I have done the Canadian Transportation Agency for flair with successful outcome, dm me on…read moreinstagram if you need help!!
I've used in Dec 2022 and more recently April 2026.
In Dec 2022, I was very lucky to board the F8500 YFK TO YVR and F81501 from YVF to YFK(Waterloo airport). With a ski bag, boot bag and personal bag Lucky is an understatement, I was grounded for a week along with many other flights and fortunately YVR airport stepped in to compensate hotels, meals and transit because Flair Airlines was not providing any compensation or accommodation. In this same flight, I took on a ski bag that was only used for one other trip and a boot bag. I even stored my helmet in my boot bag padded with towel.
My ski bag was ripped and my boot bag was also damaged, along with the helmet being crushed. There was a big dent.
After 3 years I did get a resolution with Canadian Transport Agency for my ski baggage refunded, the compensation for a new ski bag and compensation for a new helmet. I didn't both with the boot bag- it was old.
In this experience I found severe inconsistencies with handling ski bag and boot bag. Flair YFK expected me to duct tape the boot bag with the ski bag. And truly before leaving I did try to get clarification as some standard ski bags only have room for skis and poles. While at YVR. they did a quick test on the skis (not sure what) and away I go in the oversized section.
So after being stranded for a week with excessive wait for Flair to go on repeat cancel flight then reschedule a week later I took a break from Flair.
In April 2026.i took it to YFK TO YYC and YYC TO YYZ with a ski bag and a personal bag , I decided to give it another try, one thing is that going from YFK would save me the transfer time to Toronto Pearson airport. This time at YFK I wasn't asked to duct tape my boot and ski bag INTERESTING! So this time, I took a roller style where I placed two boots and one ski in one bag and a second bag to carry another set of skis. In the bag, I carried another ski bag for the boot just in case I got separated from my travel companion.
It was easy breezy but the personal bag size limits POST flair bag sizing scandal was a bit sketch and heavily enforced. So much that they are tagging carry on and personal bags.
On the return from YYC to YYZ, I watched another patron with a ski bag and a standard boot bag (side hang mount with space for helmet, snow pants and snow layers), have his content ripped apart. Understand that if you are skiing, you will also be carrying long johns, extra layers, ski jacket (built with arm ventilation and snow skirt), snow pants (with vents potentially) and a person may have a conventional jacket depending time of year. While I didn't have issues, there is a severe inconsistency and I dunno if he just had a hard time because the patron was not familiar that you can't fit boots in some ski bag configurations. And while the website doesn't specifically say restrictions for ski related clothing- there shouldn't be much of a restriction. I should mention snowboarders have but pads, elbow pads, knee pads- and some pants are built in with the ppe.
My travel companion got dinged for $100 just carrying a standard puma bag- usually around 6kg with a Mac book and some light clothes. IF HE DIDNT PAY THE $100 he would not be allowed to board the flight is what he shared with me. The competitor Air Canada was running flights around mid-$500 to $600 and with my branded credit card I get two checked bags. So $420 vs $600. I'm not sure it's extremely worth the hassle with the additional fear of being surcharged.
Overall in 2026 the difference with handling is that flair offers a $60 credit if they are delayed up to one hour. YFK to YYC I found my wait time 50min, not enough to get a credit. I also found that each reservation was made separately and this resulted in randomized seating-some children separated from their kid. I also noticed a credit card charge applied on reservation- so debit saves you- but then you can't use the benefits for flight delays and travel interruption.
The change fee was $190 for me to change my return fromYFK to YYZ, because change was within 7 days.
Overall lots of anxiety travelling with strict personal bags. You sort of have to make sure your destination has washing ability because you're packing lighter.
Overall travelling with a ski bag with boot bag or all in one roller is possible but I have overall anxiety. I certainly don't argue that my flight with ski gear was around $300 per person and I added a $190 change. If I used Air Canada, I would be charged similar unless it was a point redemption then I have 24-48 hours to refund the points and taxes.
I should note that the flair website restricts one set of boot and ski per passenger while paying for checked baggage with air canada you can fill it with as much skis- so I usually throw all the skis in a standard roller and boots in a hard case luggage.