False Advertising? Air Canada publishes amazing fare, to wrong Sydney

I rarely click on sponsored Facebook ads but this Air Canada fare to Sydney demanded attention (my friend’s, who brought it my attention). The ad showcases Ottawa – Sydney fare for $439 CAD roundtrip, Jan 14th – Jan 21st (incl all taxes).

Air Canada ad – Ottawa to Sydney

Imagine the excitement clicking through the “Book Now” button, with credit card in one hand, and 32 teeth glowing in the light off the laptop screen..

Air Canada Fare – Ottawa to Sydney

Are you kidding me?! Dash 8-300 to YQY (Sydney, Nova Scotia) is nothing but a cruel joke. The published fare is from Ottawa (YOW) to Sydney (YQY), in January nonetheless, with average temperature in YQY hovering a “balmy” -14 Celsius or 7 degree Fahrenheit.

Ha! So somebody in the AC social media team picked up a picture of Sydney Harbour (Opera House), Australia to advertise a fare from Ottawa to Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Fun and chuckle aside, I can now understand how that Dutch teen ended up in the wrong Sydney. He probably saw a similar ad with Sydney Harbour, clicked his way through payment and forgot/ignored all the red flags in place.

Now for some good news – If you booked this fare thinking you would need an Australian visa soon, you are in luck. Contact Air Canada immediately, refer them to this post and the screenshots, it should help making your case for a refund.

Or, be a little adventurous and experience Sydney, Nova Scotia in all its winter glory. Only for $439 (all taxes in), on a Dash 8-300. Glam!

Hat Tip: Thanks for the chuckle BP! 🙂