Better service? What better service?
Apr 20, 2009, 8:26 pm
#46
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 627
Personally I prefer WestJet over AC because of how they've been loyal to Edmonton. For example, with WS I can fly:
Non-stop to six more domestic destinations than AC
1. Comox
2. Abbotsford
3. Victoria
4. Kelowna
5. Hamilton
6. Halifax
Non-stop to 3 more US destinations than AC
1. Las Vegas (year round unlike AC)
2. Phoenix
3. Palm Springs
Non-stop to 3 more Sun destinations than AC
1. Mazatlan
2. Puerto Vallarta
3. Cabo
The only flight exclusively served by AC is LHR!!
If AC wants Edmonton's business, give us more non-stop options.
Non-stop to six more domestic destinations than AC
1. Comox
2. Abbotsford
3. Victoria
4. Kelowna
5. Hamilton
6. Halifax
Non-stop to 3 more US destinations than AC
1. Las Vegas (year round unlike AC)
2. Phoenix
3. Palm Springs
Non-stop to 3 more Sun destinations than AC
1. Mazatlan
2. Puerto Vallarta
3. Cabo
The only flight exclusively served by AC is LHR!!
If AC wants Edmonton's business, give us more non-stop options.
Apr 20, 2009, 9:51 pm
#47
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto YYZ UA-1K 1MM,QFgold
Programs: Royal Ambassador/ SPG Platinum 75/Marriott gold
Posts: 14,283
Personally I prefer WestJet over AC because of how they've been loyal to Edmonton. For example, with WS I can fly:
Non-stop to six more domestic destinations than AC
1. Comox
2. Abbotsford
3. Victoria
4. Kelowna
5. Hamilton
6. Halifax
Non-stop to 3 more US destinations than AC
1. Las Vegas (year round unlike AC)
2. Phoenix
3. Palm Springs
Non-stop to 3 more Sun destinations than AC
1. Mazatlan
2. Puerto Vallarta
3. Cabo
The only flight exclusively served by AC is LHR!!
If AC wants Edmonton's business, give us more non-stop options.
Non-stop to six more domestic destinations than AC
1. Comox
2. Abbotsford
3. Victoria
4. Kelowna
5. Hamilton
6. Halifax
Non-stop to 3 more US destinations than AC
1. Las Vegas (year round unlike AC)
2. Phoenix
3. Palm Springs
Non-stop to 3 more Sun destinations than AC
1. Mazatlan
2. Puerto Vallarta
3. Cabo
The only flight exclusively served by AC is LHR!!
If AC wants Edmonton's business, give us more non-stop options.
Apr 20, 2009, 9:56 pm
#48
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto YYZ UA-1K 1MM,QFgold
Programs: Royal Ambassador/ SPG Platinum 75/Marriott gold
Posts: 14,283
they have said no to a lot of things. Things change. Next time West Jet will look in AC's garbage rather than steal computer information.
Apr 20, 2009, 10:00 pm
#49
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Toronto YYZ UA-1K 1MM,QFgold
Programs: Royal Ambassador/ SPG Platinum 75/Marriott gold
Posts: 14,283
And why the reference that one airline nickels and dimes its customers, while the other does not.
Both Airlines Offer:
B.O.B
Pillows and Blankets for Purchase
WS offers pay per view, while AC IFE remains complementary.
The playing field is fairly level, it all comes down to price and preference.
Both Airlines Offer:
B.O.B
Pillows and Blankets for Purchase
WS offers pay per view, while AC IFE remains complementary.
The playing field is fairly level, it all comes down to price and preference.
Apr 21, 2009, 11:18 am
#50
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Closer to YTZ
Programs: Fairmont Platinum | AC Gate Lice Status | VIPorter
Posts: 2,554
Returning to the original post about carrier vs. carrier, this fluffy news hit the wires today.
In response I suspect AC will guarantee that all tounge lashings from dragons and front line staff are now available in both official languages.
"Ask about our new Surcharge sucharge"
In response I suspect AC will guarantee that all tounge lashings from dragons and front line staff are now available in both official languages.
"Ask about our new Surcharge sucharge"
The WestJet "Care-antee"
Airline sets a new Canadian standard in passenger care
CALGARY, April 21 /CNW/ - WestJet today introduced a comprehensive
"Care-antee", setting a new standard for service and value in the Canadian
airline industry.
"The WestJet Care-antee is a set of promises we vow to uphold in good
times and bad," said Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience
and Marketing. "It's a very public commitment to our guests that we will
continue to deliver exceptional service and value, especially now when they
need it most."
