Having spent years of my career as a "road warrior" requiring constant travel, easily exceeding 100 flights/year for over a decade, I have become particularly snobbish about many aspects of travel. Much of that has come about through being an a Elite or Gold member of several travel programs which affords me with various perks that have, over time, become my standards for travel. I have been able to enjoy the comforts of First Class many times, on long journeys to destinations in Asia, India and Europe, where such treats are very appreciated during the LONG flights.
Granted, this has also made me somewhat a travel Snob, a label I don't mind wearing at all. For example, till today, the idea of flying on a charter was enough to make me break out in hives, as images of overstuffed tight planes with screaming kids kicking my seat took over my imagination. I'm fairly unfamiliar with charter flights as the vast majority of my travel is solo and charters have seldom, if ever, any packages designed for solo travelers.
I am currently happily seated in my very spacious exit row seat in a 737 bound for Freeport, Bahamas on Sunwing. Sunwing is the only airline that offered a direct flight from Vancouver to the Bahamas. All other options required at least one, if not two connections and likely an overnight stay somewhere as well en route. Tough to beat the allure of a direct flight!!
I have been pleasantly surprised so far. A $50 upgrade got me Elite Plus, which, among other perks, allowed me to bring 2 priority tagged checked bags at 33kgs (vs 1 at 20kgs), preferred check in, boarding and seat selection. They served complimentary mimosas on take off and a complimentary hot breakfast sandwich which is one of the most edible things I've ever had on a plane!
Maybe it's because my expectations were so low, but I have to say how this is one time I'm very happy to be proven wrong!
My hat's off to you Sunwing,keep up the good work!!
Flight landed about 20 mins early - quick and painless to get through customs and to the shuttle I had pre-arranged through Sunwing.