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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
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29 reviews for Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
29 reviews in English
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Review from Melanie C.
Oakville, ON
2/6/2012
I love the free shuttlebus from Royal York Hotel. I have seen the long line-up of cars and cabs getting in and out of there and was happy to be able to avoid that traffic.
I also love that you don't need to get to the airport super early. I arrived only an hour before my domestic flight, and even then I had lots of time to spare. I didn't have to deal with any long line-ups or walk long distances within the airport to get to my gate. The lounge is very nice but small, and fills up quickly on a weekday morning. Lucky for me, my punctual travel companion had saved me a seat.
There seems to be a lot of confusion for first-timers like me. Do I have to show my passport and boarding pass before I get onto the ferry? Nope. They will check all your info on the other side. The staff all seem fairly relaxed and are quite pleasant. At times it seemed like the whole process of taking the ferry was really slow, but it actually moves at a good pace when you consider all factors. Plus it's fun to travel by walking, subway, bus, boat, plane and car all in a span of a couple of hours.
I loved my entire experience here, both departing and arriving. It was easy and convenient and all staff members I dealt with were very pleasant. -
Review from Charlotte W.
North York, ON
4/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Air Canada now flies out of Billy Bishop Airport, which must really suck for Porter. It's exclusivity is now gone. But, that still doesn't stop me from flying Porter out of Billy Bishop's downtown airport. There is free shuttle service to BB from Royal York.
Yes, there is a 3 minute ferry that transports you from point A to point B - lets get that walking bridge constructed already.
The actual airport is so small that there is nothing except a huge lounge with free softdrinks, water, nuts/pretzels and cookies. There are sandwhiches and salads for purchase, but at $10 or more for cold cuts, I think I'll pass.
The only reason why I would go to this airport is because of Porter. Even if the same flights were offered between Air Canada and Porter, I would still chose the later. That being said, for those who furvently collect Aeroplan, you can now fly out of Billy Bishop.Listed in: Insider 'Travel' Information
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Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
2/16/2012
Well, the place is no overrun with not only Porter but also Air Canada flights. It used to be the small intimate airport with a lounge that you could sit quietly with your laptops.
After finally getting there on the ferry, it's a real airport now. No more dinky conveyors, and one guy at security. There are check in counters, 2 security checks on either side equipped with body scan and large extremely crowded and busy lounge. You'd be lucky if you find somewhere to sit.
The ferry, remember it leaves from a port every 15 mins. If you're lucky, you'll get there and go. Most likely you're looking at a 10 min wait. Porter requires your bag to be checked in (on the other side) 20 mins before the flight leaves (and apparently I was cutting it close with 30 mins).
I would arrive 45 mins before your flight leaves and 15 mins for the shuttle (at minimum) to arrive at the Ferry Terminal on the Toronto side. You can probably make it for 45 mins before your flight leaves, if you have no bags.
For Porter anyway. I used to get there in half hour, but will be rushing if I missed the ferry.
The lounge is super crowded, and there are some free foods and drink, but it's limited. There are also some foods for purchase.
There's just not enough seating and ventilation in here.
There's also a business centre where they still have the nice Macs for your use, usually full of people.
Two announcers (one for AC and one for Porter) will announce boarding for your flight, almost constantly, so that peace and quite you were looking for is gone.
They have now, tons of different gates and what not, so make sure you have the right one by looking at the screens.
Also noticed that now gone are the cute porter waters and other paraphernalia. The branding is gone because they share with AC. They kept the grey and blue theme though, but I guess cuz it's neutral too.
Coming back was easy, and you can get to connecting flights just on another level. The baggage claim was small, but it was only our flight, maybe only Porter...They have nice low carousels so that you don't have bend.
They also have FREE carts for you, that you can bring on the ferry and across the other side (but you'll have to line up for the elevator).
The airport is designed more for the commuter flight than a big vacation, but maybe that will change too.
The worst part of a larger airport are all the line ups!! But it was ok. -
Review from C.B. S.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2012
Overrated! I've listened to many rave about this airport and its main tenant Porter Airlines over the past few years, and was hoping it would be awesome on my first trip there, but was disappointed.
Even if you time everything perfectly, including catching the ferry, and catching the free shuttle from the Royal York (across from Union Station), I do not believe this is faster than going to Pearson unless you live near the airport downtown, or maybe near a GO Station in the suburbs. For someone who lives in North Toronto like myself, I see no time saving, whether driving, taking a cab, or the TTC.
