Both Air Canada and Westjet adjusted their fares after midnight on September 16th/17th.
Will you book London at this regular fare price?
Or will you look at it again only if another seat sale drops the price below $700?
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| Westjet screenshot 1:15am |
Showing posts with label flights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flights. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Like Cinderella's carriage....
At midnight, the bargain London fares turned into pumpkins.
Both Air Canada and Westjet adjusted their fares after midnight on September 16th/17th.
Will you book London at this regular fare price?
Or will you look at it again only if another seat sale drops the price below $700?
Both Air Canada and Westjet adjusted their fares after midnight on September 16th/17th.
Will you book London at this regular fare price?
Or will you look at it again only if another seat sale drops the price below $700?
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
What's a bargain?
I have a few basic guidelines for my travel purchases.
I am really focused on receiving great value without comprimsing safety, or quality.
I like a 4 star hotel at a 2 star price. If it means staying at that hotel on a Sunday instead of a Friday, to get the bargain, I will stay on a Sunday. That's the kind of compromise I'm willing to make.
I am NOT willing to stay at a poorly rated, rat hole of a hotel in Hawaii, just to be in Hawaii. Sometimes it means travelling in the off season, or less popular times, but that is worth it to me to get the experience I want at the budget I can afford.
To repeat... It's not about being cheap. I will save or change or forgo completely if the trip is not within budget. But if I'm going to spend my hard earned money, I want to be sure that it is WORTH IT. A $800 flight to Florida would never be 'worth it' to me.
Flights Only:
Very briefly, I consider the following to be my 'good deal' prices: (From YWG airport)
Non-stop flight, where possible, return and includes taxes
1) Domestic flight (within Canada - BC to Ontario) $400
2) Domestic flight (within Canada - Maritime Provinces) $550
3) Popular route USA (like Vegas, Phoenix, LA, Orlando, NY, Dallas, Chicago, Denver) $500
4) Less popular USA, Alaska & Hawaii (routes with connections) $600
5) Caribbean, Mexico & Costa Rica $600
6) International, Including Europe, Scandinavia & Asia $700
7) Australia $900
Hotels:
I consider most 4 star hotels a good price at $150 plus taxes
I consider most 5 star hotels a good price at $220 plus taxes
I consider most 4 star Vegas hotels a good price at $90 plus taxes/resort fees
I consider the 5 star Vegas hotels a good price at $129 plus taxes/resort fees
Packages:
4 star, 7 night packages $1250 taxes included
5 star, 7 night packages $2400 taxes included
I expect to pay about 50% more for everything at Christmas and Spring Break time. Therefore, a good price for a flight in Canada at Christmas would be $600. I would consider that a decent Christmas bargain.
I won't call something bargain, or draw attention to it, unless it fits my criteria of a bargain, or is exceptional in some other way.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Air Miles Discount Flights This Week
Each week there are new flights being sold off at discounts for gold and onyx collectors. This week, you can snag a flight to Phoenix or Palm Springs for about 2600 (gold) or 2100 (onyx) if you pick the right dates. (plus the taxes) Brandon is included in this week's sale.
Do note that prices already drop after September 16th, from high season to low. So there's savings for everyone there.
Also, I find Monday and Tuesdays are the best days to book these free flights. Seems new inventory comes on line each week. And, even if the flight you want isn't there one week, do check back often. I know it is ever changing.
Air Miles is a rewards program available to anyone 16 or older. Even if you don't believe your miles will ever add up, they will. It's worth collecting. It is one of the best tools Canadians have to subsidize travel.
If you are wanting to book with Air Miles for Feb 2016 travel, you will see that the NEW Westjet flights are already on-line for YBR, our Brandon airport.
Do note that prices already drop after September 16th, from high season to low. So there's savings for everyone there.
Also, I find Monday and Tuesdays are the best days to book these free flights. Seems new inventory comes on line each week. And, even if the flight you want isn't there one week, do check back often. I know it is ever changing.
Air Miles is a rewards program available to anyone 16 or older. Even if you don't believe your miles will ever add up, they will. It's worth collecting. It is one of the best tools Canadians have to subsidize travel.
If you are wanting to book with Air Miles for Feb 2016 travel, you will see that the NEW Westjet flights are already on-line for YBR, our Brandon airport.
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Alberta/BC Bargain flights to Halifax
For our friends and neighbours in Alberta and BC, Westjet has a promo code on right now that can save you 20% on flights to the east coast. You can even travel cheaply over Thanksgiving. (Christmas is on blackout)
Fares from Calgary to Halifax are under $600 and can go as low as $525. That's pretty amazing. See first graphic for codes and conditions.
