Porter AirlinesPD

Porter Airlines is a Canadian carrier headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, known for elevating the regional flying experience with complimentary amenities that most airlines charge extra for. Founded in 2006, Porter built its reputation operating turboprop aircraft from Toronto Billy Bishop City Airport (YTZ) on the downtown waterfront, offering business travelers a convenient alternative to the larger Toronto Pearson International Airport.

In 2022, Porter embarked on an ambitious expansion with the Embraer E195-E2, a fuel-efficient jet that extended the airline's reach across North America, into the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. As of December 2025, Porter operates 50 Embraer E195-E2 aircraft alongside 29 De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 turboprops, serving 79 destinations. The airline has firm orders for 75 E195-E2s with options for 25 more, signaling continued growth.

Porter is not a low-cost carrier. Every fare includes complimentary beer, wine, and premium snacks, free WiFi on E195-E2 aircraft, and a two-by-two seating configuration on Dash 8 flights (no middle seats). This service-forward approach has pressured competitors like Air Canada to restore free amenities on domestic routes.

Carry-On Allowance

What you can bring aboard depends on your fare type.

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 17" x 13" x 6" (43 x 33 x 16 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Examples: Purse, laptop bag, small backpack

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 21.5" x 15.5" x 9" (55 x 40 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
• Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg) maximum
• Included: Standard, Flexible, Freedom, Navigate, Ultimate fares
• NOT included: Basic fare (personal item only)

Fare Class	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
Basic	Yes	No (purchase from $35)
Standard	Yes	Yes
Flexible	Yes	Yes
Freedom	Yes	Yes
Navigate (PorterReserve)	Yes	Yes
Ultimate (PorterReserve)	Yes	Yes

Basic Fare Note: You can upgrade to "Basic Express" during web check-in or at the airport to add a carry-on bag and electronic boarding pass.

Checked Baggage

Size Limit: 62 linear inches / 158 cm (length + width + height) Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag; no single bag over 70 lbs (32 kg)

Checked Bag Fees (CAD/USD):

Fare Class	1st Bag	2nd Bag	3rd+ Bag
Basic	$35	$45	$100
Standard	$35	$45	$100
Flexible	Free	$45	$100
Freedom	Free	$45	$100
Navigate	Free	Free	$100
Ultimate	Free	Free	$100

Booking Channel Matters:

When Purchased	Savings
At booking (online)	Best price
After booking (online)	$25-35 per bag
At airport check-in	$35-45 per bag

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Overweight Bags:

• 51-70 lbs (24-32 kg): $20 CAD/USD per kg over 50 lbs
• Over 70 lbs (32 kg): Not accepted

Oversized Bags:

• 63-80 linear inches (160-203 cm): $100 CAD/USD
• Over 80 linear inches (203 cm): Not accepted

If a bag is both overweight and oversized, both fees apply. Exception: Third and subsequent bags are not charged overweight/oversized fees.

Elite Status Benefits

VIPorter Tier	Free Checked Bags
Member	Per fare
Passport	Per fare
Venture	1 bag
Ascent	2 bags
First	2 bags

VIPorter members share baggage benefits with up to 8 companions on the same booking.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Skis/snowboards	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag
Bicycle	$50 + bag fee	Must be boxed, non-motorized only
Firearms	$50 handling fee	Plus bag fees, advance notice required
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free

Fees as of January 2025. All prices CAD (approximately equal to USD). Verify at flyporter.com/baggage before traveling.

Porter's cabin experience varies significantly between its two aircraft types. Both include complimentary amenities that set Porter apart from competitors.

Embraer E195-E2 (132 seats)

PorterClassic (Economy):

• Seat pitch: 33" (84 cm) — above industry average
• Seat width: 17.6" (45 cm)
• Recline: 2"
• Configuration: 2-2 (no middle seats)
• Power: AC outlet at every seat
• Every row has a window seat

PorterClassic Stretch:

• Seat pitch: 34" (86 cm)
• Recline: 4"
• Available free with Freedom fare or for purchase ($30)

PorterReserve (Premium):

• Seat pitch: 36" (91 cm) — comparable to domestic first class
• Recline: 6"
• First 4 rows (16 seats)
• Dedicated cabin service
• Premium meal service on flights over 2.5 hours

De Havilland Dash 8-Q400 (78 seats)

PorterClassic:

• Seat pitch: 30" (76 cm)
• Seat width: 17" (43 cm)
• Configuration: 2-2 (no middle seats)
• Some rows lack windows

PorterReserve:

• Seat pitch: 32" (81 cm)
• First 2 rows
• Priority boarding

Complimentary Amenities (All Flights)

Food & Beverage:

• Free beer (Beau's Brewing Co. craft selections)
• Free wine (Jackson-Triggs Ontario wines)
• Free soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea
• Premium snacks: Hardbite chips, Cookie It Up shortbread, Three Farmers fava beans, naturSource almonds

WiFi:

• Free on all E195-E2 aircraft
• VIPorter members: Unlimited, uninterrupted access
• Non-members: 30 minutes free, then watch a brief ad to continue
• Not available on Dash 8 aircraft

Meals (E195-E2 only):

• Flights over 2.5 hours: Fresh meals available
• Navigate/Ultimate fares: Complimentary
• Other fares: Available for purchase

Entertainment

Porter does not have seatback screens. Passengers use personal devices for entertainment. The free WiFi on E195-E2 aircraft enables streaming.

Booking:

• Compare total cost with bags before assuming Porter is cheaper than competitors
• Basic fare only makes sense if you truly need just a personal item
• Freedom fare is excellent value: includes checked bag, free changes, and Stretch seat selection
• Book directly on flyporter.com for best support during disruptions

Billy Bishop (YTZ):

• Allow extra time for ferry/tunnel, especially during rush hour
• The pre-board lounge offers free snacks, drinks, and WiFi for all passengers
• Short walks from security to gates — arrive 60 minutes before, not 2 hours
• No U.S. Customs preclearance; clear customs upon arrival

Seat Selection:

• On Dash 8: Some rows lack windows; check seat maps
• On E195-E2: Every row has windows; all seats have power
• PorterReserve seats are just 36" pitch — good legroom but not lie-flat

Earning Status:

• The BMO VIPorter credit cards provide an instant status shortcut
• Ascent status ($6,000/year) is the sweet spot: 2 free bags, free same-day changes, free Stretch seats
• Book premium fares when available — higher spend counts toward status faster

WiFi:

• E195-E2 only — Dash 8 flights have no WiFi
• Log in with your VIPorter account to avoid ad interruptions
• Works gate-to-gate, not just in-flight

Connections:

• Porter is not part of any alliance; no through-ticketing with other airlines
• Book connections separately and allow generous time
• Consider Porter Escapes packages for vacation destinations

Seasonal Routes:

• Caribbean, Mexico, and Costa Rica routes operate seasonally (winter)
• Book early for best availability on sun destinations from Ottawa and Hamilton

Information verified January 2025. For current policies, visit flyporter.com.