Cost of domestic flights remains at a six-year low: Statistics Canada

Air Canada planes are shown in this undated image. (Andrew Vaughan / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The average domestic airfare on major Canadian airlines remained at a six-year low in the third quarter of 2015, according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada, although that might come as a surprise to travellers.

In its report this week, StatCan said a one-way domestic flight cost on average $175.70 before fees and taxes, down from 187.60 a year earlier.

International fares edged up by just 80 cents, from $340.60 to $341.20.

StatCan says the $12 drop in domestic prices allowed Canada's overall rates to remain at their lowest levels in six years.

The figures are based on Air Canada and its subsidiaries, as well as Air Transat and West Jet.

However, the total cost of a ticket still remains high, as airport improvement fees, fuel surcharges, security fees and other charges are constantly on the rise.