New ‘Ultra Low Cost’ Travel Service Launching in Canada
by Michele McDonaldNewLeaf Travel will begin domestic service within Canada on Feb. 12, using the Spirit Airlines playbook.
Its flights will be operated by Flair Airlines, a 10-year-old charter airline that flies 737-400s.
NewLeaf is billing itself as an “ultra low cost” operation.
Fares start at CAD89 (US$63), for which passengers receive “a seat and a seatbelt,” according to the company’s website.
There are no free snacks or beverages. Passengers are charged CAD25 for either the first checked bag or a carry-on that fits in the overhead bin.
They also are charged for seat selection, with prices ranging from CAD10 to CAD30, depending on when the seat fee is paid and the seat’s location on the plane.
No booking fee will be charged for website and airport counter purchases, but other channels will incur a fee.
To avoid a CAD75 change fee, passengers can purchase a “TravelFLEX” option for $20 at the time of the original booking.
A few items will not incur fees: Carrying on a small personal item that fits under the seat, checking a wheelchair or stroller, and advance seat assignment for disabled passengers.
NewLeaf will operate from Hamilton Airport, about 40 miles from downtown Toronto, and serve Kelowna, Halifax, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, and Abbotsford Airport, about 43 miles from downtown Vancouver.
It also plans service to sun destinations within a few weeks.
NewLeaf’s president and chief executive officer is Jim Young, former vice president of distribution, sales, and marketing at Frontier Airlines.
Pic: Twitter
