Originally Posted by
RangerNS
It would be in the range of no less than 5 hours longer to back track to YUL or YYZ vs a direct. 6 or 7 longer if you are concerned about weather and want to make that "central" Canadian CX.
A stopover in YYT couldn't be 2 hours on the ground. And your inbound A/C is for sure already there, because you are on it. Obviously, other things could go wrong.
I'd always want to fly the right direction, even doing a touch and go on the rock.
I don't disagree that some people will share your opinion. I see non-stop 6 hrs, direct 8 hrs and then multiple options at 10-11hours through YYZ or YUL. St John's sees that 767 twice a week which isn't great for irrops which I admit is less likely to cause trouble since it is continuing equipment but still something to consider. Some also prefer a longer red eye for sleeping. As mentioned customs on the return is an issue. I'm not negating your argument but for some the risks and downsides of YYT wouldn't be worth those couple hours.