Cruises That Depart and Return At Different Ports

[Sargent_Schultz]

Thank you. That's something to think about.

 

You're welcome. Depending on how many people are traveling, something else you might consider - obtain an Alaska Air credit card and do whatever it takes to maximize the bonus miles. That might even get you a 1 way frequent flier ticket from Vancouver to Minneapolis.

 

If you have a credit card with an alliance with Alaska Air, you could transfer points in and get another FF ticket. There are other possibilities.

[Gardyloo]

Adding to S-S comment, YVR-MSP is considerably more expensive than SEA-MSP due to international flight taxes on the ticket.

Well, actually, not so much. I think this is a common belief, but the truth (IMO) is actually that YVR is more expensive because people will pay more.

 

I picked a Sunday in June (typical cruise day) and pulled up these fares - sorry if the columns don't line up...

 

YVR-MSP, nonstop on Delta: (all in US$)

 

Fare 1: Carrier DL LA14A0ND YVR to MSP (rules) $323.52

Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code L

Covers YVR-MSP (Coach)

Canadian Goods and Services Tax (XG) $16.80

US Transportation Tax (US) $24.26

USDA APHIS Fee (XA) $5.00

US Immigration Fee (XY) $7.00

Vancouver Airport Improvement Fee (SQ) $14.90

Canadian Harmonized Sales Tax (BC) (RC) $1.80

Canadian Air Travelers Security Charge (CA) $12.00

US Flight Segment Tax (ZP) $3.70

 

Subtotal per passenger $409.46

 

(Total of all taxes and fees, $85.46)

 

SEA-MSP, also nonstop on Delta:

 

Passenger type ADT, one-way fare, booking code L

Covers SEA-MSP (Coach) $168.37

US Transportation Tax (US) $12.63

US September 11th Security Fee (AY) $2.50

US Passenger Facility Charge (XF) $4.50

US Flight Segment Tax (ZP) $3.70

 

Subtotal per passenger $191.70

 

(Taxes/fees, $23.33)

 

So while taxes are indeed higher for the Vancouver departure, the big difference is in the base fare - the YVR fare is almost double the SEA fare.

 

Airfare is based on supply and demand.

[scottbee]

Since day one, a lot of people have underestimated SWA capabilities and longevity. SWA is still here, still profitable, and still growing.

 

They will have flights not only to Canada but also the Caribbean.

 

WN have had 30 years to start flying internationally, I suspect that until they have integrated their recent acquisition of FL, and switched to a new reservation system; you wont see the addition (under the existing WN operating certificate) of international flights from WN.

[Sargent_Schultz]

WN have had 30 years to start flying internationally, I suspect that until they have integrated their recent acquisition of FL, and switched to a new reservation system; you wont see the addition (under the existing WN operating certificate) of international flights from WN.

 

I'm pretty darned sure SWA knows what it is doing. Thirty-seven (37) YEARS of consecutive profitability ( http://www.southwest.com/about_swa/press/factsheet.html ) and growing speaks for itself.

 

But back to the OP's question - I know I have offered two excellent, cost effective, answers.

[lmreddin]

Thank you all for your help. I will consider all of your suggestions.