PORTER AIRLINES review :  3 July 2009 : by E McGinty   (UK)

Return Toronto to Halifax, via Ottawa. The service was excellent, comfortable planes. The Toronto lounge was very nice, not business class, but you are not paying for that and the overall experience at the airport is fantastic.

PORTER AIRLINES review :  27 May 2009 : by E Boutin  (USA)

Like I can see on this forum, we haven't been the ones to experienced flight cancellations with Porter Airline. I tend to agree with “Kevin O'Doherty” below, that the reason behind was because of the amount of passengers on our flight was under their “brake-even” point. The reason involved in this case is possible thunder storms in New York. Porter called us in the morning, at around 7:30AM to advised us that they have canceled our flight (6:15PM) and the one after. The reason given for the cancellation by Porter Airline is questionable and does not justify the cancellation of the flights. At the most, it could explain delays, but in this case, it can’t be predicted 10hrs before departure. I understand that weather is considerate to be a reason beyond airlines control, but in this case, this reason has been used in bad faith. Because we had to be in New York that evening, we had to purchase new tickets and hopefully we were able to get to New York, under a partly cloudy sky on time – Thanks to US Airways.

PORTER AIRLINES review :  11 May 2009 : by M Verge  (Canada)

Toronto to New York. The round trip fare was less than $300, this included shuttle service from Union Station in Toronto, lounge access with free WiFi, snacks and drinks. The aircraft was spotless and leather seats comfortable. Complimentary light lunch served with a selection of soft drinks, beer, coffee etc. Crew friendly and attentive.

PORTER AIRLINES review :  27 April 2009 : by F Murphy  (Canada)

Toronto-Newark return. I live close to the TO downtown core and wanted to experience both the convenience of a 5 minute taxi ride to the Toronto Island Airport as well as Porter's "flying refined" service. I was delighted with the convenience and service of both. The Porter lounge (minus alcohol and serious food; snacks, a bottomless selection of hot and cold drinks are complementary) rivals many business class lounges I have visited. Its ambience, appointment, and business center make for convenience and relaxation. I really felt that the environment made passengers feel valued. And all of this is offered just minutes away from the heart of Toronto. The excellent inflight service is presented in spotless and brand new turboprop aircraft that feature leather seats. A snack box, hot and cold drinks as well as beer and wine are all complementary. The white wine was even chilled. The return into Toronto gave us a magnificent of the Toronto skyline. Getting through customs took but a few minutes. Passengers actually seemed to be happy and relaxed as we made our way back to the city via the short ferry ride from this great little airport with its great little airline.

PORTER AIRLINES review :  22 April 2009 : by P Smith  (Canada)

YYZ-YUL return. Porter provides a very easy, relaxed way to travel. Toronto City Centre is a great little airport for business travellers, Porter's service is friendly and efficient, and the planes are brand new and comfortable. You can show up 30 minutes prior to your flight and you will have no problem making it. You also get great views of the Toronto skyline flying in and out. It is a great little airline that is expanding.

PORTER AIRLINES review :  17 April 2009 : by Karri Ojanen  (Canada)

Quebec City to Toronto. This was my third time with Porter, and though I've been generally satisfied with the airline on the two first times, I've had bad luck. Once Porter lost my luggage and another time my flight out of Newark was delayed by 4 hours. But Porter compensated me for both mishaps. This time, the flight was on time, the plane was very clean and the service efficient, and my bags weren't lost either. It's a pleasure to be able to arrive right in Toronto city center, but it seems like the island airport has already got too small for Porter's growing business. The domestic luggage claim area is ridiculously small - a tiny little room on the way out. And even though Porter's planes, the Dash 8s, are among the "quietest and most advanced modern turboprops", they're still significantly louder and shakier than jets, and the landing at Toronto island always feels rough to me. All in all, Porter's a great alternative that I wouldn't want to use every time.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 24 January 2009 : by Alexandre Gauthier

Customer Rating : 5/5

I was very impressed with service. The efficiency of checking in was unbelievable, I am used to flying from Pearson to O'Hare, not the greatest experience! The lounge at Toronto City Center was nice and relaxing. I will highly recommend Porter and hope they expand to more cities in the near future!

