5 reasons to book Option Plus for Air Transat clients

When Air Transat recently announced that it was voted North America’s Best Leisure Airline for the fourth year running, I had just returned from a trip to Italy (YYZ-FCO) by way of the airline's A330 aircraft. I was an Option Plus guest, and while I understood that there would be some perks with the status, it didn't occur to me exactly all that the upgrade entailed.

Here are five points travel agents can use to upsell clients to Option Plus:

1. Skip the lines

Travel is stressful enough to begin with and often that is only perpetuated by daunting line-ups. Option Plus guests benefit from some reprieve thanks to dedicated check-in lines at gateways across Canada, an advantage also available upon return from select destinations (including FCO).

2. Baggage

There's no need to cut down on your shoe selection or be mindful of weight restrictions as you purchase souvenirs, because Option Plus guests receive a supplementary checked baggage allowance of up to 10 kg per flight segment. In addition, luggage is prioritized, so it will be among the first off the carousel and travellers can hit the ground when they arrive in-destination.

3. Onboard comfort

While Option Plus guests sit in Economy Class with no seat upgrade per se, there are a few extras that enhance the experience. For example, they receive a comfort kit that includes a neck pillow, blanket and eye mask, plus great quality ear buds, all of which helps to settle in for a long journey. You can toast to the experience with a small bottle of sparkling wine following take-off, and enjoy other inclusions such as an alcoholic drink and a snack when the beverage cart comes around.

4. Service & experience

Option Plus or otherwise, guests can feel at ease with the mood lighting, slim seats and a great entertainment system – all the result of fleet refurbishments that got underway in 2012. Not to mention, quality service is another factor that has earned the Air Transat the title of Best Leisure Airline four-times running.

5. Extra commission!

As they say, money talks. Travel agents earn $5 commission per passenger, per flight segment on all Option Plus upgrades.

* Please note: The Option Plus experience may vary from European to South flights. Rates start from $49.50 on flights to South and U.S. destinations ($89 roundtrip), or $59.50 to Europe ($99 roundtrip), though enhanced options are also available. See more details here.

Option Plus promo to Cuba

Air Transat is now offering travellers the chance to save 50 per cent when they upgrade to Option Plus when travelling to Cuba. Seat selection is also available at 50 per cent off. Upgrades to Option Plus can be made up to two days prior to departure. Agents earn $10 commission per roundtrip passenger booked on all Option Plus upgrades. This offer is valid on the purchase of Option Plus and seat selection to Cuba from Toronto made as of July 23 for travel between July 25 and Oct. 31, 2015.