Fares from Calgary to Halifax are under $600 and can go as low as $525. That's pretty amazing. See first graphic for codes and conditions.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Great flight prices on now!
If you plan to fly by the end of summer, or in September, I'd encourage you to take a few minutes today and check out the prices at Westjet and Air Canada. Both are having a sale right now and are offering pretty great prices.
My rule of thumb is any domestic flight under $400 is a good deal. Any flight to the USA under $500 and any overseas flight in the $750 range.
Right now, both AC & WJ are offering YWG to YYC under $300. So, if you need to go from Winnipeg to Calgary this fall, you should look at booking now. Under $300 is fabulous.
Since the Canadian dollar is weak, (6 year low) I would encourage you to book a package that includes your hotel whenever possible and pay in advance, with Canadian funds. For example, if you are going to Vegas, pay the Canadian package price with Westjet rather than using a US supplier or paying for each separately. The package prices certainly have not jumped drastically in price so in my humble opinion you can still travel to the USA. Anytime I can go to Vegas for $500, is good enough for me.
Of course, prices are subject to change at any time. Bargains won't last forever. Sadly, you can't ever expect a last minute airfare bargain. Booking 6-8 weeks before you intend to travel, will offer the best prices. Also, do look into your airline's policy on price drops or price matching. The industry has changed in this regard in the last year or so. Never hurts to look.
My rule of thumb is any domestic flight under $400 is a good deal. Any flight to the USA under $500 and any overseas flight in the $750 range.
Right now, both AC & WJ are offering YWG to YYC under $300. So, if you need to go from Winnipeg to Calgary this fall, you should look at booking now. Under $300 is fabulous.
Since the Canadian dollar is weak, (6 year low) I would encourage you to book a package that includes your hotel whenever possible and pay in advance, with Canadian funds. For example, if you are going to Vegas, pay the Canadian package price with Westjet rather than using a US supplier or paying for each separately. The package prices certainly have not jumped drastically in price so in my humble opinion you can still travel to the USA. Anytime I can go to Vegas for $500, is good enough for me.
Of course, prices are subject to change at any time. Bargains won't last forever. Sadly, you can't ever expect a last minute airfare bargain. Booking 6-8 weeks before you intend to travel, will offer the best prices. Also, do look into your airline's policy on price drops or price matching. The industry has changed in this regard in the last year or so. Never hurts to look.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Sweet Air Miles Deals on Flights
Brandon is included once again!
Most notably, gold collectors are being treated to a 30% discount this week.
Most notably, gold collectors are being treated to a 30% discount this week.
Don't forget to shop at Safeway tomorrow and stock up on those Air Miles. It's customer appreciation day and you will receive 20X the miles.
Hawaii..... book today!
If you are thinking about flying to Hawaii in the next couple months, your airfare could not be cheaper. But you need to find your dates and book ASAP. It won't be long before you see fares sitting back at the $750-$800 range round trip.
If you are thinking of renting a condo and staying a week or two, this might be the bargain you're waiting for.
Flight prices are in Canadian dollars, though you will have to hedge your bets on accommodation prices and the US dollar at the time you book. But before you hitch the cart to the horse, take a look at these prices, and then take a look at your date book.
These screenshots are from today. If you want Maui with Air Canada, rather than HNL, it's only about $20 more.
Hawaiian holidays anyone? And yes, please, share with anyone you think could use a little Aloha in their life.
***** Update:
If you want to pair it up with a hotel, through Expedia, you would do very well to choose the Hilton Hawaiian Village, at a total flight and hotel cost $1300 (Canadian, taxes etc included. There are NO resort fees which makes this an even better deal when $30 per night is becoming the norm at most American resorts.)
This resort is an ideal location, right on the beach, and is where Elvis Presley filmed the movie Blue Hawaii. It is, indeed, a large resort, but there is so much to do for the whole family. Fish and turtle ponds, shopping and water sports will keep everyone busy and happy in Hawaii.
If you choose to capitalize on this seat sale (United Airlines are at similar prices and are an Air Canada codeshare partner) in April, you will pay about half the price of doing this trip in July, and a third of the price at Christmas.
If you want to go with more of a bargain, many of the Aqua hotels, near the beach are offered with the flight at about $1000. If you'd rather go fancy... you can included the Trump Hotel, a Westin, Hyatt Regency or the Sheraton Waikiki for just under $2000 per person.
Prices are subject to change, and WILL change constantly. That's why it's valuable to be in the loop and follow travel sites and blog.
