Toronto Pearson International Airport. Right: An Air Canada plane in the sky.
Planning travel over March break? Whether you're eyeing a spring or even summer vacation, there are tons of tips and tricks you'll want to keep in mind to make the most out of your getaway.
Online travel agency CheapOair is sharing a list of hacks that can help Canadians save time and money when travelling, including tips for speeding up your time at the airport and finding the best deals when booking your vacation.
Ready to get going? Here are six travel tips to keep in mind when planning you're next adventure.
Book an early flight
Flying earlier in the morning versus later in the day decreases your chance of being affected by significant delays and flight cancellations, according to CheapOair.
According to Expedia, to reduce the chances of having their flight cancelled, it's recommended that travellers depart before 3 p.m.
"Year-to-date flight status data reveals flights that depart after 3 p.m. have an 18% higher chance, on average, of being cancelled than those that depart earlier in the day," the travel company said in its 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report.
Take advantage of airport services to speed up your trip
"Many airports are introducing an online reservation system to better manage security screening wait times, and the best part is that they are free," says CheapOair.
For example, at Toronto Pearson International Airport, travellers can take advantage of YYZ Express, an online reservation program that allows you to book your spot in the security line to speed up the screening process.
All you have to do is sign up before your flight or when you arrive at the airport and select the airline you’re flying with, destination, and flight number along with your name, number of people in your group, and contact information to save your spot.
Once you’re at the airport, your time is yours! Check your bags, grab some coffee, spend more time with loved ones, or just walk up at your reservation time.
The same service is available at other major airports including Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL Express) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR Express).
Sign up for free points programs
There are tons of loyalty and rewards programs that offer points you can use towards travel purchases, including flights and hotels, that you may be missing out on.
The best part is that many are free to sign up for, like Aeroplan, the points program from Air Canada, that allows travellers to earn points on qualifying purchases that they can then put towards Air Canada flights, merchandise, gift cards and more.
Other popular free points programs include Air Miles, which has over 300 partners that users can earn and redeem points with, and Scene+, where you can redeem points toward your next vacation and pay for travel with a mix of points and payment card.
Consider off-peak travel times
Travelling during off-peak times can make for a significantly better vacation experience, with fewer crowds and cheaper pricing on both flights at and your destination.
"Traveling on weekdays, avoiding public holidays like Victoria Day, or steering clear of school breaks can lead to not only quieter sightseeing spots but also more affordable airfare and accommodation rates," says CheapOair.
According to the travel agency, the ideal time to go is during the shoulder season, which falls between the last traces of winter and the start of the summer holiday crowd.
"During these windows, attractions are less crowded, and the natural world is in a state of bloom, providing a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes," it says.
"Moreover, hotels and airlines are keen to attract visitors during these quieter times, often resulting in attractive promotions and deals."
As shoulder seasons will vary by destination, to find out location-specific information about what season is best for savings and fewer crowds, Canadians can use a travel platform like KAYAK's Best Time To Travel tool, which can provide info on what month to travel to a certain city or country for the best weather and prices.
Consider nearby airports to save money
"Those living closer to a neighbouring city should explore flying out from an alternate airport to see if cheaper options are available," says CheapOair.
If you're flying from Toronto, for example, there are other smaller airports near the city like John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport where you may be able to get a better price on flights.
According to CheapOair, this is especially true if you're crossing the border, with many travellers finding cheaper options by flying out of U.S. airports.
"By considering airports just a short drive across the border, travellers can take advantage of lower fares often found in the U.S., thanks to a wider array of budget airlines and less demand for domestic routes," says CheapOair.
Canadians can look at airports in U.S. cities like Buffalo (Buffalo Niagara International Airport), Detroit (Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport) and Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) as alternatives close to the U.S.-Canada border that offer the benefits of more competitive pricing and increased flight availability.
Take a carry-on instead of checked luggage
"With the rising costs of checking a bag and fears over lost luggage, it is always better to pack a carry-on bag versus checking a bag as many airlines will allow you to bring up to two carry-on items," says CheapOair.
Canadian airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, and Porter Airlines allow passengers to bring on board one free carry-on and one free personal item, for both domestic and international flights, when flying standard.
However, if lost luggage is your concern, Air Canada has also introduced a way for travellers to track the progress of their baggage through their app. You may also consider using an Air Tag to track your luggage yourself.
The further you book out, the better
According to CheapOair, the sooner you can book your flights, the better.
"The closer you get to the travel date may lead to higher prices especially if flights fill up," says the travel agency.
According to Skyscanner, the best time for Canadians to book flights is actually 23 weeks (or just over five months) ahead of their trip, allowing travellers to save $310 per person, on average, compared to booking at other times.
If you can't book this far in advance, it still may be a good idea to not wait until the last minute to book your trip.
Booking early can also open up opportunities for better seat selection, more favourable flight times, and give you the ability to adjust your travel plans, if need be, with minimal penalties.
Bon voyage!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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