Another reason why I prefer flying Westjet!
March 15th, 2007 | 
Author: I am sitting here in Vancouver Airport waiting for a flight. Usually when I travel on business I always try to find the latest flight I might need. For example I am booked to return to Calgary on the 7:30 flight today. Fortunately or (unfortunately), we finished our work up early today (1:30PM) so I have loads of time to kill. Flying with Westjet is great as when I checked in I asked if there was room on the 4 PM flight. They told me there was loads of room and for 20.00 + GST I could fly standby. If I don’t get on that flight there are 2 more before my scheduled departure. Compared to trying to change an Air Canada flight this is way cheaper. I don’t have to pay a change fee or a ticket differential fee. I might have paid the 20.00 and not get on but unless 20 or 30 people decide they are flying to Calgary on that flight I should be fine.
Westjet’s flexibility is just another reason why I try to fly them whenever I can. In addition I didn’t have to stand in line to make the change and it was all done very quickly.
An Update… I was able to get on the 4:00 pm flight and was home 3.5 hours earlier than expected. Even my 1 piece of checked luggage made it aboard!
Stephen
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Telescope for Sale – Skywatcher 80 ED kit
I have one of my scopes up for sale. It is a Skywatcher 80 MM ED refractor. This is indentical to the Orion 80 ED so if you want reviews you can also serach for that. The kit I am selling includes the Sky Watcher 80 ED refractor with stock crayford focuser (600mm and F7.5), a 9×50 Finder with Quick Release bracket, 2 Tube Rings, A SkyWatcher AZ3 Alt Az Mount and an Aluminum Padded Hard Case for the scope. No eyepieces or diagonals. Asking 700.00 OBO. Will ship anywhere but buyer pays shipping.
This is great as a second scope, as a guide scope, an astrophotgraphy scope or as a grab and go setup. Features FPL-53 Glass.
Selling to fund another scope purchase.
Please contact me if you are interested.
Stephen
More free telescope observing nights
For the next few Friday nights you can head down to the Telus World of Science down on 6th Ave and 11 St SW and take a peek through some telescopes. Members of the Calgary Centre of RASC are down there on the observing deck. Viewing goes on nice Friday nights (clear and above -20C) for the next few weeks. Admission is free but you do have to pay for parking. Families welcome.
Mar 9th 2007 7:30PM – 8:30PM
Mar 16th, 23 and 30th, 2007 9:00PM -10:00PM
Bring the family down for a peak at the stars
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RASC Calgary Centre, Annual Spring Star Night, Mar 24th 2007, Fish Creek Park
The event runs from 7 PM to 10 PM whether the sky is clear or cloudy. Inside the Shannon Terrace Environmental Learning Centre, there will be games,astronomy and “Rings in the Park†displays. RASC members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
To get there from the end of Anderson road SW (west end) turn south on to 37th Street SW. Turn east off 37th st SW onto 130 Ave SW, turn right on Woodpath RD SW into Fish Creek Park. Follow the road down the valley to the Shannon Terrace Environmental Learning Centre.
I hope that we will see some of you there and we may be there with a couple of our own scopes displaying objects!
Stephen
Saving 5.00 could cost you more – Way to go Air Canada
Seen the TV commercials lately for Air Canada? How you can fly your way? Here’s a little scenario that you might find interesting and I actually stumbled upon (I read the fine print).
I recently had a ticket purchased for me to fly Air Canada for a day trip. When asked, I said no luggage as I didn’t think I would have any. When the ticket came the no luggage option was selected and the buyer saved 5.00. The day before I was set to go I decided that I would have one of my distributers send an order to me in Vancouver while I was there and I would bring it back with me (1 box weighing 10 lbs). This way I would get it faster and shipping shouldn’t be as much.
When I did my web check and actually read the terms and conditions of the Tango fare, I was surprised to see that if I changed my mind and decided to use baggage check , I would have to pay 50.00 each way! So for saving 5 bucks and changing your mind you get penalized big.
Hmmm, think I’ll stick with Westjet. Where I can take two bags and still carry 60lbs more than AC (70lbs per bag vs 40 fr AC unless your First Class then it is 50)!
Another thing with the Tango ticket… If you miss your plane you lose your money! No refunds no changes. Again this is a case of buyer beware!
Stephen