Lynx Air Review: The Affordable Choice for Adventurous Families

BREAKING NEWS: Lynx Air will stop all operations as of Monday, February 26th, 2024. All flights are canceled, and no refund will be handled by Lynx Air as they file for bankruptcy protection. If you had flights with them, contacting your credit card is important as they can reverse the charge and refund your payment. Also, if you want to rebook flights for an upcoming trip, WestJet holds a special sale until February 29th with a 25% discount on all routes Lynx Air has.

Are you dreaming about your next epic family adventure but feeling a little uneasy about the flight costs? We’ve been there, and we totally understand. That’s why we’re so excited to share with you our latest find – Lynx Airline, an airline that doesn’t just promise to get you from point A to point B, but does so at an ultra-affordable rate.

Intrigued? Let’s get to know more about this airline, shall we? Here is our Lynx Air review.

But before we head into our review, there are a few things you need to know before thinking of booking with Lynx Air or any other budget airline. Lynx Air might not be the right fit for you if:

• You can’t pack light and love bringing lots of luggage with you
• You enjoy the complimentary drinks and snacks served on airlines
• You want to fly first class or business class
• You can’t board a plane that doesn’t have in-flight entertainment

Now, if you’re easygoing and love to find ways to travel on a budget with your family safely, then Lynx Air might be perfect for you.

What is Lynx Air

Lynx Air is a newcomer to the aviation scene but is quickly making waves with its dedication to providing budget-friendly air travel. Founded just a few years ago, Lynx Airline’s mission is to make air travel more accessible and less stressful for families like us who are always looking for the next great outdoor adventure or city break.

The airline is based out of Calgary, Canada, and serves different cities in Canada and the USA.

Lynx Air is considered a ULCC, an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier. Think of it as the budget supermarket of the aviation world. ULCC airlines typically offer significantly lower fares by “unbundling” traditional services. This means that things that are usually included in your ticket price, like checked baggage or in-flight meals, are available for an additional fee. This way, you only pay for what you need or want.

This means that when you choose to fly with Lynx Air, you’re looking at potentially significant savings on your flight tickets if you don’t add too many carry-on bags and checked bags.

What’s wonderful about Lynx Air being a ULCC is that it offers families the chance to get more experiences out of their travel budget. More money saved on flights means more to spend on unique outdoor experiences and creating beautiful memories with your little ones. Plus, it’s your chance to learn to pack light. 😉

Isn’t that fantastic? But remember, low cost doesn’t have to mean low quality. In the next sections of our Lynx Airline review, we’ll share tips for getting the best out of your flight with Lynx Air, from booking to landing.

How is Flying with Lynx Air? Our Family Own Experience with Lynx Air

Before giving you our best tips when flying with Lynx Air and giving you a bit more information on what to expect when with this budget airline, I wanted to share our own experience with flying Lynx Air.

First thing first, we knew we were booking with a low-cost carrier. We lived in Europe for a few years, and we flew many times with Ryanair and EasyJet. So, we knew we would have to pack light, bring lots of snacks and our own lunch on the plane. We also knew we needed plan on some entertainment for the kids since there is no in-flight entertainment system on Lynx Air.

So far, we have used Lynx Air on three different tips:

• Calgary to Vancouver (round trip)
• Calgary to Las Vegas (round trip)
• Calgary to Phoneix (round trip)

On all flights, the staff was really nice. On some flights, there was a priority boarding for families with young children, while on others, there was not (or at least we didn’t hear it). On all 6 flights, we were assigned seats together without having paid extra for seat selection.

We had:

• 2 flights departing late,
• 1 flight departing in advance (yes, I didn’t know it was even possible) and
• 3 flights following the original schedule. 

You might have read mixed reviews of Lynx Airline, but I do think it’s important to read them with a grain of salt. We flew a lot of times with many different airlines, and I would say:

Almost half of our flights were delayed, on different airlines.

It doesn’t really matter which airline you’re flying with. There is always a risk of delayed flights, lost baggage, and missed connexion.

Then, when booking with a low-cost carrier like Lynx Airline, you can’t complain about the extra fees, it’s pretty much the definition of a budget airline “You pay for what you get“. 

