Airlines charging for convenience

Dear editor: I draw this to the attention of Richard Cannings, member of Parliament.

I always fly with Air Canada on business trips or vacation, because it’s a Canadian airline. I always book most of my flights through a local travel agent.

I recently booked a flight for this March. I was surprised to discover that the agent had booked my early morning flight out of Kelowna. When I asked the agent why Kelowna, I was informed that the agent was saving me a substantial cost by flying out of Kelowna with Air Canada. A saving of $300 to be exact. Not a total saving because, I now have to stay overnight in a motel in Kelowna, plus pay a taxi fare to the airport.

I was shocked to hear from my travel agent that Air Canada was charging flyers in the South Okanagan an extra $300 per person to fly out of Penticton to Vancouver. A flight with practically the same travel time as flying out of Kelowna.

This is not the fault of the travel agent who tried to save my overall cost by booking me out of Kelowna.

I therefore ask why is a Canadian airline allowed to gouge those of us who chose to live in the South Okanagan an additional $300 to fly out of their closest airport, Penticton to Vancouver?

I ask you on behalf of your constituents that you appeal to Air Canada to correct this unjustified additional cost or at least give an explanation why they are charging an additional $300 for its faithful South Okanagan fliers.

If the additional costs of flying out of Penticton are due to landing fees at this federally-operated airport then I ask that this also be taken forward to the appropriate ministry in Ottawa on behalf of residents in the South Okanagan. Jake Kimberley

Penticton