Airlines are businesses that supply air transportation services for both passengers and cargo. They manage a collection of aircraft designed to transport individuals and goods to various destinations worldwide. The best Canadian airlines offer services such as scheduled flights, charters, and cargo transport. In addition, they cater to the diverse needs of their clientele by providing different travel classes.
One significant advantage of airlines is the convenience they present. With air travel, you can rapidly and effortlessly journey to different parts of the globe, even reaching locations inaccessible by land or sea. Air transport is also swift and efficient, conserving time and energy that would have been expended on lengthy road trips or ocean voyages. Airlines enable customers to select their desired level of comfort during the journey by offering a range of travel classes from economy to first class.
The best airlines in Canada deliver outstanding services exceeding basic air travel necessities. They provide various amenities such as roomy seating, in-flight entertainment options, gourmet meals, and opulent lounges. The top Canadian airlines emphasize exceptional customer service, employing well-trained personnel who go the extra mile in ensuring passengers’ comfort and satisfaction. They prioritize safety by investing in cutting-edge technology and equipment to guarantee secure and dependable flights.
Let’s check out our list of the best Canadian airlines.
What makes the best Canadian airline?
We’ll judge the best airlines in Canada based on these four criteria:
Best safety
The best Canadian airlines ensure the protection of passengers and crew members throughout their travels. Assessing an airline’s safety record involves examining metrics like accident occurrences and safety violations.
Canadian air travel companies continually invest in cutting-edge technology for optimal safety and reliability. Additionally, their staff are expertly trained to manage any emergencies that might occur.
Cheapest price
Affordability plays a pivotal role in an airline’s competitive edge within Canada. To draw customers and generate ample revenue to meet operational costs, airlines need to offer tickets at appealing prices.
Canada’s leading airlines provide a variety of fares suitable for diverse budgets and travel requirements while enhancing customer loyalty through perks such as frequent flyer programs and rewards.
Best scheduling
A reliable and efficient schedule is another key aspect for the best Canadian airlines. To satisfy customer needs, punctuality is of utmost importance – on-time performance reflects the percentage of flights arriving and departing as scheduled.
The top Canadian airlines maintain dependable schedules, prioritizing timeliness to reduce any inconvenience for their valued passengers.
Best service
Exceptional service impacts customer contentment, making it an essential aspect for Canadian airlines to focus on. Delivering a positive experience during travel requires offering amenities like cozy seating, in-flight entertainment options, and delicious meals.
Canada’s top airline performers emphasize top-notch customer service and invest in hospitable staff who always strive to ensure a comfortable journey with happy passengers.
List of best airlines in Canada
- Air Canada
- WestJet
- Air Transat
- Porter Airlines
- Flair Airlines
- Jazz Aviation
- Sunwing Airlines
- Pacific Coastal Airlines
- Air Inuit
- PAL Airlines
Air Canada
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Canada
As Canada’s premier airline, Air Canada skillfully operates a myriad of domestic and international flights, spanning various destinations globally. Established in 1937, this distinguished airline has devotedly served Canadian travellers, bridging connections with the rest of the world.
Boasting a fleet exceeding 400 aircraft, comprising both Boeing and Airbus models, Air Canada caters to diverse travel preferences with options like Economy, Business, and First Class. Furthermore, they manage Air Canada Rouge, a subsidiary that mainly caters to leisure trips to popular destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean.
Air Canada prides itself on consistently delivering top-notch services to its passengers. This dedication has earned the airline numerous accolades including the title of “Best Airline in North America” at the esteemed Skytrax World Airline Awards. To elevate their passengers’ experience, Air Canada offers amenities which include in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi access, and an array of meal and beverage choices.
WestJet
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Calgary
As a leading Canadian airline, WestJet proudly serves numerous domestic and international destinations. Since its inception in 1996, the airline has rapidly gained a strong reputation among Canadian travellers for its reasonably-priced tickets and exceptional customer service.
Boasting a fleet of over 100 aircraft, comprising Boeing and Bombardier models, WestJet offers a variety of travel classes ranging from Economy to Business Class. Moreover, the airline operates WestJet Encore, a subsidiary dedicated to catering to smaller communities within Canada.
Driven by its dedication to offering affordable and dependable air travel, WestJet has emerged as a favoured option for Canadians on the go. Renowned for their warm and attentive personnel, the airline consistently strives to ensure that passengers enjoy a relaxing and delightful journey. Onboard amenities provided by WestJet include in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi access, and an assortment of meal and beverage options.
Air Transat
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Montreal
Air Transat, a Canadian airline focusing on leisure travel, connects travellers with sought-after vacation hotspots in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and beyond. Established in 1987, the airline has flourished and now ranks among the world’s leading leisure airlines.
With a fleet of over 30 aircraft, including Airbus models, Air Transat offers various travel classes from Economy to Club Class. Additionally, the airline presents an assortment of holiday packages encompassing flights, accommodations, and activities.
Renowned for its outstanding passenger services, Air Transat has garnered several accolades such as the “Best Leisure Airline in the World” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards. To elevate travellers’ experiences, Air Transat provides in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and a diverse menu of meals and beverages.
For those seeking extra perks, Club Class features expansive seating, priority check-in services, and access to airport lounges. Above all else, Air Transat remains dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for passengers and crew through stringent measures.
