Canadian airlines increase airfares

WestJet and Porter Airlines, two carriers based in Canada, have announced significant increases to airfares charged on most routes. Both carriers decided to finally add a fuel surcharge to all tickets, thus following the example set by nearly all North American and European carriers. WestJet announced earlier today that the carrier-based in Western Canada and the country’s second largest airline-may charge as much as $45 each way on some routes, in order to cover the rising cost of fuel. The new fuel surcharge comes into effect immediately, but those on short-haul, regional flights will only find themselves paying $20 extra each way. Those on medium haul routes will be charged $30.

WestJet spokesperson Richard Bartrem told journalists that the carrier has long contemplated the introduction of a fuel surcharge, and also considered forcing passengers to pay extra if they wish to check in a second piece of luggage. Instead, however, the discount carrier decided that simply applying a fuel surcharge would prove to be the most transparent of all options.

Porter Airlines, a regional carrier based at Toronto’s City Centre Airport, followed WestJet’s example and also announced the addition of a new fuel surcharge to its flights as well. Porter noted that it would add $20 the price of a one-way ticket for flights from Toronto to Ottawa, and $40 for flights to Halifax, Montreal and New York.

Air Canada has long applied a fuel surcharge to the price of international airfare, but only in the past few days did it announce its own hike in the case of domestic routes. The country’s flag carrier added fuel surcharges of as much as $60 to long-haul, Canadian flights.

www.westjet.com