The scoop on Swoop: Canada's newest ULCC has arrived

Early this morning, Swoop celebrated the debut of its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) services in Canada with its inaugural flight between John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) and Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), and precedes Swoop's second inaugural flight pairing of the day, from Hamilton to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), Atlantic Canada's gateway.

READ MORE: Swoop releases new smartphone app ahead of June 20 launch

The excitement continues on June 25 when Swoop activates service in Edmonton, AB and Winnipeg, MB.

But as competition heats up for Canada's low-carrier market, how will Swoop stay ahead of the game?

PAX spoke with Karen McIssac, senior communications advisor for Swoop, to dig a little deeper on Canada's newest ULCC.

More possibilities, more affordable travel

Canada's backyard is big, and it's incredibly beautiful, but due to the high cost of flying through the country, sadly, domestic travel tends to take a back seat for Canadians planning a vacation.

Families tend to go overseas during the summertime, where more often than not, a trip to Europe, or down south to the United States or the Caribbean, can be surprisingly cheaper than staying on home soil.

Inside a Swoop aircraft.

But now, that's about to change.

"Since Swoop’s fares are so low, it allows Canadian travellers to travel more often, opening up the ability to visit friends and family in cases where they wouldn’t have been able to before," McIssac explained. "It especially brings affordable travel to families, and Swoop’s low fares makes it easier than ever to explore this beautiful country for a weekend getaway. Once there, travellers will have more money in their wallet to enjoy in their destination."

Low fares: too good to be true?

Swoop prides itself on offering extremely low airfare to Canadians, with a base fare starting at just $49. With the base fare option, travellers pay for just a seat, but there are additional options to consider to make the journey as comfortable as one would like.

Which begs the question on the minds of many travellers today: if low prices exist in the marketplace, why aren't other airlines getting on board with offering such a low fare structure?

It's because, as McIssac explains, Swoop doesn't actually have a fare structure.

"There’s really only one fare that we offer, which is priced based on demand, and we don’t have fare families, as other airlines do, which offer different conditions based on the fare level purchased," McIssac explained. "It’s really about the simple model and sticking to it. As airlines begin to add complexity, the costs start to rise. Swoop has a number of strategies to keep costs low, including operating predominantly out of secondary airports."

What about luggage?

While other low-cost carrier airlines charge a set price for checked baggage, Swoop's approach to luggage is different. There are no hidden fees, but rather, three individual options for flyers.

How much can you fit in that carry-on? It depends on how much you're willing to pay, Swoop says.

Online purchase

Swoop travellers can save more than 40% if they pay for their bags online. A personal item is always free of charge, but like standard policy on all Canadian airlines, it must fit under your seat.

Carry-on items paid for online will cost between $36.75-$40.25 (52cmx23cmx33cm) and a checked bag will cost anywhere from $26.25-$28.75 (157cm (62”) total combined dimensions).

Airport counter

At the airport counter, prices for luggage increase slightly. Carry-on items range from $52.50-$57.50, and a checked bag will cost between $42.00-$46.00.

At the gate

Travellers will pay the most for their bags at the gate, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead for your flight, and purchase your bags online for the cheapest fare.

A carry on will cost between $84.00-$92.00 and a checked bag will cost anywhere from $73.50-$80.50.

How does the ULCC experience compare?

Although travellers might not find a comfy business class upgrade onboard Swoop, the airline has plenty of additional options in place for Canadian travellers, like extra legroom and priority boarding.

The new mobile app from Swoop makes flying easy.

In addition, the airline has a competitively priced and specially-curated in-flight menu--travellers pay between $2-$7 for snacks and drinks. Guests may also bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board.

As for the in-flight entertainment?

"Swoop offers Swoopstream through the Swoop App which provides movie and other programming," McIssac said. "As well, Swoop is the only ULCC in Canada to offer Wi-Fi connectivity."

Ready for a summer getaway?

Explore flight options within Canada with Swoop today!