Last week, I was interviewed by Le Journal de Québec newspaper about the impact of the boycott on airlines. Well, Air Canada has just announced cuts to its U.S. flight schedule, so I thought it would be useful to share the translated interview, which explains the situation.
Unfortunately, the lower prices that would have been available to those not boycotting won’t be available if the airlines cut their flights. It could even be the opposite!
Here’s the translation of the original interview.
A boycott of the United States by Canadian travelers could hurt airlines
If Canadians actually boycotted the United States for their next vacation, plane ticket prices to American destinations could drop “in a significant way” in the coming weeks.
“Even if it’s just 50% of Canadian travelers who used to travel to the United States who boycott it for the rest of winter and beyond, it will certainly mean lower prices,” says Andrew D’Amours, co-founder of the Flytrippers website, which analyzes nearly 50,000 plane ticket prices daily.
He estimates that plane ticket prices to the United States could drop if Canadians move from words to actions by boycotting travel to the United States.
Canadians’ dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s policies could indeed hurt airlines, says John Gradek, lecturer in the Aviation Management program at McGill University.
“Airlines will look very closely at their bookings for the United States and if they see a decrease, there will be a price drop to sell the available seats,” says Mr. Gradek, adding that hundreds of flights are scheduled daily from Canada to the United States.
According to Mr. Gradek, Canadians’ upcoming choices will be decisive. Already, many are looking towards the Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Mexico, to replace Florida, California, and even Las Vegas.
Prices already dropping
For the past few weeks, it has been possible to find plane tickets, particularly with United Airlines for less than $400 to destinations like Miami and Orlando, departing from Québec City, in the coming weeks.
From Montréal, flights to these destinations are also available for less than $200, with Flair Airlines and Delta among others.
Strong competition and Porter’s recent arrival on certain routes have been determining factors in recent weeks, says Mr. D’Amours.
Effects on spring break
A potential Canadian boycott could even have effects on plane ticket prices during spring break, even though it’s a peak period for American destinations.
“Chances are good [if Canadians boycott the United States] that within about two weeks, we’ll already see a price reduction movement,” estimates Mr. Gradek.
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