Flair Airlines Review: The Low Cost Airline Worth Checking Out
Overall Score: 8.5
Number of destinations: 40 major cities
- Low fares
- Extensive route network for a domestic airline
- Free checked baggage
- Direct and connecting flight options
- Pets allowed on board
- Baggage and in-flight fees can quickly add up
- Occasional flight delays and cancellations
Looking for a low-cost airline that operates flights within Canada? Flair Airlines just might be the perfect option for you! To spare you from reading countless Flair Airlines reviews, we’ll provide an overview of the airline and what you can expect when flying with them. We’ll also share some of the pros and cons of using Flair Airlines. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea as to whether or not this carrier is a good fit for your needs.
What Is Flair Airlines? An Overview
Flair Airlines is a Canadian low-cost carrier that offers domestic flights within the country, as well as charter services. Headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, the airline was founded in 2005 as Flair Air and began operating under the Flair Airlines banner in 2017. The carrier currently flies to more than 30 destinations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Flair Airlines’ fleet comprises all Boeing 737 aircraft, which offer a comfortable and efficient flight experience. The airline’s pricing model is based on a mix of unbundled fares and à la carte options, allowing passengers to tailor their travel experience to their specific needs and budget. In addition to its regular scheduled service, Flair Airlines Canada also offers several value-added services for passengers looking for a more convenient or personalized travel experience.
What to Expect When Flying with Flair Airlines
Flying can be a very stressful activity at times, due to factors such as not knowing what is allowed on board, whether certain items can be brought on board or if they must be checked and flights being delayed or cancelled. Fortunately, Flair Airlines provides all of the necessary features information, so let’s take a look.
Flair Airlines Check-in and Boarding
Passengers can check-in online or via the app, and board using their smartphones. This contactless procedure eliminates the need to stand in line at the airport, where you would have to pay a $25 check-in fee.
Check-in is available 24 hours before your flight and up to three hours before departure. Additionally, the latest you should arrive for boarding is 15 minutes before takeoff.
Flair Baggage Bundles and Fees
If travellers expect to have more baggage than usual, they can save money by purchasing one of the available bundles when booking their flight. They can choose between a basic bundle (personal item, carry-on bag, and checked bag for $49.30-$83.30) and a big bundle (personal item, carry-on bag, checked bag, priority boarding, and flexibility for changing or cancelling flights for $62.40-$94.40).
Flair lets each passenger bring one free bag or item, which must fit under the seat in front, such as a purse, small backpack, briefcase, or laptop bag. If you have extra luggage, there are fees for each piece, so pack for your trip with that in mind.
Seat Selection and Flair Airlines Priority Boarding
By purchasing one of the seating options, you can choose a seat on the plane. If you prefer not to pay, you will be assigned one at random. A seat in the back of the plane, for example, costs $10-$20, whereas a seat with extra legroom has a $25-$45 fee. You can also pay $10 to get a spot at the front of the line and the $10 amenity of priority boarding.
TravelFLEX
The airline has a unique TravelFLEX function that allows travellers to change their travel dates or destination without penalty up to thre hours before departure. This flexibility is ideal for travellers who are uncertain of their travel plans or who must make last-minute adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances.
TravelFLEX may be purchased at the time of booking and up to 24 hours after booking. TravelFLEX has a modest price of $10 for using the travelFLEX feature, and it is still a valuable option for travellers who require flexible travel arrangements.
Flair Cancellation Policy
If a passenger cancels their standard reservation within 24 hours of making it and their trip is more than seven days away, they will receive a full refund. Additionally, if they don’t show up for their flight or if they cancel within 3 hours of the flight, they will not be refunded.
Cancellations made seven days before departure incur a $39 fee, while cancellations made within seven days of departure are $59. Change fees apply as well, though they are slightly less expensive. With TravelFLEX or the Big Bundle, passengers are allowed one free change.
Where Does Flair Airlines Fly To?
In terms of destinations, Flair Airlines is currently offering 40 flights to major cities across Canada as well as to popular vacation destinations in the United States and Mexico.
