Experience smooth travel in Canada. Discover the best budget-friendly Canadian flight. Here is the guide to Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air.
Either you are a traveler or a local Canadian. It doesn’t matter. What matters is selecting an affordable airline that should be full of comfort. Hence, There are two famous regional airlines in Canada, Flair Airlines and Central Mountain Air.
This article will give you a detailed comparison of both airlines. The article will cover costs, routes, pros and cons, etc. Also, some travel tips will be shared to make your trip more easy.
So, let’s get started.
Overview of Flair Airlines and Central Mountain Air
Flair Airlines is one of the most budget-friendly airlines in Canada. The airline stepped into the industry in 2005. They provide services in major cities in Canada, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Also, it has started its few international flights to the US and Mexico.
Many travelers prefer Flair Airlines during their trips. So they can easily save money. However, local Canadians also use it for domestic flights. The Airline claims that,
“The Flair Airline offers more than 34 destinations. And it is only ULCC (Ultra Low-Cost Carrier in Canada.”
However, Central Mountain Air is a little older and based in Smithers, Canada. It stepped into the industry in 1987. The main focus of the airline is on the rural areas in Canada because larger Airlines ignore such areas.
So, people from cities like Vancouver, Prince George’s, and Calgary can easily travel to smaller areas. Moreover, Central Mountain Air claims that,
“The passengers can enjoy more comfortable travel with us because of our partnership with Air Canada and WestJet Airlines.”
Which one is more budget-friendly? Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air
Overall, Flair Airlines has affordable ticket prices. That’s the reason they are called as ultra-low-cost carriers. However, there may be additional charges included for the baggage and extra services.
Nowadays, some promotional rates are also available for a few international destinations on Flair. For example, the promo offers started from $1 for Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the US.
On the other hand, Central Mountain Air has high rates. It is more expensive because of more comfortable services. So, this is ideal for the long-hour flights. Here is the pricing table for both airlines.
| Airline | Route Type | Average Cost |
| Flair Airlines | Domestic Canada | $49 – $199 |
| Central Mountain Air | Domestic (Regional) | $99 – $400 |
Flight Routes and Destinations: Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air
Want to travel beyond Canada? No worries… flair Airlines has also included new international destinations to its list, such as
- 21 destinations, including Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in Canada.
- New York, Los Angeles, San Fransisco etc in US
- Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Los Cabos in the Mexico
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Kingston, Jamaica
Therefore, it is giving tough competition to competitor airlines like Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines.
On the other hand, Central Mountain Air covers nine smaller destinations. These are mainly in the western side of Canada. So, the airline provided a path that connected people to smaller regions. The destinations include:
- Edmonton
- Quesne
- Fort nelson
- Terrace
- High Level
- Williams Lake
- Kelowna
- Vancouver
- Prince George
In Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air, the main difference is in destinations. Also, Central Mountain Air works only at the domestic level and not at the international level.
Fleet size: which one has a larger fleet?
Flair Airlines keeps growing its fleet size. The reason for expanding the fleet is the domestic and international flights. Also, the larger the fleet, the lower the rates will be. Mostly, it uses the Boeing 737-800 planes because of fuel efficiency and engine.
However, the Central Mountain Air has a smaller fleet. Because of smaller airports and destinations, the fleet is not expanding. Let’s look at the fleet comparison.
| Feature | Flair Airlines | Central Mountain Air |
| Fleet Size | Over 15 aircraft | Approximately 10 aircraft |
| Aircraft Types | Boeing 737-800 | Dash 8-100, Dash 8-300 |
Economy Class: Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air
In Flair Airline, a passenger can have very minimal experience. They have two options. One is economy class and the other is economy plus. Overall, a traveler has standard seat sizes and limited legroom. But in plus economy, you can have extra legroom on additional charges.
Although there are no extra luxury services in the economy class of Central Mountain Air. Still, passengers found it more comfortable. Also, they provide good quality seats. Moreover, staff can attend to each passenger in person due to limited flights.
Comparison of Flair Airlines and Other Competitors
The Flair Airline gives tough competition to other low-budget airlines. For example, Lynx Air, Porter Airlines, and WestJet.
