A new survey finds that roughly one-third of Canadians have cancelled travel plans due to the Omicron variant. The survey by Canadian-based redflagdeals.com found that 31% of respondents said they’ve cancelled flights because of the variant. Of course, that means nearly 70% plan to go ahead with travel plans. WestJet officials today told me they were very busy over the Christmas weekend. The survey also found that 63% of Canadians are hesitant about booking new flights right now. But Canadians also appear optimistic about the future. While only 22% of Canadians plan to fly in the next one to three Read more
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The U.S. has been plagued by holiday cancellations, but Canada’s two largest airlines say things are much smoother north of the border. Multiple reports out of the United States this weekend point to major cancellation issues, blamed on both staffing shortages and weather issues. The website flightaware.com, which tracks planes around the world, reported 690 cancellations for flights within or into/out of the U.S. on Christmas Eve, followed by 996 on Christmas Day. As of 1 p.m. Eastern Time today, the site was reporting 774 cancellations for flights within or into/out of the U.S. Delta was looking at 131 cancellations Read more
Flair Airlines, Canada’s everyday low fare airline, continues to expand into the United States with the announcement of two new U.S. destinations: New York City and Chicago. Service between Toronto Pearson International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport will begin on April 7 and to Chicago O’Hare International Airport on May 17. “We’re working hard to continue our rapid expansion into the U.S., and we’re delighted to announce these exciting new U.S. destinations,” said Garth Lund, Chief Commercial Officer, Flair Airlines. “Flair’s ultra-low fares will make it easier to take in a Broadway show in New York or enjoy a beautiful summer’s Read more
Canadians are now getting slapped with restrictions on domestic travel. Newfoundland and Labrador says that, starting at 3 p.m. tomorrow, all incoming travellers need to self-isolate for five days upon arrival. They also must take a rapid COVID-19 test every day for five days. If all results are negative, they can be let out of isolation. Unvaccinated children will have to self-isolate for five days, and produce a rapid test each day, according to the CBC. As well, almost everyone aged 12 or older entering Newfoundland and Labrador must submit a travel form within 30 days of their expected travel Read more
The travel advisory issued by the Canadian government on Wednesday is already sparking changes by some travel insurance companies. Travel agents and expert say it’s definitely a case of buyer beware. Allianz Global Assistance Canada sent me an email to say that the situation changed once the government of Canada issued its advisory for Canadians to avoid non-essential international travel. “While coverage varies by channel and product, generally speaking, policyholders with Emergency Medical benefits who contract COVID-19 at their destination would not be eligible for emergency medical treatment if a Government of Canada travel advisory (against non-essential travel, level 3 Read more