PORTER AIRLINES review : 1 December 2008 : by Dave Lowry

Customer Rating : 5/5

Ottawa to Toronto. I echo most of the other reviews in stating that this is an outstanding airline. New, comfortable aircraft, excellent service, and a convenient arrival at Toronto City Cenre instead of Pearson. The lounge at TCC is better than a Maple Leaf lounge with Air Canada. And the price was under $300 return! My only complaint is that they don't offer more direct destinations from Ottawa - I hope this will be addressed in the future. For now, it simply doesn't make sense to fly to Toronto any other way.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 19 November 2008 : by T Forbell

Customer Rating : 5/5

We had our first flight to Montreal this weekend, and an amazing experience - it is exactly what it advertises; flying in style. Our short flight included a light lunch (fresh!) and refreshments including alcohol - unheard of these days without additional costs! The atmosphere was professional and efficient from the terminal onto the aircraft and our arrival at Dorval. Thanks for bringing back the type of air travel everyone should experience and expect!

PORTER AIRLINES review : 16 November 2008 : by R Renard

Customer Rating : 5/5

Best airline for short haul flights from Toronto. I am a regular flier on Porter. Just flew new Toronto Chicago-Midway service. We made it gate to gate in 1 hr, 40 mins which is less time than it takes a jet to go from Toronto Pearson Intl to O'Hare. All economy class service comparable to business class on other airlines: Porter offer complimentary beer, wine, sandwiches and snacks. Staff are top notch. Planes are brand new, with leather seats, and up to 34 inches of pitch which is more than the 31-32" you get on other airlines. Unfortunate experience the other travellers below had recently ex-Newark. I've had the odd delay into/ out of Newark, and that's generally more a New York area issue than an airline issue. As a regular traveller however I can assure thats the rare exception rather than the norm at Porter.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 31 October 2008 : by Kevin O'Doherty

Customer Rating : 3/5

I arrived at the airport for the 13:30 flight EWR-YYZ but, like Mr. Mass, I was told the flight was cancelled due to 'technical' reasons. Keep in mind that Porter's 'break-even' load is 20 passengers. I was put on a flight 3 hours later. It only had 48 passengers on board. Clearly the earlier flight was undersold and was cancelled as a result. I told my story to several people who had had similar experiences with this airline. A $10 meal voucher and $50 toward another flight may be fine for leisure passengers but what about business travellers who need to get to their destination on time? The lounge in Toronto, the uniforms and the on-board service do not make up for the airline's inability to service the markets it flies to.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 21 October 2008 : by Peter Mass

Customer Rating : 1/5

We arrived at Newark Airport for our flight on Sunday night. When we tried to check in we were told that the flight was cancelled and we had to wait until Monday morning to return to Toronto. We arrived at the airport today at 7 am to find out our flight was delayed by at least 6 hours. We will be lucky to leave by the early afternoon. These nightmare delays are all because of maintenance problems on the aircraft which porter seems to be unable to fix. Unlike other airlines, Porter will not book you on another airline when they cancel flights so you are completely at their mercy. We tried to get on an Air Canada flight but the last min ticket price was 1300 dollars + taxes. This is the worst flight experience I have ever had. I will never fly this airline again.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 19 August 2008 : by Richard DaSilva

Customer Rating : 5/5

I flew with Porter to Newark. Comfortable aircraft, pleasant flight attendants and ground staff, the flight was surprisingly fast for a turboprop - 1 hour and 5 minutes flying time. The fact that we had a meal with complimentary drinks was also wonderful. It's not fine dining but who needs that on a short flight? I also love the concept of flying out of TCCA; it's easy to get to, it's a short taxi to the runway and since Porter is the only major airline operating there one does not have to deal with huge crowds at the terminal or departure lounge.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 23 July 2008 : by M Bohun-Aponte

