Buyer Beware: 10 Things Canadians Need to Know About Flying with Flair Airlines

You’ll read a lot about Flair Airlines in the news, but it is that bad?

In Canada, you can fly several great Airlines by collecting either Aeroplan points, WestJet Rewards, or American Express membership rewards. These programs not only allow you to redeem miles with Canadian airlines but also allow you to see the world by redeeming miles with their partner airlines. 

Who wouldn’t want to travel to Paris in Business class for only 70,000 Aeroplan points? 

Many travel blogs (this one included) often trumpet the benefits of credit card points, as they can save you thousands of dollars on “once in a lifetime” experiences. 

But not every trip needs to be a world-class experience. Sometimes you just need an airplane to get you from Point A to Point B, without all the bells and whistles. In situations like this, it may be in your best interest to explore some of the ultra-low-cost airlines available in the Canadian market. 

Enter Flair Airlines. 

Flair Airlines is one of the fastest-growing airlines in Canada and offers service to several Canadian (and US) cities, oftentimes at a rate that is substantially less than Air Canada, Porter, & WestJet. 

In this post, we’ll walk through the do’s and don’ts of flying with Flair Airlines, and the steps you’ll need to take to ensure a stress-free vacation. 

What is Flair Airlines?

Flair Airlines, a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), has emerged as a prominent player in the competitive airline industry, offering budget-friendly travel options to passengers seeking affordable flights. Founded in 2005, Flair has undergone significant transformations, evolving into a robust airline with a focus on providing cost-effective air travel without compromising on quality. The airline is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, and has strategically positioned itself to serve both domestic and international routes, catering to a diverse range of travelers.

One of Flair Airlines’ distinguishing features is its commitment to the ultra-low-cost model, allowing passengers to access air travel at unprecedented prices. The airline achieves this by employing a no-frills approach, providing a basic yet efficient travel experience. While amenities like in-flight meals and extensive entertainment options may be limited, Flair prioritizes affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.

In recent years, Flair Airlines has expanded its route network, connecting various cities across Canada and venturing into international markets. The airline operates a fleet of modern Boeing 737 aircraft, known for their reliability and fuel efficiency. This strategic fleet choice enables Flair to maintain operational efficiency and keep costs low, contributing to the overall affordability of its services.

Flair has also gained recognition for its innovative approach to pricing, often featuring ultra-low promotional fares and dynamic pricing models. This flexibility allows travelers to secure the best deals, fostering a customer-centric approach that aligns with the changing demands of the market. The airline’s commitment to transparency in pricing and a straightforward booking process further enhances the overall customer experience.

As an airline that prioritizes accessibility, Flair Airlines emphasizes the importance of reaching underserved markets and connecting communities that may have limited access to affordable air travel. This commitment aligns with the broader goal of making flying an option for a wider demographic, breaking down financial barriers, and opening up new possibilities for travel enthusiasts.

Stay up to Date on the Latest Travel Deals

Here are 10 things Canadians need to know about Flair Airlines. 

1. Flair Airlines Flys out of Select Airports

Flair Airlines does not have the national presence that airlines such as WestJet & Air Canada have. They fly out of the following airports 

While the list may seem extensive, most flights are limited out of each airport. For example, Flair flies to Tuscon AZ out of London ON, but there are only 2 flights per week. 

2. Flair Airlines Has a Limited Fleet

Flair Airlines doesn’t have a large fleet of airplanes, as they are still a new airline

The limited fleet means you’ll need to be flexible when you travel. You’ll need to not only be flexible with which day you leave, but you’ll also need to understand that Flying with Flair Airlines means your plane may be canceled. 

Why?

The larger airlines in Canada simply have more inventory than Flair. If you’re traveling out of Tuscon back to London ON and there is a mechanical issue with your place, Flair Airlines will not have a backup plane at the ready. It will take them a while to get you a second plane. 

Flair operates with an extremely streamlined business model, and that allows them to offer cheap flights. The downside to that is the increased likelihood of cancellations. 

3. Simple Booking Process

The booking process for Flair Airlines is quite simple: 

The booking process is a 4-step process:

• Choose flight
• Choose baggage option
• Input personal information
• Input payment information

Your ticket can be emailed to you upon completion

4. Beware of the Extra Fees 

With ultra-low-cost carriers (such as Swoop & Flair), your ticket gives you access to your seat. EVERYTHING else will cost money, and depending on what you’re bringing, the baggage fees may completely erode the savings you get by booking with a discount airline. Here are the baggage fees when flying with Flair Airlines: 

You can easily see how these costs can chip away at the savings. If you’re checking a bag with Flair Airlines, be sure to verify the TOTAL COST at checkout. It may end up being more expensive when compared to WestJet or Air Canada (especially if you have a credit card that offers you a complimentary checked bag).