Abbotsford | Denver | Kitchener-Waterloo | Orlando Sanford | Saskatoon |
Anchorage | Edmonton | Las Vegas | Ottawa | Thunder Bay |
Calgary | Ft Lauderdale | Lethbridge | Palm Springs | Toronto |
Cancun | Ft McMurray | London | Phoenix-Mesa | Tucson |
Charlottetown | Grand Prairie | Los Cabos | Prince George | Vancouver |
Chicago | Halifax | Montreal | Puerto Vallarta | Victoria |
Comox | Hollywood/Burbank | Nashville | St John | Windsor |
Deer Lake | Kelowna | New York | San Francisco | Winnipeg |
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Flair Air destinations might be just what you’re looking for.
Mobile App
Flair: Travel App is an excellent tool for keeping track of your travel plans and staying up to date on the most recent flight information. The app provides real-time updates on gate changes, flight delays, and cancellations, ensuring that you are always in the know.
You can also check in for your flight, view your Flair airline tickets, and book flights using the Flair: InFlight App. Moreover, this app will be handy throughout your flight since it allows you to order food and beverages and access various movies, television series, games and destination guides.
So, if you’re looking for a way to make your travel planning a little easier, check out these apps. The Flair Airlines apps are free to download from the App Store and Google Play.
Customer Support
The airline has a dedicated team of customer service representatives who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to help passengers with any questions or problems they may experience. You can reach a representative through phone, email, chat, or text.
Flair Airlines also provides a live chat service, which allows passengers to interact in real-time with a customer service representative through the Flair Airlines website or app. This service is especially useful for passengers who require immediate assistance with a problem or question. The live chat is available in English, French, and Spanish.
The Pros and Cons of Using This Carrier
Travellers nowadays look for the lowest fares for air travel because it can be quite expensive. Still, more than two-thirds of millennials would rather spend more on travel than on health or exercise. Aside from low fares, Flair Airlines does offer many advantages, but there are also a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Pros
Low fares: Flair Airlines is known for its competitive pricing, offering fares that are often significantly lower than those of its rivals and good Flair Airlines deals.
Extensive route network: The airline flies to 40 destinations across Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Free checked baggage: Flair Airlines includes one free checked bag in its fares, meaning passengers can avoid paying extra fees.
Direct and connecting flight options: The airline offers both immediate and connecting flight options, providing flexibility for travellers.
Pets allowed on board: Smaller dogs and cats are permitted for a fee ranging from $49 to $79.
Cons
Baggage and in-flight fees can quickly add up: Since this is a budget airline, travellers shouldn’t expect any luxuries on board. The airline does not provide complimentary meals or entertainment, and additional Flair Airlines carry-on and baggage increase prices.
Occasional flight delays and cancellations: According to some customer Flair Airlines reviews, the airline has been known to experience occasional delays and cancellations, as most low-cost carriers do.
Flair vs. Swoop
There are two major Canadian low-cost carriers: Flair Airlines and Swoop. Both airlines offer affordable fares, with some differences in pricing and some additional differences.
Flair is an independent company, whereas Swoop Airlines, founded in 2018, is a subsidiary of the second-largest Canadian airline, WestJet Airlines. Flair Airlines flies to forty destinations, while Swoop flies to thirty-four, including the Caribbean. Flair accepts pets, whereas Swoop does not.
While some options are less expensive with Flair Air Canada than with Swoop, and vice versa, it all depends on the flight you wish to book and your preferences. So make sure to do your homework and figure out which option is best for you.
The Verdict: Is Flair Airlines Right for You?
Flair Airlines is a great option for budget-conscious travellers looking for an affordable way to fly. The airline offers low fares, a wide route network, and one free bag, making it a great choice for those looking to save money on air travel.
However, Flair Airlines has some potential drawbacks, such as in-flight fees and occasional flight delays or cancellations, so be sure to consider these before booking a flight with Flair Airlines.
FAQ
Is there food on Flair Air?
If you download the Flair InFlight App, you can take advantage of any of the onboard entertainment options. With this app, you can do everything: order food and drinks, watch free films, obtain travel tips, and check out Flair Airlines reviews from other customers.
Can you take a backpack on Flair?
Per passenger, Flair allows one free personal item that must be stored under the seat in front of you. Purses, compact backpacks, laptop bags, and briefcases are some examples.
Why are Flair flights so cheap?
Ryanair, an airline based in Ireland, came up with a successful model for low-cost airlines that Flair and Swoop are based on. Flights that are as cheap as possible but offer add-ons that cost a lot add up to low fares.
Overall Score: 8.5
Number of destinations: 40 major cities