The new ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop has added another route to its growing network. Nonstop flights from Winnipeg to Edmonton for $98 CAD roundtrip ($76 USD) are available for fall, winter, and spring travel. If you're in Alberta and want to check out the Peg, this fare also works from Edmonton to Winnipeg.
Swoop Adds Service Between Winnipeg and Edmonton
The new nonstop service starts on October 11, 2018. Flights will operate on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The $49 CAD one-way ($98 CAD roundtrip) intro fare is valid for purchase through 11:59 pm MT, on September 3.
As an example, I was able to find seats on Flyswoop.com departing Winnipeg YWG on Friday, October 12, returning from Edmonton YEG on Monday, October 15.
The intro fare is valid for travel through the end of the booking schedule in April, excluding peak holiday travel. Swoop fares only include one small personal item (small backpack, large purse, etc.). Checked bag fees start at $27-$29 CAD each way. Larger carry-on bag fees start at $37-$41 CAD each way.
Flair Air has matched this price by also offering $98 CAD roundtrip ($76 USD) fares. Flair Air operates this route daily, but you'll only find this price from mid-October through mid-December. Flair Air also only includes a small personal item in its lowest fare.
Air Canada has responded to this new service by lowering its fare on the route to $203 CAD roundtrip ($157 USD) for travel between late October and early February. Although a carry-on is included with Air Canada, it's checked bag fees were raised recently and are now slightly higher than the ultra-low-cost carriers.
Canada has long been stuck with much higher airfares than what air travelers in the US are used to now. Competition sure is heating up for Canadian flights and I look forward to seeing what other markets the ultra-low-cost carriers jump into and how Air Canada responds.
Check our Winnipeg (YWG) and Edmonton (YEG) pages for more of today's finds. Prices listed are in USD.
If you need a place to stay on your trip, check out what's on offer over at Hotelwatchdog.
