mmj_lee

In our current economic conditions, does anyone think AC will be offering more promotions or price reductions in 2009? Considering many companies are trying to minimize costs. If so, which routes do you think would be worst hit by the downward economy?

Altaflyer

There has always been a systemwide seat sale in late Dec/early Jan but AC just had a seat sale. I suspect they need cash and will have another sale in the coming days.

greenlotus

Definitely some long haul routes and certain vacation destinations will be hurt in this economic climate. Stay tuned seat sales will come.

Sebring

I don't think AC needs cash so much as a prudent operator would lock in as much business as possible for next year. The economy is so weak right now, it's best to operate with a high load factor. But if AC were desperate, the seat sale fares would be lower. When I compare the tourist fare I got for a YYZ-FRA round trip last April - about $875 all in - when the economy was stronger, with the seat sale fare for the same week this year, I see little difference even though fuel costs are heading south. I'd say that based on the current sale, AC is actually making bigger margins on that flight than it would have a year ago.

When I see the April fare for that route - or other transatlantics - fall under $700 all in, I'll be impressed. So I think this cash-raising idea which some of you have developed is wrong.

A desperate company would offer desperate fares, and if you compare transatlantic Tourist fare rates with the lowest discounts of past years, I think these are still way too high. There have been years when you could fly to LHR for $600 all in during the winter (at least before the British boosted their taxes to current levels.) That's just not the case right now.

Snoopyo

I see YOW-LHR for $199++ RT $99 for Dec 30 and return Jan 8 or 9th for $100 for example - which gives a low of C$590.58 all in on the direct flights.. Wow, AC must be really desperate for cash... It cost me more to fly to West Coast... sorry, that is tourist class so not upgradable..

Ken hAAmer

I recently saw LHR-LAX return via Canada for $704 CAD all in. N class fare, but the AC booking engine explicity stated "Earn up to 100% Air Canada Status Miles for flights operated by Air Canada."

Base fare was $48 each way.

Sunny Day

When I see $500-700 ai going to LHR, AC is losing money and needs to cut its Trans Atlantic capacity. Why are fares to Hong Kong so expensive now? Dep January running over $1600 all in, that is ridiculous for low season. That price should be for high season. So at high season, are they going to charge $2000 for economy? I know with Oasis gone there are less capacity. But there are still lots of competition from JAL, EVA, Korean, Air China, China Airline, Cathay. What is going on?

Snoopyo

100% miles only for the transatlantic leg but not for the North american ones...