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Since October 1995, Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker have been issuing an email newsletter for those ex Air Canada types who have provided us with their email addresses. The Newsletter was created by Vesta, who gave the name 'NetLetter' and added 'Between Ourselves' - a TCA periodical with which you are probably familiar with from the 50's and 60's. It was then changed to "Between Yourselves" to avoid confusion when "Horizons" resurrected the name. Then finally simplified to just "The NetLetter".

We believe that our NetLetter, which originates from Vancouver Island, was the FIRST to use this medium to disperse information for retirees of Air Canada.

The NetLetter contains airline related information such as anecdotes or stories supplied by some of the recipients, Internet tips, travel news, cheap... excuse me, "inexpensive" accommodations, tours, interline travel, and, in some small way, we help keep our Air Canada family together and in touch.

Our 'NetLetter' is NOT sponsored by any Pionair group, nor are we seeking any financial support, only the Internet email addresses of those who would like to receive our 'NetLetter'. Please forward this to other retirees who can then subscribe right from the forwarded link at the bottom of this email.

We now estimate that the NetLetter is read by over 2713 retirees when counting our email distribution and those that print the NetLetter and give them out to their friends.

To get in touch with either the Editor/Pilot or Co- Pilot our email address is still This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To make changes to your e-mail address or to unsubscribe, please see the links at the bottom of the page for "Update Profile/Email address" and SafeUnsubscribe. This is now automated so that you can remove yourself from the list or change your email address (or name) without our assistance. We will still do this manually if you have any difficulties.

Many of our members are having difficulty finding these links. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page, the link in similar to the following image. (The image below doesn't work but your links at the bottom will).

Thank you

Alan Rust - ACFamily Administrator

Air Canada Security risk assessment for March 23, 2006:

Security forces in Israel are in a higher state of alert to avert possible attacks by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Fatah-related groups for the coming week and to contravene their goal of disrupting the March 28 Israeli parliamentary elections.
We are monitoring the situation closely, and we advise crew members that vigilance is always required.

We remind our employees, including crewmembers and retirees, that they should always exercise appropriate caution during their stay in Israel, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice: Avoid large gatherings, crowded places and demonstrations, as well as proximity to other possible targets, including pedestrian promenades, shopping malls, open markets, restaurants, discotheques, bus stations, and public buses. Carry passport and money separately (Canadian passport must be valid for at least six months) Keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page with you. Declare video cameras, laptop computers, etc. upon entry, and proceed through the red zone at Customs Do not leave parcels/bags unattended Follow the orders of police and security officials at all times Avoid casual comments about security measures that could be misinterpreted in these tense times.
In case of emergency, the following numbers can be used in Tel Aviv: 100 for Police, 101 for Ambulance and 102 for Fire.

Air Canada’s network expands to Yellowknife; new routes from Western Canada. Today we announced the expansion of our network with the start-up of two new, daily non-stop flights to Yellowknife, NWT, the diamond capital of North America and gateway to Canada’s north. Air Canada Jazz will begin daily non-stop service to Yellowknife from Edmonton on July 3rd and from Calgary on July 4th. Jazz will also launch daily, non-stop service on August 1st on the following new routes: Edmonton- Victoria, BC; Calgary-Comox, BC; Edmonton-Kelowna, BC and Winnipeg-London, ON. These destinations will be operated by Air Canada Jazz with 50-seat CRJ-200 aircraft

Employee Travel billing process enhanced. Employee Travel has implementedan enhancement to their billing process for travel profile holders with billings that are rejected by their credit card companies. For your convenience, if the credit card you used when registering for your trip is declined, Employee Travel will now be able to apply the amount to the credit card that you have provided as the default credit card. To protect the cardholder’s privacy, the credit card companies do not disclose to Air Canada the reasons that they decline charges on Air Canada billings. By going to the default credit card, Employee Travel hopes to avoid unnecessary calls to the profile holder.

A Reminder:
Only the profile holder’s own valid credit card should be used to both pay for individual trips and be stored on the profile as a default. The credit card belonging to a parent/partner/spouse/child, etc. should never be used.
First point of contact for all credit card billing inquiries should be directed to 1-866-473-4732 (North America) or 732-694-2021 (Outside North America) or by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The credit card company should not be contacted.

