Travel Fails: 1 in 3 Canadians Make Booking Errors When Planning Trips Online
by Bruce Parkinson
It’s easy to book a trip online, but little mistakes can lead to big problems.
Booking travel online is deceptively simple, but pitfalls await those who choose to go without professional advice. New research from YouGov, commissioned by Flight Centre Canada, reveals that one in three (33%) Canadians make critical and costly errors in the process.
We’re not talking about minor inconveniences. Booking errors can lead to missed flights, denied boarding, and thousands of dollars in wasted, non-refundable costs.
“Online booking can feel like a quick and convenient solution, but our data shows it’s also leading to big travel fails,” said Chadd Andre, Executive Vice President at Flight Centre Canada.
“Making a small error — like choosing Sydney, Nova Scotia, instead of Sydney, Australia — can ruin your entire trip. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about getting it right.”
The research found that Gen Z and Millennials are particularly impacted, with 42% reporting errors compared to 24% of Baby Boomers. As someone with a son who spent a weekend in St. John, New Brunswick while his friends frolicked in St. John’s, Newfoundland, I can relate. The booking process may be easy to follow, but a little knowledge goes a long way.
The Flight Centre Canada-commissioned research also found that men are more prone to mistakes than women, at 37% versus 27%.
Top Mistakes Canadians Make When Booking Travel Online:
- Flights booked too close together: 13%
- Incorrect travel dates: 10%
- Missed visa or entry requirements: 9%
- Wrong passenger details: 8%
- Wrong accommodation: 7%
- Wrong destination entirely: 2%
There was good news for travel advisors in the survey. The YouGov research shows that 49% of Canadians believe they get the best travel experience with professional assistance, versus just 30% who feel confident relying solely on online platforms.
“Anecdotally, we’re seeing an emerging trend where many travellers research destinations online but confirm their findings with our travel experts in stores,” said Andre. “This method marries the convenience of technology with the reliability of human expertise.”
Flight Centre concludes that by blending online research with professional guidance, Canadians can avoid common online travel booking errors and enhance their travel experience through expert oversight.