Customer Rating : 4/5

I was traveling from the Upper West Side of Manhattan to downtown Toronto and thought I'd give Porter a try. I was on the 6.45am flight from EWR to YTZ on Monday morning. This necessitated a 4.45am departure from home to be at EWR 90 minutes before flight time as recommended. Check in was as expected (there is no online check in for cross border services yet). I checked one bag, had one carry on and one personal item. There are no fees for checking a first bag, and I wasn't asked to pay extra for my checked bag even though it exceeded the 20kg limit. Breakfast options at Newark are pretty limited at that time of the morning (McDonalds and a coffee place) and all prior to security. The TSA line was mercifully speedy. The flight left the gate a few minutes late, delayed I suspect by a passenger taking their time to get to the gate. The Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft was comfortable, more so than the coach configurations on the competition. Porter offered a snack box (muffin & yoghurt) plus juice and coffee. Landing at YTZ was uneventful, Canadian Customs was quick for this flight (only about 20 passengers). The ferry was quick and I elected to take a cab to the office (due to my having a heavy suitcase that I didn't want to drag to the office from Union Station). The return leg was Friday at 6.30pm I arrived well ahead of time because I had finished work for the day (they'll be starting a 3.30 flight soon which might be a better option). Check in was a breeze. The terminal is probably slightly better than the AA Admiral's Club at Pearson, complimentary sodas and cookies, plus a number of Apple iMac computers for passenger use. There is no bar service or more substantial food on offer in the terminal. Our flight was slightly late departing due to traffic in the New York regiion. The flight was uneventful there was a snack box (half a ham sandwich, cheese and crackers) and complimentary beer & wine (one glass). We got to the gate about 45 minutes after the scheduled arrival time. US Customs and Immigration took about half an hour (there is no NEXUS kiosk). I elected to take the air train and NJ Transit to Penn Station (which was also running 20 minutes late), arriving around 10.15 p.m. I thought that at 9 p.m. on Friday night, the tunnels into Manhattan were probably backed up for an hour or more. The bottom line: service wise - better than coach on AA and AC. Dollar wise - depending on the deal comparable to AA and AC. Time wise - the downside. In NY, AA and AC operate from LGA so I would need to arrive 60 minutes ahead instead of 90 and on the way home US clearance is at YYZ and travel time from LGA to Manhattan is usually quicker on a Friday night. In Toronto, AC and AA operate from YYZ, which is a CAD57 limo ride from downtown, but has the advantage of having US preclearance and NEXUS kiosks. I would certainly recommend Porter for its service and price, but I'd probably only use it again myself if I could take the 3.30 p.m. flight (starts September 3). At that time the trip into Manhattan using NJ Transit should be quicker.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 17 July 2008 : by M Ionita

Customer Rating : 5/5

Toronto to New York return. Excellent experience. Getting to and from airport is a breeze (it took less than 40 minutes), departure lounge excellent, like a business class lounge - free tea and coffee, cookies etc. Plane was new and in excellent condition, seats confortable (if a bit narrow). Free food (in a lovely little box) and drinks (soft, as well as wine and beer). Flight and check in staff very friendly. Price was excellent - we got a promotional offer which worked out at less than 300 CAD per person, far less than on Air Canada, but even at regular pricing, fares are comparable, and the experience is incomparable with any other airline I've flown recently.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 21 June 2008 : by Mitch Conner

Customer Rating : 5/5

Food and booze complimentary, and a pleasure to fly. All of these perks were included in my YTZ- EWR-YTZ flights. The fact this airline flies from downtown Toronto is an additional bonus; the lounge was comfortable, and you miss the chaos of Pearson. I would fly them again, and hope that they will expand service to additional cities soon.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 29 April 2008 : by Michael Oscars

Customer Rating : 5/5

YTZ-YUL-YTZ on Porter Airways. Going through security at Toronto's Island Airport is a pleasant experience as opposed to its counterpart at Pearson International. Once through, one arrives in the very comfortable lounge area with computer stations, complimentary coffee and soft drinks to the flight itself with charming attendants and comfortable seating (34" pitch) in Bombardier Q400 aircraft.

PORTER AIRLINES review : 28 April 2008 : by E Tolle

Customer Rating : 5/5

New York to Toronto. Thoughtful cabin crew, full bar and tasty food at no charge, nice comfortable leather seat and great inflight magazine. It is a nice touch that they give away Porter bottled water at the end of the flight.

