Swoop
A former Canadian ultra-low-cost airline owned by WestJet, Swoop operated domestic and leisure routes with an unbundled fare model before closing in October 2023.
About Swoop
Swoop was a Canadian ultra-low-cost airline established by WestJet in 2017 and launched commercially in June 2018. Created as a lower-fare brand within the WestJet Group, it operated under its own name, livery and airline codes while remaining wholly owned by its parent. Swoop ceased flying on 28 October 2023, when its operations and employees were integrated into WestJet.
Hamilton served as Swoop's principal operating base, supplemented at various times by aircraft and services based in cities including Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Abbotsford. Its network combined domestic Canadian links with leisure-oriented international flights to the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Routes changed seasonally and as the airline adjusted capacity between regional markets and major holiday destinations.
The fleet consisted of Boeing 737 aircraft transferred from or supplied through the WestJet Group, principally 737-800s and later 737 MAX 8s. Cabins followed a single-class economy layout, with some seats offering additional legroom for a fee. The basic fare covered transportation and a personal item, while larger cabin bags, checked baggage, advance seat selection, food and other extras generally cost more.
Swoop did not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld, and it did not operate a conventional frequent-flyer programme of its own. Its focus was instead on low headline fares and optional purchases. Travellers could not assume that the loyalty benefits, upgrades or bundled services associated with WestJet's mainline operation would apply to a Swoop booking.
Swoop's main strength was its ability to open nonstop, price-sensitive routes from Canadian cities that sometimes had limited low-cost competition. The trade-off was a highly unbundled product, so the final price could rise substantially once baggage, seating and other services were added. Because the airline is now defunct, former Swoop routes should be searched under WestJet or other active carriers rather than through Swoop's former booking channels.
Good to know
Flying with Swoop — what to expect
Operations Have Ended
Swoop ceased operations on 28 October 2023 and was integrated into WestJet. New tickets are no longer sold under the Swoop brand.
Unbundled Fare Model
Swoop's lowest fares generally excluded larger cabin bags, checked baggage, seat selection and onboard purchases. Historical fare comparisons should therefore consider the total trip cost, not only the base price.
Single Economy Cabin
Swoop used a single-class economy configuration, although seats with additional legroom could be purchased. It did not offer a traditional business-class cabin.
Baggage Cost Extra
The basic fare generally included only a small personal item, with full-size carry-on and checked baggage sold separately. Allowances depended on the fare and options purchased.
Seasonal Leisure Network
Many international services were aimed at winter-sun travellers and could operate seasonally. Former routes may now be available through WestJet or another carrier on different schedules.
Limited Loyalty Benefits
Swoop did not maintain its own conventional frequent-flyer programme. Travellers should not assume that standard WestJet rewards or elite benefits applied to historical Swoop fares.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Swoop
Notable destinations on Swoop's network.
WOHamiltondirectWOTorontodirectWOAbbotsforddirectWOEdmontondirectWOWinnipegdirectWOHalifaxdirectWOOrlandodirectWOLas VegasdirectWOCancundirectWOPuerto VallartadirectWOMontego BaydirectWOLos CabosdirectDestination list is indicative of Swoop's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Swoop
TripAdvisor · 2023–2023- 54
- 43
- 31
- 20
- 142
What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Don't use Swoop.
I never write reviews, but this time, Swoop was an absolutely terrible experience for me. We arrived before boarding time ( at least 1 hour before), but they didn't accept us. They told me that we don't have US visas ( 2 months ago, we already go to the US… See more before). So, we checked the visa again, still, it was valid. Also, the customer service was terrible. The lady at the front was so annoying. Therefore, We couldn't take the airline. Never book here, guys !!!
See lessPosted June 2023 by Hera, Seoul
Announced 30 min delay that took 2.5 hours
Avoid this airline if reaching on time is important. Customer support is non-existent and unhelpful if you can reach it. After on-time boarding, my flight moved towards the runway but came back. The pilot announced that the A/C and pressure system had an issue… See more that would take 30 to 40 mins. However, there was no update after that time elapsed. Then, he announced it would take another 10-15 mins. Then another 10-15 mins. The delay kept increasing and the uncertainty made it impossible to make any change. I finally disembarked the flight because I had missed the appointment for which I was traveling.
