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Cheap Domestic Flights in Canada

Airlines that offer domestic flights within Canada

Whether you need a passport to travel on a domestic flight within Canada will depend on the airline that you’re flying on. However, you’ll normally only need a form of photo identification, such as a passport, a driver's licence or another Identity Card. The internal flight check-in time for domestic flights in Canada also differs from airline to airline.

Check out the list below of domestic airlines within Canada. By clicking on the links below, you can learn more about each of the airline carriers, such as their travel class fares, baggage allowance and the domestic destinations they fly to.

Air Canada plane taking off

Air Canada / Air Canada rouge

Air Canada is the flag carrier and largest airline in Canada, flying to 200+ destinations worldwide. The airline offers both scheduled and charter services for passengers and cargo.

Check-in:

  • Online: 24 hours to 1 hour before departure
  • Airport: Up to 45 minutes before the flight (20 minutes at Toronto City Airport – YTZ)

ID Requirements:
Passengers must present either:

  • Two pieces of valid government-issued ID with matching names (one must include date of birth and gender), or
  • One piece of valid photo ID showing name, date of birth and gender.

WestJet

WestJet is Canada’s second-largest airline, operating from Calgary and flying to 100+ destinations across Canada, the US, Europe, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

Check-in:

  • Online: 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure
  • Airport: Check-in closes 45 minutes before the flight

ID Requirements:
All passengers, including children, must provide two valid government-issued IDs (not expired). One must show full name, date of birth and gender, and the names on both IDs must match.

Passport

Air North

Air North is a Canadian airline based in Whitehorse, Yukon, flying passengers and cargo across Yukon, the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, with additional charter services throughout Canada and Alaska.

  • Online check-in: 24 hours–60 minutes before departure
  • Airport check-in: 90–60 minutes before departure
  • ID requirements: All travellers, including children and infants, must show a valid ID for domestic flights (passport, driver’s licence or birth certificate accepted)

Bearskin Airlines

Bearskin Airlines is a regional carrier based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, operating domestic flights across Canada from hubs in Thunder Bay (YQT) and Greater Sudbury.

  • Online check-in: Opens 24 hours before departure
  • Airport check-in: Arrive 4 hours early for international connections and at least 2 hours before domestic flights
  • ID requirements: All passengers must present two pieces of valid government-issued ID. One must include name, date of birth and gender

Air Transat

Air Transat is a leading Canadian airline based in Montreal and the country’s third-largest carrier. It flies to 70+ destinations across 25 countries with a modern fleet of over 30 aircraft.

  • Online check-in: Opens 24 hours and closes 2 hours before departure
  • Airport check-in: Closes 45 minutes before departure
  • ID requirements: All passengers, including children and infants, must show valid ID (passport, driving licence or birth certificate)

Canadian North

Canadian North is a fully Inuit-owned airline serving remote communities across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Nunavik. Headquartered in Kanata, it provides essential passenger services across Canada’s Arctic regions.

  • Online check-in: Opens 24 hours before departure
  • Airport check-in: Closes 60 minutes before departure
  • ID requirements: All passengers must present valid photo identification (passport, driving licence or birth certificate)
Quebec, Canada

Skyjet Aviation Canada

Skyjet Aviation Canada is a Canadian airline based at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB), offering scheduled services and charter flights to 15+ destinations across Canada.

  • Online check-in: Not available
  • Airport check-in: Closes 60 minutes before scheduled flights and 15 minutes before private flights

North-Wright Airways

North-Wright Airways is a regional airline based in Norman Wells, serving remote communities across the Northwest Territories and providing charter services. The carrier was formerly known as Nahanni Air Services and North Wright Air.

  • Online check-in: Not available
  • Airport check-in: Closes 60 minutes before departure
WestJet plane taking off

Swoop

Swoop was a Canadian ultra-low-cost airline owned by WestJet, based in Calgary and flying to 30+ destinations across North America and the Caribbean.

Check-in:

  • Online: Opens 24 hours before departure
  • Airport: Opens 3 hours before; closes 60 mins before international flights and 45 mins before domestic flights

Rise Air

Rise Air is a Canadian airline based in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, and is 100% Indigenous-owned. Formed in 2021, it operates scheduled and charter services across Saskatchewan, connecting remote communities with major regional centres.

Air Borealis

Air Borealis is a regional Canadian airline based in Goose Bay. Created through a partnership between the Innu and Inuit of Labrador and PAL Airlines, it connects travellers to Goose Bay, Churchill Falls, St. Anthony, Deer Lake, Moncton, Quebec and other communities across eastern Canada.

Toronto, Canada

What are domestic flights?

A domestic flight is a flight that flies from one destination to another, all within the same country. A domestic flight can operate in any country, but most domestic flights fly in larger countries such as Russia, the USA, and Australia. Domestic flights are also known as short-haul flights and usually have a flight duration of between two and four hours.