Porter Airlines review by A Lopez

2 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I was on the inaugural New York to Toronto flight today. My first flight with Porter but certainly not the last after the splendid service. Airport staff cheerful and very welcoming. Aircraft is top notch for a turboprop. Comfortable leather seats. Flight staff excellent and performed with a smile. Fresh and tasty chicken wrap presented in a snack box. I arrived in downtown Toronto and was at my meeting within 20 min of landing - convenient! Price was $95 compared to Air Canada and Continental who were charging $174 with no meal or beverage service.

Porter Airlines review by Lior Suline

15 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I was really impressed with the professionalism and care I received from Porter. Sophisticated lounge in Toronto and the best part it was free! Flight departed on time and arrived early. Very tasty snack box was served, again free.

Porter Airlines review by J Clarke

8 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Entire trip from Check in at Toronto to baggage pick up in Halifax was unbelievable. Classy lounge, great staff, complimentary drinks!

Porter Airlines review by S Douglas

16 December 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

YTZ-YUL-YTZ. This is how flying should be - great service on the ground, in the air with a smile, on time departure and arrival.

Porter Airlines review by R Dunigan

4 December 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Toronto Island Airport to Montreal - Great experience. Check in a breeze and staff friendly and competent. Once on board, the FA's did a great job of welcoming passengers warmly and professionally. Cabin modern, clean, and comfortable. Selection of complimentary snacks and beverages (including Ontario wines!) a nice touch. On-time arrival and very quick baggage delivery. I would travel with Porter again without hesitation.

Porter Airlines review by S Shah

4 November 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

YOW-YTZ. Check-in at Ottawa very quick. Q400 aircraft clean, and pretty quiet, with excellent seat pitch. The flight attendant hung your jacket for you. A snack box was handed out with a sandwich, cheese, crackers, and chocolate. Drinks, including free wine and beer, are served in real glasses. Disembarkation at YTZ is quick, but the terminal is a bit sparse. A great airline.

Porter Airlines review by Richard Sawyer

2 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

YTZ-YOW-YTZ Lounge at YTZ is like first class: comfortable seats, coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, newspapers, wifi. Q400 is comfortable and quieter than the older DHC-8 models, impressive seat pitch. Was handed breakfast after take-off and the OJ was served in a real glass (not plastic). Free beer and wine on the return (afternoon) trip. Staff were very pleasant and attentive. The best airline experience in years and I hope they prosper, they certainly deserve to. The fare was also cheaper than AC.

Porter Airlines review by Norm Carley

9 May 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Montreal-Toronto return this past weekend. Absolutely a first class airline. Food service was unexpected and welcome. Lounge at Toronto Island airport was excellent. Standing in front of Union Station 25 minutes after landing. Can't beat that. Every employee actually cared to to give excellent service. Porter needs to survive and thrive.

Porter Airlines review by Linda Reeve

25 April 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

YOW-YTZ was one of the best flight experiences ever. Plane was very clean and leather seats comfortable. Plenty of free drinks, including alcohol was served with a grilled vegetable sandwich. The dark chocolate treat was a nice touch. FA appeared professional. The view while landing was stunning as the Toronto skyline was just right outside my window. Arrived 10 min early took the free shuttle to Union Station and reached the office in less than 20 min. Overall Porter exceeded my expectations, this is one airline where you get more than you pay for! You get a business class product at an economy fare.

Porter Airlines review by Tracey Sugarton

20 April 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Toronto City Centre to Ottawa, enjoyed complimentary lounge prior to departure. Flight was on a modern Q400 which was surprisingly quiet. Food was very good and a change on this route vs. Air Canada where food is non-existent. Flight was full, yet crew was friendly and extremely attentive. Leather seat was very comfortable with about 31" leg room. Flight arrived on-time and landing was smoother than most larger aircraft. Return flight was equally as enjoyable.

Porter Airlines by Manuel Santino

4 April 2007

Toronto to Montreal, check-in was a breeze and only 20 min. prior to departure time. Aircraft was new with leather seats. FA's were very pleasant and attentive. Meal service was served in a very attractive box that consisted of smoked beef w/ brie cheese & fruit, complimentary wine and beer. Flight arrived on-time. All in all, exceptional service from start to finish. I will use Porter again. Hope this new airline stays around because the service was refreshing and less expensive vs. Air Canada and West Jet.