Toronto's Top Airlines: A Comparison Of In-Flight Experiences (2024)

Toronto is a popular destination for travellers, whether they're visiting for the city's food, film festivals, or parks. The city has several airports to choose from, with Toronto Pearson International Airport being the busiest in Canada. However, Billy Bishop Airport is closer to downtown Toronto, making it a more convenient option for those staying in the city centre.

When it comes to airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, and Porter Airlines are some of the most popular options for travelling to Toronto. Each airline has its own advantages, such as Delta's reasonable pricing and Porter's excellent customer service.

When booking flights, it's recommended to book in advance, as prices tend to rise closer to the departure date. Additionally, travellers should consider their airport options, as fares can vary depending on the airport. It's also worth checking for flexible dates, as prices can fluctuate daily.

Using points and miles to book flights to Toronto can be a great way to save money. Loyalty programs like Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles and Singapore KrisFlyer offer redemptions for flights to Canada. Air Canada's Aeroplan program is also a good option, especially if you want access to their exclusive Signature Suite airport lounges.

Overall, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best airline to travel through Toronto, including location, price, and loyalty programs. By doing some research and planning ahead, travellers can find the option that best suits their needs and budget.

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

If you're travelling to the U.S. from Pearson, you can go through immigration and customs at the airport, saving you time compared to doing so on the U.S. side. Given the airport's size, it is not recommended to make a tight connection here, as it can get quite crowded at security. The best way to travel from Pearson to downtown Toronto is the UP Express train, which runs almost every 15 minutes and gets to Union Station in just 25 minutes. A taxi will likely get stuck in traffic and be much more expensive.

YYZ has plenty to offer for those who arrive early or are looking for ways to pass the time before their flight. There are several art exhibitions on display, including a permanent collection by international artists and changing exhibitions throughout Terminal 1. There is also a wide variety of shops and restaurants. For those with children, there is a mini children's play area in Terminal 1 and a larger children's play area in Terminal 3.

For fitness enthusiasts, there is a Goodlife Fitness centre with modern training equipment, a stretching area, and free weights. The centre is 10,000 sq. ft and offers rental Reebok clothing and a shoe bundle. There are also therapy dogs wearing bandanas with the "St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs" logo for those who could use a friendly paw before their flight.

For a little extra relaxation, the Be Relax Spa in Terminal 3 offers table and chair massages, waxing, nail, and facial treatments. The Wellbeing Spa, also in Terminal 3, offers facials, massages, showers, and nail services.

If you're looking to do a little shopping, YYZ offers luggage-wrapping services and Samsonite luggage storage in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

Finally, for aviation enthusiasts or those simply looking to kill time, YYZ offers an Airside Tour that takes you around the airport to learn more about how it operates behind the scenes. There is also a Spotter's Guide to help identify the planes taking off and dinosaur displays at the landside. Terminal 3 features a film exhibition created by the Toronto International Film Festival.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)

The airport is used for regional airline services and general aviation, including medical evacuation flights, small charter flights, and private aviation. It offers service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S. The only airline that serves the Toronto city centre is Porter Airlines, a short-haul airline with destinations in northeast Canada and the U.S.

The airport's hours of operation are from 5:00 or 6:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily. It has one passenger terminal, built in 2010, with 11 gates. The airport features complimentary baggage carts, nursing pods, a Lost and Found service, and duty-free shopping.

In 2022, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport was ranked Canada's ninth-busiest airport. It has received accolades for its efficiency, convenience, and friendly staff. However, in 2019, it was ranked the worst in Canada by AirHelp, which based its rankings on on-time performance, quality of service, and food and shops.

When considering which airport to fly through in Toronto, factors such as proximity to your destination and the airlines serving the airport should be taken into account. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is ideal for those seeking quick and easy access to downtown Toronto and those who prefer a smaller, quieter airport.

John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)

The airport is a good option if you're going wine tasting in the Niagara region, as it is closer to the wine region than Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is also a good option if you want to avoid the crowds of a larger airport, as it is described as \"small\" and \"easy to navigate\". It is also described as \"kid-friendly\". However, it is not a good option if you are pressed for time getting to downtown Toronto, as you will need to rent a car, take a bus, or pay for an expensive taxi to get there.

The airport is the third-largest cargo airport in Canada and the largest overnight express cargo airport in the country. It is also a major Canadian cargo airport, with around 70% of its cargo tonnage being domestic.

Airlines that operate from the airport include Play, WestJet, Air Canada, Air Transat, and Sunwing.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Located in Cheektowaga, New York, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about a two-hour drive from Toronto. While it may be further afield than other airports, it can be significantly cheaper to fly into Buffalo than Pearson, especially if you're flying in from another US destination. The Buffalo Airport is also smaller and easier to navigate, and you won't have to go through customs and immigration at the airport. However, you will need to stop at the border when driving across, which can sometimes mean long waits.

The airport is about 11 miles from downtown Buffalo, but 60 miles southeast of Toronto (with a driving distance of 106 miles). It's easily accessible from major routes, and there are various transportation options available, including rental cars, taxis, and public transit. The airport is served by the Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33), which offers a direct route to downtown Buffalo. Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority provides bus services to and from the airport, and Greyhound Bus Lines and Megabus offer connections to Toronto and New York City.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport covers 1,000 acres and has two runways. It's at an elevation of 727 feet and is the third-busiest airport in New York State. The airport offers up to 100 nonstop flights per day, serving 31 airport destinations and beyond. It's a popular choice for Canadians travelling to US destinations, with competitively priced flights and convenient access to the Niagara Wine Region.

The terminal building, designed by the Greater Buffalo International Airport (GBIA) Design Group, opened in 1997 and has since undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate increasing passenger traffic. The terminal provides essential amenities for travellers, including dining options, Wi-Fi, and comfortable lounges.

A range of airlines operate at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, including:

• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• United Airlines

The airport also features various dining options, such as Tim Hortons, Chick-fil-A, and the Buffalo Chophouse, ensuring that travellers can find something to suit their tastes and preferences.

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG)

Niagara Falls International Airport is a good option if you want a budget flight from Florida, but it is best avoided if you don't want to fly with Spirit or Allegiant. The airport is also not ideal if you want to get to Toronto by public transport or taxi, as there are too many connections for the former and the latter is too expensive. Renting a car is your best option if you fly into Niagara Falls International Airport.

The airport has a new terminal building that opened in 2009, costing an estimated $42.5 million. The airport covers 1,067 acres and has three paved runways. It is notable for serving far more Canadian passengers than Americans, despite being in New York State. This is due to its proximity to the Canadian border.

The airport is also a popular diversion airport for flights that are unable to land in Toronto Pearson International Airport, due to its location and long runways.

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