Finding the Best Deals on Flights to Toronto: My Journey from Los Angeles

Traveling to Toronto from Los Angeles was a thrilling experience, but like any savvy traveler, my first priority was finding the best flight deals. Whether you’re planning a last-minute trip or scheduling your vacation well in advance, securing affordable flights can make a huge difference in your travel budget. Here’s a detailed account of my journey, from researching flight options to finally landing in Toronto, along with some tips and tricks I picked up along the way.

Researching the Flight Options

As someone who frequently travels, I’ve learned that booking flights can be a game of timing and strategy. When I first started looking for flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), I knew that flexibility would be key. I started my search about three months in advance, but I also knew that monitoring prices would give me a better understanding of the flight cost trends.

I used several online tools and websites to compare prices:

• Google Flights: This platform is great for tracking the daily fluctuations of ticket prices. You can enter your desired travel dates and monitor the changes over time. Google Flights also allowed me to see if changing my departure or return date by a day or two could lower the cost.
• Skyscanner: Skyscanner gave me a broad view of all airlines flying from LAX to Toronto. I particularly liked how it let me see an entire month’s worth of prices at once, so I could easily find the cheapest days to fly.
• Hopper: This app predicts whether prices will rise or fall in the coming days. I set up an alert on Hopper, and the app notified me when the price for my preferred flights dropped.

Booking My Flight: The Sweet Spot

After a couple of weeks of monitoring prices, I finally found a deal that fit my budget. My goal was to spend less than $400 round-trip, and by being patient, I snagged a ticket for around $370. This was a non-stop flight with Air Canada, which offered the perfect balance between convenience and cost.

Airlines that frequently fly from Los Angeles to Toronto include:

• Air Canada: Known for its reliable service and frequent non-stop flights between the two cities.
• American Airlines: Another popular option for direct flights.
• WestJet: Sometimes offers cheaper rates, though their flights may include a layover in Calgary or Vancouver.
• United Airlines: Offers a mix of direct and connecting flights.

After finalizing the booking, I made sure to check the baggage fees and policies for carry-on luggage, as these costs can sometimes sneak up on you. Fortunately, Air Canada allows one free carry-on and one personal item, which meant I wouldn’t need to pay extra unless I checked a bag.

Choosing the Best Time to Fly

Choosing the right time to fly can make all the difference in finding the best deals. I discovered that flights from Los Angeles to Toronto are generally more expensive during peak travel seasons, such as summer, winter holidays, and March break. Since I was planning a trip for the fall, I benefited from lower prices.

• Midweek Travel: I opted to depart on a Wednesday and return on a Tuesday, which are generally the cheapest days to fly. Flights on Fridays and Sundays were significantly more expensive, as those are popular days for both business and leisure travelers.
• Off-Peak Season: Fall is a fantastic time to visit Toronto. Not only are the flight prices lower, but the city also offers cooler weather, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer tourists compared to the summer months.

Flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to Toronto

Once my flight was booked, I shifted my focus to the actual travel day. LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, so arriving early is always a good idea, especially when flying internationally.

• Arrival at LAX: I arrived at the airport three hours before my flight, which gave me plenty of time to check in, go through security, and grab a quick meal. LAX can be overwhelming with its sheer size, but the signage is clear, and airport staff are usually helpful.
• Airport Tips: If you’re traveling with extra time, the Tom Bradley International Terminal has several lounges that offer day passes, such as the Star Alliance Lounge. Alternatively, the food courts offer a range of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.

In-Flight Experience

Flying with Air Canada was a pleasant experience. The flight from Los Angeles to Toronto took about 4 hours and 30 minutes, which passed relatively quickly thanks to the in-flight entertainment system. Air Canada offers a range of movies, TV shows, and music, all accessible from the seatback screen.

The seats were comfortable for economy class, with decent legroom. I opted for a window seat so I could take in the views, especially when flying over the Great Lakes region just before landing in Toronto. The flight attendants were friendly and efficient, ensuring that everyone was comfortable.

• Food and Drinks: While Air Canada offers snacks and beverages on board, I recommend bringing your own snacks to save money. I packed a sandwich and some granola bars, which came in handy when I wanted something more substantial.
• Wi-Fi: There was an option to purchase in-flight Wi-Fi, but I chose to unplug and relax during the flight.

Landing in Toronto

Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s largest and busiest airport, so I knew to expect a bit of hustle and bustle upon landing. Customs and immigration were relatively smooth, thanks to the eGates available for travelers.

Once I cleared customs, I picked up my luggage and headed towards the airport’s ground transportation options.

Getting from Toronto Pearson to Downtown Toronto

One of the most convenient ways to get from Pearson Airport to downtown Toronto is by taking the UP Express (Union Pearson Express). The train departs every 15 minutes from the airport and takes about 25 minutes to reach Union Station in the heart of the city. It’s affordable, efficient, and eliminates the stress of dealing with Toronto’s sometimes congested traffic.

• Fare: A one-way ticket costs around CAD $12, and you can purchase it at the airport station or online.
• Other Options: Taxis, ride-sharing services (like Uber and Lyft), and airport shuttles are also available, though they can be more expensive and take longer depending on traffic.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights

Now that I’ve shared my personal experience flying from Los Angeles to Toronto, here are some tips that helped me secure a great deal, and can help you too:

1. Be Flexible with Dates

If you have a flexible schedule, search for flights on different days of the week or even different months. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the cheapest days to fly. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices across a range of dates.

2. Set Price Alerts

Many flight comparison websites allow you to set up price alerts. This way, you’ll be notified when prices drop, allowing you to book at the lowest rate possible. Hopper, for example, predicted that my flight would drop in price, and it did!

3. Book in Advance

While last-minute deals can sometimes be found, you’re more likely to find cheaper fares if you book 2-3 months in advance. For international flights, booking 3-6 months in advance is often the sweet spot.

4. Consider Nearby Airports

In some cases, flying into or out of nearby airports can save you money. In Los Angeles, for instance, flights from Burbank or Long Beach are sometimes cheaper than from LAX. Similarly, in Toronto, check out Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ) as an alternative to Pearson.

5. Use Airline Miles or Points

If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards or you belong to an airline’s loyalty program, this is a great time to cash in on your miles. Using points can significantly reduce the cost of your ticket, or even make your flight free!

6. Look for Package Deals

Sometimes, bundling your flight and hotel through websites like Expedia or Booking.com can result in savings. I found several flight-and-hotel packages that offered discounts, but since I already had my hotel booked separately, I didn’t go this route.

Finding the Best Deals to Toronto

Flying from Los Angeles to Toronto can be a smooth, affordable, and enjoyable experience if you know where to look for the best deals. By staying flexible, using the right tools, and booking at the right time, I was able to save a significant amount on my airfare, leaving me with more money to spend enjoying everything that Toronto has to offer.