Pearson Intl. Airport (YYZ) is one of the major airports in Barrie. There are several airports within the region, so be sure you choose the most convenient for your travel plans.

Disembark the plane at Pearson Intl. Airport (YYZ) and you’ll find yourself 80 kilometres from the downtown area. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) also welcomes many travelers to Barrie. You’ll find it 88 kilometres from the city center.

There are 43 airlines connecting Barrie with 157 airports across the globe.

Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat are the most frequent fliers to Barrie. The majority of flights arrive here from Montreal, with Air Canada offering the most services on this route.

Flying to a new place is much easier when there aren’t any annoying stopovers. If you’re jetting off to Barrie, the great news is that there are approximately 3,513 nonstop flights each week.

Travelers frequently set off from Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary airports when flying to Barrie.

Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Montreal to Barrie, the average flight time is 1 hour and 26 minutes. From Ottawa it’s more like 1 hour and 10 minutes, and from Queens Village it’s 1 hour and 42 minutes.

If you’d like to have some extra spending money on your Barrie vacation, then listen up! As any seasoned jet-setter will tell you, don’t book at the very last minute. Airfares are usually more expensive just prior to the departure date. Another excellent way to nab the most affordable fare is to research all options. If your destination has more than one airport, don’t forget to research the cost of flying into a smaller terminal. Lastly, be ready to lock in your seat quickly if you stumble on a great price. It might not stick around for too long! With a bit of knowledge and some luck, the ideal airfare can be yours.

Wherever you’re coming from, flying can be a seamless experience if you prepare well enough. Follow these top travel tips that will get your Barrie vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Air travel can be a pleasure if you take the right stuff. First of all you’ll need basic toiletries, such as lip balm and hand cream, a clean pair of socks and a magazine or two. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, any vital medications and perhaps a proper neck pillow as well. Lastly, and most importantly, be sure to take your passport, travel documents and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• While the list of restricted items differs between air carriers, the general guide to follow is nothing flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes screwdrivers, pocket knives, fireworks and fuel. Sports equipment like bows and arrows, and items that could harm passengers, such as pepper spray and guns, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight is as simple as the clothes you wear. Prepare for changes in temperature by layering up. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like stilettos, flip flops and lace-up boots are best left in your checked suitcase. Even though they may be your favorites, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• You’ve probably heard about DVT (deep vein thrombosis), a blood clotting condition caused by long periods of sitting. There’s lots you can do to lessen your risk. Don a pair of compression socks or tights, stay well hydrated and keep your legs and feet moving. Wander around the cabin or perform exercises in your seat.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be well prepared before you arrive at the security gate. That way, you’ll be stepping onto that plane to Barrie in next to no time. Follow these helpful tips and get your trip off to a great start:

• Your boarding pass and passport will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them someplace accessible so you don’t have to dig around for them.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything on you that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy jackets or coats. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from technology. Your phone, laptop and any other electronics must also be sent through the scanner.
• Remove gels and liquids from your hand luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• Slip-on shoes are a clever footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Safety boots and other heavy shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, pack them safely away in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed on board and will be confiscated.