"So many things are changing right now and people are uncertain about
what they can expect from the companies they deal with in their lives,"
continued Bob Cummings. "The WestJet Care-antee is about showing our guests in
a very real way that these are the things they can expect from their airline,
in good times and bad."
<<
Promises in the WestJet Care-antee include:
- We will not charge you to change or cancel your flight for 24 hours
after you book
- We will not charge you for call centre bookings
- We will not overbook your flight
- We will not charge you for two checked bags
- We will have the lowest, change, cancel and pre-reserved seating fees
in Canada
- We will accommodate you if your flight is delayed. Even if it's
Mother Nature's fault
- We will fly you in the youngest all-jet fleet in North America
- We will provide live seatback TV on our flights
- We will give you ample legroom and overhead bin space
- We will publish our on-time, lost baggage and cancellation rates
- We will always let you know how we're doing as a company
- We will offer free online check-in and seat selection 24 hours before
departure
- We will allow you to transfer your credit files to friends or family
for free
- We will give you free snacks and refreshments on your flight
- We will always include smiles and thank yous. Always
>>
"The ability to change or cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking
at no charge is something new," said Bob Cummings. "We want our guests to be
able to book with confidence, secure in the knowledge that if something comes
up or they change their mind within that first 24 hours, they can change or
cancel their flight and they'll get their money back, no questions asked."
For more information about the WestJet Care-antee, please visit
westjet.com
Small print
This is the spot where you normally find all the rules and conditions.
But let's face it; stuff happens and things change. What we can promise is
that we'll do our best and do it with a smile.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering
scheduled service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network.
Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and
2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased
legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its
modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed
deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013,
WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
For further information: Media Contacts: Robert Palmer, Media Relations,
telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), e-mail: [email protected]
Airline sets a new Canadian standard in passenger care
CALGARY, April 21 /CNW/ - WestJet today introduced a comprehensive
"Care-antee", setting a new standard for service and value in the Canadian
airline industry.
"The WestJet Care-antee is a set of promises we vow to uphold in good
times and bad," said Bob Cummings, Executive Vice-President, Guest Experience
and Marketing. "It's a very public commitment to our guests that we will
continue to deliver exceptional service and value, especially now when they
need it most."
"So many things are changing right now and people are uncertain about
what they can expect from the companies they deal with in their lives,"
continued Bob Cummings. "The WestJet Care-antee is about showing our guests in
a very real way that these are the things they can expect from their airline,
in good times and bad."
<<
Promises in the WestJet Care-antee include:
- We will not charge you to change or cancel your flight for 24 hours
after you book
- We will not charge you for call centre bookings
- We will not overbook your flight
- We will not charge you for two checked bags
- We will have the lowest, change, cancel and pre-reserved seating fees
in Canada
- We will accommodate you if your flight is delayed. Even if it's
Mother Nature's fault
- We will fly you in the youngest all-jet fleet in North America
- We will provide live seatback TV on our flights
- We will give you ample legroom and overhead bin space
- We will publish our on-time, lost baggage and cancellation rates
- We will always let you know how we're doing as a company
- We will offer free online check-in and seat selection 24 hours before
departure
- We will allow you to transfer your credit files to friends or family
for free
- We will give you free snacks and refreshments on your flight
- We will always include smiles and thank yous. Always
>>
"The ability to change or cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking
at no charge is something new," said Bob Cummings. "We want our guests to be
able to book with confidence, secure in the knowledge that if something comes
up or they change their mind within that first 24 hours, they can change or
cancel their flight and they'll get their money back, no questions asked."
For more information about the WestJet Care-antee, please visit
westjet.com
Small print
This is the spot where you normally find all the rules and conditions.
But let's face it; stuff happens and things change. What we can promise is
that we'll do our best and do it with a smile.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering
scheduled service throughout its 55-city North American and Caribbean network.
Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and
2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased
legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its
modern fleet of 79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed
deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013,
WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
For further information: Media Contacts: Robert Palmer, Media Relations,
telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), e-mail: [email protected]
Apr 21, 2009, 12:29 pm
#51
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Outside Toronto apparently.
Programs: BA Silver, AC-E and a few hotels
Posts: 551
Unfortunately AC have to compete with the low fare carriers.......simple. However instead of looking at their own feet and the other NA carries, maybe have a look at the europeans!
WS business model is very simple and is no different to various other low cost airlines. As I have spent many an hour flying back and forth on squeezyjet round europe, I am totally comfortable with WS. Atleast there is no scrum for seats on WS.
Even my wife is a fan of the little orange planes and she will forgive AC almost anything! Yes I have to buy my drinks and food, blankets and pillows are optional, but thats no different to AC or WS in economy.
