Non locals don't have the passion that locals do, and for many the belief that if YYC has something YEG needs it too. Many locals believe having to connect somewhere in Canada will cause unbearable harm to their airport, but believe at the same time that connecting outside Canada is perfectly fine and will allow the airport to flourish, and at some point reduce the AIF.
As a local, I am in the opposite camp. I want great service and would love non-stops all over the world but I realize that is not realistic due to a whole bunch of past history/decisions. What I want is good frequencies to airports that can get me just about anywhere in 1 stop. Non stops are great but frequency us better. Some of these are Canadian, some in the US and of course LHR. I also do not want an airport authority subsidizing airlines on routes that will cannibalize existing routes.
Looking forward to great discussions next week!
For the most part, I am in agreement with 7E7, I have absolutely no issue with connecting within Canada or anywhere else in the world as long as I can get there in a reasonable amount of time and $$$. The biggest issue I have is cost. When all of the YEG PAXs are paying more than PAXs from other smaller centres because of "demand" there is an issue. The "demand" may not necessary demand for longhaul LHR rather demand for those short 40 min. connectors to YYC. i.e. both Regina/Edmonton PAXs have to go through YYZ/YYC to LHR but Regina PAXs pay $300 less.
If there is no competition, there is no incentive for AC to improve service or lower cost. It is a supply and demand game, AC is the only game in town for longhauls so they can charge higher fares on connectors as there is no competition.
One more thing that may not have been mentioned is that when a family like mine is facing $300 per PAX difference between YEG and YYC outbound, with 4 family members, we drive to YYC to start our journey; instant $1,200 savings; AC still have the business so they don't care. EIAA is generally indifferent between PAX flying out on WS or AC but is very concerned (or afraid) about the drive to YYC behaviour; which unforunately, is unavoidable unless the cost differential between YEG and YYC narrows. Which the additional competition "may" help.