One in three Canadians make booking errors when planning trips online: survey

Many Canadians will book their travel directly online, but new research from YouGov, commissioned by Flight Centre Canada, reveals that one in three (33%) make critical errors in the process.

The findings shed light on the pitfalls of DIY travel planning. Recent headlines, like Sweden trademarking its name to prevent tourist confusion, underscore a broader global issue—prompting Canadians to rethink the risks of DIY "click-and-go" travel booking.

According to YouGov’s study, the top mistakes Canadians make when booking travel online are:

• Flights booked too close together: 13%
• Incorrect travel dates: 10%
• Missed visa or entry requirements: 9%
• Wrong passenger details: 8%
• Wrong accommodation: 7%
• Wrong destination entirely: 2%

Gen Z and Millennials are particularly impacted, with 42% reporting errors compared to 24% of Baby Boomers. Men are more prone to mistakes than women, at 37% versus 27%, the study says,.

Booking errors can lead to missed flights, denied boarding, and thousands of dollars in wasted, non-refundable costs.

“Online booking can feel like a quick and convenient solution, but our data shows it’s also leading to big travel fails,” stated Chadd Andre, executive vice-president at Flight Centre Canada, in a press release. “Making a small error—like choosing Sydney, Nova Scotia, instead of Sydney, Australia—can ruin your entire trip. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about getting it right.”

While online booking has made travel planning more accessible, the survey highlights a renewed interest in expert guidance to avoid costly errors.

The YouGov research shows that 49% of Canadians believe they get the best travel experience with professional assistance, versus just 30% who feel confident relying solely on online platforms.

"Anecdotally, we’re seeing an emerging trend where many travellers research destinations online but confirm their findings with our travel experts in stores," stated Andre. "This method marries the convenience of technology with the reliability of human expertise."

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