In addition to the bags, there is no free drink offered on board. Food & beverages will cost extra

5. Don’t Expect a Luxurious In-Cabin Experience 

The majority of the airplanes comprising the Flair Airlines fleet are Boeing 787 Max 8 planes. The interior design is quite simple, it’s just a seat.

The legroom in most seats is less than what you’d expect on a WestJet or Air Canada flight, although you can pay for a seat with more legroom. The seat itself was relatively comfortable when compared to some of the discount carriers in the US. 

Another positive with Flair when compared to the US ultra low-cost carriers is that you are given a full tray table, rather than the miniature tray table you get on a flight with Spirit. If you want to work on a laptop, you will have space. It’s not all good news though, as your seat will not have the ability to recline.

If you choose not to pre-pay for your seat, you’ll be randomly assigned a seat, and based on my personal experience, it truly is a random assignment. I was traveling with my father to Halifax, and we were placed in 2 different seats despite being on the same itinerary. Luckily our flight was not sold out, and we were able to switch seats.

There is no entertainment system on board, so bring your tablet if you’d prefer to be entertained. Wifi is not currently being offered, so ensure you have a few movies/shows downloaded. There are no outlets on board. If you’re phone/tablet dies while onboard, you’re SOL. 

While you’ll hear MANY people complain about this in-flight experience online, you’ll be able to reduce your stress by simply having a charged phone/laptop, and bringing a sandwich. 

This in-flight experience is all about tempering expectations. 

Here is a video of the inflight experience put together by Youtuber Alex Praglowski Aviation

6. The Flair App/Customer Service is Not Good

Flair has an app, but it doesn’t do a whole lot. It can often crash depending on what phone you have. 

As mentioned earlier, things can go wrong when you fly an ultra-low-cost carrier. One of the reasons why Flair can price out cheap flights is that they have an extremely lean customer service team. If your plane gets delayed or canceled, do not expect great communication from the airline, and do not expect an easy rectification. There is a customer service line, but they are spotty at best.

You will read a lot of horror stories online about Flair cancellations, and while the odds are that you’ll be fine, it’s important to know the risks when flying Flair. If your flight gets canceled, there’s a good chance Flair will NOT REBOOK YOU on a different flight. They may refund you the cost of the ticket. Should your flight get canceled, Flair encourages you to rebook on a different Flair flight. 

If you thought Air Canada was bad, wait until you deal with this airline. 

There are a few things you can do to limit the personal and financial stress of a canceled Flair flight: 

A. If Flair cancels your flight, and you have the option to book with Flair on a flight leaving the next day, just do it. Odds are Flair will refund you the cost of the initial ticket. If that doesn’t happen automatically, call the customer service hotline and recoup your losses over the phone (the results will vary for how long this process will take).

B. Book your Flair flight with a credit card that has travel insurance, and make sure to keep your receipts if your return flight is delayed.

C. If you booked your flight with an American Express Platinum card, you can always call the Platinum concierge to help answer any questions as to what is or is not covered by your travel insurance. If you booked your trip with a different card, you can always call the customer service hotline to verify your trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

7. Flair Airlines Does Not Have a Loyalty Program 

Flair Airlines doesn’t have a loyalty program, although it’s still a relatively new airline, so that may change in the future. 

8. Flair Airlines Will Occasionally Offer Deals via Email

If you’re interested in further savings offered through Flair Airlines, I encourage you to sign up for their promotional emails. Occasionally Flair will offer savings upwards of 75% off. 

Most of the time, these savings are only for select routes and select dates, but you will find the occasional deal over the year.

9. You can Still Fly Flair on Points

Even though Flair Airlines doesn’t have a loyalty program, you can still access free flights with Flair via reward points. This is because there are a few travel programs that allow you to redeem rewards towards any travel booked on the card (including flights with Flair)

One of these programs is Scene+ Rewards, the Rewards program offered through Scotiabank. 

What is Scene+

Scene+ points are offered by Scotiabank in partnership with Cineplex Entertainment. Scene is a popular entertainment loyalty program in Canada that allows members to earn points on their everyday purchases and redeem them for free movie tickets, concessions, and other rewards at Cineplex theatres. HOWEVER, Scene+ points can also be used for travel expenses at a 1 cent/point value.

If the travel purchase is made with your Scene+ card, you can redeem your points against that purchase directly through your Scene+ account.

Scotiabank bought the Scene loyalty in 2021 and merged it with Scotia Rewards into the Scene+ program.