Plug pulled on B767 polish program
- Evaluation trial reveals maintenance costs outweigh benefits. Following a three-month test phase, Air Canada Maintenance has opted not to proceed with the polished B767 program. The paint-stripping process, which shed approximately 360 pounds from FIN 613, translated to annual fuel savings of some $24,000. However, teams that analyzed how the polished fuselage stood up against harsh operating environments determined the extra maintenance costs outweighed the benefits. Moreover, the silver fuselage was given “low scores” from an aesthetic perspective. “Keeping safety as our number one priority, we will continue to explore all possible areas to reduce costs and offset record fuel prices,” FIN 613 will be repainted in the spring as its operating schedule permits.

Air Canada and Mexicana to end code share later this month. On March 31, we will be ending our six-year-old code share on Canada-U.S.-Mexico routings with Mexicana, whose Star Alliance membership ended on March 31, 2004.

British Airport Authority to close Heathrow’s T2 in 2008. - British airport operator BAA today announced it would close the oldest terminal at London's Heathrow Airport after a new fifth terminal is completed in 2008. The BAA said it had decided to close Terminal 2 because passenger numbers using the building were forecast to fall from the current 9 million a year to fewer than 1.5 million after the new terminal opens. According to the BAA, the decision will not affect proposals to spend up to GBP£1.5 billion ($2.62 billion US) on a new passenger terminal at Heathrow, in time for the 2012 Olympics. The giant fifth terminal currently under construction is Europe's biggest construction project. The BAA also plans to close or redevelop Terminal 1 and renovate Terminals 3 and 4. Heathrow is one of the world's most congested airports and is nearing peak capacity.

In NetLetter nr 920 we printed an article regarding excess baggage charges by Ryanair UK,

Here are some horror stories -
Of the passengers who have contacted Sun Travel furious at the new rules, ALL have been allowed to happily travel from the UK but have then been hit with the excess baggage charges on the way home. Anxious to catch their flight and unable to leave items behind, they are forced to pay up.

Passenger Cathryn Sheppard had to fork out £11 because her bag was two kilos over the limit. Check- in staff at Girona, Spain, refused to let Cathryn, 41, from Rotherhithe, London, transfer stuff from her case to her 12-year-old son Joe’s bag to avoid the charge.
Cathryn, Joe and husband Andy, 45, had flown out from Stansted airport for a three-day ski break in Andorra. But the family and other passengers were never challenged on the weight of their cases on the way out. Cathryn said: “It was as if Ryanair were setting a trap for customers. They let you fly out, then clobber you on the way back. A lot of people complained that their bags had gone through fine in England but on the return, when there was nothing they could do about it, they were being charged an excess fee ­despite not packing anything extra in their bags.
“One family was told they would have to fork out £36. They emptied their luggage into black binbags provided by Ryanair, then took them on as hand baggage.”
The airline made sure TWO excess baggage windows were open so passengers could pay the fine. And having initially queued up to check-in, passengers had to queue again to pay their fine and were then forced to line up again to collect their boarding cards.
Cathryn added: “Many families of four had only taken two bags to put all their stuff in, thinking they were cutting back on luggage. Consequently they were charged an excess fee. If they had taken four bags with the same amount, they would have been OK. It might be a cheap airline but they are getting cash out of customers in other ways. People should think twice about flying with them in future.”

One unfortunate family flying back into Glasgow’s Prestwick airport were charged a whopping £130 in excess baggage for putting all their clothes in one case. Furious Patrick Bennett pooled wife Jennifer, 39, and four-year-old son Martin’s baggage into one case. It was no problem for the family on the way out to Spain. But the civil servant from Cumbernauld was stunned to be told he owed £130 in excess charges. Patrick, 40, said: “Lots of folk were in tears, pulling jumpers and coats out of their suitcases and putting them on. Others were throwing away suncream, T-shirts and flip-flops to try to lighten the load.”

