Transportation partners offering evacuee assistance in BC fires
Flight, ferry and mobile phone offers for evacuees
Transportation providers have stepped up to help evacuees, both with allowing changes on reservations and providing travel discounts. We have put together a list of current offers, but please note that while some offers have an end date, they may be extended. Follow each offer’s specific link to check the current dates and parameters. With airlines, it is important to enter any Coupon or Promo Code at the beginning of your online flight search, to see the special rates.
Williams Lake Airport is currently closed to commercial airlines, and anyone holding a ticket is encouraged to contact their airline. Also, note that some of the language in the airline offers do not yet reflect this closure.
Airlines:
Westjet is offering 50% off base fares between Prince George and anywhere in Canada or the U.S., and 25% off base fares between Kelowna, Penticton or Kamloops, and anywhere in Canada or the U.S. Walk-up booking are included as well. Book by: July 19, 2017 (9:59 p.m. MT) and travel from: July 9-31, 2017 Details at: www.westjet.com/en-ca/lowfaresandmore/discount-codes/1?p=1&discount=WBYFWWN&sm_cid=social:discount-code:yxs50:twitter
Westjet coupon code: WBYFWWN Promo code: WNQ34 (not required on westjet.com)
Also, WestJet will waive change and cancellation fees for existing bookings made on or before July 9, 2017 for travel until July 31, 2017. Waiving of change and cancellation fees applies to all fare classes to/from Prince George, Kelowna, Penticton or Kamloops to anywhere in Canada and the U.S.
Air Canada is offering a 25 percent discount on flights between now and July 22 from Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, and Williams Lake to any destination in North America. www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/book/travel-news-and-updates.html#/caus-20170709
Air Canada promotion code: A3VRZAR1 or call Air Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262
In addition, Air Canada will allow free changes to be made for passengers flying to, from, or via the affected areas between now and July 22.
Central Mountain Air is providing a 30% discount to travel from Williams Lake or Quesnel to Vancouver, or from Prince George to Vancouver, Edmonton or Calgary as a result of the state of emergency. Book by July 18, 2017 at 23:59 PST for travel until July 29, 2017. Full details at https://flycma.com/forest-fires-affecting-british-columbia/
Central Mountain Air promo code: BC17
Central Mountain Air will waive change fees or fare differences for travel to/from Williams Lake (YWL) between now and July 29.
Pacific Coastal Airlines is offering a discount of 30% for evacuees until July 18 (date may be extended). For the up-to-date offer, see: www.pacificcoastal.com/special-discount-2017/
For those affected by the fires, Pacific Coastal is waiving change and cancellation fees, as well as fare differences, for travel until July 29.
Other transportation:
BC Ferries is assisting residents evacuating from wildfires complimentary (free) prearranged travel support. Evacuees from officially evacuated areas only are asked to contact them by phone at 1-888-BCFERRY (1-888-223-3779). Free travel cannot be granted at the terminal ticket booths – it must be arranged in advance.
You might also want to know:
Mobile phone carriers Telus, Rogers, Koodo, Chatr and Fido will waive domestic voice, text and data overages until July 21. Most will be in the form of a future bill credit. Bell customers are asked to contact 310-Bell to find out what Bell will do to assist. Some extensions have been requested.
Despite this challenging time for our Cariboo Chilcotin residents and communities, the regional and provincial tourism industry continues to shine with a proactive engagement in the ultimate of hospitality – helping people when they need it most. “The overwhelming support throughout the region shows that tourism is not only a key industry but a family. I’m so proud and thankful and want to extend my appreciation to each and every one that is looking after friends, neighbors, colleagues and the countless helpers,” Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association board chair, Andre Kuerbis said. “I also want to give big kudos to our incredible staff that is working tireless from across the region.”
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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association is an industry-led not-for-profit Destination Management Organization that works collaboratively with stakeholders to develop and promote a responsible tourism industry in the Cariboo, Chilcotin and Central Coast of British Columbia. For more information about the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast tourism region, please visit: www.landwithoutlimits.com
Media contacts:
Amy Thacker, CEO
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association
Andre Kuerbis, Board Chair
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association
Cell: 250-217-6438