Ti-45Al (at %) and Ti-45Al-0.3Y (at %) samples were fabricated by vacuum hot-press sintering (VHPS). The influence of Y additions and VHPS process parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TiAl-based alloys were analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), back-scattered electron (BSE) imaging, compression and hardness testing. Optimized sintering parameters were 42 MPa at 1400℃ with holding time of 90 minutes. Samples prepared under these conditions had uniform and fine grains with a duplex microstructure which consisted of γ phase and γ+α2 lamellar colonies. The reaction between γ-TiAl and α2-Ti3Al reached completion at a hot-press temperature of 1400℃ and holding time of 240 minutes. Unfortunately, significant grain growth occurred under these conditions. The addition of Y had an obvious effect on grain and interlamellar spacing refinement contributing to an increased mechanical strength of the alloy.