Travellers looking for cheap flights from Vancouver to Toronto might want to check booking details before they purchase a ticket.
An ultra-low-cost ticket might cost a pretty penny once a seat is selected and a carry-on bag is added. While most airlines permit a personal item, many do not include the cost of a carry-on bag in the cabin.
Also, consider the booking restrictions in the lowest fare class, regardless of the airline you book. Many basic fare tickets are non-refundable and don't allow changes.
Have a look at some cheap options from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) departing in June and what you need to keep in mind.
Several cheap flights from Vancouver to Toronto depart in June
Travellers can fly from YVR direct to YYZ for a steal on trips departing in a few weeks.
Prices climb up over the summer but flights cost roughly $100 less in June — and travellers have multiple airlines to choose from.
Flair Airlines, Canada's ultra-low-cost carrier, offers the best deal, with direct, round-trip flight options for under $250 return. However, Porter and WestJet tickets won't cost much more, with options available for just over $300.
For example, a flight departing YVR on June 12 and returning from YYZ on June 19 costs $247 directly through Flair (see slide two).
Flair's prices are more affordable for travellers packing light
According to Google Flights, Flair's price is "low" for an economy ticket, with the cheapest trips to Toronto usually starting between $265 and $395. The price is also expected to increase by $25 within four days.
But Flair's affordable fare might not stay as low once travellers include all their additional travel expenses. The carrier uses the budget airline model, which doesn't include carry-on bags or seat selection in the cost of a ticket.
Travellers can bring a personal item on a flight but must pay $29 to $59 plus tax for in-flight luggage. If they don't pay for the carry-on luggage before the flight, this price will rise to $49 to $69 plus tax.
Checked luggage also has a fee but most Canadian carriers charge for checked items.
What other airlines will have similar prices if I bring carry-on luggage?
Travellers with carry-on luggage may want to book their trip with another airline, such as WestJet or Air Canada. Flair's price might still be slightly less but they may prefer the other airline's perks or the onboard experience.
WestJet
WestJet allows one piece of carry-on baggage for its domestic flights in its lowest fare class. For the same dates as the Flair trip, travellers can get direct flights with WestJet ranging between $293 and $320 with several third-party suppliers (see slide three).
Always check terms and booking conditions when you don't book directly with the airline. Larger third parties located in North America, such as the FlightHub option for $320, may be safer than booking through smaller companies or ones located overseas.
WestJet will introduce a new fare class in the coming weeks that won't include carry-on luggage. The airline says it will allow budget-conscious travellers to save on flights if they pack light.
Porter
Porter also offers a low-cost option for travellers but does include carry-on luggage in its basic fare class. Tickets booked in any of its other fare classes, including Standard, Flexible, Freedom, Navigate and Ultimate fares, may bring one piece of luggage on board for free.
Travellers can fly on the same dates for $324.58 through Porter but will fly into the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). The airport is roughly 20 minutes from YYZ (see slide four).
Air Canada
Travellers planning to fly with Canada's flag airline should expect to pay higher prices in June, despite the carrier including a carry-on bag.
Nonstop Air Canada flights from YVR to YYZ and back cost over $100 more than the other options, with prices starting at $484 (see slide five).
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