Flights between Kamloops and Edmonton will return later this year as Flair Airlines plans to begin thrice-weekly service between the two cities.
Flair Airlines, an Edmonton-based discount airline that began operating in 2005, will begin the service on June 15. It will be the first direct Kamloops-Edmonton flights since 2016, when WestJet Airlines cancelled the route after less than a year in service. Flair Airlines uses Boeing 737 Max-8 planes.
Flair will fly to and from Edmonton on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with the company’s website showing one-way fares ranging from $29 to $49 through Oct. 28. However, those fees do not include optional add-ons, such as choosing seats, checking bags, changing flights, priority boarding or airport check-in.
To fly from Kamloops to Edmonton with a personal item, but no checked bags and no other options selected, the total return cost, including taxes and fees, is $77.99 That cost jumps to $185.09 if you want to check a bag and bring one carry-on bag with you.
Options are extra, such as choosing seats (from $10 to $27), changing flights ($10.50), priority boarding ($10 each way) and checking in at the airport in person ($30 for pre-pay and $50 for regular check-in; online check-in is free).
Stephen Jones, Flair’s president and CEO, said the service will no longer require passengers en route to Edmonton to connect through Vancouver or Calgary. The flights between Kamloops and Edmonton are estimated at one hour, 15 minutes.
“The Kamloops to Edmonton route has long been on the community’s air service wish list,” Kamloops Airport managing director Ed Ratuski said. “Beyond the convenience for visiting friends and relatives, this non-stop service enhances opportunities for tourism and trade development at both ends of the route.”
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson said the service could potentially increase visitors to both cities and is an example of positive economic growth, while Coun. Bill Sarai, president of Kamloops Airport Authority, said the service will benefit both British Columbians and Albertans.
Flights are available for booking at flyflair.com.
