Flair Airlines, Canada’s ultra-low-cost carrier, offers a straightforward and efficient check-in process designed to keep air travel affordable while ensuring passengers have a smooth start to their journey. The airline encourages travelers to use digital methods whenever possible to reduce airport congestion and keep fares low. Flair provides several check-in options, including online check-in, mobile check-in, and airport check-in, with a strong emphasis on encouraging passengers to check in in advance via the Flair website or mobile app to avoid extra fees and long lines at the airport. Online and mobile check-in open 24 hours before departure and close one hour before the scheduled departure time. Passengers who check in online can download or print their boarding passes and proceed directly to the baggage drop counter if they have checked luggage. This method is not only the most convenient but also the most economical, as Flair charges an additional fee for airport check-in unless the traveler has specific needs that require in-person assistance.
The Flair Airlines app, available for iOS and Android, makes mobile check-in especially easy and convenient. It allows users to manage bookings, select or change seats, purchase baggage, check in, and access a digital boarding pass all in one place. With mobile boarding passes accepted at most Canadian airports, this option reduces the need for printed documents and speeds up the security and boarding processes. Travelers using online or mobile check-in and traveling with only carry-on luggage can bypass all check-in counters and go straight to security screening, saving time and avoiding queues. Passengers with checked baggage, however, must arrive at the airport with enough time to drop off their bags at the designated bag drop counter, which typically closes 45 minutes before flight departure.
For passengers who do not check in online or via mobile, Flair does offer traditional airport check-in at its service counters. However, this option comes at an additional cost—typically around $25-$40 CAD per passenger—as part of the airline’s ultra-low-cost model. Airport check-in counters generally open three hours before departure and close one hour prior to departure, so passengers choosing this method must ensure they arrive early enough to complete all required steps before boarding. Flair strongly recommends arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before domestic flights and a minimum of three hours before international flights, particularly to the U.S., to accommodate for baggage drop, document checks, security, and customs.
Flair’s check-in process also includes baggage policies that vary by fare type. Most base fares do not include any free checked or carry-on baggage, so passengers must purchase these options separately during booking or at check-in. Adding baggage online during the check-in process is significantly cheaper than paying for it at the airport. Bags must meet the airline’s strict size and weight guidelines, and any oversize or overweight luggage may incur additional fees. During check-in, passengers can also pay for extras such as seat selection, priority boarding, and travel insurance. Flair’s system ensures transparency in costs while allowing customers to tailor their experience according to their budget and preferences.
In addition to standard check-in services, Flair provides special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, those traveling with service animals, or individuals requiring extra support. Such travelers are advised to arrive at the airport early and notify Flair in advance so arrangements can be made to provide the necessary services. At many airports, accessible counters and dedicated staff are available to assist with check-in, boarding, and disembarkation.
It is important for international travelers flying with Flair to have all required travel documents ready at check-in, such as valid passports, visas, and any additional health documentation required by the destination country. These documents are verified during check-in or at the boarding gate, and failure to present valid documents can result in denied boarding. Flair recommends checking entry requirements well in advance of travel, especially for destinations like the United States, where customs and immigration processes can take additional time.
In summary, Flair Airlines delivers a streamlined check-in process that aligns with its no-frills, low-cost business model, providing essential services at minimal cost to passengers who plan ahead and use online tools. By encouraging early check-in through digital channels and offering flexibility for baggage and seat selection, Flair empowers travelers to control their travel experience while keeping costs down. Passengers who follow the airline’s check-in timelines, prepare necessary travel documents, and understand baggage policies can expect a smooth and efficient airport experience. With its clear procedures and commitment to operational efficiency, Flair Airlines ensures that the check-in process is as straightforward and accessible as possible, helping passengers begin their journeys confidently and affordably.