Delta doubles Canada-U.S. flights as border measures ease

Delta will more than double the number of daily flights it offers between Canada and the United States this fall, according to a notice posted to the airline’s website on July 26.

Starting in September, the airline will add more than 1,000 seats, increasing the number of daily flights between the two countries from eight to 19, resulting in a 150 per cent increase.

The update comes as Canada prepared to welcome fully vaccinated Americans for leisure and non-essential travel – starting Aug. 9, Canada will reopen its borders to U.S. travellers for the first time in more than a year.

Easy access to U.S. hubs

Customers will be able to access non-stop flights from multiple U.S. hubs to Canada’s largest business and leisure markets, including more flights to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, as well as restarted service to Winnipeg.

(Flights to Winnipeg and Calgary may be operated by Delta Connection partner SkyWest Airlines, the airline notes, and flights to Montreal and Toronto may be operated by Delta Connection partner Endeavor Air)

READ MORE: WestJet, Delta launch reciprocal top-tier benefits

Toronto will see the largest increase, increasing to 10 daily flights in September, Delta says.

For the first time ever, four daily flights between New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Toronto will launch Sept. 13.

“We’ve looked forward to the vital gateways between these two countries reopening and ensured that our customers have the choice and connectivity they need when booking their trips,” said Joe Esposito, senior vice-president, network planning, in a statement. “As with everything Delta does, our customer-first approach is key to rebuilding the network and delivering a seamless travel experience with our global partners.”

With partner WestJet, Delta Medallion Members planning a trip to Canada can also take advantage of enhanced elite reciprocal loyalty benefits recently launched to deepen the advantages when traveling between the carriers.

Delta notes that it is further investing in its onboard experience with advanced high-speed Wi-Fi and premium meals, snacks and beverage service.

To enter Canada, customers will need to provide both proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.

For re-entering the U.S., customers must provide proof of a negative test (Antigen or PCR) within three days of departure.

Delta is keeping customers updated on entry details with the Delta Discover Map and a one-stop guide to vacation planning, the Travel Planning Center.

For more on the airline’s health and safety efforts, click here.

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