When airline passengers think of low-cost air carriers, Spirit Airlines (SAVE) -) and Frontier Airlines (ULCC) -) often come to mind as two of the cheapest. But you get what you pay for when you book a seat on one of these no-frills airlines. You usually have to pay for every service and convenience on these airlines other than just getting you from Point A to Point B.
Passengers usually have to pay extra for carry-on bags, checked bags, choice of seat, a snack on board or even a soft drink on no-frill airlines. Major airlines will also charge for some of these services like checked bags and choice of seat, but most will at least give you a free soft drink or cup coffee on board.
Porter Airlines looks to cut into the travel business of low-cost air carriers, as well as major airlines like United Airlines (UAL) -), Delta Air Lines (DAL) -) and Air Canada, by adding new destinations from its Toronto Pearson hub to San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Porter Airlines
Airline adding San Francisco and Los Angeles destinations
The Toronto-based low-cost airline will begin daily roundtrip flights from Pearson to Los Angeles International Airport beginning Jan. 16, 2024, and Pearson to San Francisco International Airport beginning Jan. 25, 2024.
The current estimated lowest PorterClassic Basic fares, according to its website on Oct. 4, included roundtrip leaving Toronto for Los Angeles on Jan. 16, 2024, and returning Jan. 18, 2024 for $343 before fees and taxes. Limitations do apply such as no carry-on bags or changes, and added charges for seat selection and checked bags. Passengers can pay about $249 more roundtrip for Porter's best Freedom fare that includes stretch seats, free carry-on, two free checked bags, change fees waived and full refunds.
Flights depart Toronto at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in Los Angeles at 1:05 p.m. Flights leave Los Angeles at 2:45 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 10:32 p.m.
The PorterClassic Basic roundtrip leaving Toronto for San Francisco on Jan. 25, 2024, and returning Jan. 27, 2024 is about $411 before fees and taxes. The same limitations also apply such as no carry-on bags or changes, and added charges for seat selection and checked bags. Passengers can pay about $200 more roundtrip for Porter's best Freedom fare that includes stretch seats, free carry-on, two free checked bags, change fees waived and full refunds.
Flights leave Toronto at 10:30 a.m. and arrive in San Francisco at 1:22 p.m. Flights leave San Francisco at 2:50 p.m. and arrive in Toronto at 10:46 p.m.
So, what advantages do travelers get when flying Porter? The air fares can obviously change at any time, but Porter boasts many of its benefits offered on all flights that most other airlines don't offer, such as no middle seats on any Porter flight. The airline flies Embraer E195-E2 aircraft that feature a 132-seat, all-economy, two-by-two configuration on all of its flights, according to an Oct. 3 statement.
Porter provides free WiFi, snacks, beer and wine
Porter provides free, fast WiFi to allow all passengers to stream movies and shows and remain connected throughout the flight. The airline also provides all passengers with a selection of free premium snacks, beer and wine on all flights. Those who pay extra for the airline's PorterReserve upgrade get extra legroom seats and free premium mixed cocktails and meals. PorterClassic customers can pay extra for cocktails and meals.
Porter says its E195-E2 aircraft is the most environmentally-friendly single-aisle aircraft being 65% quieter and up to 25% more fuel efficient than previous-generation technology. The airline is trying to be even more environmentally-friendly in reducing and eventually eliminating single-use plastics onboard, providing biodegradable cups and cutlery, and eco-friendly packaging, the statement said.
The airline is also adding new E195-E2 routes later this fall to five Florida destinations, including Tampa, Fort Myers, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It already flies to Boston, Chicago, Newark and Washington, D.C.