And even she can explain the principle that planes on ground = losing money= no spare plane if this one breaks! Having sat in numerous lounges I am completely convinced that joe public believes that most airlines have a spare plane floating around to save the day!
And easyjet does more than most low cost carriers! you can arrive up to 12 hours early or 24 later and standby on to an earlier or later plane for free!
Even with my work as a consultant I am more likely to buy a cheaper, 50 bucks to change my plans ticket than a full flex economy. WHY? because my clients expect value for money and how do I justify spending 1000 dollars on a flex ticket if I don't use change features and could have flown for 300 on the same flights and paid 50 bucks to change??????
2 Facts:
The majority of people want to travel cheap and buy the extras they want.
Some people prefer to fly with more comfort (i.e. J class)
AC solution is to do something similar to Eurostar did
Economy fares were based on a similar fill the train strategy to the low cost airlines and if you want to tailor it a bit then that is going to cost you.
You want full economy, fine but it will cost you but you get all the flexability you want and still can choose which options. Maybe pop them in the front of economy
Leisure Business! - A non flexible business class ticket for that special trip! Non exchangable, non refundable but you get the perks of first. cheaper than fully flex economy......
Business Business - A fully flex ticket with options for a few extras (car to airport, in lounge dining, etc.)
As for the FF, points for all but status only on high level fare tiers.
Are AC brave enough to try this?????? Its already a proven and very sucessful model......
ps someone mentioned that RCMP officers were not allowed to get FFPs. This is the case for ALL government (crown?) employees! FFPs are considered a perk and encentive to use one company over another rather than best price!
WS business model is very simple and is no different to various other low cost airlines. As I have spent many an hour flying back and forth on squeezyjet round europe, I am totally comfortable with WS. Atleast there is no scrum for seats on WS.
Even my wife is a fan of the little orange planes and she will forgive AC almost anything! Yes I have to buy my drinks and food, blankets and pillows are optional, but thats no different to AC or WS in economy.
And even she can explain the principle that planes on ground = losing money= no spare plane if this one breaks! Having sat in numerous lounges I am completely convinced that joe public believes that most airlines have a spare plane floating around to save the day!
And easyjet does more than most low cost carriers! you can arrive up to 12 hours early or 24 later and standby on to an earlier or later plane for free!
Even with my work as a consultant I am more likely to buy a cheaper, 50 bucks to change my plans ticket than a full flex economy. WHY? because my clients expect value for money and how do I justify spending 1000 dollars on a flex ticket if I don't use change features and could have flown for 300 on the same flights and paid 50 bucks to change??????
2 Facts:
The majority of people want to travel cheap and buy the extras they want.
Some people prefer to fly with more comfort (i.e. J class)
AC solution is to do something similar to Eurostar did
Economy fares were based on a similar fill the train strategy to the low cost airlines and if you want to tailor it a bit then that is going to cost you.
You want full economy, fine but it will cost you but you get all the flexability you want and still can choose which options. Maybe pop them in the front of economy
Leisure Business! - A non flexible business class ticket for that special trip! Non exchangable, non refundable but you get the perks of first. cheaper than fully flex economy......
Business Business - A fully flex ticket with options for a few extras (car to airport, in lounge dining, etc.)
As for the FF, points for all but status only on high level fare tiers.
Are AC brave enough to try this?????? Its already a proven and very sucessful model......
ps someone mentioned that RCMP officers were not allowed to get FFPs. This is the case for ALL government (crown?) employees! FFPs are considered a perk and encentive to use one company over another rather than best price!
Apr 21, 2009, 1:02 pm
#52
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC E75K *G
Posts: 7,107
Promises in the WestJet Care-antee include:
- We will not charge you to change or cancel your flight for 24 hours
after you book
after you book
- We will not charge you for call centre bookings
- We will not overbook your flight
So there is good and bad in this depending on your perspective.
- We will not charge you for two checked bags
- We will have the lowest, change, cancel and pre-reserved seating fees in Canada
So WS can say they have the lowest change fee, but there are circumstances in which changing an AC Tango fare can be cheaper in total.
- We will accommodate you if your flight is delayed. Even if it's
Mother Nature's fault.
Mother Nature's fault.
- We will fly you in the youngest all-jet fleet in North America
- We will provide live seatback TV on our flights
- We will give you ample legroom and overhead bin space
- We will provide live seatback TV on our flights
- We will give you ample legroom and overhead bin space
- We will publish our on-time, lost baggage and cancellation rates
- We will always let you know how we're doing as a company
- We will offer free online check-in and seat selection 24 hours before departure
- We will allow you to transfer your credit files to friends or family
for free
for free
- We will always include smiles and thank yous. Always
This is the spot where you normally find all the rules and conditions.
