of a price war with United Airlines whose home hub is Denver.
This year's prices are double that. So, I started searching, and reading. It seems that Frontier Airlines was recently sold. While I'm sure there will be seat sales, I think the glory days of $150 are gone. Frontier also struggles with bad reviews littering the Internet and citing poor customer service. I haven't flown with them, and right now I have no plans to. However, new ownership will certainly want to fly a viable company in to the future, so I would watch them to make bold changes.
Air Canada Rouge has added routes, hired hundreds of staff and are making a splash in the winter vacation market. Right now Rouge does not fly out of Winnipeg, but expect that on the horizon if things go well. Of course, you can easily connect from YWG to YYZ and take advantage of those new Rouge packages.
ITravel2000.com, a popular Canadian booking site, has been making headline news as their company goes through some takeover struggles and job loss. However, a restructuring and strengthening plan has led them to a new agreement with Westjet which will offer some exclusive pricing and incentive packages. There is lots to read on this Canadian company before you book.
Expect travel costs to rise as our Canadian dollar is losing ground. CBC cites a number of things to watch for in their news article, including new airline surcharges. You might avoid the increases by booking now for travel later this year.
One of my favourite destinations has been in the news lately, The Bahamas. With the new BahMar Hotel opening up, there's new buzz about luxury travel in The Bahamas. On Nassau's Cable Beach, the Sheraton Hotel was recently sold and re-branded Melia. They are trying build up an all-inclusive business and compete with the likes of Breezes and Sandals on this stretch of beach. I think they'll be in tough with BahMar less than a mile away and already nicknamed "The Bahamian Riviera."
Just today, Southwest Airlines announced their new flight paths to Caribbean Islands including The Bahamas. There will be more competition, so look for flight prices to heat up this summer. I'm happy with flights to the Bahamas in the $500 range, though I have purchased return flights as low as $283 on an exceptional sale. Atlantis Hotel and Casino has already introduced Summer pricing and incentives. They are not going to take the new competition lightly.
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