Zoom Airlines has ceased operations

[Ryan Coke]

The problem isn't buying from a discount airline, whatever exactly that is, but with any smaller player that doesn't report their numbers publicly. The other big red flag is when the airline is routinely selling fares that seem to good to be true, they usually are. They are selling tickets today for tomorrows flights in order to pay today's bills, and just hoping that they'll sell enough tickets tomorrow to pay for the next days flights. It is a house of cards.

The fact is, a company has to be able to at least break even on it's revenue vs. costs (kindergarten business class, I know). If the only fare you can afford is the one on a struggling carrier that doesn't need to disclose their numbers and is 'blowing out' there inventory with amazing deals, be aware of the risks.

And WestJet doesn't come anywhere near this conversation--they are the most profitable airline in N. America (=financially stable) by margin last quarter, and one of the top in the world. They also tend to have exceptional customer service rankings--I won't pump it too much, but suffice it to say even in these very challenging times for the airline industry, WestJet is one of the most secure travel companies you can trust your money with.

By the way, be careful if travelling Sunwing--there is some speculation that they could be in a similar boat.

[rockstar]

Originally Posted by Gozer

You might say they un-Zoomed.

If you are finished with your lame jokes, perhaps we can re-Zoom the conversation.

[RW99]

A lot of people in my office didn't have a good day. I could hear the groans around the office when someone sent out the email about the closure.

Originally Posted by Ryan Coke

By the way, be careful if travelling Sunwing--there is some speculation that they could be in a similar boat.

Yup, I wouldn't go anywhere near Sunwing without travel insurance.

[4X4]

Originally Posted by rockstar

If you are finished with your lame jokes, perhaps we can re-Zoom the conversation.

Lol!! I see what you did there... Re-Zoom. Red square the man.

[chid]

I had lots of calls today with guests stranded needing flights home, WestJet was offering guests stranded by Zoom a discount only until Sept. 1 I believe.

[calf]

My friend's mom is a flight attendant for Zoom...she's suddenly out of a job, and stranded in London

[4X4]

Originally Posted by calf

My friend's mom is a flight attendant for Zoom...she's suddenly out of a job, and stranded in London

Rough.

I guess the mentality behind the rug-pulling is that if the company were to give any sort of indication that it was about to go belly up, staff would start jumping ship, thus snowballing the effect and possibly compromising safety.
Wouldn't want mechanics and pilots and attendants quitting abruptly.

So either way, passengers are screwed. Either they're out cash, or else they are flying on a one-pilot plane that hasn't been checked out properly before taking off, and without any staff to give you the buckle-up lecture.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by flip

I'd be shocked if WestJet went under.

Aren't they one of the best run companies in the country? Although I wouldn't be surprised if they slowed their expansion.

Westjet was always very slow with thier expansion. They tried to establish the routes they had before expanding elsewhere.

[flip]

Originally Posted by ken0042

I think the point was WestJet used to be just a little company; barely a spec in the eyes of the big two airlines; Air Canada and Canadian. Because people supported the small airline, it became one of the most successful in Canada.

But I agree, buyer beware when choosing a discount airline. However I don't know of any level of caution that could have helped people suddenly stranded today.

Would you really say that about WestJet though? I know they are technically "discount" but they haven't needed bailouts like Air Canada, have they?

I wouldn't consider them discount like zoom or jet blue (or whatever its called.)

Originally Posted by Dion

Westjet was always very slow with thier expansion. They tried to establish the routes they had before expanding elsewhere.

Oh absolutely they've been careful about expansion, but they definitely aren't just an in Canada only airline anymore. They fly to numerous NA and even Int. destinations I think now, don't they?

[Dion]

Originally Posted by flip

Oh absolutely they've been careful about expansion, but they definitely aren't just an in Canada only airline anymore. They fly to numerous NA and even Int. destinations I think now, don't they?

I went to Hawaii last winter through Westjet vacations. Air fare and 7 nights accomidations for $1,000. Flights there and back were full to capacity. Will probably go back again this winter via Westjet.

Last i heard they were thinking of expanding to Europe.

[Thor]

For me it was one of the reasons I quit being a travel agent, the fact that people would spend $10 less on a flight with a less reputable airline in order to 'save money.'

One of the things that always frustrated me as an Agent was that people simply did not appreciate 'value' over 'discounts'...

You can goto Walmart, support a horribly cheap selling company that produces horrible products of low quality or you can support a reasonable company that sells quality at a reasonable price; they tell me "oh no thats fine, we want the DEAL." ... all over a better star quality hotel, better airline, etc.. No no, its all simply about money.

Our society has unfortunately fixated on prices, the worst result of this is simply that people focus on price above all else.