The planes are slower (turboprops) than jets, so consider that your flying time may be longer than a jet out of Pearson. There is no U.S. pre-clearance, so if you're flying to the U.S., you will have to clear customs when you land, so the fact you do it later seems like a time saver before the flight, but really is not. There were massive lines to get on the ferry and massive traffic jams of cabs at the entrance (all of the cabs were empty, hoping for fares - presumably there is not a law there limiting the cabs like at Pearson).
There is a lounge with free cookies, juice, and computers to use. Pearson has free wifi, so the latter shouldn't be a big deal for anyone with a smart phone, lap top or iPad. There is also a "free" alcoholic drink on Porter flights, and "free" mysterious boxed meal, but you're all smart enough to know that you're paying for this "free stuff" as part of your fares, and could just "buy" the same stuff on competitors' flight or in Pearson's restaurants and concessions, anyway, right? Good.
For those who have access to any lounge at Pearson, none of this matches the items available in the Amex lounges or Air Canada Clubs. If you have been to such a lounge, I doubt you would be impressed by anything this airport has to offer. -
Review from Rohan S.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is a fantastic little airport.
The ferry ride to and from the airport to the drop-off area runs every 15min and takes you wonderfully well laid out terminal.
I was flying Porter, and they had the place well staffed and clearly signed.
Getting through security was quick and painless.
The departures lounge has ample seating, and it bright an open. There is a great self serve cafe offering snacks, hot and cold beverages.
Because of it's small size, you never have to wait long for your bags on arrival either. -
Review from Yvonne T.
11/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I love the convenience of flying out of the Toronto City (aka Billy Bishop) Airport. Who the heck is Billy B? A quick google will tell you that he was a First World War Flying Ace.
The airport is tiny (and although there are a world of negative connotations associated with small airports), I quite like ours. For one, the lines are shorter, and the security check process is much swifter.
You get to experience the Maple Leaf Lounge equivalent for no cost! There is a lounge (now proudly brewing Starbucks Coffee), where you get complimentary snacks (Blue Diamond Almonds and an unknown brand of cookies), juices, pops, waters (which, ahem, I amassed a few bottles for my trip).
There is even a business centre which has laptops for use. Or if you have your own, free wi-fi.
I wish someone would just build a bridge across as the 2 minute ride on the ferry seems a bit unnecessary, but definitely adds a point of differentiation and maybe bragging rights?
I agree with other reviewers that the staff are also much nicer and don't have a stick up their @$$ like the ones who work at the Pearson International Airport. Its almost as if the International label gives them the right to be miserable.
The lounge can get quite crowded, especially now that Air Canada Express (operated by Sky Regional) has invaded and claimed part of the air space that once belonged exclusively to Porter - but still, I dig it.Listed in: 30 Day Yelp Challenge: The…
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Review from Justin M.
Milton, ON
11/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The only reason this place doesn't get five stars is that the shuttle from the Royal York kind of sucks on busy days. And by kind of, I mean does and I would have missed my plane East on Thanksgiving if I hadn't taken a cab.
Otherwise, it's a great, great airport. You get free snacks in the lounge, free WiFi, it feels great, and it's just a flashback to a better time of flying. And it's named after a great Canadian, just like the bigger airport in Mississauga.
In fact, I kind of wish they'd built the darn bridge to the airport. Don't tell David Miller I said that. -
Review from Asheley R.
Halifax, NS
12/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Needless to say I'm not a frequent flyer. As my second time going to Toronto, the boyfriend and I thought flying into the city would be a billion times easier then outside.
Let's talk about the landing strip for a moment. Legit thought I was going to be landing in the water. Then when spotting the airport from the CN tower, you could see just how tiny the strip was! Did the trick though. Landing at billy bishop was the smoothest. Hardly any lines, getting luggage was fast, and the ferry was there right away to take us across.
The fact that we didn't have to drive to get to young street was beyond amazing.
I must say though that due to the tininess of the airport, there was limited seating while waiting for our return flight. We sat on the floor to wait for our flight. But that is to be expected when your airport is on an island eh?
Overall good experience. -
Review from Steeven L.
Etobicoke, ON
9/16/2011 26 Check-ins Here
Just a few things I love about Billy Bishop Airport:
* It was named after a real life bad ass Canadian (top flying Ace in the British Empire in WWI who took on the Red Baron and survived!)
* You have to take the shortest ferry ride in the world to get there
* Porter's home base. Best. Airline. Ever.