Canada’s domestic flights can be accessible on a number of different Canadian airlines, such as Air CanadaWestJet and Delta Airlines. Airlines such as Air Georgian offer a less costly option; however, they offer less service in comparison.

Lake Moraine, Canada

Why book domestic flights?

Travelling home for the holidays? Travelling for work? Or booking a vacation? There are many occasions when domestic flights could be ideal for you.

As a country, Canada can be described as multicultural, jaw-dropping and a land of nature. From the surreal view of Toronto's former world's tallest building, reaching nearly 2,000 feet, the CN Tower, to the famous Niagara Falls and the Canadian Rockies. Canada is fully packed with adventure, amazing landscape views, nature, history, food and much more.

Canada has domestic flights flying from all of its major cities, such as Vancouver, Montreal, Ottawa, Victoria, Toronto, and Calgary. You can find that smaller airports such as Kelowna and St. John’s offer low-cost domestic flights.

Popular Routes

Flights to Toronto

Best Airport to Fly Into:

For travel to the city of Toronto, the best airport to fly into is Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, where you will be able to get to downtown Toronto in minutes.

Airlines that fly there:

Airlines that fly into Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport from domestic locations in Canada include Air Canada Express, FlyGTA Airlines and Porter Airlines.

 

Flights to Vancouver

Best Airport to Fly Into:

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the best airport for flying into Vancouver.

Airlines that fly there:

There are a number of airlines that fly into Vancouver from elsewhere in Canada. These include Air Canada, Air Canada ExpressAir TransatCentral Mountain AirFlair AirlinesPacific Coastal AirlinesWestjet, and Westjet Encore among many others.

 

Flights to Calgary

Best Airport to Fly Into:

To get to Calgary, the best option is to fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Airlines that fly there:

There are many airlines which fly within Canada to Calgary International Airport (YYC). These include Air Canada, Air North, Air Transat, Central Mountain AirFlair AirlinesWestjetWestjet Encore, and Westjet Link.

 

Flights to Montreal

Best Airport to Fly Into:

To get to Montreal, the best option is to fly into Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).

Airlines that fly there:

Airlines that fly to Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport include Air CanadaAir CreebecAir Canada ExpressAir Canada RougeAir TransatAir InuitMax AviationFirst AirAir Saint-PierrePAL AirlinesWestjet, and Westjet Encore.

A long road leading towards mountains in Alaska

Finance Canadian Domestic Flights with Affirm

You can use Affirm (previously known as PayBright) at Alternative Airlines to book your domestic flights within Canada. Affirm provides customers with a convenient and more affordable payment plan, where you can pay in monthly payments over 6 or 12 months. Discover more about this payment method, including how you can use it for flights.

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Domestic Flights Within Canada FAQs

Do I need a passport if travelling from Canada to the US?

Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proofs of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens.

Do I still need to go through security if travelling on a domestic flight in Canada?

Those travelling on domestic flights are still required to follow all airport security policies and are still subject to screening before boarding. Nevertheless, passengers do not need to go through Immigration or customs prior to boarding. On arrival, travellers can skip customs and immigration and go straight to baggage reclaim.

How much baggage can I take on domestic flights within Canada?

Most airlines in Canada offer free hand luggage when flying domestically. It is always important to confirm with each airline carrier to find out more!

Air Canada: All WestJet passengers may bring 1 bag standard. The maximum weight per bag is 23 kg and the total allowable dimensions are 158 cm.

WestJet: All WestJet passengers may bring 2 bags standard, up to 4 bags maximum (3 bags maximum on WestJet Encore flights). The maximum weight per bag is 23 kg and the total allowable dimensions are 158 cm.

Air North: Starter fares include a baggage allowance of two carry-on items weighing up to 7kg. For additional carry-on weight, you will need to purchase a Flex bundle or Business Class fare. All check-in baggage will need to be purchased.

First Air: The amount of hand baggage permitted by Airnorth's baggage allowance depends on the aircraft being used. On the E170 Jet aircraft, passengers are allowed a bag weighing no more than 9 kg and measuring a maximum of 56 x 36 x 23 cm, with its total linear dimensions not exceeding 115 cm.

Can I book sightseeing tours in Canada?

Yes! Canada is an incredibly beautiful country, with a dynamic and rich landscape. There are a number of companies that operate sightseeing tours by plane, including Exploits Valley Air Services (EVAS Air).

Can I book flights to Baffin Island?

Yes! When you book through Alternative Airlines you can easily purchase flights to Baffin Island. For more information, take a look at our full guide to flying to Baffin Island.

What airlines fly in British Colombia?

Airlines operating regional flights within British Columbia include Cascadia Air, Vancouver Island Air, Central Mountain Air, and Pacific Coastal Airlines.

Can I book domestic flights in Canada online?

Check out Alternative Airline's cheap domestic flights and book online. Click here to find and book your domestic flights with different airline carriers to locations around Canada.