Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

I s it just me or has making fl ight arrangements become more complicated and confusing? I found keeping track of the various fare levels challenging enough. Then, airlines started charging ancillary fees for checked bags and air travel became an accountant's nightmare. And more changes are on the horizon. WestJet and Air Canada recently announced they are charging a fee plus applicable taxes for all checked baggage on select fares for travel within Canada and the USA. These charges also affect those travelling on Air Canada to Mexico and the Caribbean however, for now, WestJet charges do not apply on these routes. New policy changes go into effect November 2 on Air Canada and October 29 on WestJet. So here are some scenarios for Air Canada. If you travel on Tango fares within Canada, you will pay $25 per direction for each checked bag. In other words, two checked bags equal $50 one way, $100 return. For those travelling on the airline's Flex fares, the fi rst checked bag is free of charge, however a $25 fee is levied on the second checked bag for each direction. Those ticketed at the latitude fare levels can check two bags free of charge. These same fees apply to air travel between Canada and Mexico or the Caribbean. However, for travel between Canada and the U.S., Tango and Flex fare passengers pay $25 per direction for the fi rst checked bag and $35 one way for the second. For latitude fare passengers two checked bags are free. If your travels take you to Europe, the Middle East, Egypt, Morocco, Malawi or Zambia, the fi rst checked bag is free regardless of the fare paid, however the second checked bag will cost you $100 one way. For most other itineraries, the fi rst bag is free but a $70 charge applies to the second in each direction. In the case of WestJet, Econo fare passengers travelling within Canada or between Canada and the U.S. are assessed a fee of $25 plus taxes one way per bag. Meanwhile Flex fare passengers check their fi rst bag for free and pay the appli- cable fee on the second while Plus fare passengers can check both bags at no charge. Checked baggage fees in some instances may affect those using their WestJet rewards or travelling on a WestJet Vacations package, however Air Canada's fee for a fi rst checked bag does not apply to customers purchasing Air Canada Vacations pack- ages or to Altitude prestige, elite and super elite members as well as Star Alliance silver and gold members. So now, more than ever, it behooves you to do the math and ask questions before you confi rm your fl ights. And, if you're confused, rest assured you're not alone. With November on the horizon, many Canadians are busily planning their winter escape. But November also brings Remembrance Day—a time to recognize the ulti- mate sacrifi ces countless Canadian soldiers, veterans and their families paid in order to ensure our safety, freedom and democratic rights. It's not a day I take lightly because my father, rest his soul, was among those who survived World War II and, although he rarely spoke of his experi- ences, I always sensed the memories haunted him. Keeping the silence is a common trait among many of our soldiers and veterans. When my father died, I found his memoirs among his belongings, which answered many of the questions I never dared to ask. I treasure them to this day because I believe writing them down helped him to cope with everyday family life in spite of the atrocities he may have witnessed and his grief over the dear friends he lost. Dad, this one's for you. Thank you for sharing your story and secrets with us. you are dearly missed but always remembered. from my travel bag b y d o n n a s . v i e i r a 6 Fa l l / W i n t e r 2 0 1 4

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