* The awesomeness that is the Porter Lounge
* Checking-in and going through security is super quick!
* The amazing views of the beautiful Toronto Skyline when you take off and land. -
Review from Let It B.
11/23/2011
99% of the time that I have flown out of this airport so far has been for business reasons, but nonetheless, it's still one of my favourites. This airport is mainly for short haul flights and I believe opened in 2006. I think I've flown out of this airport about fifteen times in the past couple of years, most recently as of November 2011.
So why is this airport one of my favourites...well let me tell you:
-convenient for me to get to since it's right downtown (Free Shuttle to and from the Royal York hotel)
-rarely have had to stand in line to wait to check in, check my bags, or get on the ferry -it's busy, but not that busy (busier than when it first opened due to landing rights granted to Air Canada)
And then, drumroll....there's the lounge.
Oh the lounge, with its carpeted floors, free wifi, row of dekstop computers that you can freely surf the web on. Oh the lounge with its starbucks coffee, tea, bottles of water, and soda pop. Go ahead and fill your pockets with the almonds, cookies, and sometimes crackers that they have available. But don't fret if you forget to, because if you fly Porter Airlines, not only do they feed you for free, but if you're looking to quench your thirst with wine or beer, they have that too for no cost.
The only thing I have heard about this particular airport is if you are coming from the US, it seems that Customs/Immigration is harsher than elsewhere. When I've flown stateside and gone through Customs/mmigration, I got through no problem at all.
I most definitely will be visiting this airport again, as I most definitely will be flying Porter Airlines again. -
Review from Coy W.
11/20/2011
I love having a chance to fly with Porter anywhere they go and coming through Toronto City Airport.
The airport is tiny BUT it's fully loaded with free wi-fi, free drinks, free snacks and a lot of seating. They also have Mac's that you can use if you don't have a wi-fi device.
My favourite thing is that everyone at the airport is super nice. You don't get the rude people that work over at the Toronto airport. Not everyone over there is rude but there are a lot of them! -
Review from Dirk and Babette M.
9/5/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Could this airport be any better? Probably not. Fun ferry ride to and from the airport makes it seem also fairy-tale-like.
Once you are in, the lobby of the gate / waiting area ensures comfort, from the free coffee, tea, water and snacks to the cozy family-friendly areas for small groups to hang out, or for singles and couples to read or grab a little laptop time from the free wi-fi.
A civil airport in the midst of so much insolence in the airport industry these days! Highly, highly recommend. No reason to go to to Pearson anymore if you can possibly help it. -
Review from Darby V.
East York, ON
4/11/2011 19 Check-ins Here
This airport and Porter airlines have completely changed the way I think of traveling. I fly inbetween Toronto and Halifax on a regular basis and the dreaded "travel days" have become something I look forward to.
The lounge inside the airport is amazing. Sometimes I even arrive early just to grab a coffee and unwind before flying out. Oh- and the free wireless is wonderful. Compliments to the security team in the parking lot now as well who keep those cabbies in check and keep drop-off traffic moving!
If I never see Pearson airport again, it will be too soon. Thank you Billy Bishop and Porter!! -
Review from Alison B.
1/13/2011
This airport makes flying out of Pearson seem exhausting.
The airport is great for many reasons:
1) It's right downtown! Take the FREE shuttle from union, take the bathurst streetcar or even take a cab (it will be under 20 bucks if you are near the dt core - under 10 if you are actually dt).
2) You don't have to get there 2 hours early - 30 mins is plenty of time. No running down mile long corridors trying to get to your gate either..
3) IF your flight isn't delayed, you will get out on time. No crazy tarmac line ups. -
Review from Daniel B.
10/16/2010 2 Check-ins Here
As the cap'ain says "All Aboard" and the ship sets sail, all there really is left to do is easily pick out the people who are going to New York vs. those who are off to Sudbury. It's an easy game but you only really have ninety seconds to play it.
Once you board the hilariously pointless ferry to nowhere all of the aggravations of travel miraculously stop.
You don't need to show up super early. You don't need to worry about walking thirty miles to your gate. You don't need to buy a newspaper. You don't have to talk to some asshole trying to shine your shoes.
You don't need to dress up to sneak into the lounge.
An outstandingly easy experience. Five minutes from downtown.
Arguably the best big city airport in the world. -
Review from Hideki K.
6/20/2011
One of My Favourite Airports en Tout Le Monde!
