We Reveal The Secret To Scoring The Cheapest Flights In Canada

Navigating the turbulent skies of air travel just got a whole lot easier—and cheaper—thanks to the tenth annual edition of Expedia’s Air Hacks report. This year’s deep dive into Canadian flight data reveals everything from the magic window for domestic bookings (hint: it’s 31–45 days out) to the cheeky reality that 36% of us have tried to swap seats with a stranger just to snag that coveted window view.

To help you travel smarter, we sat down with Melanie Fish, Head of Expedia Group Brands Public Relations, to break down the biggest takeaways—from why Monday is your new best friend for booking to which Canadian airports are the kindest to your wallet. —Noa Nichol

This is the tenth edition of the Air Hacks report—how have you seen Canadian flying behaviors evolve from 2016 to the rise of “extreme micro-cations” and day-trip flights we are seeing in 2026?

Over the past decade, we’ve seen Canadian travel habits evolve alongside the industry itself. Today, Canadians are far more adventurous, spontaneous, and strategic. One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in 2026 is the rise of “micro‑cations.” What started as a TikTok trend has become a real behavior, with travelers embracing quick, experience‑driven trips that maximize time and minimize cost. Canadians are increasingly savvy, using data-backed insights to stretch their budgets further and pack more into shorter windows of time.

Your data shows that Thursday has taken off as the cheapest day to depart for Canadians. To what extent is the decline in end-of-week business travel creating these new “hackable” windows for leisure travelers?

We do think shifting business‑travel patterns are playing a role. Last year, Thursday also emerged as the most affordable day for Canadians to depart, and that trend is continuing in 2026. Traditionally, airlines priced midweek flights higher because those windows were dominated by business travelers wrapping up trips on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

But with hybrid work schedules, fewer in‑person meetings, and more flexibility overall, we’re seeing those previously premium windows soften. That creates new “hackable” opportunities for leisure travelers, with Thursdays now offering great value and an easy way to jump‑start a long weekend without paying a premium.

You’ve identified September as the absolute most affordable month to fly, offering roughly 160 CAD in savings per ticket compared to December. Why is this month such a “sweet spot” for fare drops to international hubs like Amsterdam and Dublin?

Historically, we have seen that summer months like July were unusually topping the most affordable month to travel list. This year, we’re seeing a return to normal travel patterns, with those months either side of summer offering better affordability. September is the most affordable, closely followed by May. European destinations could prove great options during these shoulder seasons, as it is outside of peak travel windows for Europeans.

The report notes that booking domestic flights 31–45 days out saves 185 CAD compared to booking six months early. Why has the traditional “book as early as possible” strategy become the most expensive option for Canadians?

Flight pricing is dynamic, and booking too early can actually be the most expensive option. Six months out, airlines often haven’t released their lowest fare classes yet, so prices start higher. As demand becomes clearer, they introduce more competitive fares, which is why the 31–45 day window offers better value for Canadians.

Monday is the cheapest day to book, while Saturday is the most expensive. Is there a psychological reason why Canadians are more likely to spend more on flights when booking over the weekend?

It makes sense for leisure travelers to use their free time, often over weekends, to book their upcoming travel. A great tip for 2026 according to Expedia’s Air Hacks report that if they wait until Monday to book, they could save 3%.

You’ve highlighted Abbotsford, Kitchener, and Hamilton as the most affordable departure hubs in Canada. For travelers in Montreal or Ottawa, where fares are highest, do you recommend the “drive-to-save” strategy to access these lower-cost airports?

That depends on the trip, sometimes ‘drive-to-save’ could be a more affordable option but Expedia’s new Flight Deals tool can take all the guesswork out. Simply choose an airportdestination and travel time, and it surfaces the best flight deals for you, where prices are 20% lower than the norm. Travelers from Montreal and Ottawa can look at this for their local airports but also for those that are more affordable, to see the route options and prices available.

“Extreme micro-cations” (24-hour round-trips) are going mainstream this year. What are the top three destinations Canadians are choosing for these lightning-fast getaways?

This new trend is starting short-haul for Canadians, with US cities New York, Washington and Chicago topping the list.

Seat-swapping is a major travel talking point, with 36% of travelers asking to switch. While most want to sit with family, 30% admit they are just eyeing a window seat—what is the etiquette “hack” for navigating these requests?

If you are someone that has a strong seat preference, it’s best to reserve your seat in advance. Many airline rates include seat selection, so snap up your seat early to avoid seat-swapping issues altogether. Then if seat-swapping requests come your way on board, lead with kindness. Politely decline if you don’t like the alternative or quietly speak to the flight attendant if a passenger is not taking no for an answer.

Nearly 30% of travelers admit they would wear extra layers of clothing just to avoid baggage fees. How are these “carry-on only” habits impacting the boarding process and cabin space in 2026?

Expedia’s Air Hacks report also found that over 40% of Canadians are now traveling carry on only, so being well prepared when you board and following the airline’s policies and instructions will always help speed up the boarding process.

You’ve launched the new Flight Deals tool in Canada to help travelers find fares that are 20% lower than average. How does this interactive map change the way Canadians can plan spontaneous trips to trending spots like Atlantic City or Naxos?

Flights Deals on the Expedia app can offer travelers more inspiration on where to go – choose your home airport, your travel time and the map will show you all the affordable destinations you could book, that are 20% lower than typical for that route. You might end up discovering a fantastic deal to one of the trending hotspots for 2026.