Overview of Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines, stylized in all lowercase as “porter,” is a prominent Canadian airline headquartered at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, located on the Toronto Islands. Established by Porter Aviation Holdings, formerly known as REGCO Holdings Inc., the airline operates a fleet of De Havilland Canada DHC-8-400 turboprop aircraft and Embraer E195-E2 jets. Since its inception in 2006, Porter has provided scheduled flights between Toronto and numerous destinations across Canada and the United States. Despite a controversial start, Porter has grown significantly, adding more destinations and expanding its fleet.
For more detailed information about Porter Airlines, check out our article on Exploring Porter Airlines
Porter Airlines advertises the onboard experience as follows: No middle seats, free beer, wine, and snacks, on every flight. Additionally, Porter advertises Free, fast Wi-Fi and inflight entertainment on their new E-195 jets.
Pre-Flight Experience
On June 18, 2024, I embarked on my first ever journey with Porter Airlines from Orlando, Florida, to Toronto, Canada, landing at Pearson International Airport. The pre-flight experience was seamless and efficient. Checking in at Orlando International Airport was straightforward, with friendly staff guiding me through the process. Porter’s online check-in system was user-friendly, allowing me to select my seat and manage my booking effortlessly. I purchased the “Basic Fare” for $68.00/one way on the Porter Airline website.
What is included in Basic Fare? Boarding pass at airport counter and one personal item.
What is not included in Basic Fare? Seat selection (prior to the departure date, the Porter airlines app stated that seat choice was available for a fee (from $12) and checked bags could be purchased “from $27.50 Also, the following additional features are not available under the Basic Fare option with Porter Airlines: Carry-on bag, electronic boarding pass, and changes & refunds are not permitted.
Baggage: Personal item such as a briefcase, purse, camera bag, laptop computer, or small garment bag included. Additional bag such as a carry-on bag (duffle bag, backpack, suitcase, or pet carrier = $50.00 (if purchased after original booking) Check baggage (rolling suitcase, large duffle bag, special items = $45.00).
Purchase seats: Rows 5-7 $45.00; Rows 8-12 $21.00; Exit rows 13 & 14: $45.00; Rows 15-33 $21.00
Boarding Process
Understandably, the gate agent made every effort to get passengers on board for an on-time departure. As a result, the boarding process for the Embraer E195-E2 was a quite loud, hurried, and felt almost like a cattle call. The gate agent was loudly and forcibly informing passengers to stand on the white line and wait for biometrics to take their photograph prior to boarding. However, once I stepped onboard, Porter’s commitment to customer service was evident, as the crew welcomed passengers with warm smiles and assisted with luggage.
In-Flight Comfort
The Embraer E195-E2 aircraft was modern and comfortable. The seats were somewhat spacious but with little legroom, making the journey pleasant but not ideal. Porter’s commitment to providing a premium experience was reflected in the quality of the seating and the overall cabin environment. The aircraft’s quiet engines ensured a peaceful flight, which is a significant advantage for travelers who prefer a serene flying experience.
- Flight # PD506 Orlando, Florida (MCO) to Toronto, Ontario (YYZ)
- Aircraft: Embraer E-195
- Cost: $68.00 USD
- Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Scheduled Departure Time: 8:45 pm.
- Boarding Door Closed: 9:00 pm.
- Pushback: 9:03 pm.
- Wheels Up: 9:24 pm.
- Scheduled Arrival Time: 11:26 pm.
- Actual Arrival Time: 11:51 pm.
In-Flight Service
The in-flight service was exemplary. Within 25 minutes of departure from Orlando, the flights attendants made their way through the cabin with meals for purchase if you had not previously reserved a meal. The cabin crew was attentive and professional, promptly addressing passengers’ needs. Porter Airlines offers complimentary snacks and beverages, which is a delightful touch compared to other airlines that often charge for such amenities. The snack options were diverse and catered to different dietary preferences, adding to the overall positive experience. For my dinner, I chose the mango chicken with jasmine coconut rice, mango salsa, sesame seeds, and vegetables. The cost of Porter meal service was $12.99. In my opinion, the food (although chilled) was surprisingly delicious with excellent flavor combinations.
If mango chicken with jasmine rice is not your cup of tea, Porter offers a few other dining options:
- Vegetarian Buddha Bowl with mixed grain salad, Wafu dressing, sweet potato, edamame, and mixed vegetables.
- Croissant Sandwich Duo / with ham and brie from a local bakery.
- Cheese and Fruit Tray with three types of cheese, crackers, and grapes from a local purveyor for $11.99
Flight Performance
The flight from Orlando to Toronto was smooth and uneventful, which is always a plus for any journey. The onboard Wi-Fi connectivity was effortless and worked during the entire flight. Throughout the flight, the pilot provided timely updates about the flight’s progress, weather conditions, and expected arrival time, keeping passengers well-informed. The landing at Pearson International Airport was smooth, and disembarking was efficiently handled by the crew.
Post-Flight Experience
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