Getting to Quebec City used to feel like a mission. Honestly, if you weren't coming from Montreal or Toronto, you were basically looking at a long day of connections and questionable airport snacks. But things have changed. Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB) isn't the sleepy regional outpost it once was.
Now? You've got options.
Whether you're chasing the Winter Carnival or just want to eat your weight in poutine, the landscape of airlines to Quebec City has expanded. We’re talking direct hops from major US hubs and even exclusive European routes that skip the big city chaos.
The Big Players Flying into YQB
If you're looking for reliability, the "Big Three" still dominate. Air Canada is the heavy hitter here. They run the show with high-frequency "Rapidair" service from Montreal (YUL) and Toronto (YYZ). If you miss a flight, there’s usually another one in an hour. It’s convenient, sure, but it can get pricey if you book last minute.
United and American Airlines are your go-to for crossing the border. United has been consistent with its Newark (EWR) and Chicago (ORD) connections. American usually funnels people through Philadelphia (PHL) or Charlotte.
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- Air Canada: Basically the king of the castle. Best for connections through Vancouver or Calgary.
- United Airlines: The Newark hop is probably the fastest way for New Yorkers to reach the cobblestones of Old Quebec.
- American Airlines: Great for those coming from the South or Mid-Atlantic.
The Rise of Porter and the "Nice" Factor
I have to mention Porter Airlines. They’ve been aggressively expanding their E195-E2 fleet. If you hate middle seats, Porter is your best friend—they literally don't have them on those planes. They’ve connected Quebec City to their Toronto Pearson (YYZ) hub, giving Air Canada some much-needed competition. Plus, they still serve drinks in actual glassware. It’s a vibe.
Seasonal Gems and International Directs
Air Transat is the wild card. They do things differently. While other airlines focus on business travelers, Transat is all about the vacationers. In 2026, they are doubling down on exclusive routes.
Starting May 21, 2026, Air Transat is launching a weekly nonstop flight between Quebec City and Marseille. Yes, you read that right. You can fly from the heart of French Canada to the South of France without ever seeing an airport in Montreal or Paris. They’ve also extended their Fort-de-France (Martinique) service through the summer, which is huge for anyone wanting a tropical escape without the usual layovers.
What about WestJet?
WestJet is still a solid contender, especially for folks coming from Western Canada. They don't have the same frequency as Air Canada, but their "UltraBasic" fares (which they rolled out recently) can be a steal if you’re traveling light. Just watch out for the baggage fees—they'll get you if you aren't careful.
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Why Does Choice Matter?
Most people assume they have to fly into Montreal and take the train. Don't do that. By the time you land at YUL, clear customs, grab a shuttle to the VIA Rail station, and sit on a train for three hours, you could have already been checking into the Chateau Frontenac.
The increase in airlines to Quebec City means competitive pricing. We’re seeing round-trip deals from Florida (FLL and MCO) for under $350 on Air Transat and Air Canada. Even from the West Coast, United and WestJet are keeping each other honest with one-stop flights that don't require an overnight stay in a transit hotel.
Avoiding the Common Pitfalls
Jean Lesage (YQB) is a great airport—it’s small, efficient, and rarely has the soul-crushing lines you find at Pearson. But it has one quirk: the taxi situation. Quebec City is one of the few places where there is a flat rate for taxis to the downtown core (the "Vieux-Québec" zone). As of early 2026, that rate is around $41.40 CAD. Don't let a rogue driver try to run the meter if you’re going to a major hotel inside the walls.
Real Talk on Regional Carriers
You might see names like Pascan or Air Liaison when searching for flights. These are great if you're heading to remote parts of the province like Baie-Comeau or the Magdalen Islands. However, for a standard vacation, stick to the major carriers. The regional planes are small (think 19 seats), and while the views are incredible, the luggage space is... let's just say "minimal."
Your Next Steps for a Quebec Trip
If you're planning a visit, stop looking at Montreal as your primary entry point. Start by checking the Newark or Philly direct flights if you're in the US. If you're in Canada, compare Porter and Air Canada—Porter often wins on the "human experience" side, while Air Canada wins on points flexibility.
Keep an eye on the Air Transat schedule for those weirdly specific direct flights to France or the Caribbean. They only run once or twice a week, so you have to plan your trip around their departure days, but the time saved is worth it.
Book your flights at least six weeks out. Quebec City is a destination that peaks during specific festivals (Summer Festival in July and Carnival in February), and the limited seats on those direct routes fill up fast. Check the YQB official site for the most recent "seasonal" route additions, as they tend to add flights for the ski season right around November.