In This Issue: 

​​​​🚨 Air Canada Provides a Solution to Upcoming Pilot Strike

🪪 NEXUS Fee Increase From $50 to $120

💳 55,000 Welcome Offer with RBC Avion Visa Infinite (Record Setting)

🗺️ Chexy Deals: Delhi, Amsterdam, and Nice

Air Canada Pilots on the Brink of a Strike: What You Need to Know and What’s Being Done to Resolve This.

Heads up, travelers! Looks like some rough skies might be ahead for Air Canada. Our favorite airline, Air Canada, might be facing a significant disruption in the coming weeks. Over the last week, 5,400 Air Canada pilots have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike, which could start as early as September 17. If the pilots do walk off the job, it could mean up to 1,000 canceled flights a day, leaving us wondering if our travel plans will even take off. 🚀

A Pilots Strike. Why?

So, what's this all about? Well, like all strikes, it's all about pay and fairness. The pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), have been in negotiations with Air Canada for a new contract. Their current contract, which dates back to 2014, expired last September. It seems their contract has been on autopilot for far too long and the pilots argue that their wages have not kept up with those of their peers at other airlines, fueling this discussion. 🙌

For example, WestJet pilots recently secured a 24% pay raise over four years, and pilots at some of the largest U.S. airlines are earning nearly double what Air Canada pilots make. The pilots are not just looking for a raise—they're asking for a complete overhaul of their outdated contract, which could take time. ⏰

What Is Air Canada Saying?

Air Canada is committed to reaching an agreement and has stated that negotiations have made significant headway. The airline’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Arielle Meloul-Wechsler, acknowledged that while a lot has been agreed upon, a decade-long contract naturally creates some pent-up demand for a change of scenery, so to speak. They are hoping to navigate through these choppy skies without too much turbulence. The team is optimistic that a deal will be reached, 🤞 and views the strike vote as a standard part of the negotiation process, not necessarily a sign that a strike is on the horizon. 

What Happens If the Strike Goes Ahead?

If no agreement is reached, the pilots would need to give a 72-hour notice before striking, passengers could be left grounded, scrambling to find alternative routes to their destinations. This could potentially ground about 1,000 flights each day and impact more than 120,000 passengers, including me and some of our Chexy staff. However, Air Canada is doing its best to minimize the impact on its travelers. 🙃 

Navigating Turbulence: Air Canada's Plan to Keep You on Course

In light of the ongoing negotiations, Air Canada has introduced a flexible rebooking policy, which we love. ❤️ If you have a flight booked between September 15 and 23, 2024, you can change your flight for free or get a credit for future travel. Here’s how it works:

• Free Changes: If you purchased your Air Canada ticket or redeemed Aeroplan points by August 27, 2024, for travel within this window, you’re eligible to change your flight at no extra cost.

• Rescheduling Dates: You can rebook to a date between September 8 and September 14, 2024, or between September 24 and November 30, 2024.

Additional Refunds ✅

Refunds are available for refundable tickets, but non-refundable tickets won’t be eligible as flights are still scheduled to operate. If you booked with Air Canada Vacations, reach out to them directly for assistance. For more details, check Air Canada’s FAQ section.

So, while we keep our fingers crossed for smooth skies, it’s reassuring to know there’s flexibility if your plans need to adjust. 🤝

Intervention From a Third Party?

The Canadian government has a history of stepping in during labor disputes that significantly affect the public. Just recently, the government forced a binding arbitration on Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Kansas City railways to avoid a prolonged service disruption. But whether they’ll do the same with Air Canada remains in the air. 👀

What’s Next?

The next few weeks are going to be crucial for both parties and us as travelers. Both sides have until the end of the three-week cooling-off period to smooth out their turbulence. Air Canada has expressed a strong desire to reach a deal and continues to negotiate with ALPA. Meanwhile, pilots are preparing for demonstrations at airports in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Winnipeg to rally support for their cause.

So, should we be worried about a strike? 100%, but there’s still hope that an agreement can be reached in time. In the meantime, if you’re traveling with Air Canada in mid-September, like us, keep an eye on your email for updates and consider taking advantage of the flexible rebooking options just in case.

😆 Get $5 in Rent Cashback

Hey Chexy users! Think you can count all the puns in the “Air Canada Strike/Solution” article? Guess correctly, and you could win $5 Rent Cash Back!

Leave your thoughts on these weekly newsletters with your guess in the additional feedback section of the poll right below this by August 31st, 2024, at 6:00 pm (EST).

We’ll reveal the exact number of puns in next week’s newsletter and the winners will be contacted.

Good luck!

Note: You will need an active Chexy account to claim the $5 rent cashback. The first 15 users to guess the correct answer will get $5 in rent cashback.

Heads Up, Jetsetters: NEXUS Fees Are About to Take Off!

