Ready to get away? After spending much of the past few years close to home, I am! Whether it’s a cross-Canada adventure, a trip to the US or something further away, I can’t wait to explore!
But, like everything else, inflation has impacted flight costs. In fact, airfare rose around 46.5% between January and August 2022. Although prices have dropped, they’re still projected to be higher in 2023 than pre-pandemic. And with inflation on the rise and an uncertain economy, I want to maximize my dollar.
Getting the best travel deals starts with saving on your flight. Wondering how to find budget flights? We’ve rounded up 7 low-cost flight options for Canadians—check them out below.
Best low-cost airline for travel in North America
1. Flair Airlines
Destinations: Canada, USA, Mexico
Pros: Great budget flight option for local travel.
Cons: Price only includes small personal items. Over-packers, be warned.
Planning a local getaway? Check out Flair Airlines. Although this budget airline also flies to the US and Mexico, they provide a great budget option for Canadians travelling within Canada.
With Flair, the cost of your ticket only includes a small personal item, with additional fees for carry-on and checked luggage. Watch the weight, though. Flair charges $99 plus tax for overweight/oversized bags!
Right now, we’re seeing discounted deals to many destinations across Canada, like Vancouver to Kelowna and Thunder Bay to Toronto. Check them out!
Best international low-cost airline
2. Air Canada Rouge
Destinations: Canada, USA, Mexico, Europe, Caribbean, South America, Central America
Pros: Well-connected network with extensive destinations.
Cons: A little more expensive. Bring your own device for in-flight entertainment.
A subsidiary of Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge is one of Canada’s biggest budget airlines. It’s integrated with Air Canada’s larger network but provides a budget option.
Looking for something a little fancier? Although Rouge offers low-cost flights, they have a premium service as well.
Travellers taking the economy option will get a snack on flights less than two hours long but will have to pay for food on longer flights. They’ll also pay extra for more leg room. Bring your own device to access paid, in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi.
The premium option offers perks like a full meal on flights over two hours and complimentary beverages. As of November, they offer high-speed and complimentary Wi-Fi and entertainment. But you’ll still need to bring your own device.
What about baggage? Rouge allows one personal item and one standard carry-on. But checked luggage varies per ticket type, so be sure to look out for that.
Best low-cost airlines for sun destinations
3. Swoop
Destinations: Canada, USA, Mexico, Caribbean
Pros: Great cheap flight option for sun-seekers.
Cons: Not so great for over-packers or long-legged individuals.
You’ve likely heard of WestJet. Well, Swoop is their affordable subsidiary. If you’re dreaming of heading somewhere warm for your next trip, Swoop has you covered for vacay spots in the US like Florida, Vegas and Arizona—although they also fly to Canadian hubs like Toronto, Halifax and Ottawa.
Note: Swoop doesn’t fly into Vancouver International Airport—they fly to/from Abbotsford instead.
Although Swoop lets you carry on small items, if you have large carry-on luggage, be prepared to pay. Travellers pay for baggage by the piece with Swoop, with the rates for carry-on items varying by size.
Tip: Travellers can save up to 40% by purchasing bags online. Baggage fees increase the closer you get to your trip, so, be sure to buy early!
Like some other airlines, seat selections, snacks and drinks cost extra. Unlike its parent company, Swoop has smaller planes and less leg room.
Looking for deals? Check out their Swoopons for flights travelling Mon-Friday.
Want to save even more by packing light with a carry-on? Check out our pro packing tips.
4. Sunwing
Destinations: Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic and more
Pros: Sweet package deals, so you don’t have to do all the planning.
Cons: You’ll need to book a package for perks.
Chasing the sun this year? Check out Sunwing! In addition to a stacked roster of sun destinations, Sunwing also offers vacation packages to places like the US, Central America, Mexico, Cuba and other Caribbean hot spots. Looking for hotel deals or a cruise? Sunwing might be the budget carrier for you.
Tip: If you book a vacation package, your first checked bag will be covered. For flights only, you get one personal item included in your ticket and have to pay more each way for your luggage. So, paying more for the package does come with a few perks!
Best low-cost airline for elevated service
5. Porter
Destinations: Canada, USA
Pros: Their “elevated service” includes free-of-charge snacks and beverages.
Cons: Limited destination countries. Must use partners to travel more broadly.
Porter’s perks set this budget airline apart. The airline boasts “elevated economy for everyone” and a “fresh smile for every flight.” Not sold, yet? The airline also offers free wine, beer, snacks and other refreshments.
Porter Airlines has multiple fare levels, and these determine your baggage allowance, so be sure to check that before purchasing. Also, sometimes they offer discounted costs on their checked baggage if purchased when booking your ticket.
Need more baggage info? Learn more about Porter’s baggage policies before you travel.
If you have an international destination in mind, Porter partners with other airlines like Iceland Air, JetBlue and Qatar Airways to take their passengers further.
Best new low-cost airlines
6. Canada Jetlines
Destinations: Within Canada
Pros: Low-cost flights!
Cons: Only fly within Canada.
Just launched in September 2022, Canada Jetlines is a new contender in the budget flight arena.
This ultra-low-cost airline is leisure-focused and aims to provide Canadians with value, local vacation choices and convenient travel options.
Canada Jetlines’ currently has flights to travel destinations like Banff, Calgary, Canmore, Jasper, Niagara Falls, Toronto, and Waterton. Need to fly to Whistler? They’ve got you.
Check out their FAQs for info on baggage and more.
7. Lynx Air
Destinations: Canada, USA
Pros: Fly into main airports. No hidden fees!
Cons: Limited destinations.
Ever heard of Lynx Air? Neither had we. This addition to the budget airline market launched in 2021, providing a great option for travel within Canada and the US. They boast ultra-low prices, no hidden fees and friendly service.
Although they don’t fly to as many destinations as some of the other budget airlines, they do fly into main airports, which is a bonus. If you’re looking to fly between Toronto and Vancouver, check them out. They offer low-priced daily flights with savings of up to 33% if you add your baggage online.
With your Lynx ticket, you’ll get to bring one personal item for seat stowage, but any additional bags cost extra.
Wherever you’re headed, these budget flight options will help you make the most of your trip for less. So, when you find yourself planning a trip and looking for flight deals, keep this blog handy!
Safe travels,
Sarah