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is tiny, so what would be so good about it? Location, location, location, plus a public executive lounge that's free for all! The gate is pretty much the lounge with gratis beverages and snacks.
City Airport is so ridiculously close to Downtown T.O. From the runway, you can see the CN Tower and Rogers Centre right smack in front of you across the channel. At most, it's a 10 minute taxi ride from Union Station. The airport operates a free shuttle bust between a hotel next to Union Station. By choosing to fly in/out of City, you avoid the $55 taxi fare and 45 min ride to Pearson (they really need train service to reach there).
Yes, getting on/off this island requires a silly 5 minute ferry ride, but service is frequent and it is relaxing. I did not feel crammed at all while on it.
I flew domestic flights here (from/to Montreal) aboard Air Canada, so did not have to go through Customs, but the Customs situation here is nothing like the zoo it is at Pearson.
My only qualm about City is that Air Canada does not fly direct to here from NYC-area airports. For my company flights, I don't fly Porter and stick with AC. My loss. -
Review from Andrea R.
8/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
As soon as I told Kat F I'd be visiting her in Toronto she told met to book my flight on Porter, especially since they right into the city airport. Sometimes those cab rides from the airport can take longer than the actual flight (and in some cases be more expensive) so knowing that this airport was just a few minutes away from my hotel was a huge plus!
This was by far one of the easiest airport experiences I've had in a long time. All the peeps who work here are super friendly (even security!), they offer free drinks and snacks and there's even free wifi!
I had to take a few minute ferry ride to get to and from the airport, which was kinda cool, but personally I think it would be much easier and faster for everyone if they'd just build a bridge.Listed in: My visit to Toronto
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Review from Cheri D.
3/26/2011 255 Check-ins Here
I love this airport.
Right downtown = convenient, easy access for transit & great views of the city when you take off and land. The 509 streetcar drops you off at Queens Quay & Bathurst, just a 2minute walk down to the ferry terminal. Or you can catch the complimentary shuttle on York Street just north of Front at the Royal York. Also great because there is a 24hr Tim Hortons right there for you to grab something.
Okay.... everyone hates on the silly 200m ferry ride across the channel to the Island. But come on people... if you park at Pearson you are walking for 10minutes anyways or waiting for that monorail 'Link Train'. What's the diff?! You save an hour drive to the airport and take a 3min ferry. Big deal. Just make sure you get there on time! The ferry runs every 15mins and only takes 4-5mins to get you off at the other side. And the Ferry staff are always smiling and cheerful :)
Another plus is the free wifi when you are in the airport. Reception is best when you are down in one of the lounges. Yay!
Downside... no newsstands or little shops just yet. But they are workin' on it.Listed in: I Get Around
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Review from Esther C.
Mississauga, ON
7/18/2011 4 Check-ins Here
I love this airport. If you live in the core of Toronto, fly from here if possible. If you are visiting Toronto and plan on staying in the city, fly to this airport. The location and convenience makes this airport a great experience. Because the airport is much smaller, it's more relaxing, a ferry ride and shorter security lines. I appreciate the view of the city from the boat and the plane. Free shuttle into the city to the Royal York, right across from Union Station.
If you are flying to the US, US immigration is taken care of at your destination. Bonus is that if you are returning from the US back to Canada, they have added a NEXUS booth. So flying can be an even shorter experience. BTW, just because it's a smaller airport, doesn't mean they relax on security or customs. They are actually more thorough, but they aren't snarky about it like the big airports.
My rating is also based on my experience using Porter Airlines, not Air Canada. Porter has done a great job at paying attention to the details, which so many airlines have taken away. An executive lounge, free newspapers, computer lounge, wireless connection, beverage/snack bar in the lounge. When you are in the air, you get brand name snacks, free alcohol (not the premium stuff) served in a glass. Starbucks provides the tea and coffee. All minimal, but really, it's the details that make you feel special. Special mention to their on-air magazine. I actually read it because of restaurant and shopping reviews for the different destinations - they are actually decent and not just recommending touristy traps, but things that locals could appreciate. Porter airlines run 30% discount fares frequently. With 2-3 months advanced booking, then you can get fairly decent fares. Makes weekend jaunts to any location convenient and easy. -
Review from Erin H.
Toronto, ON
8/27/2008
As much as my city has an abundance to offer its citizens, there is one offering that Toronto explicitly lacks; that is, one's ability to get the hell out.