Now, moving onto a crucial update for your travel toolkit: NEXUS application fees are about to jump from US$50 to US$120 starting October 1, 2024. If you’ve been putting off grabbing or renewing that NEXUS card, it’s time to hustle before you face the new fee.

Why the Rush? What is NEXUS?

If you’re a NEXUS newbie or your card’s expiration date is just around the corner, you’ll want to act fast. If you’re a frequent flyer between the U.S. and Canada, or just can’t stand the long border lines, the NEXUS card is your new best friend. It’s your pass to a quicker border crossing with less hassle. With NEXUS, you get:

• ⏩ Faster Processing: Dedicated lanes and kiosks at U.S.-Canada borders.

• 🌎 Global Entry Perks: Speedy entry into the U.S. from international trips.

• ✅ TSA PreCheck Access: Breezing through security lines when flying in the U.S.

• ✈️ Streamlined Travel: No more customs forms or long waits at the border.

The fee increase applies to both new applications and renewals. So, if you’ve been contemplating that sweet pass through customs without the usual hassle, now’s your chance to grab it at the old price.

Navigate This Change With A Credit Card

Want to work your way around this coming fee increase? Here are some Canadian credit cards that come with NEXUS fee credits or rebates:

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card: Up to C$100 rebate every 4 years

• TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card: Up to C$100 rebate every 4 years

• American Express Platinum Card: Up to C$100 credit every 4 years

• American Express Gold Rewards Card: C$50 credit every 4 years

• American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card: Up to C$100 credit every 4 years

• CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Card: Up to C$100 credit every 4 years

• CIBC Aventura Visa Infinite Card: Up to C$100 credit every 4 years

• CIBC Aventura Gold Visa Card: Up to C$100 credit every 4 years

Things To Consider

The bigger question many of us should consider is, will our favorite credit card issuers step up their NEXUS rebate game to match the new fee?

What’s Next?

Ready to beat the clock and secure your NEXUS card at the old rate? Click here for more details and make sure your travel plans don’t hit turbulence.

Highest RBC Avion Visa Infinite Bonus: 55,000 Points!

The RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card is offering its best bonus yet of up to 55,000 Avion points! This is your chance to grab a pile of points with very little hassle. 🤭 Here's the breakdown:

• 35,000 Points just for getting approved.

• 20,000 Extra Points when you spend $5,000 within 6 months.

  • Made easy with Chexy and your rent.

• Apply by November 25, 2024.

Why This Bonus Is Great

This bonus is great because there is no minimum spending for the initial 35,000 points. Just get approved and they’re yours. Plus, with the spending requirement being $5,000 over 6 months, you can easily get that—less than $1,000 per month. 🤑

Gabbing Those 20,000 Points 

The best way to rack up those points is by using your rent to meet the spending requirement for this SUB. If the $5,000 spent in 6 months feels overwhelming, remember that your rent can help. With rent being one of your largest monthly expenses—averaging around $2,201 in Canada—you could potentially hit that extra 20,000 points in under 3 months with Chexy. Sign up today here and get your next travel plans booked on your rent! ⭐️

Where Can 55,000 Points Get You?

• Four economy flights within North America or a flight anywhere in North America.

• Redeem points for $600 in travel credits or WestJet Dollars.

• Fly from Toronto to Dublin or Vancouver to Hong Kong. The points can cover round-trip flights, so you can cross oceans without crossing your budget.

Extra Perks:

• Discounts at Petro-Canada and Rexall.

• 12 months of $0 delivery fees with DoorDash.

Final Thoughts

This offer is a fantastic opportunity for travel enthusiasts and points collectors. With a low annual fee of $120 and a solid bonus, it’s a great deal if you’re quick to apply before November 25.

Ready to boost your travel game? Click here to snag the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card and grab those 55,000 points and then click here to get Chexy.

Credit Card Spotlight 🔦

Welcome to Chexy Credit Card Spotlight! 👀 Each month we’ll recommend a credit card that everyone should have! This time, we’ve got the Scotiabank Gold American Express—perfect for every day buys and travel. Let's jump in. ✅

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Earn up to 6X the Scene+TM points on every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible grocery, dining, and entertainment purchases.

Earn Rates:

6X on every $1 CAD you spend in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, and more.

5X for every $1 CAD you spend on Dining, Food Delivery, and other eligible grocery stores.

5X for every $1 CAD you spend on eligible entertainment purchases. Includes movies, theatre, and ticket agencies.

3X for every $1 CAD you spend on gas and daily transit options. Includes rideshare, buses, taxis, subway, and more.

3X for every $1 CAD you spend in Canada on eligible select streaming services.

1X on Everything Else

Annual Fee:

The card has a $120 annual fee but your first year is waived!

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