Flair Airlines: Canada’s Game-Changer in Ultra-Low-Cost Air Travel Launched on August 19, 2005 as Flair Air, this Edmonton-based carrier spent over a decade as a charter operator before rebranding and entering scheduled service in 2017 . Since then, Flair Airlines has rapidly evolved into Canada’s leading independent ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), championing affordable travel with its bold “Plane and Simple” philosophy. Operating a modern mixed fleet of Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s, Flair now flies over 35 destinations across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean . With point‑to‑point routes and secondary airports—like Abbotsford and Windsor—it delivers genuinely low fares by stripping away add‑ons like complimentary baggage. As stated on its website: “We keep our fares low by only charging for what you need, not what you don’t”.  Flair’s arrival shook up the Canadian aviation market—what they call the “Flair Effect”, saving travelers over CAD 702 million since 2018 . Its 2023 recognition among AirlineRatings.com’s Top 25 Low-Cost Airlines, with an impressive 82.1% on-time rate, underscores its commitment to efficiency and safety. Their November 2024 On-Time Guarantee, offering a C$60 voucher for delays, reinforces their push for reliability. However, the ULCC model has downsides. Reddit users frequently report frustrations with strict baggage rules, unexpected fees, delays, and tense customer service  As one said: “First off, you should avoid Flair Airlines at all costs… this is by far the worst airline”  Despite these challenges, Flair remains resilient. A Reddit comment from August 2024 noted: “I’m confident that Flair Airlines is here to stay… the state of the airline looks stronger than it ever has been”  Flair continues to innovate—expanding its network, anchoring U.S. flights since 2021, and planning a fleet growth to 50 aircraft by 2025 . Aviation watchers see it as Canada’s sole remaining ULCC, filling a vital niche left by exits of competitors like Lynx. . Verdict If you're a budget-conscious traveler who’s luggage-savvy and flexible, Flair Airlines offers flights that are tough to beat on price. But if you expect full-service perks, be prepared to pay extra and embrace the trade-offs that come with flying ultra-low-cost.