TRIP TO FRANCE BRAG!!! $1000 savings!! *trick using aeroplan points*

[mrsJOEwackIM]

Hey there all!

Like I said before, I am booking my trip to France using my Aeroplan points. I have heard horror stories of how much taxes are, even though you technically don't pay for the "flight". My sister said it would cost $1000 just in taxes...

I googled "paying less tax on aeroplan flights" and came across a thread on red deals. I read about making sure you book your flight with United Airlines and avoiding Air Canada as much as you can.

So, I priced it out using both Air Canada and United Airlines. Using Air Canada and flying out of Pearson in Toronto cost $1200 in taxes and fees. Using United Airlines and leaving from Buffalo, NY cost $220 in taxes. The difference is Air Canada charges a "fuel surcharge" and United Airlines does not.

Needless to say I booked with United Airlines and saved myself $1000! Flight is booked!! Leaving in 2 weeks!!!!

[torontogal12]

Glad you saved so much. $1,200 just in tax? I've been to Europe a few times and never paid that much, including the fare and the tax and all surcharges... Italy, France, England, Switzerland, Belgium. Sounds like miles aren't worth cashing on flights unless you use the trick you just did!

[MrsSunshine]

oh... awesome!!! now.. if you can give me like.. ohh 5 minutes i can have my bags packed and be ready to go with ya. LOL

have an awesome time!! googling paid off for you big time!

[mrsJOEwackIM]

Glad you saved so much. $1,200 just in tax? I've been to Europe a few times and never paid that much, including the fare and the tax and all surcharges... Italy, France, England, Switzerland, Belgium. Sounds like miles aren't worth cashing on flights unless you use the trick you just did!

$1200 is for two flights... I don't think that's way off. I went to Portugal last year... $600 for the flight and taxes were the same. Doubled the cost. It was $1200 for each of us. $2400 altogether.

[torontogal12]

For two of you, that makes more sense. I was thinking $1,200 per person, that's INSANE

[Lavender Lady]

Have a wonderful time!

[DolceBella]

Have a great trip!!
Will definitely keep this in mine if we ever decide to use our points to fly

[cliff]

which airport is it out of?

[mrsJOEwackIM]

Buffalo Airport... I don't know if there is more than one...

[cath007]

Always a good idea to compare,search informations and have the best deals!!! Congratulation of being well informated and have a beautiful trip

[windowwendy]

if you like to cook be sure to go to a cooking class at le cordon bleu. it is called the market tour. you go to the market in the morning and the chef expains how to pick produce and cheese and such you go back to the school and you cook. highlight of my trip.

[shantayl]

ooh lala. have an amazing trip

[shopperwho]

Just be careful. United Airlines charges for everything! We won't fly with them. My husband had the same bag and same items going from Van to Tex on American - weight was fine, no luggage charge. On the way back, United Charged $25.00 to check bag AND $120.00 for overage. I weighed it when he got home, same as he left 51lbs.
I emailed and they finally stopped replying. Didn't care. Be careful with the baggage weights.

[margy]

Thanks for the tip, I will keep that in mind.
Did you also find a deal for parking at the Buffalo Airport?

Here's a tip for you: to avoid the high cost of eating all meals
in restaurants, etc., check the Monoprix stores which we found
all over Paris. Very reasonably priced for drinks, snacks, fresh
packaged sandwiches, and all your other needs.
Also, make sure you get a fresh baguette sandwich for lunch
from a little eatery. Mine was fresh cheese, ham, tomatoes, egg slices,
lettuce and mayo. We had a picnic lunch sitting on the banks
of the Seine, just below Notre Dame Cathedral...a very memorable
experience!!

[CrazyQT]

There are hotels in the area that allow you to park there without staying overnight. We used the Quality Inn for 9 days and paid under $60 dollars. They provide free shuttle to the airport and back upon your return.