Swoop – Update on Canada’s Ultra-low-cost Airline

Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, released its expanded winter schedule on June 10, including increased non-stop domestic service and the re-introduction of flights to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Following a sustained pattern of new daily bookings on par with pre-pandemic levels, the airline also announced it will proceed with planned fleet growth, inducting its tenth Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft into service this winter.

The first Canadian airline to fully re-enter its entire fleet into service, Swoop will operate all nine of its aircraft domestically during peak summer. The airline’s winter schedule will provide travellers with ultra-low-cost flights across Canada, as well as to sun and fun destinations including Montego Bay in Jamaica, Las Vegas and Mesa/Phoenix in the U.S., and Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán in Mexico. “We’ve seen a significant increase in demand for travel this summer, most especially in provinces where vaccination and re-opening plans are on track and clearly outlined,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “With the release of our winter schedule, those who are planning further ahead or dreaming of a vacation abroad can find our always affordable flights and Getaway packages available for booking through April 2022.” As the airline that always has deals on already affordable flights, Swoop will offer scheduled winter service to 14 destinations, with ultra-low fares starting from just $40 CAD † total price in the example of a one-way Abbotsford to Edmonton flight. The addition of a tenth aircraft in time for the winter flying season will allow Canada’s leading ULCC to add new routes, destinations, and frequencies in pace with demand. “Consumer confidence is coming back, and the message is clear, Canadians are ready to start planning that long overdue trip,” continued Duncan. “When travellers are ready, we look forward to safely welcoming them back onboard our aircraft.”

Details of Swoop’s Winter 2021 Schedule and flights currently for sale:

Swoop is WestJet’s ultra-low-cost version of their own low-cost airline.

What’s the catch?

Some of the things included with WestJet airline ticket include free customer service when booking a flight or changing your ticket (changes themselves incur a fee). Carry on bags are free of charge and that cup of joe? That’s free too, or at least included in the cost of your airline ticket.

When you buy a ticket on a flight with Swoop – you are essentially paying for your seat. That’s it. Oh and you can take one small bag. Unlike the regular airline, anything that requires dealing with an employee/customer service/human interaction can be had for a fee:  Customer service phone support is $15 per call, carry-on bag or first checked bag is $36.75 – $92 depending on when you pay. Beverages, including soft drinks and coffee, will be available for purchase as well.

Tickets are even more restricted – no name changes allowed at all,  there is a fee to cancel within 24 hours of booking (currently no charge within 24 hours on WestJet), and absolutely no cancellations allowed within 24 hours of flight departure.

With that said, there are an exceptional amount of fees that would need to be added to make that $7.50 flight come close to the competitors so it’s worth a shot.

If you can travel light, don’t need a drink, and are certain you never need to change your ticket, these flights can save you a lot of money.

Visit www.flyswoop.com to check out flight times, prices and availability.