Driving away for a weekend getaway is nearly impossible if you are a working girl or boy because Friday traffic is so bad that by the time you reach the city limits, it's time to turn around and go home. Flying is another option but it is only feasible if one chooses to fly out the Toronto Island Airport -- a short cab ride for anyone who lives in the midtown to downtown area. The best things about the airport are the line-ups are short - Porter (the best Airline ever!) is the only commercial airline flying out of the venue, and you to get to ride a fairy boat to the gateways.
A trip to the Toronto Island Airport feels like going on a short cruise compared to the cattle commute one is put through at Pearson. -
Review from Danielle K.
8/8/2008
While it's unfair to judge any airport in relation to the near flying perfection that is PDX, this airport isn't too shabby. Kind of crowded (but it's an airport, so what do you expect?) and seats are hard and pretty cramped.
If you're coming from the States, beware: The crazy pay-phones will eat up your phone cards!
But there's always enough room to do jumping toe-touches before boarding.Listed in: OH, Canada!
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Review from Dimitrios D.
7/26/2011
It's a small airport but it serves its purpose and offers great aerial views of the T-Dot!
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Review from Diane R.
Toronto, ON
1/2/2011
LOCATION, ACCESSIBILITY AND PARKING
This is always a subjective rating, since convenience of location obviously depends on where you're starting out. No doubt for those in Mississauga Pearson is far more convenient. However, this airport is special because airports are typically located on outskirts of cities, and having one right downtown is quite special and unusual. This must be insanely convenient for business types who work downtown.
The airport is fairly easily accessible by public transportaiton. There is a free-for-all Porter shuttle bus (free even if you're not flying Porter) that departs every 15 minutes from the western entrance to the Royal York Hotel (just across Union Station, basically). This bus takes you right to the ferry terminal. A couple of streetcars (511 Bathurst and 509 Harbourfront) also go by the airport, but taking those involve a short (~2-minute) walk from the stop to the terminal.
As you may expect, there are always lots of cabs waiting just outside the terminal.
Parking is expensive. I would suggest public transportation or taxi to get to the airport (or have someone drop you off).
Then, of course, you have to take the ferry. It is uber-ridiculous (made the Guinness Book of Records as the shortest scheduled ferry ride in the world), but charming, in my humble.
ATMOSPHERE AND SERVICE
The atmosphere is much more laid back than at Pearson. This is a much smaller airport, and the only airline that flies out of there - Porter - is well known for excellent customer service and pleasant employees who are genuinely attentive and friendly. They have a brand spanking new terminal, new shiny planes, and a lot of little extra perks that have long disappeared from the bigger carriers like Air Canada.
If you like general aviation, this airport is also a great place for you. There are two flight schools on the Island, and a few people fly out of there recreationally. On a nice sunny day, you'll see little Cessnas milling about, a few other smaller planes, an occasional helicopter or two. Did you know that if, instead of proceeding to Porter, you take the stairs down to ground level, go outside, and walk West, you can go to the pilot's lounge, where you can enjoy a view of the runways and hang out with general aviation pilots there? Or pop into one of the flight schools, pretend you are interested in flight training, and ask for a tour of the hangars?
FOOD
If you are a Porter passenger, you get free snacks at the lounge. If you are not (or are looking for a more substantial meal), there is a Druxy's in the old control tower. Now, that's one of the most disgusting fast food joints ever... and whatever you do, avoid the washrooms. I think it would be advisable to eat on the mainland prior to coming to the airport. The good thing, though, is that you don't have to show up super-early - the check-in process for Porter is generally quick and painless.
FLIGHTS
The range of places you can go to out of the Island is fairly limited. It is, after all, a smaller airport with short runways, which means that jumbo jets are not an option (another consideration is noise, of course... there are people who live right next to the airport). However, Porter is continually expanding its destinations. The more prominent ones include New York, Chicago, Montreal, Boston, Ottawa. There are also companies offering charter services from the Island, as well as flight schools offering flight training and sightseeing. Helicopter tours are also available.
BONUS
Get a window seat! The view of the CN Tower and the rest of the downtown on take-offs and landings is breathtaking - especially at night!!! This is the real reason I personally feel this airport is 5/5. It's got one of the most beautiful views in the world. I guess I'm a hopeless romantic. -
Review from Leighann F.
