Swoop Launches in Canada: What Its Low-Cost Flights Mean for Travelers

Low-cost travel within Canada and between Canada and the United States is now possible with Swoop, the low-cost division of Canadian carrier WestJet. Launched in June 2018, Swoop provides a budget-friendly option for Canadians looking to travel domestically or cross the border.

Today Swoop serves 14 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Jamaica. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, each configured with 189 seats, and has plans for fleet expansion. Canadian routes include Halifax (YHZ), Winnipeg (YWG), Hamilton (YHM), Edmonton (YEG) and Abbotsford (YXX). U.S. destinations on the route map include Las Vegas (LAS), Mesa (AZA), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL).

Fares are highly competitive, often resembling the cost of long-distance bus travel rather than traditional airfares. Promotional one-way fares have been advertised from as little as $6.75 on the shortest routes—such as between Edmonton and Abbotsford—while the typical fare for many flights remains well under $75.

Swoop emphasizes digital-first service, with most features available through its mobile app. The airline offers near-full functionality on mobile—booking, check-in, notifications and payment for onboard purchases—while its full website provides a more limited feature set. Passengers can use the app to purchase in-flight meals or preload funds to a mobile account for additional onboard services.

As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop separates base fares from optional services, allowing travelers to choose and pay only for the extras they need, such as baggage, seat selection and onboard refreshments. This approach helps keep headline fares low while providing flexibility for different budgets and travel preferences.

For travelers comparing options, Swoop is positioned to offer straightforward, low-cost point-to-point service across a mix of regional and leisure-oriented destinations, with a focus on digital convenience and a no-frills travel experience.