Will We Be Flying With Lynx Air Again?

100%. I’m already starting to plan a few Canada trips using Lynx Air. And I’m hoping to fly to Los Angeles within the next year.

We always try to pack light when we travel. It’s easier to carry everything, and in the end, we don’t really need much. So, we usually only pay for one carry-on for the family (maybe two if we need to pack warm clothes). And I always pack lots of snacks and our lunch.

Booking Flight Tickets with Lynx Air: How Much Does it Cost

Alright, we’ve discovered Lynx Airline is a budget-friendly option for our family adventures. Now, how do we go about booking those affordable tickets?

Choosing Your Flight

Start by heading over to Lynx Airline’s website. I’m not sure if Lynx Air flights are available on third-party websites like Skyscanner and Kayak, but I always recommend buying flying on the airline (unless there is a HUGE price difference).

It’s always easier if a problem arises to contact the airline and not a third-party company directly.

Price varies from destination to destination but also depends on the day of the week. Always click on the “Best Fare Calendar”. It will show you the calendar with the pricing. It should help you select the best dates to travel if you’re on a budget and if your dates are a bit flexible.

Selecting the Add-Ons

If you need more than what’s included in the basic fare, Lynx Airline offers a variety of add-ons. This is where attention to detail is key, especially when it comes to baggage. 

What is Lynx Air Baggage Allowance?

Here is what’s included in LynxAir base fare.

• Personal Bag
• Seat selection when flying with young children*
• Car seat check-in for infant

If you need extra baggage, including a carry-on bag, you’ll need to purchase it. I recommend you purchase the extra bags online because there will be an extra charge if you decide to buy them at the airport check-in. It can be between $10 and $30 extra per bag if you buy it in person at the airport.

Note:
Be mindful of the size and weight restrictions to avoid extra costs at the airport. It’s always cheaper to pre-book your baggage online rather than at the airport.

What Does the Price Look Like When You Add Bags:

The price of checked bags will vary depending on the length of your flight, but here is an example add-on for a Calgary to Los Angeles flight:

• Carry-on bag: $31.49
• Checked bag: $73.49
• Stroller: $31.49
• Priority boarding: $10.50

The prices above are per flight, meaning you must pay for your departure and return flights. For example, the base fare for a round trip from Calgary to Los Angeles, for one adult and one child is: $369.40 (on a specific date, not always).

If you had one carry-on, the total goes to $432.38. Then if you add one carry-on, one check-bag and a stroller, it goes up to $649.34 (which is almost double the base fare).

What to Know When Flying with Lynx Air

Having your tickets booked is just the first step, next comes preparing for the flight itself. Here’s what to expect when flying with Lynx Air:

Modern and Clean Fleet

One standout feature of Lynx Air is its modern, clean, and well-maintained fleet. In fact, they have a fleet of new Boeing 737. Flying in a newer airplane adds an extra layer of comfort and security to your journey. 

Note that not all seats recline and that there are no power outlets on the plane. If you plan on using your electronic devices, make sure they are fully charged before boarding the plane, or carry a portable charger with you.

No Fees for Seat Selection for Families

If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll love this feature. Lynx Air understands the importance of keeping children close to their parents, so they offer FREE seat selection when you travel with children under the age of 11 (including 11 years old). You can select your seats for free when you book your flights or you can select the seats during the online check-in. You can also call the customer service and ask them to assign you seats.

To be honest, I didn’t know that on our first flight with Lynx Air. We decided to “gamble” and see what seats would be assigned to us at check-in. And we were all together. On our flight to Las Vegas, I called customer service because I needed to make a change in our booking. It was over the phone that the person told me we could select our seats because we were traveling with young children.

You can also find their Traveling with Children policy on their website.

