Consumer warning issued over NewLeaf but airline says it’s just an opinion

The Consumers’ Association of Canada has issued a consumer alert over issues with discount air carrier NewLeaf Travel Company and Flair Airlines Inc. (Photo: Alan Sim/ Flickr)

WINNIPEG –The Consumers’ Association of Canada has issued a consumer alert over issues with discount air carrier NewLeaf Travel Company and Flair Airlines Inc.

The alert said Canadians have been forced to deal with arbitrary cancellations and alterations to flight dates and times on thousands of tickets purchased through NewLeaf on flights operated by Flair.

The association urged those buying NewLeaf tickets to have an alternate plan to reach their destination or to return home.

The alert asked consumers to consider whether the savings of buying cheap tickets warranted the risk of being stranded.

NewLeaf said it has never been contacted by the association, and calls the alert an opinion.

It did acknowledge its decision in January to cancel service to Mesa, Ariz., and Melbourne, Fla., but said those customers got a complete refund for their tickets.

“After just six months of operation, NewLeaf Travel Company along with Flair Airlines has successfully transported more than 150,000 passengers across the country,” said Julie Rempel, NewLeaf’s Director of Communications and Marketing.

“It is unclear why an organization, who again has never contacted NewLeaf to gain an understanding of the facts, would choose and try to damage our reputation.”