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| Price is off Expedia, for two people, total. At the Hilton on Waikiki |
Monday, February 2, 2015
The benefits of Onyx
When you become a 'super-collector' or as Air Miles calls it.... an Onyx collector, you will earn deeper discounts on flights and other awesome rewards.
To become an Onyx collector, you need to collect 6000 Air Miles in a 12 month period. It's easier to do than you think.
Step 1: Get a second copy of your card so that all adults in your household can collect
Step 2: Strategize to get 300 Air Miles per month from groceries
Step 3: Gas at Shell, and beer/wine/etc at the MLCC should account for another 50 per month.
Step 4: Do your on-line shopping through the www.airmilesshops.ca referral link. (They offer huge bonuses at back to school and Christmas time)
Step 5: Choose Rona over Home Depot for your home renovation supplies.
Then, you will be eligible for specials like these:
To become an Onyx collector, you need to collect 6000 Air Miles in a 12 month period. It's easier to do than you think.
Step 1: Get a second copy of your card so that all adults in your household can collect
Step 2: Strategize to get 300 Air Miles per month from groceries
Step 3: Gas at Shell, and beer/wine/etc at the MLCC should account for another 50 per month.
Step 4: Do your on-line shopping through the www.airmilesshops.ca referral link. (They offer huge bonuses at back to school and Christmas time)
Step 5: Choose Rona over Home Depot for your home renovation supplies.
Then, you will be eligible for specials like these:
Monday, November 3, 2014
Big Air Miles flight deals now into 2015!
This IS indeed something to get excited about! As of November 3rd, Air Miles opened up their booking deals from now thru to February 11th 2015. It seems to me, by the fine print, that it would INCLUDE holiday flights, should any actually remain. (This is a long shot, BUT if you are an ONYX collector, they do promise more available flights to you, so you might get something.)
40% off flights to Los Angeles and Phoenix. So this should bring them down to about 2200 Air Miles for the Onyx collector. 30% off for Gold level collectors. There's a Jets' game in Los Angeles on January 10th. You might score a bargain flight there if you act quickly.
Domestically, many destinations are included in the sale from Winnipeg. This includes Calgary, Edmonton, Abbotsford, Thunder Bay and Yellowknife. There is only one sale destination from Brandon and it's Fort McMurray. With 20-30% off, you should be able to pick up a flight for around 1200 Air Miles, plus the $100 or so in taxes. That's awesome!
The fine print suggests you have until November 23rd to book flights at these discounts. That means if you don't have quite enough Air Miles, you could dash to Safeway tomorrow (20x points day) and grab a bunch just by buying your regular groceries. The points will (hopefully) be added to your account in time to use them for this promotion.
Otherwise, you may wish to pick up a few points by doing your Christmas shopping on-line at airmilesshops.ca I have always found those points to be added quickly. AND, if you needed more incentive, they have a scratch and win contest you can enter daily at the airmilesshops.ca home page.
Ok. Got it? I'm all typed out for the day. You're welcome!
40% off flights to Los Angeles and Phoenix. So this should bring them down to about 2200 Air Miles for the Onyx collector. 30% off for Gold level collectors. There's a Jets' game in Los Angeles on January 10th. You might score a bargain flight there if you act quickly.
Domestically, many destinations are included in the sale from Winnipeg. This includes Calgary, Edmonton, Abbotsford, Thunder Bay and Yellowknife. There is only one sale destination from Brandon and it's Fort McMurray. With 20-30% off, you should be able to pick up a flight for around 1200 Air Miles, plus the $100 or so in taxes. That's awesome!
The fine print suggests you have until November 23rd to book flights at these discounts. That means if you don't have quite enough Air Miles, you could dash to Safeway tomorrow (20x points day) and grab a bunch just by buying your regular groceries. The points will (hopefully) be added to your account in time to use them for this promotion.
Otherwise, you may wish to pick up a few points by doing your Christmas shopping on-line at airmilesshops.ca I have always found those points to be added quickly. AND, if you needed more incentive, they have a scratch and win contest you can enter daily at the airmilesshops.ca home page.
Ok. Got it? I'm all typed out for the day. You're welcome!
Monday, May 26, 2014
15% off flights in Canada for the rest of 2014
If you book before May 29th, you can enjoy discounted rates on Canadian flights from Air Canada. The promo code is TOGETHER. Some blackout dates apply.
I expect that Westjet will follow suit tomorrow, if not immediately, with a similar or matching offer.
