so now my parents want to come for Christmas. Last time I looked the only flights to Halifax at that time of year were the scheduled service with Air Canada (Zoom et al all having finished their service at the end of October). Is that still the case? Do any low-cost airlines run in the winter? Their preferred departure point would probably be Heathrow or Gatwick (or possibly Brimingham)

I think that BMI does but I don't know if they are that cheap.

We thought of coming over around Christmas time and really struggled to get quotes of less than £600 per head.

I don't think that flights to Halifax go from Birmingham. We have to go to Gatwick or Heathrow even though we live in the middle of a triangle of airports (B'ham, Man, E.Mids). Let me know if you know different.

Holy crap - thats expensive.

I think the BMI and Air Canada flights are probably one and the same as they are partners - you can book with either but it is actually an Air Canada plane (at least for the trans-atlantic bit)

BMI is codeshare with AC so AC861 (the LHR to Halifax flight) is a BMI one also. You'll have to fly through Heathrow as there is no direct flight from Brum.

Incidentally, flying on AC861 yesterday, it was the crappiest old Boeing 767 with, horror of horrors, no seatback entertainment system. So a chance to relive those bad old days of longhaul flights trying to watch a small projection screen over 30 rows of heads in front of you. The Airbus on the Halifax to St John's connection in contrast had seatback tv and laptop power on hand. All for an hour or so's flight. Go figure!

Yep, we've been looking for flights for Christmas as well and it seems only Air Canada do them, and they are from Heathrow! Proving to be very expensive, needless to say, we haven't booked anything yet.

yep, unless there is an alternative to Air Canada it looks like 600 pounds is the cheapest for that time of year

Have you checked Continental? They fly from Birmingham and Gatwick to Newark and then to Halifax. You can also clear US customs at Halifax which makes things easier. Not sure if they are any cheaper than AC though.
I always find you can get cheaper fares if you use Air Canada's website. At the moment they have flights in December from London to Halifax from C$984 which works out about 480GBP.

I think thats before taxes though - when you actually go to book loads of other charges get added on and the real cost is much higher (which is a total scam IMHO - why cant they just quote the actual price?)

Have you tried www.expedia.co.uk