ATW Daily News

Air Canada introduces 'a la carte' pricing options

Tuesday October 31, 2006

Air Canada last week introduced a new pricing system, available on its website, that offers "a la carte options" that allow passengers to pay for specific services or to save money by choosing not to use certain services.

The carrier is offering four fare types (Tango, Tango Plus, Latitude and Executive) and gives passengers the option to add or subtract items based on individual preferences.

The offerings include value-added car rental and hotel services, lounge access for Latitude customers for C$25 ($22.30), advance seat selection for Tango customers (C$15), a C$5 inflight meal voucher option for Tango and Tango Plus customers and options for Tango, Tango Plus and Latitude passengers to save C$5 by not checking baggage and for Tango passengers to save C$7 by agreeing not to change or cancel flights and C$3 by declining frequent-flier miles.

"Air Canada is making it easier than ever for customers to choose only the products and services they want with pricing that is transparent and clearly understandable," VP-Marketing Charles McKee said. "By coupling our branded fares with a la carte options on our revamped website, we are providing people an unprecedented ability to find the best value for their travel dollar through flexibility and product selection. As they build their individual tickets, travelers will see exactly what they are paying for and thus be better able to determine whether to spend more for the added services they want or to save money on those things they can do without." He noted that more options will be added in the future.

by Aaron Karp

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