Any round-trip flight in Canada, under $400 (including taxes & fees) is a good deal.
I expect that Westjet will follow suit tomorrow, if not immediately, with a similar or matching offer.
Any round-trip flight in Canada, under $400 (including taxes & fees) is a good deal.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Air Miles includes Brandon again
This week's Air Miles travel discounts include departures from Brandon once again! You can even save 40% off flights purchased with Air Miles to Hawaii.
Finding a flight that works for you is key! Some times this is hard to do with the Air Miles system. But it is always worth a try.
A 40% discounted flight will run about 3850 Air Miles to Hawaii, or at 30% discount to The Bahamas you are looking at 2965.
For half those points (1505) you can fly Westjet from Winnipeg to Vancouver, roundtrip.
If you have a little time to look and try some combinations, you could land a deal. However, considering the layovers in Calgary & Vancouver, you might actually prefer flying out of Winnipeg on this one.
Sale runs through Sunday Jan 26th.
Finding a flight that works for you is key! Some times this is hard to do with the Air Miles system. But it is always worth a try.
A 40% discounted flight will run about 3850 Air Miles to Hawaii, or at 30% discount to The Bahamas you are looking at 2965.
For half those points (1505) you can fly Westjet from Winnipeg to Vancouver, roundtrip.
If you have a little time to look and try some combinations, you could land a deal. However, considering the layovers in Calgary & Vancouver, you might actually prefer flying out of Winnipeg on this one.
Sale runs through Sunday Jan 26th.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Brandon to Hawaii on Air Miles Sale!
Holy Hanna-Banana Brandon is included on an Air Miles flight sale and it is to HAWAII!!!!
If you are a gold collector you can fly now, until March 5th for about 4500 miles depending on duration and dates selected. DREAM. COME. TRUE.
Of course, I won't be going because I cashed in all my miles to see Rod Stewart in Vegas this past November, but YOU can!
This sale is only on until Sunday January 5th. Air Miles discount flights change every Monday morning. Yes, Hawaii applies to Winnipeg (YWG) departures as well.
You will pay the taxes, plus your hotel. Choose a condo and make some of your own meals and you will be enjoying a thrifty, dream trip to Hawaii before the snow melts in Manitoba.
If you are a gold collector you can fly now, until March 5th for about 4500 miles depending on duration and dates selected. DREAM. COME. TRUE.
Of course, I won't be going because I cashed in all my miles to see Rod Stewart in Vegas this past November, but YOU can!
This sale is only on until Sunday January 5th. Air Miles discount flights change every Monday morning. Yes, Hawaii applies to Winnipeg (YWG) departures as well.
You will pay the taxes, plus your hotel. Choose a condo and make some of your own meals and you will be enjoying a thrifty, dream trip to Hawaii before the snow melts in Manitoba.
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| This is "regular" Air Miles fare. Gold takes 30% off making it 4500. |
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| Look, it says Brandon! Use airport code YBR when you search. |
Monday, October 7, 2013
No Bargain
Somethings aren't worth the "bargain" price. IMHO this would be one of them.
I'll have to say that I don't know anyone who would just hop on a plane to Mexico City. (This isn't a resort package to a 5 star beach!) And with safety concerns and the negative stories in the media, I can't see that people would consider taking a family trip here.
If you're bald, buying a hairbrush on sale is no bargain. Ditto, for this one.
We'll all have to wait to next week and see what airmiles.ca is offering then.
I'll have to say that I don't know anyone who would just hop on a plane to Mexico City. (This isn't a resort package to a 5 star beach!) And with safety concerns and the negative stories in the media, I can't see that people would consider taking a family trip here.
If you're bald, buying a hairbrush on sale is no bargain. Ditto, for this one.
We'll all have to wait to next week and see what airmiles.ca is offering then.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Time to buy flights
Tuesday is typically the day when airlines adjust their prices, sell off last minute fares and start their sales.
Today, is a good day!
Delta has LOTS of bargains. Fly to California (round trip) into the John Wayne Airport for $301 taxes included. Many dates available. $301 from MOT. $322 from GFK and $428 from YWG.
If you are interested in the Newport Beach area and the (fabulous!) Hyatt Newport Regency hotel you can flip back through this blog for lots of info on this great destination.
United had raised their flights to Denver back into that $360 range, but today it's actually sitting at $150 again. I simply must find a weekend in Denver this Spring!
Phoenix flights are $273 round trip from MOT. Though YWG is $525.
Want to go to Texas? Delta will take you to DFW, IAH or AUS for about $300. Rather fly to/from Winnipeg? Be prepared to double that price.
