Sunday, June 15, 2025
US travel demand has plummeted directly due to increased political tensions and public outcry in Canada, resulting in thousands of travelers calling off cross-border holidays and altering their holiday travel plans. In response, Canadian carriers have canceled large numbers of U.S. flights and are quickly adding international destinations such as Spain, France, and Mexico, where travel demand is still strong. This is a larger trend toward Europe and Latin America, facilitated by traveler irritation, official advice, and an increased desire for destinations perceived to be a warmer and easier experience.
Tensions between Canada and the United States have reached new heights in recent months, and the ripple effects are now disrupting international travel. What began as a diplomatic standoff escalated into a full-blown boycott of U.S. travel by thousands of Canadians. As more citizens opt out of cross-border vacations, airlines are scrambling to adjust their schedules, with major players like Air Transat leading the charge.
Since April, Canada has witnessed a wave of canceled U.S. trips, and the airline industry is feeling the pressure. Canadians, frustrated by strained relations and political disagreements, are turning away from the U.S. and instead embracing new destinations in Europe and Latin America. In response, Air Transat has announced a major network shift that will prioritize long-haul international travel over short-haul American routes.
Air Transat’s New Focus: Europe and Latin America
The airline has introduced a revamped winter schedule featuring multiple direct routes to Latin American cities. These new flights, originating from Toronto, target popular vacation spots that appeal to Canadians looking for sun, affordability, and cultural variety. The move isn’t just seasonal—it marks a deeper shift in how the airline is responding to market demand.
In addition to Latin America, Air Transat is expanding its European network. New routes will connect Canadian travelers to Bordeaux in France and Valencia in Spain. These cities are known for their charm, cuisine, and rich history, making them attractive alternatives for travelers who might have otherwise booked a winter escape to places like Florida or California.
Executives at the airline have emphasized that this strategy is based on concrete demand trends. Data shows a sharp 36% decline in passengers flying from Canada to the U.S. when compared to June of the previous year. This downturn has lasted for five straight months, and all signs indicate that recovery will be slow, if it happens at all.
Other Airlines Follow Suit With U.S. Route Cuts
Air Transat is far from alone in making these changes. Over the past few months, several Canadian airlines have reduced or eliminated service to the U.S. Together, these airlines have cut more than 20 routes between Canadian and American cities. The decision reflects not only passenger preferences but also rising operational costs and uncertainty surrounding cross-border policies.
Even some U.S.-based airlines have pulled back. A major budget carrier that frequently served Canadian passengers recently announced the suspension of routes from Washington state to destinations like Palm Springs and Las Vegas. With fewer Canadians flying south, even airports near the border are seeing a drop in traffic.
This collective shift away from U.S. travel highlights a growing reluctance among Canadians to deal with increasingly complicated border controls, unpredictable entry experiences, and what many describe as a hostile political climate.
The Travel Boycott: Why Canadians Are Saying No to the U.S.
The boycott of U.S. vacations has roots in more than just personal frustration—it reflects broader national sentiment. Many Canadians see the current political relationship between the two countries as volatile and unwelcoming. In early April, new trade tensions sparked outrage, and public conversations quickly turned into action.
Thousands of citizens took to social media to voice their refusal to visit the U.S., with some pledging to avoid American goods and destinations entirely. The trend grew fast, gaining traction in both urban and rural regions. Families who previously made annual trips to places like New York, Las Vegas, or Miami began canceling reservations and booking trips to Mexico, Spain, or the Caribbean instead.
The Canadian government reinforced this behavior by issuing a travel advisory that warned citizens about potential problems at U.S. border crossings. The advisory cited increased scrutiny, including searches of personal electronic devices, and warned that travelers could be detained if denied entry.
These warnings didn’t go unnoticed. Travel agents across the country reported a noticeable drop in bookings to U.S. cities and a surge in interest in international destinations that offered simpler, more respectful entry procedures. Airlines had to move quickly to keep up with the change, reallocating aircraft and adjusting seasonal flight schedules to reflect the new reality.
Domestic Travel Gains Ground as Canada Fills the Gap
While international travel is booming, the Canadian government is also encouraging residents to explore their own country. A new initiative offers free rail travel for passengers under 18 and grants youth free entry to national museums and galleries. This push for domestic tourism aims to support local businesses while offering affordable vacation options for families reconsidering U.S. travel.
These incentives have proven effective, especially for those who want to avoid the hassle of international travel altogether. Rail bookings have surged, and local tourism boards report increased interest in Canadian destinations ranging from British Columbia’s mountains to the historic towns of Quebec.
Looking Forward: The U.S. No Longer the First Choice
As Canadian travelers continue to adjust their habits, airlines are following suit. Air Transat’s decision to double down on Europe and Latin America isn’t just a short-term play—it’s a strategic response to evolving customer behavior. If current trends continue, the U.S. could lose its status as the default vacation destination for millions of Canadians.
Canadian ire at political tensions and strict border policies on the U.S. side has spurred a collapse in travel demand to the U.S., prompting carriers to drop some routes and redirect their attention to higher-demand destinations such as Spain, France, Mexico, and broader regions within Europe and Latin America.
For now, travelers are choosing the warmth of Spain, the culture of France, and the beaches of Latin America over the uncertainty of a U.S. vacation. With new routes in place and support from the public, Air Transat and other Canadian carriers are entering a new chapter in post-pandemic travel—one where the U.S. no longer holds center stage.
