Air Canada simplifies transatlantic fares

Air Canada is simplifying transatlantic fares on flights to and from the United Kingdom. The easier-to-understand rates apply on Air Canada’s service to London Heathrow and Manchester. The airline plans to apply the remade rate structure to other international routes “in the near future”.

There are four levels of simplified transatlantic ticketing: Tourist, which offers discounted promotional airfares; Leisure, which serves up “everyday affordability”; Latitude Plus, which touts “maximum flexibility and value”; and Executive First, which is being promoted as affording fliers “maximum priority, comfort and freedom”.

In Leisure class, while the round-trip fares are discounted and no advance purchase is required, fares are non-refundable. If you change reservations, it will cost $200 plus any applicable fare difference.

Same-day changes, accomplished at the airport, can be had for $100 with no additional charges for fare differences. This is a very good deal, providing that you have the flexibility to wait at the airport, and providing there are multiple daily flights to your destination.

In addition, you can stopover en route for $50. There is a Saturday night stay rule, but you can stay in your destination up to 12 months, and you can earn Aeroplan miles on these simplified fares (100 per cent of the standard accumulation).

This is not Air Canada’s first foray into simplified airfares. It lays claim to being the first full-service airline in North America to introduce the concept across its United States and Canadian route network in May 2003, and domestically within Canada in February 2004.

There should be ample opportunity for travelers to use Air Canada’s new simplified transatlantic tariffs. The Canadian flag carrier lofts more than 100 flights per week from seven Canadian cities to London Heathrow, as well as seasonal summer service to Manchester.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler