March 2009

British Airways are changing their checked baggage policy from April 1, 2009, with a standard maximum dimension to be applied for all passengers worldwide and a set additional fee for larger items and some special items.

The changes are:

1. Maximum dimensions of items that can be checked in without incurring the special bag charge at all airports worldwide will be 81 inches (35.5in x 29.5in x 16in) or 208cm (90cm x 75cm x 43cm).
2. Introduction of a $45 USD (GBP25) handling charge for bags between 81 inches and 149.5 inches (94.5in+29.5in+25.5in) or 380cm (240cm +75cm+65cm).
3. Introduction of a $45 USD (GBP25) handling charge for firearms.

The changes will affect passengers who travel from April 1, 2009.

The changes reflect the additional manual processes required to handle larger items and that firearms must be handled securely through a third-party specialist agent.

Customers who are travelling with items that incur a handling charge will need to pay at the airport when they check in.

Standard baggage allowances are unchanged.

Questions and answers:

Why are these charges being introduced?
Our global baggage policy is designed to bring greater consistency at all airports worldwide, which is why we are introducing revised maximum dimensions for items we are able to accept. Introducing maximum weight and size limits helps us to reduce injuries to our staff and helps us to simplify our manual handling processes.

Additional processes are required to handle larger items or certain items that are unable to go through the airport baggage system.  Firearms are handled by a specialist third party agent on our behalf.

Are any items exempt?
Any sporting item not listed as a free sporting item on ba.com will incur the Special Bag Charge.

How can you say firearms are still free when you are charging a handling fee?
Sporting guns will continue to be accepted as part of a customer's sporting equipment allowance, in addition to the standard baggage allowance of one bag.The $45 charge is a handling fee to cover the cost of the third party specialist agent we use to ensure firearms are carried safely and securely. The $45 charge is not an additional bag charge.

Will customers who have already been booked be affected by these changes?
The changes apply for travel from April 1, 2009 for customers travelling in World/Euro Traveller (economy) and World Traveller Plus(premium economy) cabins.

Can customers pay these handling charges online?
No.  These handling charges must be paid at the airport during check in.

What happens if customers have items that exceed the maximum dimensions of 81 inches (94.5in+29.5in+25.5in) or 380cm (240cm+65cm+75cm)?

Items that exceed the maximum dimensions will not be accepted. Customers will be asked to repack into smaller bags that do not exceed the dimensions or to make arrangements for their items to be sent as cargo.

Check in to your Air Canada flights from wherever you are! Simply visit mobile.aircanada.com and select the Check-in option. You can receive your Electronic Boarding Pass directly to your mobile device or confirm your "check-in" to secure your seat on the plane.

What services are offered with Mobile Check-in?

You can use Mobile Check-in just like our Web Check-in to:

• Select your seat
• Stand by for an earlier flight*
• Stand by for upgrades*
• Make same-day changes*
• Confirm your baggage amounts
• Cancel your check-in

* if eligible

Who can use Mobile Check-in?

• Bookings with a maximum of four (4) people.
• Passengers flying on Air Canada or Jazz operated flights (flights operated by other airlines are not eligible for Mobile Check-in).
• Passengers with an electronic ticket.
Passengers flying with or without baggage.

What type of device can I use to access Mobile Check-in?
You can access Mobile Check-in from most mobile devices that have an internet browser and internet capabilities. In addition, to receive an Electronic Boarding Pass from a Mobile Check-in, your mobile device must be capable of receiving e-mails or text (SMS) messages. These capabilities are provided through your wireless provider and may cost extra. Please consult your mobile device manual and your wireless service provider for more details.

Which flights are eligible?

• Passengers flying on Air Canada or Jazz operated flights (flights operated by other airlines are not eligible for Mobile Check-in).
• All domestic Canadian flights.
• All flights to the US and from select US cities.
• All flights to International destinations and from select International airports.

When can I check in with my mobile?

• Within the 24-hour period prior to departure of all your flights; and at least 30 minutes prior to departure for flights within Canada
• at least 60 minutes prior to departure for flights between Canada and other countries (including the USA)
• if you have a connecting flight, up to 24 hours prior to departure time of your final connecting flight

How does Mobile Check-in work?

NOTE: To access Air Canada Mobile Services, simply type mobile.aircanada.com on your mobile device's Web browser
Step 1: Open your Web browser on your Internet-enabled mobile device and navigate to mobile.aircanada.com. Once there, select the "Check-in" option.
Step 2: Enter your first name, last name, identification number (Aeroplan number, credit card number or booking reference) and departure city.
Step 3: Select the passengers you wish to check in or make changes for.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to select your seat, enter your number of checked bags and complete your check-in.
Step 5: If eligible for an Electronic Boarding Pass, enter your e-mail address or mobile phone number to complete your check-in and receive your Electronic Boarding Pass. Otherwise, you can obtain your boarding pass at the airport at a Self-Service Kiosk or with an Air Canada agent.

Vision 2000 has set up a critical incident team in our offices across Canada to administer our Vision Assure program. The team is responsible for monitoring news, weather and travel alerts on a global basis.

Our goal is to ensure that we are able to handle any crisis that may potentially affect our travellers. Our software allows us to run a report to pinpoint the location of any of our travellers at any time.  When a critical incident occurs anywhere in the world which could affect your itinerary or personal safety your travel agent is alerted and is able to respond quickly to your travel needs.

Hotel Ruby Foo’s in Montreal is evolving to serve you better. Vision 2000 is proud to be Preferred Partners with this luxury hotel in Downtown Montreal.  They offer 108 deluxe guest rooms and two restaurants for an entirely new experience at Hotel Ruby Foo’s.

Luxury, comfort and personalized service.  Discover the best value in Montreal hotels! Hotel Ruby Foo’s offers you unparalleled comfort and luxury. Conveniently located just ten minutes from downtown Montreal and Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, they offer free parking for all their guests.

Treat your family to an Easter holiday escape to Montreal!

Take advantage of their Easter Family Escape Packages available at $225.00 and $370.00 (gratuities included, taxes extra).

The Easter accommodation package will ensure you receive maximum value, from your stay in one of their newly redesigned Deluxe Bedrooms, to a sumptuous Easter Brunch at their beautiful restaurants Mahjonngg, China Bistro and Café dLUX. At Hotel Ruby Foo’s, your family holiday will be both relaxing and enjoyable.

The Easter Family Escape Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a deluxe bedroom.
• Free parking
• Easter Sunday Brunch for up to two adults and one to two children (up to 12 years old), at Mahjongg and Café dLUX
• In-room Easter gifts for the children upon arrival
• Access to the fitness center
• A late checkout
• Gratuities included

Offer valid 10th April - 13th April 2009.

As you drive into town, it's not just the scenic Scottish Coast, the quaint countryside, past country Inns that are hundreds of years old or the castles that seem to appear in your review mirror, it's the sense that you have arrived.  Golf season is upon us and although the links on this side of the Pond are some of the best in the world, standing at the first tee at St. Andrews for the first time sends shivers down your spine, a tingling in your hands.

THE ST. ANDREWS STARTER

Destination: Fife Region & St. Andrews
Accommodation: The Albany Hotel
Price: $1575 CDN (pp/dbl)

Package Includes:

• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Double occupancy in a standard room
• Breakfast daily
• 5 rounds of golf over 5 of the Links Trust Courses (The New, Eden, Jubilee, Stathtryum and the Castle course)
• Advance tee times
• 7 day compact car with unlimited mileage
• All taxes unless otherwise stated
• Standard Terms and Conditions apply

prices valid on travel between April 14th and 30th

DISCOVER AYRSHIRE

Destination: South West - Ayrshire
Accommodation: Gleddoch House Hotel
Price: $1685 CDN (pp/dbl)

Package Includes:

• 7 nights’ accommodation
• Double occupancy in a standard room
• Breakfast daily
• 5 rounds of golf over 4 courses (Gleddoch House GC x 2, Glasgow Gailes GC, Barassie GC and Dundonald GC)
• Advance tee times
• 7 day compact car with unlimited mileage
• All taxes unless otherwise stated
• Standard terms and conditions apply

prices valid on travel between May 1st and June 30th