The first time I booked a flight to Toronto, I was overwhelmed. Dozens of airlines, countless booking platforms, price fluctuations that seemed to change by the minute — it felt like stepping into a maze. Yet as I stood in Pearson International Airport, suitcase in hand, I realized that flights aren’t just about getting from one city to another. They’re the beginning of a story, the bridge between anticipation and experience.
Over the years, I’ve booked dozens of flights to and from Toronto. Sometimes I flew out for a quick business trip. Sometimes it was for the sheer joy of visiting family or walking once more down Queen Street West. Each booking taught me something: where to look, when to book, and which flights gave me the comfort I needed. Slowly, I turned the confusing maze into a familiar path.
This is my guide — not just a list of airlines, but my lived experience of chasing the best prices, finding quality service, and booking Toronto flights in ways that save both money and stress.
Understanding Toronto’s Airports
Toronto has two major airports.
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): This is the main gateway to Toronto and the busiest airport in Canada. Almost every international and long-haul flight comes through Pearson. Walking through its terminals, I’ve always felt like I was stepping into a global village. Voices from around the world echo in its halls, and you can find cuisine from sushi to poutine.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): Smaller and located right on Toronto Island, Billy Bishop is the airport I love for its convenience. Flying into YTZ means I’m minutes away from downtown by ferry or pedestrian tunnel. It’s perfect for short-haul flights within Canada or from nearby U.S. cities.
Knowing which airport suits your trip is the first step toward smart booking. For longer trips, Pearson almost always makes sense. For quick domestic getaways, Billy Bishop is unbeatable.
Timing Matters: When to Book Toronto Flights
I’ve learned the hard way that waiting too long can cost me hundreds of dollars. One December, I thought I was clever waiting until two weeks before Christmas to book a Toronto flight. The result? Prices had doubled, and I sat on a cramped seat that felt nothing like holiday cheer.
From experience and research:
- The best window for booking Toronto flights is 6 to 8 weeks in advance for domestic travel and 2 to 4 months ahead for international flights.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often when airlines release deals. I once snagged a flight from Vancouver to Toronto for nearly half the price by booking on a Tuesday morning.
- Red-eye flights or early-morning departures are consistently cheaper, and though dragging myself out of bed at 4 a.m. isn’t fun, the savings often make it worthwhile.
I’ve learned to be flexible. Moving my trip by even one day has sometimes saved me enough money to pay for a night in a nice downtown hotel.
Platforms I Trust for Booking Toronto Flights
In Canada, not all booking platforms are equal. Some inflate prices, others bombard you with hidden fees. Over time, I’ve built a shortlist of sites I return to again and again.
- Expedia.ca: This has been my go-to platform for years. It’s reliable, and I love bundling my flight with a hotel in Toronto — often saving 15% or more.
- Skyscanner.ca: This is my secret weapon when I want to compare everything at once. I’ve found incredible deals here, including a Toronto–London round-trip for under CAD \$700.
- Air Canada’s official site (aircanada.com): Booking directly with the airline sometimes gives me perks like easier seat changes or bonus Aeroplan points.
- WestJet.com: For domestic flights, WestJet often surprises me with comfort and friendly service. Booking directly gives access to their sales first.
- Google Flights: While I can’t book directly through it, I often use Google Flights as a price-tracking tool. The alerts have saved me more times than I can count.
Recommended Flights to Toronto: Quality and Comfort
Through my travels, I’ve discovered flights that stood out not just for their price but for the overall experience. Here are three I would recommend without hesitation.
Air Canada Flight AC855: London Heathrow to Toronto Pearson
Flying across the Atlantic can feel exhausting, but Air Canada’s AC855 made the journey a pleasure. Departing from London Heathrow and landing at Pearson, this overnight flight has become a favorite for travelers heading straight into Toronto’s international hub.
What stood out to me:
- Service: The flight attendants had that perfect balance of professionalism and warmth. On one journey, a crew member noticed I hadn’t touched my meal and quietly offered me a snack later instead. Small gestures like that go a long way.
- Seating: In Premium Economy, the extra legroom and upgraded meals were worth the splurge. The seat reclined just enough for me to catch a few hours of real sleep.
- Entertainment: Over 200 movies, plenty of TV shows, and even podcasts. On my flight, I ended up watching two films back-to-back, forgetting the hours in the air.
Traveler Impressions: Many reviews echo my experience — people praise the staff and the comfort, though some note economy class can feel tight on long-hauls.
Cost: Prices vary, but I’ve paid anywhere from CAD \$800 to \$1,200 round-trip in economy. Premium Economy often doubles that.
Booking platforms: Best booked through AirCanada.com or Expedia.ca. Sometimes Aeroplan points make this flight incredibly affordable if booked early.
Booking Tip: Flying midweek usually shaves off at least \$100 compared to weekend departures.