See lessPosted June 2023 by Atif Majeed, Dartmouth
Be very careful
If you are looking into Swoop or have used them before. You will most likely know about how ever service is an add on. I am fine with this because it is what it is. But, when checking in at the Abbotsford airport. The agent informed us we had not correctly… See more paid for our carry ons. We were a group of three with only two of us having carry ons. I conceded that I may have made the oversight and paid $160 on the spot. Later though, I reviewed my itinerary and online receipt and I had paid for the two carry ons. So, I sent an email to them with an explanation. Long story short - they will not refund me. Be very careful when travelling with them.
See lessPosted May 2023 by R B, Whistler
The Worst Customer Service
Avoid at all costs! The customer service is absolutely terrible. Companies like swoop are the reason travel has become so stressful in Canada. They lie and scam. I was midway through my flight when they had mechanical issues on board and returned to the… See more original airport. They had absolutely no other flight options to get my to my destination within the next 72 hours. You can't call and speak to anyone and we were told at the airport to just go home by Swoop employees. We were told we got flight and hotel coverage through email and now swoop won't reimburse. They also couldn't do anything about my return flight that was impossible to take because they never got me to my destination. Have never had such a bad experience with an airline, and will never use them again!
See lessPosted May 2023 by Emily H
Very disappointed
When we were leaving from Toronto there was no information given before we came to the airport. We had to struggle to find a way to print a ticket and no information was given to us to prepare for the departure. We had to ask the staff so many times to guide… See more us. Swoop never mentioned they were planning a strike until after we arrived at the resort. They sent an email saying that the flight may be cancelled the same day we arrived to the resort. This ruined our trip because we were worrying about the possible flight cancellation on top of that SWOOPs “phone service” does not answer your calls. After that they sent us a cancellation the day before we were supposed to leave (Thursday) and did not arrange another flight. Again we could not contact them. Since they did not give us information we went to our original flight time to PUNTA CANA AIRPORT. And the air assist plus SWOOP staff did not help us at all. They said they did not have information for us and we’re not willing to even make a phone call to SWOOP which they are able to do because they have other connections. While we were talking to the air assist staff we put our bags down and someone stole money from our purse. Too many security guards were there and still someone stole money in broad daylight. We even complained to them and they did nothing about it. Due to SWOOPS ignorance and unprofessional service we ended up losing money and paying for another flight at a higher place. We didn’t want to stay in the airport as we felt unsafe in the airport. This is the worse service we encountered in our whole life. And we will never fly with SWOOP or WEST JET ever again.
See lessPosted May 2023 by Mathy B
Great experience with Swoop - 1st time with Swoop
First time flying Swoop and based on reviews had low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised! -Check-in fast and easy -for a family of 4 paid for 2 bags and brought 3 backpacks as our personal items with -no issue - Flights were on time with a minor delay… See more on the way home - no big deal - staff was friendly, plane was well kept with plenty of leg room
See lessPosted April 2023 by Dreamer, Niagara Falls
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
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FAQ
Swoop — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Swoop has no current longest route because it ceased flying in 2023. Its longest service changed with seasonal schedules, and naming a single historical route without a specified timetable could be misleading.
- Swoop's basic fare generally included a small personal item, while a larger carry-on bag normally required payment. As the airline is no longer operating, travellers should consult the baggage rules of the active carrier operating their itinerary.
- Swoop no longer flies because it ceased operations on 28 October 2023. Its former network covered Canadian cities and leisure destinations in the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Swoop currently serves no destinations because the airline has ceased operations. Its historical network varied by season and year, so a single destination total would be misleading without specifying a particular timetable.
- Hamilton International Airport was Swoop's principal operating base. The airline also operated substantial schedules from airports including Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Abbotsford at different points in its history.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Swoop has ceased operations, searches may instead return active airlines serving comparable routes.
- Swoop tickets are no longer available. For comparable Canadian low-cost or leisure routes, fares are often lower when booked outside school holidays and peak winter travel periods, but prices vary with demand.
- Historically, important departure airports included Hamilton, Toronto Pearson, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Abbotsford. Swoop no longer operates departures from any airport.