One in three Canadians make errors when planning trips online, according to a new survey commissioned by Flight Centre Canada. Moreover, the research reveals that critical errors made are costing travellers thousands of dollars.
These findings, from the survey conducted by YouGov, 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, says Flight Centre, and prompt a rethink of the risks of DIY “click-and-go” travel booking.
According to the research, the top mistakes Canadians make when booking travel online are:
- 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%
Gen Z and Millennials are particularly impacted, with 42% reporting errors compared to 24% of Baby Boomers. Men are more prone to mistakes than women, at 37% versus 27%.
These aren’t just minor inconveniences – booking errors can lead to missed flights, denied boarding, and thousands of dollars in wasted, non-refundable costs, points out Flight Centre.
“Online booking can feel like a quick and convenient solution, but our data shows it’s also leading to big travel fails,” says Chadd Andre, Executive VP 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.”
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% 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,” says Andre. “This (blended) method marries the convenience of technology with the reliability of human expertise.”
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