Flair Airlines is no longer the cheapest option for Vancouverites looking to fly to "The 6ix."
While the ultra-low-cost carrier has famously offered the lowest fares from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for years, a new airline is shaking up affordable air travel for folks headed back east.
Lynx Airlines, a budget carrier that launched in 2022, has prowled its way into the lead of the low-cost race, offering the cheapest price on one of Canada's most popular routes: YVR to Toronto Lester B. Pearson.
Now, travellers headed east from B.C.'s Lower Mainland to Canada's largest city can fly for as little as $59 including tax with Lynx on select dates.
Flair Airlines may no longer offer the cheapest ticket to Toronto, but the carrier's prices are far from pricey. Most of its one-way tickets start for under $100, with fares for the popular YVR to YYZ trip totalling $89 including all taxes and fees.
But travellers may want to consider the possible ramifications of booking with the budget airline at this time.
Flair Airlines has come under fire in recent weeks following the seizure of four of its aircraft after it allegedly failed to make lease payments to a New York-based hedge fund. The seizure resulted in mass cancellations across the discount carrier's extensive networks, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or scrambling to make alternative arrangements.
That said, the airline stresses that its flights are running back on schedule and it is committed to offering the most competitive fares on the market.
Vancouver flights for travellers willing to spend a bit more
Travellers who feel reluctant to go with a "low-cost" option may want to fly with Canada's only two major airlines, Air Canada and WestJet.
Air Canada is offering a one-way fare from YVR to YYZ for as little as $132.43 including all fees and taxes.
WestJet is also offering a one-way fare from YVR to YYZ for as little as $132.43 including all fees and taxes. Instead of booking directly with the airline, the ticket was cheap with third-party supplier Expedia.
Porter Airlines also offers an alternative for folks looking to try a new airline who want to avoid budget options. It strives for a more "premium economy" experience, complete with its complimentary beer and wine served in glassware, along with a selection of premium snacks.
Launched in February, the new YVR-YYZ route marks the first time in the airline's 16-year history that it provides service to Western Canada.
The E195-E2 aircraft, the one used on the new route, is the most environmentally-friendly single-aisle aircraft, at 65 per cent quieter and up to 25 per cent cleaner than previous-generation technology. It has the lowest fuel consumption per seat and per trip among 120 to 150-seat aircraft and is the quietest single-aisle jet flying today.
Locals can fly for as little as $143.43 with Porter on the popular route.