But let's face it; stuff happens and things change. What we can promise is
that we'll do our best and do it with a smile.
But let's face it; stuff happens and things change. What we can promise is
that we'll do our best and do it with a smile.
Apr 21, 2009, 2:22 pm
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,655
Not true. Unless you buy AC's insurance product, you are on your own if the delay is weather-related. WS seems to be saying that even if it is weather related (mother nature), they'll look after you.
Apr 21, 2009, 2:40 pm
#55
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: YOW
Programs: AC E75K *G
Posts: 7,107
I've made use of refundable fares specifically for their refundability and I'm sure many others do as well.
And I don't think you really know how many late cancels WS gets.
Not true. Unless you buy AC's insurance product, you are on your own if the delay is weather-related. WS seems to be saying that even if it is weather related (mother nature), they'll look after you.
In reality any airline will provide some degree of accommodation, which could be as little as putting you on another flight sometime, to ordering pizza for the TV cameras, right up to getting you a hotel. I'm sure a very lengthy anecdote fight could ensue with examples of all such accommodations offered, or not.
If WS puts in writing specific promises w/r/t meal vouchers, hotels, etc. for weather delays, let me know and I'll be happy to commend them for it.
Apr 21, 2009, 6:39 pm
#56
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,125
Yes, WS gives out meals and hotel rooms (if available) in the event of weather-related delays. They have done so for years. And now you can get it in writing by clicking on the "Care-antee" (Yuck! I can't type that without cringing!) banner on their website.
Apr 21, 2009, 7:43 pm
#57
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
I look at my brother-in-law based out of YYC.
Has some random fascination with WestJet and uses it all of the time for business.
If he flew AC, he would have easily made Elite, get access to (slightly) better rewards, upgrades, lounges, etc.
Instead, he flies WestJet, has no great access to redeem points seats for his family, and really for all his travel has nothing to show for it... other than that warm and fuzzy feeling for flying on a plane Captained by Captain Bob and First Officer Mike who are supper duper thrilled that he is flying with Westjet.
It seems to work for him, but for all that travel, you should be able to get something back (Elite, for example)
Has some random fascination with WestJet and uses it all of the time for business.
If he flew AC, he would have easily made Elite, get access to (slightly) better rewards, upgrades, lounges, etc.
Instead, he flies WestJet, has no great access to redeem points seats for his family, and really for all his travel has nothing to show for it... other than that warm and fuzzy feeling for flying on a plane Captained by Captain Bob and First Officer Mike who are supper duper thrilled that he is flying with Westjet.
It seems to work for him, but for all that travel, you should be able to get something back (Elite, for example)
Apr 22, 2009, 1:42 am
#58
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 718
I look at my brother-in-law based out of YYC.
Has some random fascination with WestJet and uses it all of the time for business.
If he flew AC, he would have easily made Elite, get access to (slightly) better rewards, upgrades, lounges, etc.
Instead, he flies WestJet, has no great access to redeem points seats for his family, and really for all his travel has nothing to show for it... other than that warm and fuzzy feeling for flying on a plane Captained by Captain Bob and First Officer Mike who are supper duper thrilled that he is flying with Westjet.
It seems to work for him, but for all that travel, you should be able to get something back (Elite, for example)
Has some random fascination with WestJet and uses it all of the time for business.
If he flew AC, he would have easily made Elite, get access to (slightly) better rewards, upgrades, lounges, etc.
Instead, he flies WestJet, has no great access to redeem points seats for his family, and really for all his travel has nothing to show for it... other than that warm and fuzzy feeling for flying on a plane Captained by Captain Bob and First Officer Mike who are supper duper thrilled that he is flying with Westjet.
It seems to work for him, but for all that travel, you should be able to get something back (Elite, for example)
maybe you should pitch your sister on AP reward travel for family vacations if he flies WJ that much...
WJ and AC Y are a wash imo... but if you do a lot of flying the benefits of E and SE and AVOD far outweigh the toilet paper bowling and TV offerings of WJ... but I do like that WJ will sing my kid a lullaby when she's crying to make her sleep...
Apr 22, 2009, 3:37 am
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Your basic premise "AC can't compete with WS on price" is a fallacy and has been disproven on many occasions. AC does compete with WS on price, on routes, on schedule, on awards program, on perks for regular customers. In fact, the only place AC doesn't match WS is in the image of being a homey, erthy, youthful company..corny jokes and all. AC's problem is that its cost base is higher than WS because it pays its workers better and actually gives them a pension plan, among other benefits WS doesn't bother with.