Sure thats a 'fiscal' comment on our society, but honestly would most of us not want value for our dollar over risking value for the most extreme value we can find?

It drives me crazy that when I was an agent, telling a family of 4 that I could get them the same package for $300 more with a GREAT airline and hotel chain, over some discount airline and cheap hotel chain.

People need to focus and appreciate more what we deserve, not just simply the cost only.

Buy cheap, expect cheap results.

[dubc80]

Originally Posted by Dion

My bad. What i should have posted is buyer beware. With all uncertainty around discount airlines one should take extra precautions.

For every Ryanair there's a Zoom or other discount airline that has gone under. To me that's the risk of flying via the discount - one i try to avoid at all costs. Imagine being in Europe somehwere and Zoom has closed down and you are stranded.

As for main stream airline charges i always fly via seat sales. There's always good deals around if one looks hard enough.

LOL. My buddy and wife flew to France last weekend on Zoom and was scheduled to return to Cgy on Sept 13th.

He doesn't have his cell on him, so I've sent him email and FB messages. Hopefully he's got internet access somewhere.

[STeeLy]

Originally Posted by Dion

I went to Hawaii last winter through Westjet vacations. Air fare and 7 nights accomidations for $1,000. Flights there and back were full to capacity. Will probably go back again this winter via Westjet.

Last i heard they were thinking of expanding to Europe.

Since WestJet is most likely going to stay with the 737 fleet, would it be possible for them to fly to Europe... I don't know if the range of the aircrafts would get them that far... even from Halifax.

[Scrambler]

Originally Posted by calf

My friend's mom is a flight attendant for Zoom...she's suddenly out of a job, and stranded in London

I've got a buddy who's also part of their cabin crew who is currently stuck in Cardiff, Wales.

[Scrambler]

Originally Posted by Thor

For me it was one of the reasons I quit being a travel agent, the fact that people would spend $10 less on a flight with a less reputable airline in order to 'save money.'

One of the things that always frustrated me as an Agent was that people simply did not appreciate 'value' over 'discounts'...

You can goto Walmart, support a horribly cheap selling company that produces horrible products of low quality or you can support a reasonable company that sells quality at a reasonable price; they tell me "oh no thats fine, we want the DEAL." ... all over a better star quality hotel, better airline, etc.. No no, its all simply about money.

Our society has unfortunately fixated on prices, the worst result of this is simply that people focus on price above all else.

Sure thats a 'fiscal' comment on our society, but honestly would most of us not want value for our dollar over risking value for the most extreme value we can find?

It drives me crazy that when I was an agent, telling a family of 4 that I could get them the same package for $300 more with a GREAT airline and hotel chain, over some discount airline and cheap hotel chain.

People need to focus and appreciate more what we deserve, not just simply the cost only.

Buy cheap, expect cheap results.

Agreed, that is why I am a travel agent selling the South Pacific, Asia and Africa. Not much discount, dirt cheap travel options in those regions. I don't think I could bare to sell Vegas/Mexico/Disneyland/Europe/etc.

[chid]

Originally Posted by flip

Would you really say that about WestJet though? I know they are technically "discount" but they haven't needed bailouts like Air Canada, have they?

I wouldn't consider them discount like zoom or jet blue (or whatever its called.)



Oh absolutely they've been careful about expansion, but they definitely aren't just an in Canada only airline anymore. They fly to numerous NA and even Int. destinations I think now, don't they?

Yeah West Jet flies to Nassau, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Montego Bay, St. Lucia, and Bridgetown, then many US destinations.
(that is not even with West Jet Vacations who has many more destinations)

I don't think their plans up to 2012 include Europe, as yeah they are focussing on their 747 fleet.

[automaton 3]

A buddy of mine has been working in England and flew home for a visit on Zoom. AC rate for him and his wife to fly back to England - $3600. How's that for a kick in the pants.

My wife and I just flew to Europe on another low-cost carrier, flyglobespan. We knew what we were getting into and had good travel insurance, but nonetheless had some significant delays which were very frustrating. We got there and back safe and sound, but you do get what you pay for.

In contrast we flew to Australia and Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific a few years ago and experienced some issues - they were fantasticly accomodating and lined us up with alternative flights no problem.

[Neeper]

Well, my mom is stuck in London. We had to find her a one way and it cost $800 which isn't too bad. Thank god we paid by credit card, so we should be able to get half of it back.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

Since WestJet is most likely going to stay with the 737 fleet, would it be possible for them to fly to Europe... I don't know if the range of the aircrafts would get them that far... even from Halifax.

I think they'd need a bigger plane.

[Bagor]

Alitalia now filing for bankruptcy protection.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7588475.stm