I'm so excited to bring you the first part of a... I haven't decided how many parts yet to be honest... Anyways, the first part of a multi-part series about my recent trip to Vancouver, BC. Through trials and tribulations (and re-writing this about three times already) I've decided to split the trip up into a bunch of segments, so that I can actually cover how to have a cheap trip in one of Canada's most expensive cities.
The hardest part of any excursion, for me at least, is finding a way to get there. With the rising cost of fuel, all modes of transportation seem to be getting more expensive... BUT! Remember that article I wrote about getting a rocking rewards card? Well, that is how I got over to Vancouver.
My parents have been saving up on points for years, and for a birthday/Christmas present they cashed in and flew my mom, sister and I out west. Now, if you're Canadian you'll know all about Air Miles. These can only be cashed in with the Air Canada airline...
The few times that I've flown it's always been with WestJet (another Canadian airline that is AMAZING), so flying with Air Canada for the first time I was... Underwhelmed would probably be the best word for it...
Flying in Canada
When flying in or through Canada, there are basically two big airlines to chose from (there's another one, but I'll get to that later): Air Canada or WestJet. Air Canada is the classic way to travel in Canada, in that it's been around forever (celebrated it's 70th anniversary in 2017). However, in 1996 they were taken by storm by a new company, WestJet.
Up until this point, Air Canada pretty much had a monopoly over air travel in Canada, and so prices were steadily increasing. WestJet offered a no frills alternative with ridiculously friendly service. I'm talking they flight attendants and pilots are hilarious and fantastic at customer service.
Anyways, history lesson aside, we cashed in our Air Miles (an Air Canada rewards program) and hopped on a Jazz Air Canada flight. The Jazz line is Air Canada's way of competing with WestJet. Yes, it had in flight TV, but I'm pretty sure I've seen sardines in a can that had more room than we did. With two seats on each side and a three hour flight, it wasn't the most enjoyable experience. My sister and I were both crammed into one side, and neither of us are overly large people. I DID take a hilarious picture of this, but unfortunately I was experimenting with Snapchat at the time and it disappeared... Now I just stick with Instagram!
BUT! It was paid for with rewards points that came from everyday spending, so it is possible! On the way to Vancouver I had the window seat, so I could pass out for a little bit and I had a little bit more room. I do have to say that Air Canada came through with their movie selection. They had a ton of movies that are super new, and I'm not even sure if they were out of theaters yet. My sister enjoyed "Moana" on the way there. I, personally, am not a movie person. My mind wanders very easily and I usually end up having to re-watch most of it anyways. The TV shows left much to be desired, but again, I have weird taste in shows (I'm a documentary freak). I was pleasantly surprised by their... I guess radio stations that they had. Lots of variety and good songs.
This (below) is a pictures of flying over the Alberta Rockies, which, if you follow my Instagram (@globetrottingdink), you'll probably know is my favourite place. Once the Vancouver series is done, I'll for sure be covering them.
 |
| Hello Alberta!! |
Anyways, I've covered the two major airlines for getting around in Canada, and they're both similarly priced. It's always a good idea to subscribe to your favourite airline's website, because there's usually some pretty wicked deals. There's is one newer bargain air line available in Canada now as well! Super exciting. I personally haven't travelled with them yet, but if you can get from one end of the country to the other for under $200 CAD (which is even less in USD) I'll take it!
New with NewLeaf!
NewLeaf Travel Company is the new and improved way to get to point A to point B in Canada. As it's a smaller airline there are definitely a some days of the week/month that there are no flights leaving from certain airports, so flexibility is key here. Also, make sure to check all the little fees, because if you start to check multiple bags things start to get a little expensive (think LITTLE company with LITTLE planes). So having a carry-on will reduce some costs for you. Their prices also change pretty drastically depending on the day of the week you leave, so be sure to keep that in mind!
On a whole, our travel to and from Vancouver was pretty uneventful (except that I accidentally spilled some of my hot chocolate on one of the pilots who was travelling at the front of the plane... OOPS!!).
Got any flight tips? Ins and outs? Share them in the comments!
Coming up May 29th: Cheap Accommodations in Vancouver!
 |
| Chillin' at the Sylvia Hotel |
No comments:
Post a Comment