Originally Posted by
Wpgjetse
Westjet is a very good airline for the casual, low value pax and most likely better than AC in this cat. For the FF cat., Westjet can't compete because of their lack of benefits of a true FF program, J class for the high value pax and a partner tie in like A*.
WS doesn't have to compete with its FF program. WS competes based upon service and cost. There was a time when AP/Altitude might have had value for most customers. That is not the case anymore. Read the other threads for a more detailed explanation.
Let's pretend you work in the YYZ-YUL corridor. You have to go to a meeting in YUL, and will come back the same day .I picked October 7 at random (actually, I have a tentative meeting in the corridor on that day , so I was checking costs.)
West Jet offers an Econo fare;
Depart: 07:00 AM Arrive:08:13 AM Wednesday, 07 October WS 578
Return: 06:00 PM Arrive:07:20 PM Wednesday, 07 October WS 595
Base Cost $295.05
Air Canada Offers a Tango fare;
Same dates, Same hour, AC flights AC420 and AC423
Base Cost: $462.94
If you are an employee of a company subject to standard travel policies, please explain why your employer would encourage you to spend 57% more for an equivalent product.
If you are a member of AP why would you pay $168 more to accrue 25% mileage, or approx. 250 points?
For those people not subject to cost constraints or who fly on a weekly basis, yes your point has relevance. However, for the vast majority of non leisure flyers, people like me, it is not applicable.