Flair Airlines, a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier, has a baggage policy designed to keep base fares low by charging for most baggage. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information:
Hand Baggage (Carry-On)
Personal Item: One free personal item (e.g., purse, small backpack, laptop bag) included for all passengers.
- Size: Max 16 x 33 x 43 cm (6 x 13 x 17 in).
- Weight: Up to 7 kg (15.5 lbs).
- Must fit under the seat. Oversized items are treated as carry-on and incur fees.
Carry-On Bag: Not included in base fares; must be purchased.
- Size: Max 23 x 40 x 55 cm (9 x 15.5 x 21.5 in).
- Weight: Up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
- Must fit in overhead bins or under the seat.
Notes:
- Airport sizers are used to check personal items. If they don’t fit, you’ll pay carry-on fees.
- Enforcement can be inconsistent, but agents may strictly check sizes, especially on busy flights.
- Passengers with carry-on bags get Zone 1 boarding and digital boarding passes. Those with only personal items must verify bag size at check-in counters
Special Baggage
- Sports Equipment: Accepted as checked baggage (e.g., skis, bikes) if properly packed. Fees start at ~$99, plus standard checked bag fees. Oversize/overweight fees may apply.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments can be carry-on if within size/weight limits; larger ones must be checked. No seats can be purchased for instruments.
- Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids: One manual or electric wheelchair/scooter per passenger free of charge. Battery-powered devices must meet dangerous goods regulations; contact Flair 48 hours in advance.
- Pets: Small cats/dogs allowed in the cabin (max 22 lbs including soft-sided carrier, 41 x 23 x 25 cm). Fee: ~$79 per flight.
- Perishables: Accepted if in leak-proof containers (e.g., metal/plastic coolers, not Styrofoam). Must be marked “perishable” or “fragile.” Flair isn’t liable for spoilage.
- Infants/Children: Families can gate-check two items (e.g., stroller, booster seat) and bring a diaper bag (within personal item size limits) for free.
Lost or Damaged Baggage
Reporting:
- Delayed baggage: Report within 21 days at the airport or online.
- Damaged baggage: Report within 7 days via Flair’s Baggage Claim Web Portal.
- Lost items: Contact Flair’s central baggage team for onboard items (held 30 days) or airport authorities for terminal losses.
Compensation: Per the Montreal Convention, max liability is ~1,288 SDRs (~CAD 2,300). Flair isn’t liable for minor wear, manufacturing defects, or low-quality baggage damage.
Note: Issues with lost baggage (e.g., bags left at airports) have been reported, with poor customer service response.
Tips to Save Money
- Book Online: Baggage fees are up to 70% cheaper when added online vs. at the airport.
- Pack Light: Stick to a personal item to avoid fees. Weigh and measure bags before arriving to avoid surprises.
- Bundles: Flair offers bundles combining carry-on and checked baggage, which can save money for multiple bags.
- Check Restrictions: Review Flair’s baggage page (flyflair.com) for updates, as fees vary by route and date.
Additional Notes
- Fees: Non-refundable, non-transferable, and apply per flight segment. Prices are in CAD (USD for U.S. departures).
- Customer Feedback: Some passengers report inconsistent enforcement of bag policies, with stricter checks on return flights. Poor communication and customer service issues (e.g., unnotified flight changes) may complicate baggage issues.
- Check-In: Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Arrive 1–2 hours early to verify bag sizes.
