Canada flight prices expected to surge as airlines ready for testing changes

With testing requirements soon to be a thing of the past for fully vaccinated travellers coming into Canada, a travel agency says if you want to go away this year, get on it quick.

Flight ticket prices have remained on the lower to average side recently, but experts in the airline industry say they are starting to see things climb given many factors.

Allison Wallace with Flight Centre says prices for flights and hotels will likely soon spike.

“A lot of supply and demand works very much in travel. So no question that demand will be a factor, fuel cost will be a factor and labour shortages will be a factor,” said Wallace.


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This week, prices to travel from Canada to the U.K., for instance, have risen.

On Expedia, a one-way flight to London was around $400 just days ago. Now, tickets are around $600.

As of April 1, travellers who have received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine will no longer have to show proof of a negative PCR test prior to boarding their flight to Canada. The change does not apply to travellers who are partially or not vaccinated.

The move is one many have been anticipating for several months.

Wallace notes with the changes coming, the tourism industry is getting ready for a comeback this year.

“There are currently less scheduled flights and less space available from pre-pandemic,” she said. “So hopefully we’ll see airlines start to add more flights as they get more staff and that might ease the pricing a little bit. But without question, it’s going to be a very busy time and that tends to drive the price up.”

She says it’s going to be especially busy over the summer months and during holiday weekends. Wallace adds she’s noticed the pent-up demand is making people plan bigger trips than they normally would.


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However, she has a reminder for those looking to leave Canada. Wallace says just because Canada is getting rid of its testing requirement to come into the country, it doesn’t mean all other countries are doing the same.

“Definitely need to know ahead of time what the requirements are for your destination,” warned Wallace. “But (also) knowing that you can come back home, and make sure you are fully vaccinated – you can’t get on a plane if you’re not.”

“Not having that extra step makes it a lot easier. But definitely make sure you know everything you need to know before you go to your destination,” she added.

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