It's a good time to buy your summer flights, if you are in the market.
Today, is a good day!
Delta has LOTS of bargains. Fly to California (round trip) into the John Wayne Airport for $301 taxes included. Many dates available. $301 from MOT. $322 from GFK and $428 from YWG.
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| Fashion Island Mall, Newport Beach Cali |
United had raised their flights to Denver back into that $360 range, but today it's actually sitting at $150 again. I simply must find a weekend in Denver this Spring!
Phoenix flights are $273 round trip from MOT. Though YWG is $525.
Want to go to Texas? Delta will take you to DFW, IAH or AUS for about $300. Rather fly to/from Winnipeg? Be prepared to double that price.
It's a good time to buy your summer flights, if you are in the market.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
It's an off week
Today I was looking at flight prices for my typical quickie trips (Phoenix, Vegas, Orlando) and the ones I dream about, like California and The Bahamas. Brutal. All the prices have gone up. Last week you could have bagged a round trip (tax in) to Phoenix for under $300. Same date, time, etc is now $582.
The Grand Forks to Santa Ana that I had flagged went up from $329 to $824 in the period of 10 days. Denver which was at $200 is now up at $239, so that's not a big jump... however an equal number of dates are sitting in the $400 range. (Pays to fly on a Wednesday or Sunday if you want the bargain.)
Its just the typical ebb and flow of flight sales. There will be sales and there will be regular prices that are much higher. Holiday dates and Fridays will always be more expensive.
Flight prices typically change on the Monday night or Tuesday of a week. Sometimes there are discount codes to apply, sometimes the sale comes up for everybody with no special codes. The Canadian Airlines are much more likely to offer "codes" than the US ones.
Really, it's about supply and demand. But, if you can spy a bargain and pounce when you see it, that's success! If you don't see a price you like, wait a few days or a week, see if it changes. HOWEVER, if you are within a month of your desired flight... anticipate that the prices will only rise as you get closer to the date. (Supply & demand) The best prices statistically are 6-8 weeks out when the airlines strategically maneuver prices to fill their planes.
Flying within Canada? I can't remember any return flights less than $350 to anywhere. I generally consider anything under $500 to be a decent price within Canada. (All taxes and fees in.)
The Grand Forks to Santa Ana that I had flagged went up from $329 to $824 in the period of 10 days. Denver which was at $200 is now up at $239, so that's not a big jump... however an equal number of dates are sitting in the $400 range. (Pays to fly on a Wednesday or Sunday if you want the bargain.)
Its just the typical ebb and flow of flight sales. There will be sales and there will be regular prices that are much higher. Holiday dates and Fridays will always be more expensive.
Flight prices typically change on the Monday night or Tuesday of a week. Sometimes there are discount codes to apply, sometimes the sale comes up for everybody with no special codes. The Canadian Airlines are much more likely to offer "codes" than the US ones.
Really, it's about supply and demand. But, if you can spy a bargain and pounce when you see it, that's success! If you don't see a price you like, wait a few days or a week, see if it changes. HOWEVER, if you are within a month of your desired flight... anticipate that the prices will only rise as you get closer to the date. (Supply & demand) The best prices statistically are 6-8 weeks out when the airlines strategically maneuver prices to fill their planes.
Flying within Canada? I can't remember any return flights less than $350 to anywhere. I generally consider anything under $500 to be a decent price within Canada. (All taxes and fees in.)
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Domestic Flight Sale
Good prices announced today by both Air Canada and Westjet for travel within Canada. Some warm destinations are also on sale too, but I didn't see anything on the list worth splurging on.
Take a look for yourself. Maybe it's time to jet to Vancouver and escape the Winter here for a week or two! A quick check of fares netted $440 with Westjet and $460 with Air Canada. Both prices are for Tuesday flights, returning a week later. All taxes and fees included.
Air Canada Sale
Westjet New Years Sale
**As with all flight and vacation prices, variables exist based on your choice of dates, length of stay, supply/demand. Air fares can vary several times a day. The best bargain is one that suits your vacation plans and your budget.
Take a look for yourself. Maybe it's time to jet to Vancouver and escape the Winter here for a week or two! A quick check of fares netted $440 with Westjet and $460 with Air Canada. Both prices are for Tuesday flights, returning a week later. All taxes and fees included.
Air Canada Sale
Westjet New Years Sale
**As with all flight and vacation prices, variables exist based on your choice of dates, length of stay, supply/demand. Air fares can vary several times a day. The best bargain is one that suits your vacation plans and your budget.
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