Major U.S. airlines are collecting more in baggage fees than ever before, according to Upgraded Points.
The move will offer customers a greater range of choices, as well as allowing travelers to bypass the GDS and avoid additional fees.
This week, Air Canada announced the introduction of a new year-round service between Montreal and Bogotá, Colombia, beginning June 2, 2020. These nonstop flights will operate three times a week onboard the Air Canada Rouge Boeing 767-300ER aircraft, which offers a choice of premium and economy service.
"We are very pleased to offer the only nonstop, year-round flights connecting Montreal and Bogotá, two vibrant cities steeped in history and culture. This new route complements our existing Toronto-Bogotá service, and positions Air Canada as a significant player linking the growing markets between Montreal and Colombia's capital and largest city," said Mark Galardo, vice president of network planning at Air Canada.
“The addition of Bogotá represents Air Canada's 39th new route launched from Montreal-Trudeau Airport since 2012, firmly illustrating our commitment to developing Montreal as an important, strategic hub. Bogotá is also strategically situated to allow for seamless travel across South America through Star Alliance partner Avianca.”
Air Canada will be offering special introductory fares starting as low as $795 round-trip, all in, and tickets are now available for purchase.
"This is a very exciting announcement. We are looking forward to connecting our capital city with Montreal, the global leader in digital art and creativity, which will further advance the growth of the creative industries sector in Colombia,” said Federico Hoyos, Colombia’s Ambassador to Canada. “This new route will also enable a greater number of Canadians to experience 21st-century Colombia — a vibrant country that stands out for its opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship, and for its unparalleled offer of sustainable tourism.”
Alaska Airlines announced its commitment to expanding service on the West Coast by offering new, nonstop flight service from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska; and from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
Starting in early January, the new scheduled service will link the following destinations: Spokane to Los Angeles (two daily departures); Spokane to San Francisco (two daily departures); Redmond/Bend, Oregon, to Los Angeles; Redmond/Bend, Oregon, to San Diego; Redmond/Bend, Oregon, to San Francisco; Boise to Los Angeles (two daily departures); Missoula, Montana, to Los Angeles; and Anchorage to San Francisco.
"We're excited to offer even more nonstops between vibrant Pacific Northwest communities and our growing hubs in California," said Brett Catlin, Alaska Airlines’ managing director of capacity planning and alliances. "Whether it's travel for a weekend getaway to Missoula or a day trip to San Francisco, we're proud to offer nearly 600 daily flights between West Coast cities."
Adding to its expanded services, Alaska is also increasing the frequency of flights between certain markets.
Beginning Jan. 7, there will be an additional flight between San Francisco and Orange County, California, for a total of seven daily nonstops. Also starting Jan. 7, the flight between San Diego and Orlando, which is currently flown five times a week, becomes daily nonstop service.
Starting Mar. 19, Alaska Air will offer second daily flights between San Diego and Boise; and San Diego and Santa Rosa, California. There will be the addition of a second daily flight between San Francisco and Chicago O'Hare.
Also on Mar. 19, nonstop service between San Diego and San Jose, California, increases from four to six flights daily. And on May 21, a second daily flight between San Diego and Boston will go into service.
The carrier plans to challenge British Airways for dominance at London Heathrow Airport, as well as expand its service to 84 new destinations.
The group announced a full slate of educational and training opportunities to be held around the country in 2020 for new and experienced travel advisors.
One lucky winner will receive a grand prize of 5,000 euros in the form of a preloaded card that can be used towards a flight issued on a HR-169 ticket to any destination in the world.
Over 50 value-priced packages feature experiences throughout Africa, including adventure, culture, wildlife, culinary and wine tours, honeymoons, and family safaris.
Organizations have taken part in the Hurricane Dorian relief effort, from donating millions of dollars to transporting survivors and flying critical supplies to the Bahamas.
The cruise line’s President and CEO Andy Stuart presented the honor to the Grammy Award-winning artist live on-air during “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”