Toronto: In a move aimed at making air travel more accessible to Canadians, Flair Airlines has announced the introduction of $1 base fares. The initiative is a direct response to concerns about the rising cost of living and its impact on travel plans.
Starting August 26, travelers can book flights on select northbound routes from Mexico, the U.S.A., Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic to Canada, including Toronto Pearson International Airport, for just $1 as the base fare.
Flair has indicated that more routes will be added to the $1 fare list throughout the year.
To benefit from this offer, travelers should keep an eye on Flair's $1 base fare page. The available routes will change frequently based on seasonal factors and demand.
The add-up cost
While the fare may only be one dollar, the taxes and fees total approximately $15.14 per flight segment, including security and government fees. The base fares do not include any baggage, so travelers with personal items, checked luggage, and carry-on luggage will need to add a bundle, which can be as much as $56.
This is a similar pricing model that has been adopted in the United States by airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant which offer basic economy fares without any frills.
A boost for Canadian tourism
Flair is Canada's third-largest airline and offers flight routes to 35 different markets internationally. The airline was founded in 2015 and maintains a fleet of Boeing 737 planes.
The discounted flights come at a time when tourism to Canada continues to increase. Over 74.5 million people traveled to Canada in 2023, which is 1.5 times higher than the previous year. Visits from the United States also increased by 51.8 percent, according to Canadian Tourism statistics.
Encouraging airport fee reductions
Flair Airlines CEO Maciej Wilk expressed hope that airports, particularly in Canada, will follow suit and reduce their fees. This would further lower the overall cost of travel and make it more accessible to a wider range of people.
Democratizing air travel
Eric Tanner, VP of Revenue Management and Network Planning at Flair Airlines, emphasized the goal of democratizing air travel. He highlighted that Flair's affordable fares make it possible for people to explore destinations across its network, from the Rockies to the Atlantic.