Flair Airlines vs Lynx Air
Both Flair and Lynx Air are the best choices for budget-conscious travelers. These Canadian Airlines differ in their fleets and destinations. Otherwise, both are ultra-low-cost carriers. Let’s have a look at the comparison.
| Feature | Flair Airlines | Lynx Air |
| Fleet Size | 21 (Boeing 737 MAX 8) | 9 (Boeing 737 MAX 8) |
| Destinations | Canada, U.S., Mexico, Caribbean | Canada, U.S. |
| Service Class | Economy | Economy |
| Baggage Policy | Fees for carry-on and checked bags | Fees for carry-on and checked bags |
| International Reach | Broader (Mexico, Caribbean) | Limited to U.S. |
| Seat Selection | Paid or random at check-in | Paid or random at check-in |
Flair Airlines vs Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines often stands in comparison with Flair Airlines. Both Canadian airlines differ largely in their services.
For example, Porter Airlines is for business travelers and tourists, who like to have comfortable flights. They give free snacks and meals. Also, the premium services make Porter Airlines stand out.
Let’s have a look at the comparison of ultra-low-cost carrier Flair Airlines with Porter Airlines.
| Feature | Flair Airlines | Porter Airlines |
| Fleet Size | 21 (Boeing 737 MAX 8) | 43 (Dash 8-400, Embraer E195-E2) |
| Destinations | Canada, U.S., Mexico, Caribbean | Canada, U.S., Caribbean |
| Service Class | Economy (Low-cost model) | Economy with premium services |
| Baggage Policy | Fees for carry-on and checked | Free carry-on, fees for checked |
| Main Hub | Edmonton | Toronto (Billy Bishop) |
| In-flight Experience | No free food/drinks, minimal | Complimentary snacks, drinks |
| Target Audience | Budget-conscious travelers | Business and premium leisure |
| Price (One-way avg.) | $39 – $149 | $150 – $350 |
Flair Airlines vs WestJet
Flair Airlines is a much smaller airline when compared with Westjet. Hence, Westjet Airlines has a wide range of routes and destinations.
Let’s have a look at the comparison of the Flair Airlines and WestJet Airlines.
| Feature | Flair Airlines | WestJet Airlines |
| Fleet Size | 20 aircraft (2 Boeing 737-800, 18 Boeing 737 MAX 8) | More than 180 aircraft (Boeing 737, 787, Bombardier Q400) |
| Destinations | More than 30 destinations in Canada and select U.S. | More than 100 destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean |
| Service Type | Low-cost carrier | Full-service airline with low-cost options |
| In-Flight Services | Additional fees for baggage, food, and Wi-Fi | Complimentary snacks and beverages; paid Wi-Fi |
| Class | All economy class | Economy and Premium Economy |
| Loyalty Program | None | WestJet Rewards |
Pros and Cons: Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air
Flair Airlines
Pros:
- Low-Cost rates.
- A large number of Destinations.
- International destinations.
- Option of paying only for the services which you take (baggage, seat selection, etc.).
Cons:
- Additional Charges for extra service.
- Basic In-Flight services.
- Fewer Regional Destinations in Canada.
Central Mountain Air
Pros:
- Destinations include to-hard-to-reach western Canada areas.
- Comfortable in-flight experience.
- Quicker check-ins and boarding.
- Less crowded airports.
Cons:
- Higher rates.
- Limited destinations and routes.
- Smaller fleet size.
- Less flexible flight schedules.
Travel Tips: Choosing the Right Airline for Your Journey
Here are some important travel tips.
- Firstly, note your destinations. then, check the destinations offered by airlines.
- Secondly, check the airline’s baggage policy. For example, while traveling with Flair Airlines, you must take less luggage to save money.
- Thirdly, always book two to three months before traveling.
- Fourthly, try to avail of any discounts that are mostly available on the airline’s websites.
- Last but not least, check your flight status, and get help from customer service.
Final Verdict: Which Airline is Right for You?
Choosing an Airline has always been difficult when you don’t have any idea about travel needs. Also, the battle of Flair Airlines vs Central Mountain Air doesn’t matter once you learn the destinations and services. The Flair airline is perfect if someone wants to travel within Canada at a low cost. While the Central Mountain Air will suit regional travelers.
FAQS
Is Flair Airline safe to fly?
Flair Airlines is a safe Canadian Airline. The airline follows all the Canadian safety protocols. Therefore, Skytrax’s safety rating is 3 stars. Hence, Flair Airline maintains national aviation safety standards.
What is the baggage policy of Flair Airlines?
The baggage policy of Flair Airlines is very minimal. So, a traveler can carry a carry-on, checked baggage, and a personal item. Moreover, 23kg are allowed in the flair flight. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay an extra $9-$14 for each additional kg.
Are Central Mountain Air partners with Air Canada?
Yes, according to recent announcements, Central Mountain Air is in partnership with Air Canada and WestJet. Thus, there is an advantage to the agreement. So people can experience hassle-free traveling without worrying about baggage and boarding.
