Airlines based in Canada range from low-cost domestic carriers to international giants that specialize in services for business travelers. What most have in common are a competitive market and frequent-flyer programs – or frequent-flyer partnerships – designed to entice business travelers to give them their loyalty. If you or members of your staff often fly to one or several of the many countries in Canada, it would be wise to establish a relationship with one of the Canadian airline carriers. The rewards you can earn could save your business money and provide you, as a traveler, lots of perks along the way.

When choosing among the many Canadian airline companies, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Which Canada airline flies to the destinations you frequent most?

2. Which of the airline companies in Canada are known for their frequent-flyer rewards?

3. Which of the Canada based airlines offer even more rewards to business travelers?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose one of the Canadian airline carriers that fly to your business travel destinations

Track how much - and where - you fly each month to help you determine the best Canadian-based airlines for your business. Don't just look at the big guys - many smaller airlines in Canada can provide great service and get you where you need to go.

I recommend: Air Transat calls itself “the vacation airline,” but this Canadian airline has flight options around the world for all types of travelers. Calm Air is a great option for business travel throughout central Canada.

Research air carriers' rewards programs before settling on a Canadian-based airline

The frequent-flyer programs offered by airlines based in Canada can earn your company plenty of free trips and other perks - and fast - when you consider the number of miles you accumulate each time you travel across the country.

I recommend: First Air and AirCreebec both participate in Aeroplan, which is the frequent-flyer program offered by Air Canada.

Seek out a Canada airline that offers special privileges for business travelers

Frequent-flyer programs are great, but they have become a bit rote. Many of the top Canada-based airlines take customer service one step further with 'perk' programs just for frequent business travelers.

I recommend: Air Canada’s Flight Pass lets you purchase prepaid flight credits toward one-way trips to help you avoid paying an arm and a leg for those inevitable last-minute business trips. One of the Western Canada airlines, Air North, has a Gold Panner Business class with such in-flight amenities as a complimentary “enhanced” meal and hot towel service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Just because you start booking most of your overseas business travel with a Canadian-based airline doesn't mean you shouldn't keep looking for cheaper fares. Travel booking websites are a great resource, and most can even send you emails with fares for those destinations you travel to the most.