5/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
Aside from the ridiculous ferry that shuttles passengers from the island to the mainland, Toronto City Center Airport is miles beyond its distant counterpart, Pearson. Though check in can be a bit slow, it surpasses the annoyance that comes from the congestion of a large airport. The employees are friendly and helpful and the airport itself is immaculate. Imagine snacks and drinks on the house (cookies, biscotti and coffee, tea or sodas). A million chairs guarantee you a seat as you wait for your flight to be announced and outlets are readily available. Now that Porter flies to and from Boston, I'll never consider taking another airline to Canada, a decision that ensures that airport destination to be filled with complimentary nibbles and a relaxing place to wait for your plane!
Listed in: Airports, Trips to Toronto
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Review from Joolie T.
8/8/2008
i can't hate on TCCA too much. i've been here a few times mainly because of the service from New York. it's a small little place and getting to and from the airport is a little work- (ie. boats, shuttles, etc.). i loathe Air Canada, so in the end... it all worked out to my benefit. located on the west end of the Toronto Islands, there are beautiful views of city from here.
the service and security is great. however, it's so small and not many amenities withstand, so that's a total bummer. if you're used to fabulous terminals--- then don't hold your breath for TCCA. if all you need is friendly, efficient service with instant service to the city... this is a simple and great source for you.
there's access to the Toronto PATH- which is great! -
Review from Hassan A.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2009
This is one of the best creations in Canada. The TCCA is perfect for people who live downtown. I've flown to Montreal from Toronto and back on the same day and easily saved myself 2 hours (avoiding Pearson). Porter Airlines is awesome. They are the soul airline at the airport so far. You can fly to Halifax, Tremblanc, Mtl, Ottawa, Chicago-Midway, and Newark. VERY CONVENIENT. US/Cdn customs are on the island. The best part for me is the airport downtown is just 2km from my office
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Review from Vanessa V.
8/7/2008
after living in toronto for over a year, continuously getting totally screwed by pearson airport, i was SO excited when porter air, the carrier at the TCCA, announced service to NYC. i booked a flight immediately and i can honestly say it was the best experience i've had flying in canada.
here's how it works: you drag your bags down to union station and walk over to the royal york hotel, where a shuttle picks you up and drives you about five minutes to bathurst st. you shuffle through the first terminal and load onto a big boat, which takes another 5ish minutes to the island. check in is a breeze-- it's very small but the people are friendly. the security checkpoint is incredible-- very quick and pleasant.
the lounge is the trademark of porter air-- they have a kitchen stocked with coffee, soda, and snacks (but no real food) and a bunch of computers. wifi is free, but if you don't have a laptop you can use one of these. unfortunately, they blocked pretty much every website including gmail so there's not much you can actually do (for some reason, facebook is one of the few sites not blocked).
the reason i left off a star is because you have to remember what a small airport this is. the day i was flying, there was a bit of fog (no rain) but it was causing catastrophic delays and cancellations. the plus is that they will actually shuttle you to pearson and load you on a plane there, but in the meantime i had to wait about 5 hours for my delayed flight to finally get in. the one that came in before mine "missed the runway"-- pretty scary considering we're on an island-- but it managed to land in pearson and they did shuttle people over. my flight landed on the TCCA runway (finally! i was starving) and took off pretty quickly after that. even though the flight was short, they served jet blue-style snacks like animal crackers and terra chips.
the TCCA isn't perfect, but it's a huge breath of fresh air compared to pearson. i don't think i could ever fly air canada again. -
Review from Guy D.
2/8/2009
The proximity of the airport to the city is as great as the airline I flew when I got there ... Porter! Makes you really feel it every time you have to schlep out to Pearson when you are going somewhere Porter don't fly to.
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Review from Rod G.
Toronto, ON
2/8/2011
Did a little long weekender with the girlfriend in Chicago. Flew out of YTZ Friday after work (I could walk 20 minutes to the airport!!). I've been flying out of Pearson a lot this past year, and have grown weary of the drive out to the burbs, the line ups and the waiting. In comparison YTZ is ridiculously easy, and my airfare was even a bit cheaper than a comparable economy class AC flight, and on Porter there is no 1st class vs. economy class. It's all the same. Check-in and baggage took 5 minutes or less. On the return, deplane, baggage and customs took pretty much 5 minutes as well. And getting to public transit was a breeze with the free shuttle bus from the airport to Union Station that runs every 15 minutes. For those departing Toronto, the free waiting lounge is for everyone, with free internet, food and beverages is spectacular. I've always found airports stressful. YTZ is downright relaxing. A relaxing airport?!? Who knew!!
