Canadian Airlines Continue Reducing Flights to the United States Amid Travel Boycott
Despite ongoing efforts to attract Canadian travelers, many destinations in the United States are still feeling the impact of the country’s travel boycott. While some locations have halted advertising in Canada as early as last summer, others have chosen to continue their marketing efforts. However, the major Canadian airlines have responded by reducing capacity to the United States, with a total of 450,000 seats being cut in the first quarter of 2026.
Reductions in Capacity for Canadian Airlines
According to recent data from OAG, the major Canadian airlines have collectively decreased their capacity to the United States in the first quarter of 2026. WestJet has reduced its capacity by 19%, while Air Canada has cut its capacity by 7%. The biggest decrease comes from Flair Airlines, with a 58% reduction in capacity to the US. In contrast, capacity has actually increased for flights to other international destinations such as Mexico, Costa Rica, France, Britain, and Japan.
Among the top leisure destinations affected by these reductions is Las Vegas, with a decrease of 82,000 seats in the first quarter alone. This is equivalent to about 900 seats per day. Other popular leisure spots, such as Orlando, have also seen significant decreases in capacity, with a reduction of 79,000 seats.
Business Travel Destinations Less Affected
In contrast to the leisure spots, business travel destinations such as Boston, New York, and Chicago have seen a smaller decline in capacity. This may be due to the fact that these cities are popular for shorter trips and have a higher demand for business travel.
Las Vegas Continues Marketing Efforts
Despite the reduction in capacity, Las Vegas has not given up on its efforts to attract Canadian travelers. In September 2025, the city launched a “Fabulous 5 Day Sale,” offering citywide discounts on hotels of up to 50% off. In addition, tourism officials have traveled to various cities in Western Canada to promote the destination and entice Canadians to visit.
Vegas Remains Optimistic for Canadian Travelers
H. Fletch Brunelle, vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), remains optimistic about the return of Canadian travelers to Las Vegas. He mentioned that the city is offering competitive deals and has the right economics to make it a desirable destination for Canadians, especially during the colder months. Despite the slow return of Canadian travelers, some Canadian airlines, such as WestJet, are still hopeful and have not closed the door on increasing flights to Las Vegas if there is a demand.
WestJet Vacations Partners with LVCVA
In September 2025, WestJet Vacations partnered with LVCVA to host a group of travel advisors at a Toronto Blue Jays game.