Newsletter

Air Canada Updates

New Route from Ottawa

Air Canada is committed to Ottawa and is the only carrier with non-stop service between Ottawa and London, England (LHR - London Heathrow) and the only Canadian carrier connecting Ottawa to Europe.

Non-stop, 4 x weekly service, begins March 31, 2025. Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-9 featuring Signature, Premium and Economy class service and are timed for convenient connections to Europe, Middle East, Africa and India with Air Canada's partner airlines.

New Air Canada Café Lounge Now Open in Montreal

Located near Gate A2 at Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL), is open to eligible domestic travellers. The new Café area blends local flavors with modern amenities, featuring a curated menu of iconic Montreal snacks, a selection of self-serve beverages, and power outlets at each of the 58 seats in the lounge.  To access the lounge, eligible customers need only scan their boarding pass at the eGates at the Air Canada Café's entrance.  

Air Canada detailed that customers traveling on a business class ticket and/or Aeroplan 50K, 75K, or Aeroplan Super Elite Status, Star Alliance Gold, and Aeroplan premium co-brand credit card holders will be able to access the lounge.

Passengers will find selections of pastries, cheese boards, vegetarian wraps, Montreal-inspired bagels and sandwiches, and other food items. The self-service beverage station features all Montreal-brewed beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options, including kombucha.  

There is an Air Canada Cafe Lounge located in Toronto Pearson as well.  More details

Discover the Air Canada Signature Suites

Located at Toronto Pearson International Airport and Vancouver International Airport, the Signature Suite is an elevated airport experience, for Signature Class customers travelling internationally on a full fare business class ticket.

The Air Canada Signature Suite was designed to be a haven away from the airport hustle, so you have a space to relax before the next leg of your journey. Enjoy spectacular service in the restaurant dining room and bar area, work peacefully in the quiet work area, or take advantage of a personalized Concierge service, there to take care of all your travel needs. If you are an Air Canada Signature Class customer, you will also enjoy an array of priority services, such as Business Class check-in (when departing from Toronto), Concierge service, priority security for accelerated screening, as well as priority boarding in Zone 1 and priority baggage delivery upon arrival.

Learn more about the eligibility and locations of the Signature Suites

Five key enhancements to WestJet Rewards 

Coming this spring, introducing WestJet points – WestJet points will replace WestJet dollars, with one WestJet dollar converting to 100 WestJet points. Points will not expire, and members' accounts will reflect a balance in points starting April 30. WestJet points will allow travellers to do more, including integrating with everyday partners, while keeping simple redemption on any flight at any time.

Earn and redeem on more of the ticket cost and flight extras – Members will now earn points and top-tier qualifying spend credit not only on base fare, but also on carrier surcharges and extras such as seat selection, checked bags and upgrades; only government taxes and fees will be excluded. Teal members will also see their earn rate on flights double, to one point per dollar. Additionally, members may now redeem for the entire fare, including all extras and taxes, entirely with points.

Reach top-tier status with or without flying – For the first time, members can achieve any level of tier status, including Platinum, without travelling, by spending on the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard, or with any combination of flight and credit card spend through the updated Status Lift feature. In addition, all components of the ticket, aside from government taxes and fees, will be counted towards status.

Engage with WestJet Rewards everyday – An all-new WestJet Rewards eStore will turn everyday online shopping into more rewards. Members will have the ability to earn when they shop, as well as redeem WestJet points on merchandise and gift cards with popular retailers like Amazon, Apple, Sephora and Sport Chek.

Click here to join and earn Points on WestJet Airlines

Updates on Carry-on Baggage Size Requirements

Effective immeidately, WestJet made the move to align with common international dimensions adopted by other North American carriers and baggage manufacturers, including partner carrier Delta Air Lines.

The new maximum dimensions (22” x 14” x 9”) account for wheels and handles. WestJet has added one inch of height to the accepted dimensions, reducing the current width limit (21” x 15” x 9”) by one inch to increase overall stowage capacity.

Travelling to the UK?

Canadian citizens require an ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to or through the United Kingdom effective immediately.

An ETA allows you to:

• visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
• visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
• transit through a UK airport if you will pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure
• An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK, you still need to either see a Border Control Officer or use an ePassport gate.

Who Needs an ETA: Everyone traveling to the UK, including babies and children, will need an ETA. 

Where to Apply: You can apply for an ETA online through the UK Government website  - Click Here

Why an ETA?: The UK introduced the ETA to enhance border security and streamline the travel process for visitors. 

Dual citizens If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Prove your permission to travel using a:

• valid British passport
• valid Irish passport
• other valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement

How much does it costs?  It costs £10 to apply using the UK ETA app or online through GOV.UK. Other websites may charge more.  From April 9,2025, it will cost £16 to apply for an ETA.

For more information, CLICK HERE for the UK Government website