Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Canada's Westjet provides competition to CAL

T&T's High Commissioner to Canada Philip Buxo cuts a ribbon to mark the inauguration of the WESTJET service to Trinidad. Others in picture from left are Robert Palmer, the airline's manager of public relations and Jeff Barrow, Senior Manager of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA).

State owned Caribbean Airlines is getting some competition on its direct service to Toronto's Pearson International Airport for the first since Air Canada pulled out of Trinidad on August 31, 2008, ending 60 unbroken years of service to the country.

That left T&T's state airline as the only carrier flying in and out of Toronto with daily non-stop flights from Piarco although some charters continued to operate, including services by the Nova Scotia-based CANJET.

Earlier this month Westjet began a daily service between Trinidad and Toronto with direct connections to all major Canadian cities. 


Commenting on the new daily non-stop service by Westjet, T&T's High Commissioner to Canada Philip Buxo the service will "play an instrumental role in serving both countries and enhancing easier travel of our nationals as well as strengthen trade and economic ties between our two countries."It's an attractive option for travellers who want to get to different Canadian destinations with the minimum amount of hassle and red tape. 

However, persons booking flights to Canada would be wise to do some comparisons between Westjet and Caaribbean Airlines (CAL).


For example Westjet might have similar fares (I have found them to be higher that CAL) with direct interlined service to other Canadian destinations. 

But while CAL allows you two bags of 50 pounds each at no charge Westjet will charge you a hefty fee for the second bag.

CAL also offers free inflight entertainment, meals and refreshments, and seat selections. You pay for these are services on Westjet. And CAL offers a 10 per cent discount for seniors aged 60 and over, which you won't get on Westjet. Also travel on CAL gives you discounts at CAL's duty free shop at Piarco.

Both CAL and Westjet operate from Pearson's terminal 3, which makes connections to other airlines easy. Even if you have to switch terminals, that's a breeze because of the free overhead rail service that links the terminals.
So if you are planning a trip to my hometown, Toronto, or anywhere else in Canada check the small details instead of being lured by advertising that leaves out the critical details. 

Westjet is a great airline. So is CAL. What did the knight say in the Indiana Jones movie? "You must choose - WISELY." 

Bon Voyage!

Jai Parasram 

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai