Flight Centre survey reveals top travel frustrations for Canadians

Flight delays top the list of Canadian travellers' biggest frustrations, according to new data from Flight Centre Travel Group that could help travel advisors anticipate and address client concerns during the busy winter travel season.

The YouGov survey asked Canadians to rate their top three pet peeves when flying. 

Flight delays or cancellations ranked first at 58 per cent, followed by lost luggage or baggage concerns at 52 per cent and disruptive passengers at 41 per cent.

Additional fees for excess luggage bothered 34 per cent of respondents, while 27 per cent cited getting stuck in the middle seat. 

Other notable irritants included passengers removing shoes (19 per cent), chatty seatmates (16 per cent) and lack of in-flight entertainment (16 per cent).

The survey revealed distinct generational patterns.

Gen Z travellers are most bothered by lack of wi-fi, chatty seatmates and physical passenger cards. 

Millennials particularly dislike bare feet and missing in-flight entertainment. 

Gen X cited lost luggage and additional fees as top concerns, while baby boomers were especially frustrated by flight delays, disruptive passengers and middle seat assignments.

"The week before Christmas and the period right after New Year's Day are always busy, and this year is shaping up to be one of the busiest winter travel seasons," says Flight Centre spokesperson Amra Durakovic. 

"Understanding where frustrations arise helps travellers prepare, and it also highlights where travel experts can step in. When disruptions happen, having support and flexible itinerary options can make a significant difference."

The data comes as Canadian airports prepare for one of the busiest holiday travel periods in recent years.

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