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Flight Hub Christmas and Holiday Travel Trends + Porter Adds Direct Toronto-Palm Beach Flights

A new survey by Flight Hub finds that Canadians are split on the idea of holiday travel.

Their report finds that one quarter (25%) of those who responded aged 18-34 indicated they are travelling to escape the Canadian winter. Just over one-half (53%) of survey respondents said they are not travelling this holiday season.

Breaking that down further, and this is interesting 51% of English-speaking Canadians are not travelling, while 65% of French-speaking Canadians are not travelling.

As well, the sales data also found that the highest number of bookings are to these specific airports/cities : Manila, Toronto, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Delhi. Which suggests a good deal of friends/family travel mixed with people looking to escape the cold. Personally, I’m a big fan of doing both at the same time, so I’ll be flying to California right after Christmas to see my Dad and sister, and my niece.

FlightHub has seen a decrease of bookings comparing to last year for Canadians, which could be a sign of the economic times. I didn’t see an exact figure on the amount of the decline.

New Delh, India. confused_me/Pixabayphoto

New Delh, India. confused_me/Pixabayphoto

Additional findings:

  • The U.S. is the top destination for Gen Z and millennials, making up 21% of the bookings with FlightHub. The average ticket price spent is $546 CAD
  • Domestic travel follows as the second top destination, with 16% of the bookings for both age groups. The average ticket price for these domestic flights is $415 CAD

 

  • The remaining top destinations include:
    • Philippines, with 12% of the bookings (average ticket price of $2,167 CAD)
    • India, with five per cent of the bookings (average ticket price of $2,220 CAD)
    • Mexico, with five per cent (average ticket price of $942 CAD)
  • For those travelling who are travelling domestically during the holiday season, the top destinations include:
    • Toronto: Average ticket price is $460 CAD
    • Edmonton: Average ticket price is $300 CAD
    • Vancouver: Average ticket price is $339 CAD
    • Calgary: Average ticket price is $360 CAD
    • Ottawa: Average ticket price is $513 CAD

Please note: The holiday season refers to travel with departure flights between December 20 and January 1 for FlightHub sales data.

PORTER BEGINS TORONTO-PALM BEACHES SERVICE

Porter Airlines on Thursday (Nov. 14, 2024) began a new route between Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). It’s Porter’s sixth destination in Florida. 

Nonstop, daily service gives passengers travelling between Toronto and The Palm Beaches the opportunity to experience Porter’s award-winning elevated economy experience. Operated with the Embraer E195-E2, the 132-seat aircraft is configured 2-by-2, which means no middle seats for any passenger.

The rooftop pool at The Canopy by Hilton in West Palm Beach, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO

The rooftop pool at The Canopy by Hilton in West Palm Beach, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO

Porter offers a level of genuine onboard hospitality for economy passengers that is unmatched in the skies of North America, with free premium snacks, free, fast WiFi, and complimentary beer and wine served in glassware for everyone onboard. PorterReserve fares provide an all-inclusive economy experience, with fresh, healthy meals, premium cocktails, dedicated airport check-in, ticketing flexibility, early boarding, and more legroom. 

I’ve been to The Palm Beaches a few times and thought it was great. There are exceptional restaurants both luxurious and casual, as well as wonderful hotels and fabulous art museums. If you’re looking for a fun, not too expensive place to stay, try the Canopy by Hilton in West Palm Beach.