One in three Canadians make errors when booking online trips, survey says
Canadians are diving into online travel booking more than ever, but new research from YouGov, commissioned by Flight Centre Canada, reveals that one in three (33 per cent) Canadians make critical errors in the process.
These findings shed light on the pitfalls of DIY travel planning. Recent headlines, like Sweden trademarking its name to prevent tourist confusion, underscore a broader global issue—prompting Canadians to rethink the risks of DIY “click-and-go” travel booking.
Top mistakes Canadians make when booking travel online:
- Flights booked too close together: 13 per cent
- Incorrect travel dates: 10 per cent
- Missed visa or entry requirements: Nine per cent
- Wrong passenger details: eight per cent
- Wrong accommodation: seven per cent
- Wrong destination entirely: two per cent
Gen Z and Millennials are particularly impacted, with 42 per cent reporting errors compared to 24 per cent of Baby Boomers. Men are more prone to mistakes than women, at 37 per cent versus 27 per cent.
These aren’t just 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.”
Demand for pros
While online booking has made travel planning more accessible, the survey highlights a renewed interest in expert guidance to avoid costly errors. The YouGov research shows that 49 per cent of Canadians believe they get the best travel experience with professional assistance, versus just 30 per cent 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.”
By blending online research with professional guidance, Canadians can avoid common online travel booking errors and enhance their travel experience through expert oversight.
For more travel tips and booking guidance, visit flightcentre.ca.
Tags: Flight Centre, online booking, YouGov