Cheap Flights to Ottawa

Most travellers prefer to fly into Macdonald-Cartier Intl. Airport (YOW) when visiting the lively city of Ottawa. However, there is more than one airport in the region, so bear that in mind when arranging your travel plans.

If you plan on staying in central Ottawa, it’s a good idea to organise how you’ll get into the city before you land. The downtown area is about 11 kilometres from YOW.

Disembark the plane at YOW and you’ll be 11 kilometres from downtown. Ottawa Executive Airport (YND) is another big airport in Ottawa. You’ll find it 16 kilometres from the centre of the city.

There are a total of 9 airlines connecting Ottawa to 22 airports from all over the globe.

Air Canada and WestJet are some of the leading airlines that offer flights to Ottawa. Most travellers use Toronto to take off from with Air Canada flying this route the most.

With around 440 nonstop flights running each week, you’ll be landing in Ottawa before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

The most popular flights to Ottawa depart from Toronto, Montreal and Halifax airports.

If it’s Toronto you’re departing, you’ll be in the air for around 1 hour and 1 minute before you touchdown in Ottawa. Runway to runway from Halifax takes around 2 hours and 14 minutes and from Montreal, the flight time is 48 minutes.

We all know those jet-setters who manage to score impossibly cheap plane tickets wherever they go. Would you like to know how to do it for your Ottawa holiday? Don’t leave it until the last minute to lock in your flight. Another easy way to pick up the best deal is to research all options. If where you’re headed has a few airports, be sure to research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. Last of all, be ready to book quickly if you find an irresistible price. It might not be available for too long. With a bit of know-how and some good fortune, the perfect fare can be yours.

We’ve got the lowdown on how to make your journey an enjoyable experience. Follow our top tips and you’ll be cruising through the airport and having a blast in Ottawa in no time flat.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a cruisy experience if you bring the right things. Firstly, you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as deodorant and a toothbrush, a clean set of clothes and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your hand luggage for your laptop, a charger, medications and maybe a proper neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, don’t forget to take your passport, travel papers and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp objects, like your precious pocket knife, and dangerous products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an aircraft are not the place for a fashion parade. Layer up with comfy clothing and don’t forget to bring a sweater as it can get chilly inside the cabin on long-haul flights. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are also a sensible choice.
• You’ve probably heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by prolonged periods of sitting. There are numerous ways to reduce your risk. Wear a good-quality pair of compression socks, drink plenty of water and move your legs and feet. Do a lap or two of the cabin or perform some stretches in your seat.

The secret is to be well organised before you get to the security gate. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Ottawa in the blink of an eye. Follow these helpful tips and get your holiday off to a fantastic start:

• Airport security personnel first need to establish that you have a valid ID and matching travel documents before you can proceed any further. Keep them within easy reach.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Electronic devices like laptops and phones will also need to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Travelling with your favourite hand cream? As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a clear zip-lock bag, you’re permitted to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several valuable minutes. Hiking boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Lightweight sneakers usually aren’t.
• Sharp items like knives are not allowed on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.