Ryanair’s response has been typically bullish. They state all passengers accept the company’s conditions when they book tickets and that details are on their website. Regarding Cathryn’s excess baggage, the spokesman added: “It was an oversight by staff at Stansted who should have charged the family for excess baggage on the way out ­ as well as the way back.”
But as they are the ONLY airline I know that doesn’t allow passengers travelling on the same booking to pool luggage allowances, it’s no surprise the first travellers hear about the rules is when they are hit with charges. Everyone accepts that Ryanair has transformed air travel in the UK with some fantastically cheap fares. But the old saying that you get nothing for free is never truer than now.
Ryanair claim they’ve reduced fares by nine per cent across the board and that anyone travelling with just hand luggage is actually better off.
But I for one would rather pay a fair price and know upfront what I’m paying for, rather than be tempted by a 99p flight then discover that the taxes, charges, fees and excess baggage fines will turn it into a figure 100 times bigger.

Handy way around thr rules...
What to do ... follow our Sun World tips

ONE way to get round Ryanair’s change in baggage allowance is to take only HAND LUGGAGE. The quota has doubled from 5kg to 10kg for flights booked after March 16, so you can take one 10kg case and avoid charges. But can you seriously pack for any more than an overnight in just 10kg?

Bristol Freighter - The possibility of a Bristol 170 Freighter C-GYQS flying again is imminent. The aircraft, owned by Hawkair and on loan to Reynolds Museum in Wetaskiwin Alberta, is due to be sold to raise funds for the creditors of Hawkair. Hawkair operated out of Terrace BC and is presently under chapter 11 protection.

Trev Trower sends details of his new book - My book "THE TRAVELING MAN, an Air Canada memoir" Is available at long last.

The book is included in the Canadian Maple Leaf Wings reading list which is listed in the website at www.globalynx.net/books this site shows the front and back cover of my book, etc. Scroll down authors to TROWER or down titles to THE TRAVELING MAN. The price is ca$29.00 plus ca$10.00 post and packing if required. 260 pages. (anyone picking up the book from my house would not only save the PP$ but also would join us for a nice cup of tea)
I live at 14071, Fifth Side Road , Georgetown On.
Phone# 905. 877-4352
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All the best for now,
Trev Trower

Own your own time share in Portugal? - One week studio in Alburfeira on the Algarve coast of Portugal. Take anytime between November and February. ca$700 to own.
If interested contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Interline only

FOUR DOLLAR CRUISE - $4.00 7 nights on Norwegian Spirit: New York; At Sea; Pt.Canaveral; Miami; Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas); Nassau; At Sea; New York April 23 April 30 (May 7 add $30.00) cruise: $4.00 plus: port: $165.00 taxes: $86.39
Interliner can get two more cabins at the same rate.
THIS IS GUARANTEED TO SELL OUT SOON
Book now - just see:
http://members.shaw.ca/jamesrose/quote.htm (do not call - just fax your booking information) Usual terms & conditions apply, including: all rates are per person, based upon double occupancy, port charges & taxes are extra.
Prices and availability is NOT guaranteed to last, and can and do change without notice. However, once you book and pay - your price is guaranteed. Prices are in USA funds.

JAMES F. C. ROSE - YOUR Cruise Expert
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
web site: http://members.shaw.ca/jamesrose
information: (204) 889-3885
fax: (204) 889-3885
reservations: (204) 889-3885 & (800) 414-8091

Some of the many deals offered by Dargal - 7 Night Alaska aboard Ryndam
May 28 | Jun 11
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska; Cruise College Fjord; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Haines, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $399 Oceanview: $499 Suite: $1,849

7 Night Alaska aboard Veendam May 21 | Jun 04
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska; Cruise College Fjord; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Haines, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
From: Interior: $399 Oceanview: $499 Suite: $1,699

7 Night Alaska aboard Veendam May 28 | Jun 11
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Cruise College Fjord; Seward, Alaska
From:Interior: $399 Oceanview: $499 Suite: $1,849

7 Night Alaska aboard Statendam
May 26 | Jun 09
Ports of Call: Seward, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia
From:Interior: $399 Oceanview: $449 Suite: $1,699

7 Night Alaska aboard Ryndam
Jun 04 | Jun 18
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Skagway, Alaska; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Cruise College Fjord; Seward, Alaska
From: Interior: $449 Oceanview: $549 Suite: $1,849

7 Night Alaska aboard Statendam
May 19 | Jun 02 | Jun 16
Ports of Call: Vancouver, British Columbia; Ketchikan, Alaska; Icy Strait Point, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Seward, Alaska
From: Interior: $449 Oceanview: $549 Suite: $1,549

