Off the Disney topic - air travel within Canada

[FigmentSpark]

We're travelling this July to visit relatives. I have usually used points to travel, but this year, we're also going at Christmas, so that will take all my points.

When I look at West Jet and Air Canada, the summer fares seem priced like the Christmas fares. Are there sales for July still to come or should I just bite the expensive bullet and buy my summer tickets now? What do people do?

 

[Etch]

Westjet released a discount code for domestic travel until June 27th yesterday.

Summer domestic fares in Canada are expensive but I would guess you will see a sale for that time period soon. If prices are that expensive already, I would hold on and see if something comes up.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I hope so. I have itchy fingers.... for booking the flights, that is. I don't like plans that are up in the air and waiting for a sale. I expect airlines count on people like me booking at a higher rate because they want to finalize their plans.

 

[mab2012]

I guess it depends on your risk tolerance. I am expected to put in an appearance at a family reunion this summer, which will mean 3-4 weekend tickets for YOW<->YHZ in late July. The pricing right now is downright absurd. I'm going to wait. All the flights on that route at that time of year are the same price, which I take to mean that there are plenty of seats available, and the airlines are just trying to fleece summer travellers. I think the prices will come down in a couple of months when the airlines become more serious about filling seats.

That said, there's quite a lot of capacity on that particular route, and in the worst case we could decide to drive. YMMV.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I'm looking for early July, so any sale options better come soon. But my other problem is that sales are usually Tues, Wed or Thurs. I'm travelling Sun to Fri, so I don't even know if I should wait for the sale.

 

[Frozen2014]

I noticed too. We're looking at end of the summer travel from Tor to Florida and wow...quite expensive at $500 per person. Hard to know whether to wait or just go for it, as overall it seems to be just rising the more we wait. Good luck.

 

[ccudmore]

You didnt mention where you’re flying from and to, but check if you have other airline options beyond AC and WJ. Check Porter, Flair, Swoop and the charter companies that offer domestic flights in the summer.

 

[FigmentSpark]

YYZ to YWG

I don't know if those low-cost lines fly that route.

 

[Etch]

Westjet released a sale today in case you missed it.

Book by April 5 for travel until July 12.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Westjet released a sale today in case you missed it.

Book by April 5 for travel until July 12.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[ccudmore]

YYZ to YWG

I don't know if those low-cost lines fly that route.

I think both Swoop and Flair are flying YHM (Hamilton) to YWG. A quick check of their sites shows flights In July starting At $89 per person each way taxes in.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Well, I never considered them before, but I'll check them out. Thanks.

 

[Micharlotte]

Definitely try Flair. They do have sales regularly too and they have flights everyday on your route.

 

[FigmentSpark]

I did check them out, however, since we all need a suitcase and we all have carry-ons, it seems any savings are eaten up by the extra fees. That would be really handy for anyone that knows how to travel light, though.

 

[migel]

For the first time in years I flew Hamilton to Halifax last summer via New Leaf. Total price was half of what Air Canada or West Jet wanted (including a checked bad). Unfortunately I understand New Leaf was acquired by Flair and no longer flies to Halifax. No doubt the big airlines are once again trying to quash discount carriers in Canada. I usually fly out East Sept each year and whether I book 6 months ahead or 2 weeks before, Air Canada and Westjet prices remain absurdly high, maybe a $40 difference by early booking. It's ridiculous that AC charges over $500 for a return flight (1 hour 45 minute flight), and that includes NO checked bags. Good luck!