Porter Airlines
, a Toronto-based regional carrier noted for its great service and comfortable travel experience, has emerged as an established player in the competitive airline industry.
Porter has developed a loyal customer base by focusing on offering economy class with premium touches by providing value with amenities, such as complimentary snacks and beverages, including beer and wine. The airline also offers free WiFi and in-flight entertainment on Embraer E195-E2
airplanes.
Photo: Vadim Rodnev | Shutterstock
Recently ranked the number one airline for the best economy class by USA Today readers, Porter has made significant efforts to offer travelers different fare types suited to their needs and budgets.
Porter Airlines offers a variety of fare types, which can be broadly categorized into two fare families: PorterClassic and PorterReserve. According to the airline, which only provides economy seats, PorterClassic will be its “traditional economy”, while PorterReserve will be a new “all-inclusive economy” product.
PorterClassic
Basic
Porter Airlines’ Basic fare is the entry-level option for budget-conscious travelers. It is designed for those looking to minimize travel costs while still enjoying the essential benefits of flying with Porter. Although online check-in is allowed, travelers are required to pick up their boarding passes at the airport check-in counter to verify their cabin baggage.
- Baggage allowance: Only a personal item (such as a small backpack or handbag) is included in the fare. Checked baggage is available for an additional fee starting at $40. A standard carry-on bag and electronic boarding passes are only included with Basic fares on flights to and from Europe and Africa.
- Seat selection: Seat selection is not included; travelers are assigned a seat at check-in. Passengers who prefer more control over their seating arrangement can pay for seat selection separately.
- Changes and cancellations: This fare is highly restrictive. Changes or cancellations are not permitted. Refunds are not available beyond 24 hours of booking. This fare is non-refundable and non-transferable, and is the only fare type that doesn’t allow passengers to make same-day changes to earlier flights between Toronto and Newark, New York, as well as between Toronto and Montréal or Ottawa at the airport.
Photo: Porter Airlines
Standard
The Standard fare is a step up from the Basic ticket, providing greater options while remaining affordable. The main differences are baggage allowance, electronic boarding passes (which do not require travelers to pick up at an airport counter), and the ability to change flights by paying an additional fee.
- Baggage allowance: One personal item and a standard carry-on bag are included.
- Seat selection: Seat selection is available for an extra fee. Passengers who prefer to secure their preferred seat can take advantage of this option.
- Changes and cancellations: Standard fare offers more lenient change policies than Basic, but fees still apply. Refunds, however, are not available unless under specific conditions. Standard fare tickets can be refunded to credits. At the airport, travelers can switch to an earlier flight between Toronto and Newark, New York, Montréal, or Ottawa, all on the same day.
Flexible
Porter’s Flexible fare offers significant advantages when it comes to flexibility, making it ideal for business travelers or those who may have uncertain schedules.
- Baggage allowance: In addition to one personal item and a carry-on, passengers are allowed to check one bag for free.
- Seat selection: Seat selection is included in the fare, so passengers can select their preferred seat without paying extra.
- Changes and cancellations: The Flexible fare offers generous terms for changes. Passengers can make changes to their booking or cancel the trip for a travel credit that can be applied to future flights. The only adjustment that requires an extra fee is the same-day flight change fees waived.
Photo: Welshboy2020 | Shutterstock
Freedom
Porter’s premium fare option, Freedom, is designed for passengers who demand the highest level of flexibility and comfort.
- Baggage allowance: In addition to one personal item and a carry-on, Freedom fare includes one checked bag.
- Seat selection: Seat selection is included in the fare, as well as PorterClassic Stretch seats on E152 airplanes, which provide 34 inches of legroom.
- Changes and cancellations: Freedom fare has all change fees waived, and can receive a full refund up to an hour prior to departure.
PorterReserve
PorterReserve, as a premier fare class, is designed to provide passengers with an elevated, all-inclusive travel experience. This includes early boarding, up-front seating, extra legroom, delicious food, extra bags, and flight changes.
One of the primary advantages of PorterReserve is the generous baggage allowance. Passengers can bring both a carry-on bag and up to two checked bags at no additional cost. In addition, PorterReserve travelers can enjoy free premium liquor and fresh meals, which are provided on flights longer than 2.5 hours. These two services are paid options with PorterClassic.
Photo: NYC Russ | Shutterstock
Navigate & Ultimate
There are two different fare types for PorterReserve. Ultimate, just like Freedom, is fully refundable for all cancellations completed up to one hour prior to departure time. On the other hand, passengers with Navigate fares can only cancel the trip for travel credit.
Porter Airlines’ fare options provide a solid platform for serving the different demands of modern travelers as it expands its fleet and reaches additional destinations with impending Embraer E-Jet deliveries.