Airlines are reducing the number of seats on flights to the US as Canadians avoid trips to America amid an escalating trade war between the two countries. Industry data shows a significant decline in bookings, with some airlines cutting up to 25% of their US-bound seats.
Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and Flair Airlines, have eliminated tens of thousands of seats to the US this April, a peak travel period for Canadians heading to warmer destinations. The reductions are part of a grassroots effort by Canadians to boycott American products and tourist hot spots.
Travel agencies are also responding to falling demand from Canadians by adjusting their advertising strategies. Some airlines, such as United Airlines, have reduced flight frequencies to Canada due to the decline in Canadian traffic.
A weaker Canadian dollar has also contributed to the decrease in US travel, making the country more expensive for some travelers. As a result, many Canadians are opting for destinations like Mexico, Cuba, and Costa Rica where their currency can stretch further.
The data suggests that advance bookings for routes between Canada and the US have dropped by 70% compared to last year. However, some airlines dispute the magnitude of the decline, citing different data sources.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/28/world/canada/air-canada-flights-seats-us.html