Calgary, a vibrant city nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, is a major destination for both leisure and business travelers. As the gateway to Banff National Park and a significant economic hub, Calgary International Airport (YYC) sees a high volume of air traffic. If you’re planning a trip to this dynamic city, understanding which airlines operate flights to Calgary is essential for a smooth and efficient travel experience. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the airlines that fly to Calgary, helping you make informed decisions for your journey.
Major Airlines Serving Calgary: A Broad Overview
Calgary International Airport is served by a diverse range of airlines, each offering varying routes, services, and price points. Based on passenger reviews and common airline information, we can identify key players in the Calgary market. It’s important to note that airline routes and services can change, so always verify the most up-to-date information directly with the airline.
WestJet: A Prominent Canadian Carrier
WestJet is a major Canadian airline headquartered in Calgary, making YYC one of its primary hubs. As a significant presence in Calgary, WestJet offers numerous domestic and international flights. Reviews highlight mixed experiences with WestJet, with some praising the overall experience, particularly for domestic flights within Canada. One reviewer mentioned a positive “awesome experience flying with Westjet” for a first domestic flight in Canada.
However, some reviews also indicate a perceived decline in service quality over the past few years. Concerns include flight delays and issues with compensation for delays. One reviewer specifically mentioned, “The quality of service at WestJet has really decline in the past couple years. Now they rarely leave on time and are full of excuses.” Another pointed out challenges with baggage policies for tickets purchased through third-party sites, highlighting potential hidden costs.
Despite these criticisms, WestJet remains a popular choice, especially for travel within Canada. For travelers considering WestJet to Calgary, it’s advisable to check for the latest baggage policies and flight schedules directly on their website.
Air Canada: Canada’s Flag Carrier
Air Canada, the flag carrier of Canada, also operates extensively to and from Calgary International Airport. As a global airline, Air Canada provides a broader range of international connections compared to WestJet. Reviews for Air Canada present a mixed bag, similar to WestJet. Some passengers have reported pleasant flight experiences, especially on routes to Montreal, as one review stated, “Both my flights from Calgary to Montreal were pleasant.” Another reviewer appreciated the empathy and compassion shown by Air Canada personnel during a period of potential strike action.
On the other hand, some reviews mention issues with delays, even leading to missed connections. One review detailed a complex itinerary change involving Air Canada due to United Airlines delays, highlighting potential disruptions. Another review compared Air Canada favorably to WestJet in terms of overall experience, mentioning “Free beer is excellent and those pretzels are great too. Overall I feel Air Canada slightly exceeds Westjet for overall experience.” This suggests a generally positive, though not flawless, perception of Air Canada’s service.
For those considering Air Canada for flights to Calgary, it’s beneficial to consider both domestic and international route options and compare services and prices with other airlines.
United Airlines: Connecting to the USA and Beyond
United Airlines is a major US carrier that provides significant connectivity to Calgary from various airports across the United States. Reviews mentioning United Airlines to Calgary tend to focus on negative experiences, primarily concerning delays and service disruptions. One particularly negative review described a “terrible” experience with a flight from Honolulu involving multiple delays and a missed connection, with complaints about lack of compensation and poor food quality in business class. Another review simply stated, “Overall would not fly on United again.”
These reviews suggest potential reliability issues with United flights to Calgary, particularly concerning connections and delays. Travelers considering United should be aware of these potential drawbacks and perhaps factor in extra buffer time for connecting flights, especially during peak travel seasons.
Delta Air Lines: Another US Option
Delta Air Lines, another major US airline, also serves Calgary International Airport, offering connections from various US cities. Reviews specifically mentioning Delta to Calgary are less prominent in the provided text, but one review mentions a positive experience on a Delta flight, praising “Great service. Great staff.” while noting a minor boarding delay possibly due to a service dog. Another review highlighted a negative experience with a lazy flight attendant in first class, indicating inconsistency in service quality can be a factor across airlines, not just specific carriers.
While limited direct feedback on Delta flights to Calgary is available in the reviews, Delta generally has a reputation for solid customer service and a comprehensive network. It’s advisable to research specific routes and compare Delta’s offerings with other US carriers serving Calgary.
American Airlines: Facing Customer Dissatisfaction
American Airlines is another US-based airline that flies to Calgary. However, the reviews mentioning American Airlines are overwhelmingly negative, focusing on flight delays, cancellations, and poor customer service. Multiple reviews describe flight cancellations with little to no warning or support, such as “They cancelled our flight without warning OR a refund. Never doing business with American Airlines again!” and “Flight cancelled and Kayak switched our return flight to a red eye. Ridiculous.” Another review detailed a multi-day ordeal with repeated delays and cancellations out of Reagan National Airport, criticizing the lack of information and empowerment of staff.
These consistently negative reviews paint a concerning picture of American Airlines’ service reliability and customer handling for flights potentially involving Calgary. Travelers might want to exercise caution when considering American Airlines for travel to Calgary, especially if schedule certainty is a priority.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airline to Calgary
Beyond just “what airlines fly to Calgary,” selecting the right airline involves considering several key factors to ensure a pleasant and stress-free journey.
- Route and Connections: Consider whether you need a direct flight or are comfortable with connecting flights. Airlines like WestJet and Air Canada offer many direct domestic routes, while US carriers often involve connections in US hubs for international travelers or those coming from the USA.
- Price and Value: Compare ticket prices across different airlines, but also consider what’s included in the fare. Budget airlines might have lower base fares but charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and onboard services.
- Service and Amenities: Think about your desired level of comfort and service. Some airlines are known for better in-flight entertainment, complimentary meals, or more spacious seating. Reviews mention varying experiences with food quality and in-flight entertainment across different airlines.
- Punctuality and Reliability: Flight delays and cancellations can significantly impact travel plans. Reviews highlight issues with delays on United and American Airlines in particular. Checking airline on-time performance statistics can be a helpful step.
- Baggage Policies: Understand the baggage allowances and fees for each airline, especially if you plan to travel with checked luggage or carry-on bags. Reviews mention unexpected baggage fees and confusion regarding carry-on policies on certain airlines.
- Customer Service: Consider the airline’s reputation for customer service, particularly in handling disruptions or issues. Reviews reveal varied experiences with staff helpfulness and responsiveness.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for Your Calgary Flight
Choosing the right airline to fly to Calgary depends on your individual needs and priorities. While WestJet and Air Canada are major Canadian players offering extensive domestic and some international routes, US carriers like United, Delta, and American Airlines provide connections from the United States and beyond.
Customer reviews offer valuable insights, but it’s important to remember that they represent individual experiences. While some reviews highlight positive aspects of certain airlines, others point out recurring issues like delays, service inconsistencies, and customer service challenges.
For your trip to Calgary, research and compare airlines based on routes, prices, services, and reliability. Always check the most current information on the airline’s official website before booking, and consider factors beyond just price to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience to the beautiful city of Calgary.