7 Night Alaska aboard Zaandam May 12
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Juneau, Alaska; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
From: Interior: $799 Oceanview: $699 Suite: $1,539

7 Night Alaska aboard Oosterdam
May 13
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Juneau, Alaska; Cruise Hubbard Glacier; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
From: Interior: $699 Oceanview: $749 Balcony: $999 Suite: $1,299

7 Night Alaska aboard Westerdam
May 14
Ports of Call: Seattle, Washington; Glacier Bay Scenic Cruising; Juneau, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Ketchikan, Alaska; Victoria, British Columbia; Seattle, Washington
From: Interior: $699 Oceanview: $749 Balcony: $999 Suite: $1,299

Cruises: Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars per person (based on double occupancy). PORT CHARGES ARE INCLUDED. Taxes, fees and Dargal's non-refundable $40 Service Fee per room is not included. All rates are subject to change, availability and eligibility. All offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. All offers apply to new bookings only, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice.

Dargal Interline Worldwide
Phone: 1-800-690-3223
International:(Int'l Access Code)-800-2832-7425

Here are some signs and notices written in English that were discovered throughout the world, mostly collected by an American airline employee. You have to give the writers an 'E' for Effort. Here are some samples :
In a Tokyo Hotel: Is forbidden to steal hotel towels please. If you are not a person to do such thing is please not to read notis.

In a Bucharest hotel lobby: The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.

In a Leipzig elevator : not enter the lift backwards, and only when lit up.

In a Belgrade hotel elevator: To move the cabin, push button for wishing floor. If the cabin should enter more persons, each one should press a number of wishing floor. Driving is then going alphabetically by national order.

In a Paris hotel elevator: Please leave your values at the front desk.

In a hotel in Athens: Visitors are expected to complain at the office between the hours of 9 and 11 A.M. daily.

In a Yugoslavian hotel: The flattening of underwear with pleasure is the job of the chambermaid.

In a Japanese hotel: You are invited to take advantage of the chambermaid.

In the lobby of a Moscow hotel across from a Russian Orthodox monastery: You are welcome to visit the cemetery where famous Russian and Soviet composers, artists, and writers are buried daily except Thursday.

On the menu of a Swiss restaurant:Our wines leave you nothing to hope for.

On the menu of a Polish hotel: Salad a firm's own make; limpid red beet soup with cheesy dumplings in the form of a finger; roasted duck let loose; beef rashers beaten up in the country people's fashion.

Outside a Hong Kong tailor shop: Ladies may have a fit upstairs.

In a Bangkok dry cleaner's, drop your trousers here for best results.

Outside a Paris dress shop : dresses for street walking.

In a Rhodes tailor shop: Order your summers suit. Because is big rush we will execute customers in strict rotation.

Similarly, from the Soviet Weekly: There will be a Moscow Exhibition of Arts by 15,000 Soviet Republic painters and sculptors. These were executed over the past two years.

Enjoy this visual display of Air Canada’s historic fleet from its beginning in 1937 to the present including aircraft from:
- Trans-Canada Airlines
- Canadian Airlines
- Pacific Western
- Eastern Provincial
- Nordair
- Transair
and Wardair

This 68 x 96 cm (27 x 38 inch) poster is printed in full colour on high quality paper and depicts over 300 aircraft and liveries flown by Air Canada throughout its history.

The cost of the poster is $24.99 plus tax and shipping where applicable. This is a great gift for reunions, retirements and birthday gifts, etc.

A donation is made to Dreams Take Flight for each poster that is sold.

The hosting, and mailing of the NetLetter as well as the conversion to HTML format is provided compliments of the ACFamily Network and Nerds On Site. Content is researched and submitted by Vesta Stevenson and Terry Baker. Thank you for letting us into your homes!

Important reminder, for all new articles, submissions and or comments for the "The Netletter" please send to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Please add to your Address Books).

This e-mail address has been set up so that both of us Terry & Vesta (exclusively) will get an automatic copy and so we can keep up with the continuity of news for the NetLetter.

The archives of the NetLetter are kept on the ACFamily Network Forums area. They are in plain text format so you can print them from there if desired. If you are not a member of the ACFamily Network yet, we encourage you to join us there. Non members can Register here. (It's Free!)