Scene points can be redeemed towards any travel booked on your card at a rate of 1 cent/point. So, if a Flair flight costs $100, you can pay for it with 10,000 Scene points. 

There are several credit cards in the market that earn you a ton of Scene points through their sign-up bonuses.

The Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite is the best way to do this

The $150 fee (waived in the first year) comes with the following benefits:

• Sign-up Bonus:
  • 30,000 Scene+ points upon spending $1,000 in the first three months
  • 10,000 Scene+ points upon spending $40,000 in the first year
• Earn Rate: 
  • 3 Scene+ pts/dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway and FreshCo
  • 2 Scene+ pts/dollar spent on transit, food and entertainment
  • 1 Scene+ pt/dollar spent everywhere else
• Insurance:
  • Emergency Medical Travel Insurance – up to $1,000,000
  • Car rental damage insurance 
  • Trip Cancellation Insurance- up to $2,500
  • Flight Delay insurance – up to $500 if your flight is delayed >4 hours
• Perks
  • No foreign transaction fees
• Lounge Access
  • 6 complimentary Priority Pass visits

Read: Your Complete Guide to Scene+

Read: How to Travel on a Budget

10. Don’t let the Bad Reviews Deter You

If you’re hesitant to try out Flair Airlines because of some of the bad reviews online, I would implore you to keep perceptive. People don’t typically write a review if things go according to plan. 

Frequent travelers have had bad experiences with all airlines, and Canadian airlines are terrible on a global level in terms of cancellations/delays. 

Conclusion

Flair Airlines is a low-cost carrier that operates on extremely tight margins. This means that seats are cheap, but everything else will cost you more, and cancellations are more likely. So if you’re traveling light, and you have some flexibility in your travel plans, feel free to give Flair Airlines a try. 

Flair Airlines FAQ

How Does Flair Airlines Differ From Air Canada

Flair Airlines and Air Canada differ in various aspects, reflecting their distinct market positions, business models, and target demographics within the Canadian aviation industry.

Business Model:

Flair Airlines: Flair operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), focusing on providing budget-friendly air travel options. The ULCC model involves offering no-frills services, allowing passengers to pay for only the essential components of their journey.

Air Canada: Air Canada, on the other hand, is a full-service carrier that caters to a broader spectrum of passengers. It provides a more comprehensive range of services and amenities, including various cabin classes, in-flight entertainment, and a more extensive network of routes.

Pricing and Fees:

Flair Airlines: Flair emphasizes ultra-low fares, often promoting competitive prices and special deals. However, passengers may need to pay additional fees for amenities such as checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight refreshments.

Air Canada: Air Canada typically offers a range of fare classes, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class. While the airline provides a more comprehensive package of services, certain features might be included in higher fare classes or available as add-ons.

Fleet Composition:

Flair Airlines: Flair primarily operates Boeing 737 aircraft, known for their efficiency and suitability for short to medium-haul flights. The fleet choice aligns with the cost-effective approach of an ultra-low-cost carrier.

Air Canada: Air Canada boasts a more diverse fleet, including narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 787. This diversity allows Air Canada to serve a wider range of destinations, including long-haul international flights.

Network and Reach:

Flair Airlines: While Flair has been expanding its route network, it typically focuses on serving domestic and some international routes, often connecting smaller or underserved airports.

Air Canada: As the flag carrier of Canada, Air Canada operates an extensive global network, connecting major cities worldwide. The airline serves as a primary choice for passengers looking for a comprehensive range of destination options.

Service and Amenities:

Flair Airlines: As a ULCC, Flair offers a simplified travel experience with fewer in-flight services and amenities, catering to passengers who prioritize cost savings over additional comforts.

Air Canada: Air Canada provides a more extensive range of services, including in-flight entertainment, complimentary refreshments, and the option to choose from various cabin classes with different levels of comfort and services.

In summary, while both Flair Airlines and Air Canada operate in the Canadian aviation market, they differentiate themselves through their business models, pricing strategies, fleet choices, and the scope of services provided. Flair targets budget-conscious travelers with its ultra-low-cost approach, while Air Canada caters to a broader customer base seeking a full-service airline experience.

4 Tips for Your Travels

1. Flair Airlines will cost less than an Air Canada ticket, but if you’re checking more than 1 bag, there’s a chance the ticket could end up being more money. 

2. If you book with Flair, it’s in your best interest to have some sort of backup plan if things go wrong. 

3. Sign up for Flair’s emails. They will send you some GREAT deals over the year

4. If you intend on taking a flight with Flair, book with a credit card with a sophisticated travel insurance policy. If you are delayed/canceled, you may be able to recoup some of your losses.