Book Flights on Bearskin Airlines

Bearskin Airlines was founded in 1963 as a small air taxi service in Sioux Lookout. The airline began its first scheduled operations only in 1977, flying between Sioux Lookout and Big Trout Lake. In addition to its charter operations, Bearskin Airlines currently flies scheduled services to 18 destinations in Ontario and Manitoba, with Thunder Bay and Sudbury as focus cities. The airline’s special ticket offers are extremely popular and include student standby fares, bereavement fares, meetings and conferences group fares, and seniors’ companion fares. Bearskin Airlines is also a partner of the Aeroplan loyalty rewards program and members can earn points on all Bearskin Airlines flights.

The airline is currently owned by Exchange Income Corporation, a Canadian company which also owns Perimeter Aviation, Keewatin Air, and Calm Air. Bearskin Airlines aircraft are white with a dark red underbelly and the airline’s logo of an orange bear paw print on the tail.

Bearskin Airlines Ticketing and Check-in Information

Passengers on Bearskin Airlines flights can only check-in at the airport counters. The airline recommends that passengers flying from airports in Ottawa, Montreal, and Winnipeg should check-in at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure time. The check-in counters at these airports closes 30 minutes before the flight’s departure. For all other airports, the recommended check-in time is 45 minutes before the scheduled departure, and counters at these airports close 15 to 20 minutes before the flight’s departure time.

Passengers with special needs should contact the airline as soon as they can after their booking is confirmed and inform the airline of any particular requirements like a wheelchair or oxygen tanks.

Visit the airline’s website for more information on travelling with infants, buying tickets for children, and unaccompanied minors.

Bearskin Airlines Baggage Information & Restrictions

Checked Luggage Restrictions for Bearskin Airlines

Each passenger is allowed to carry one bag weighing up to 18.1 kg as a part of the free-baggage allowance. Those carrying bags which exceed this limit must pay a fee of $25 CAD or more, depending on the weight and number of the bags. Passengers who have more than 45 kg of luggage must ship their bags as cargo and pay quite a steep fee for this service, which can range from $135 - $235 USD.

Check the airline’s website for more details on fees and restrictions on checked-in baggage.

Carry-On Baggage Restrictions for Bearskin Airlines

Due to the lack of overhead bins and restricted space under the seats, Bearskin Airlines has a strict baggage policy for carry-on items. Each passenger is allowed one personal item like a briefcase, laptop case, or purse, each weighing no more than 5.8 kg. In addition, items like walking canes, urns, and cameras are not counted toward to the free carry-on allowance and are allowed on board if they measure less than 25.4 cm x 30.4 cm x 20.3 cm.

Depending on the type of aircraft being used, the airline may also allow bassinets, wheelchairs, or car seats to be carried on board in addition to a passenger’s carry-on luggage. If you are travelling with one of these items, it’s best to call ahead and let the airline know about the item you wish to bring on board.

You can find more information on the carry-on baggage policy on the airline’s website.

Bearskin Airlines Special Luggage Requirements

Special luggage items like musical instruments, fishing equipment, and golf clubs, can be carried on Bearskin Airlines flights but must meet the airline’s specifications with regard to proper packaging. If you are carrying any of these items or potentially dangerous goods like flammable liquids, check the guidelines for special luggage requirements and transporting dangerous goods before you travel.

Bearskin Airlines Seating Options

Bearskin Airlines operates only Economy Class flights. The airline’s Fairchild Metroliner planes have one seat on either side of the aisle and can seat up to 19 passengers. Bearskin Airlines’ Saab 340 aircraft is configured with two seats on one side of the aisle and one seat on the other. With a seat pitch of about 76 cm on both types of aircraft, there is not a lot of legroom on these flights.

Travelling with Pets on Bearskin Airlines

Don’t forget Moe!

While small dogs and cats can be transported on some Bearskin Airlines aircraft, larger pets will have to be transported as checked-in cargo. Since the cargo area is unheated, this service is only available between the 15th of April to the 15th of October every year in order to ensure the animals’ safety. Fees are subject to the pet’s size and weight. Pet carriers need to be airline-approved and the fee for pets transported as carry-on luggage in the cabin is $70 CAD plus tax.

Find out more about travelling with pets on the airline’s website.

Bearskin Airlines In-flight Service, Beverages, and Meals

Since the airline flies only short-haul flights to regional destinations, there are no in-flight entertainment or meal options provided. The airline’s in-house magazine is called Bear Country and can be found in all flights and at the airport ticket counters.

Bearskin Airlines Fleet

The Bearskin Airlines fleet includes 14 Fairchild Metroliner aircraft. The airline also operates one Saab 340 aircraft through its sister airline Calm Air. The 34-seat aircraft is used on more popular routes to Winnipeg, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, and Thunder Bay.