No In-Flight Entertainment

As an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier, Lynx Air focuses on providing affordable flights, which means some amenities like in-flight entertainment are not available. However, this doesn’t mean the flight has to be a dull experience. A little pre-flight preparation can turn this into a fun opportunity:

1. Device Downloads: Ensure your devices are loaded up with your kids’ favorite movies, shows, and games. Don’t forget the headphones!
2. Books and Magazines: Grab a couple of books or magazines that your kids enjoy. A new book or comic could be a fun surprise and keep them engaged.
3. Travel Games: Compact travel games can be a lifesaver on flights. Games like card games, travel bingo, or brain-teaser puzzles are great options.

No Food Service

Unlike traditional airlines, Lynx Air does not provide in-flight meals, but you can certainly bring your own food. Here are some tips for keeping those little tummies full:

1. Pack a Lunchbox: Bring sandwiches, fruits, or any other favorite snacks that travel well. Try to avoid anything too messy!
2. Stay Hydrated: You can’t bring drinks through security, but you can bring an empty water bottle to fill up once you’re through.
3. Treat Time: Consider bringing a small treat as a reward for good behavior during the flight. This could be a favorite candy or snack.

Remember to consider TSA guidelines for carrying food and drinks onto the plane!

While Lynx Air is a budget airline, it does not compromise on safety or service. You’re in for a comfortable, affordable ride with a little bit of prep work. So, where is Lynx Air taking us? Let’s find out!

Where Does Lynx Air Fly?

Alright, now that we’re ready for our flight with Lynx Air, where can this budget-friendly airline take us?

Lynx Air services a good range of destinations that are popular with families like ours. These include outdoor adventure hotspots, like:

• Los Angeles
• Las Vegas
• Phoenix
• Vancouver
• Winnipeg
• Montreal
• Victoria

and many other places.

Tips for Flying with Kids on Lynx Airline

Traveling with kids can be quite an adventure in itself! That’s even harder when flying and having limited amenities on the flight. Luckily, we’ve picked up a few tips and tricks along the way to help make flying with Lynx Air a breeze.

Keeping Kids Entertained

As we discussed earlier, Lynx Air doesn’t provide in-flight entertainment. This calls for a little pre-flight preparation:

1. Device Downloads: Ensure your devices are loaded up with your kids’ favorite movies, shows, and games. A fully-charged tablet can be a lifesaver during a long flight. We usually download a few movies/TV shoes from Netflix so the kids can watch something on long flights.
2. Books and Travel Games: Grab a few new books or travel games to surprise your kids during the flight. The novelty will keep them entertained longer. Magnets are also a good toy to bring on plane. A drawing tablet is also a great item to pack.
3. Coloring Books: Don’t underestimate the power of a good old coloring book. They’re light, easy to pack, and can keep your child engaged for hours.

Managing Food and Drink

As Lynx Air doesn’t offer in-flight meals, consider packing a meal or some snacks. Try including a mix of proteins, fruits, and carbohydrates to keep energy levels stable. Remember to bring empty water bottles that you can fill up once past security. Also, ice pack can’t go through security, so keep that in mind when packing your lunch and snacks.

Making the Flight Comfortable

Making sure kids are comfortable during the flight will make the journey smoother for everyone. Here are a few tips:

1. Comfort Items: A favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow can help your child feel safe and comfortable.
2. Dress in Layers: Airplanes can get chilly, so dress your child in layers. This way, you can add or remove clothing as needed.
3. Pack Spare Clothes: Accidents happen. Having a change of clothes for your little ones can save the day.

F.A.Q Lynx Air Review

Can I bring a backpack on Lynx Air?

Yes. You can bring a backpack on Lynx Air. A personal bag is included in the base fare. The maximum dimension is:

15cm x 33cm x 43cm (6” x 13” x 17”). You can pay for carry-on luggage or checked bag if you need more space.

Does Lynx Air have food?

No. Lynx Air doesn’t have food on their flights. You’ll need to bring your own snacks.

Is Lynx Air a budget airline?

Yes. Lynx Air is a budget airline. It’s considered an Ultra-Low Cost Carrier.

Final Thoughts: Lynx Airline Review

If you’re looking to stretch that vacation budget without skimping on safety or comfort, Lynx Air can be a fantastic option for your next family getaway. With their modern fleet, affordable fares, and children’s policy, they offer a brilliant way to experience more of Canada and USA.

Safe travels!