WestJet Flight WS653: Vancouver to Toronto Pearson
For domestic Canadian flights, WestJet’s WS653 from Vancouver to Toronto has stood out for me again and again. It’s a long haul across the country, but WestJet makes it feel easy.
What stood out to me:
- Crew: WestJet’s reputation for friendly service is well earned. I’ve had flight attendants crack jokes during announcements, making even safety briefings feel lighter.
- Onboard Comfort: WestJet’s newer aircraft have better legroom than I expected. Even in economy, I didn’t feel cramped.
- On-time Record: This flight has often landed earlier than scheduled, which feels like a small gift after a 5-hour journey.
Traveler Impressions: Online reviews often mention WestJet’s friendliness. Some note that onboard snacks aren’t as generous as they used to be, but I’ve always found them acceptable for a domestic flight.
Cost: Typically ranges between CAD \$300 and \$500 one-way in economy. Business fares can stretch over \$1,000.
Booking platforms: I prefer booking directly on WestJet.com, where sales and discounts often appear first. Skyscanner.ca is also great for comparing fares quickly.
Booking Tip: Flying in the shoulder seasons (April or October) makes this route far cheaper than peak summer or Christmas holidays.
Porter Airlines Flight PD146: Ottawa to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Flying Porter Airlines into Billy Bishop Airport is an experience I cherish. Instead of the chaos of Pearson, you’re treated to a calm, boutique-style flight that lands you practically in downtown Toronto.
What stood out to me:
- Lounge Access: Even for economy passengers, Porter’s lounges offer free snacks, coffee, and newspapers. I still remember sipping a cappuccino in Ottawa before boarding, feeling like a VIP without paying extra.
- Service: Porter’s staff are consistently attentive. On one flight, the crew offered complimentary wine and beer, a small luxury that set the tone.
- Convenience: Landing at Billy Bishop meant I was in downtown Toronto within 15 minutes. That saved me the long taxi ride from Pearson and made my trip feel seamless.
Traveler Impressions: Reviews highlight the convenience and the boutique feel of Porter. Some mention occasional delays due to weather (common with smaller airports), but the overall satisfaction remains high.
Cost: Generally CAD \$150–\$300 one-way, depending on season. Business upgrades can go higher but include flexible policies.
Booking platforms: Best booked through FlyPorter.com. Deals also appear on Expedia.ca, but booking directly often allows easier management of your ticket.
Booking Tip: Porter frequently offers sales with 30% off if you subscribe to their mailing list.
Navigating Price Drops and Increases
Airline pricing sometimes feels like a game I didn’t ask to play. One week, I’ll see a Toronto round-trip for CAD \$400, and the next, it jumps to \$700. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Set alerts: I rely heavily on Skyscanner’s price alerts and Google Flights notifications. They send me updates whenever prices rise or fall.
- Clear your cookies: I was skeptical at first, but it’s true — sometimes searching multiple times raises the price. Using incognito mode often keeps things fair.
- Watch for seat sales: WestJet and Air Canada regularly launch “seat sales,” especially in January and September. Booking during these windows has saved me hundreds.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
The ticket price isn’t the whole story. I’ve made the mistake of booking a cheap flight only to realize I was paying more in fees.
- Baggage Fees: Low-cost carriers like Flair or Swoop often lure with cheap base fares but charge \$40–\$60 for each checked bag.
- Seat Selection: Some airlines charge extra for even standard seat selection. I once paid \$25 just to avoid being stuck in the middle.
- Airport Transfers: Pearson is far from downtown. Factor in \$30–\$60 for the UP Express train or taxi. Flying into Billy Bishop often saves money here.
Why Loyalty Matters
I used to jump between airlines chasing the lowest fare. Over time, I realized loyalty pays off. Collecting Aeroplan points with Air Canada flights has earned me upgrades and even free flights. WestJet’s WestJet Dollars program also adds up quickly, especially with their credit card partnerships.
One memorable trip: I booked a Toronto–Paris flight almost entirely on Aeroplan points, saving me nearly \$900. That trip wouldn’t have been possible if I’d scattered my bookings across random airlines.
Personal Rituals for Booking Flights
Over the years, I’ve developed little rituals. I always check flights on Tuesday evenings. I compare at least three platforms before booking. I often book one-way tickets separately if it saves money. And I write down the booking reference in my notebook, just in case my email confirmation disappears.
These rituals have turned the stress of booking into something almost enjoyable. Each search feels like a treasure hunt, with the prize being both savings and anticipation.
The Feeling of Arrival
No matter how many times I land in Toronto, whether it’s at Pearson or Billy Bishop, I always feel the same rush. As the plane descends, the skyline comes into view — the CN Tower, the glimmer of Lake Ontario, the endless stretch of neighborhoods. The engines roar, the wheels touch the tarmac, and I’m home again, even if only for a little while.
Flights to Toronto are more than transportation. They are beginnings, transitions, and reunions. Every booking holds the promise of stories yet to unfold. And every smart booking — the ones that save me money and bring me comfort — makes those stories even sweeter.