Porter Airlines
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Toronto
Porter Airlines, a regional Canadian carrier stationed in Toronto, Ontario, primarily serves short-haul flights within Canada and the United States. Established in 2006, the airline boasts a fleet of Bombardier Dash-8 planes catering to various travel classes, from Economy to Premium.
With its distinctive brand image featuring vintage-inspired uniforms and complimentary snacks and beverages in-flight, Porter Airlines operates from Toronto Island airport, allowing easy access to downtown Toronto and elevating convenience for travellers.
The airline is celebrated for consistently delivering exceptional services to their passengers. Having earned multiple accolades such as the “Best Regional Airline in North America” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards, Porter Airlines takes pride in enhancing the passenger experience by offering amenities like in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and an assortment of meals and beverages.
For those who opt for Premium Class, added benefits include spacious seating arrangements, priority check-in, and exclusive access to airport lounges.
Flair Airlines
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Edmonton
Flair Airlines, a Canadian ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, connects travellers to various locations across Canada, as well as to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Initially established in 2005 as a charter airline, Flair Airlines has evolved into a scheduled carrier and broadened its fleet by incorporating Boeing 737 aircraft. The airline offers diverse travel classes from Economy to Premium and provides supplementary services like baggage and seat selection for an added fee.
Famous for delivering budget-friendly air services to passengers, Flair Airlines presents some of the most affordable fares in the Canadian aviation market. This approach makes air travel increasingly accessible to a broader spectrum of travellers. Flair Airlines also supplies an array of amenities to elevate passengers’ flying experiences, including in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi access, and an assortment of meals and beverages.
Jazz Aviation
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Halifax
With a strong emphasis on regional air services and unwavering commitment to excellence, Jazz Aviation remains one of the best Canadian airlines. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Jazz Aviation is a Canadian regional airline that operates as Air Canada Express. Established in 2001, the airline’s fleet consists of Bombardier Dash-8 and De Havilland Dash-8 aircrafts, flying to various destinations across Canada and the United States.
As a crucial part of the Canadian airline industry, Jazz Aviation delivers essential regional air services to smaller communities and connects passengers to Air Canada’s extensive global network. Offering a variety of amenities to enrich passengers’ travel experiences, Jazz Aviation provides in-flight entertainment, internet access, and carefully curated meal and beverage choices. Noted for its reliable and effective services, Jazz Aviation has received numerous awards, such as the “Regional Airline of the Year” at the 2020 Airline Economics Aviation 100 Awards.
Sunwing Airlines
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Popular airline in Toronto
Sunwing Airlines transports travellers to breathtaking destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the United States. Since its inception in 2005, Sunwing Airlines has blossomed into one of Canada’s predominant leisure airlines, boasting an impressive fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. Catering to the desires of those seeking a hassle-free travel experience, Sunwing Airlines assembles various vacation packages that encompass flights, accommodations and activities.
The airline’s reputation for delivering top-notch yet budget-friendly services is unwavering. Passengers can choose from multiple travel classes – Economy through to Elite Plus – tailoring their journey to their preferences. For a small fee, passengers can personalize their trip with extra services like seat selection and in-flight meals.
Travellers flying Elite Plus can indulge in a number of additional perks such as priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, as well as invitations to airport lounges, enhancing their travel experience.
Pacific Coastal Airlines
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Vancouver
Pacific Coastal Airlines, a Canadian carrier with its home in Richmond, British Columbia, offers regular flights to various locations throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Yukon. Established in 1987, the airline has flourished as a dependable regional carrier boasting a fleet of Saab 340 and Beechcraft 1900 planes. With a strong commitment to serving remote and smaller communities, Pacific Coastal Airlines plays a crucial part in linking passengers to larger centres and international destinations.
With their warm and efficient service, Pacific Coastal Airlines has earned its reputation among passengers. The carrier provides diverse travel options such as Economy and Business classes along with supplementary services like cargo transport and charter flights. Furthermore, Pacific Coastal Airlines takes part in the Aeroplan rewards program, enabling passengers to accumulate and redeem points for flights and other bonuses.
Air Inuit
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in Montreal
Air Inuit, a Montreal-based Canadian airline, offers both scheduled and chartered flights to the remote northern regions of Quebec and Labrador. Established in 1978, the airline has become an essential resource for the people living in these areas. With a fleet comprising Dash-8, Twin Otter, and Boeing 737 aircraft, Air Inuit consistently delivers safe and dependable air services while connecting communities to crucial goods, services, and medical care.
Renowned for its outstanding customer service and dedication to accommodating passengers’ needs, Air Inuit presents a variety of travel classes such as Economy, Business, and Premium. Furthermore, the airline extends additional services like cargo shipping and customized charter flights. Air Inuit also places high importance on safety and has instituted rigorous measures to safeguard all those on board.
PAL Airlines
Safety
Price
Scheduling
Service
Best airline in St. John’s
PAL Airlines, a prominent Canadian regional airline, has its headquarters in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. With a strong presence in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, and Labrador, the airline operates both scheduled and charter flights, connecting passengers to various destinations. Established in 1974, PAL Airlines boasts a diverse fleet of aircraft such as Dash-8 and Twin Otter models.
PAL Airlines offers a variety of travel classes to accommodate passengers’ needs. Economy and Business class options are available alongside additional services, including cargo shipping and charter flights. Furthermore, the airline prioritizes the unique needs of the communities they serve and facilitates access to larger transportation hubs for international travel.