London to Toronto Flights (2025): BA vs Air Canada vs Virgin Atlantic vs WestJet Review
Flying from London to Toronto is one of the most popular transatlantic journeys, with multiple daily flights from Heathrow and Gatwick. But the experience can vary dramatically depending on the airline. Here is a clear, polished comparison covering British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet—the major players on this competitive route.
A full 2025 review of London to Toronto flights comparing British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet. Find the best airline for comfort, price, premium cabins, on-time performance, baggage rules, and overall value.
Route Snapshot
| Category | Details |
| Flight time | 7–8 hours |
| Distance | 3,550 miles |
| Departure airports | London Heathrow (BA, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic), London Gatwick (WestJet) |
| Arrival airport | Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) |
| Best for comfort | Air Canada |
| Best premium cabin | Virgin Atlantic |
| Best for price | WestJet |
| Most balanced overall | British Airways |
1. Airport Experience
British Airways – Heathrow Terminal 5
- Very efficient check-in
- Fast security with Fast Track (Premium/Business)
- Excellent lounges (Galleries, Club Lounge, First Lounge)
- Plenty of dining before boarding
Best for: travellers who value a smooth and familiar Heathrow experience.
Air Canada – Heathrow Terminal 2 (The Queen’s Terminal)
- Clean, modern, calm terminal environment
- Rapid self-service bag drop
- Maple Leaf Lounge—one of the best lounges on the route
- Family-friendly boarding process
Best for: modern terminal design and lounge quality.
Virgin Atlantic – Heathrow Terminal 3
- Stylish Virgin check-in zone
- Premium passengers enjoy the Virgin Clubhouse: cocktails, à la carte dining, relaxation spaces
- Boarding is organised and quick (Groups 1–5)
Best for: premium travellers who want a memorable pre-flight experience.
WestJet – London Gatwick (South Terminal)
- Less crowded than Heathrow
- Fast security and easy domestic connections
- No major lounge advantage unless booked separately
Best for: budget and leisure travellers prioritising affordability over airport luxury.
2. Cabin Experience (Economy, Premium & Business)
British Airways
Economy (World Traveller)
- 31″ pitch, 17.5″ width
- Free meals and drinks
- Newer seats on 787-9 and A350
Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)
- 38″ pitch, wider seats, leg rest
- Better meals + welcome drink
Business (Club World / Club Suite)
- Club Suite on many flights → fully enclosed sliding door
- Fine dining + upgraded bedding
Air Canada
Economy
- 31–32″ pitch, 18″ width
- Good food and friendly crew
- Well-designed seatback IFE
Premium Economy
- One of the best on this route
- Wider seats, generous recline
- Enhanced meal service + free alcohol
Business (Signature Class)
- Outstanding fully flat suites
- Excellent service, good wine program
- Among the best business-class options to Canada
Virgin Atlantic
Economy
- Warm lighting, softer ambience
- Seat pitch about 31″
- Great customer service + snacks
Premium
- Virgin’s crown jewel
- Big, leather recliner seats
- Dedicated cabin, champagne on boarding
Upper Class (Business)
- Spacious social bar onboard
- Flatbeds, stylish cabin
- Fantastic Clubhouse lounge access
WestJet
Economy
- 30–31″ pitch
- Friendly, casual atmosphere
- Food and checked bags often not included
Premium (Premium Cabin)
- Similar to European premium economy
- Good recline, friendly service
Business (787 Dreamliner only)
- Fully flat pod-style seats
- Very competitive pricing
3. Meals & Service
| Airline | Economy Meals | Alcohol | Notable Points |
| British Airways | Hot meal + snack | Free | Reliable catering, improved menus in 2025 |
| Air Canada | Hot meal + mid-flight snack | Free | Good vegetarian options |
| Virgin Atlantic | Fun menus, ice-cream mid-flight | Free | Best snacks and cabin energy |
| WestJet | Buy-on-board on some fares | Paid/Varies | Good quality but not always included |
4. In-Flight Entertainment & Wi-Fi
British Airways
- Good screen size, large film library
- Paid Wi-Fi, decent speed
Air Canada
- Excellent IFE interface
- One of the best Wi-Fi networks over the Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic
- Bold interface, modern screens
- Wi-Fi available on most fleet
WestJet
- Stream-to-device on some cabins
- Full IFE screens on 787 Dreamliner
5. On-Time Performance (2025 Trends)
- Air Canada and British Airways rank highest in punctuality.
- Virgin Atlantic is strong but occasionally affected by seasonal Heathrow delays.
- WestJet is decent but Gatwick congestion can impact timings in summer.
6. Baggage Allowance Comparison
| Airline | Economy | Premium | Business |
| British Airways | 1 x 23kg | 2 x 23kg | 2 x 32kg |
| Air Canada | 1 x 23kg | 2 x 23kg | 2 x 32kg |
| Virgin Atlantic | 1 x 23kg | 2 x 23kg | 2 x 32kg |
| WestJet | Paid | Paid | 2 bags included |
7. Pricing: Who Is Cheapest?
- WestJet: Often the lowest fares (£280–£420 return)
- Air Canada: Mid-range but excellent value
- British Airways: Stable pricing
- Virgin Atlantic: Usually slightly higher but justified by service quality
8. Verdict: Which Airline Should You Choose?
Best All-Round Experience: Air Canada
Comfort, reliability, and excellent premium cabins.
Best Premium Experience: Virgin Atlantic
Stylish cabins, champagne service, and the iconic Clubhouse.
Best for Comfort + Reliability: British Airways
Balanced service, strong Heathrow operations, newer cabins.
Best for Budget: WestJet
Affordable tickets without sacrificing safety or friendliness.
Summary: A Competitive, High-Quality Transatlantic Route
Whether you prioritise comfort, price, or premium features, the London–Toronto route offers a strong mix of airlines and aircraft. Air Canada and Virgin Atlantic lead for comfort, BA offers reliability, while WestJet brings affordability without much compromise.
Flying from London to Toronto? This 2025 comparison reviews British Airways, Air Canada, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet across comfort, pricing, cabin quality, punctuality, and in-flight service. Air Canada leads for overall comfort, Virgin Atlantic shines in premium, BA offers balanced reliability, while WestJet delivers the best low-cost value.
