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Porter Airlines

Canada's airline with no middle seats

  • CanadaCountry
  • PDIATA Code
  • POEICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines is a Canadian airline flying from Toronto’s downtown Billy Bishop airport and Toronto Pearson across Canada, to the US and to sun destinations. Its Embraer E195-E2 jets have no middle seats, and everyone gets free beer, wine and snacks. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in, flying from downtown Toronto and how it compares with Air Canada and WestJet.

Founded in 2006, the airline started with De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops from Billy Bishop. Since 2023 it has grown fast with Embraer E195-E2 jets from Toronto Pearson, Ottawa and Montreal.

Porter Airlines flights to Toronto
Photo: Jochem Raat / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Porter Airlines

New international (ICAO) rules apply from 27 March 2026:

  • Each passenger can carry up to two power banks, in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Power banks cannot be recharged on board, and many airlines also ban using them to charge devices during the flight.
  • Up to 100 Wh needs no approval; 100–160 Wh needs approval from the airline. Keep them within reach, not in the overhead bin.

Check-In at Billy Bishop

Billy Bishop is a small airport on the Toronto Islands, reached by a short tunnel or ferry. Arrive at least an hour before domestic flights and 90 minutes before US flights, which clear US preclearance at some airports.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap, and pushchairs and car seats can usually be checked in free. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight.

Flying from Downtown Toronto

Billy Bishop is close to the city centre:

  • A free shuttle bus runs from Union Station.
  • The pedestrian tunnel takes about six minutes.
  • Only turboprops fly here, so jet routes use Pearson.

How to Find Cheap Porter Airlines Flights

Cheap Porter Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Standard with Flexible if you need a bag.
  • Join VIPorter for free bags at higher tiers.
  • Fly from Billy Bishop to save time downtown.
  • Book sun trips early for winter.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Air Canada, WestJet and others.

Porter Airlines vs Air Canada vs WestJet

Canada’s three biggest airlines.

Porter AirlinesAir CanadaWestJet
Main hubTorontoTorontoCalgary
Middle seatsNone on the E2YesYes
Free drinksBeer and wineNon-alcoholicNon-alcoholic
LoyaltyVIPorterAeroplanWestJet Rewards

See our Air Canada guide and WestJet guide to compare.

Arriving in Toronto

From Billy Bishop, walk through the tunnel and take the free shuttle to Union Station. From Pearson, the UP Express train reaches Union Station in 25 minutes.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Porter Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. No middle seats, free beer and wine and the downtown Toronto airport make it one of the most pleasant airlines in North America.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Milesopedia on Porter baggage. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It has partnerships with several airlines for connections beyond its network.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ), on the waterfront downtown, and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) are the hubs, with bases in Ottawa and Montreal.

Popular Porter Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Toronto with Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, plus US cities and sun destinations. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Porter Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Economy is sold as PorterClassic Basic, Standard, Flexible and Freedom, and the premium cabin as PorterReserve Navigate and Ultimate.

Basic is the most restrictive, while Freedom and PorterReserve offer the most flexibility.

  • PorterClassic Basic and Standard No checked bag.
  • PorterClassic Flexible and Freedom One free checked bag.
  • PorterReserve Navigate and Ultimate Two free checked bags.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website.

Porter Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Every passenger gets free snacks and complimentary beer and wine served in glassware. PorterReserve adds extra legroom and a better meal.

Seats can be chosen when you book.

  • Snacks, beer and wine Free for everyone.
  • PorterReserve Extra legroom and more food.
  • Seats No middle seats on the Embraer E195-E2.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help at least 48 hours ahead.

Porter Airlines Baggage Allowance

Passengers can bring a personal item, and a carry-on of up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in) depending on the fare. Holders of the BMO VIPorter card get a free carry-on on all fares.

Basic and Standard have no checked bag, Flexible and Freedom include one and PorterReserve two, each up to 23 kg (50 lb). A bag costs about $40–75, cheapest when bought with the ticket.

  • Carry-on size Up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in).
  • Basic and Standard No checked bag.
  • Flexible and Freedom 1 checked bag.
  • PorterReserve 2 checked bags.
  • Checked bag weight Up to 23 kg (50 lb).
  • Bag fee About $40–75, cheapest at booking.

VIPorter: Porter Airlines Loyalty Programme

VIPorter is the airline's loyalty programme. Members earn points for flights, and status tiers such as Venture, Ascent and First add free checked bags.

  • Programme VIPorter.
  • Venture 1 free checked bag.
  • Ascent and First 2 free checked bags.
Join or log in on the Porter Airlines website

Porter Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Porter Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is PD. It appears in flight numbers (for example PD 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is POE, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Where is Porter Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

03When was Porter Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 2006.

04What are Porter Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Toronto (YTZ) – Main Hub; Montreal (YUL) – Base.

05Which Porter fares include a checked bag?

Flexible and Freedom include one bag, and PorterReserve two.

06Is food free on Porter?

Yes, snacks, beer and wine are free for every passenger.

07Which Toronto airport does Porter use?

Both Billy Bishop, downtown, and Toronto Pearson.

08What is VIPorter?

The loyalty programme; higher tiers add free checked bags.

09Can I use a power bank on Porter?

On Porter you can carry up to two power banks in cabin baggage (up to 100 Wh without approval, 100–160 Wh with approval). You cannot recharge them on board, and ICAO rules advise against using them to charge other devices in flight, so follow the crew's instructions. They are never allowed in checked bags.

10What is Porter Airlines' baggage allowance?

Passengers can bring a personal item and, depending on the fare, a carry-on of up to 55 × 40 × 23 cm (21.5 × 15.5 × 9 in). Checked bags can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lb). BMO VIPorter cardholders get a free carry-on on all fares.

11What fare types does Porter Airlines sell?

On Porter Airlines, Economy is sold as PorterClassic Basic, Standard, Flexible and Freedom, and the premium cabin as PorterReserve Navigate and Ultimate. Basic is the most restrictive, while Freedom and PorterReserve offer the most flexibility.

12Is Porter Airlines in an airline alliance?

No. Porter Airlines is not a member of a global airline alliance.

Porter Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Porter Airlines Inc. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Porter Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.