Flying Porter Airlines for the first time on an international itinerary felt like a mix of boutique comfort and budget frustration.
I took a two-leg journey from Miami to Toronto, then onwards to Vancouver, and while there were definite highlights, such as the 2×2 seating and free snacks, some avoidable issues left me questioning whether I’d book again.
Booking & Baggage
I booked this flight myself, paying exactly $423.63 CAD for Economy class with a small carry-on.
Porter uses Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which is a real plus for economy travellers: there’s no middle seats and a surprising amount of legroom. But the upside started to wear thin at check-in.
Check-In Headache: No App Access
Check-in is required for non-US and non-Canada nationals
If you’re flying internationally with Porter and you’re not Canadian or American, you’re out of luck when it comes to mobile check-in. Their app simply isn’t available for international passengers. There’s no way to download it. That meant I had to queue at Miami Airport and check in manually, something I don’t like having to do (and one reason I fly with carry-on luggage only). It’s a small thing, but in 2025, it’s a real inconvenience.
“No app, no boarding pass, and no real explanation. I had to queue like it was 2005.”
Flight 1: Miami to Toronto
The first flight, Porter Airlines Flight PD122, was actually a decent experience once airborne. However, it was delayed by just over an hour, which made an already tight connection at Toronto Pearson even tighter.
Boarding was calm, the crew was professional, and the aircraft was clean. The Embraer layout of 2 seats on each side is genuinely comfortable.
The snacks, like these almonds, are good quality
Freebies Onboard
- Complimentary snacks and soft drinks
- Alcoholic drinks included (specific beers and wines only)
- Power outlets which are easy to access
- Free Wi-Fi (tested and it actually worked - speeds around 4.5Mbps!)
These are the kinds of perks that Porter uses to stand out from bigger Canadian airlines like Air Canada and WestJet, and I have to say, the marking works.
The Toronto Squeeze: 75-Minute Connection
I had arrived into Miami on board a cruise ship (you can read more on my Cruise Director website) and needed to get to Vancouver. There’s one direct flight a day from MIA-YVR, with Air Canada, and the price was outrageous, meaning Porter was better value.
Porter’s system offered me a 75-minute connection at Toronto Pearson, which needed to include passport control, security, a terminal transfer and a re-clearance of Canadian customs. That’s tight even on a good day.
A flight attendant said she’d make an announcement to help me disembark early, but that never happened, despite at least 2 conversations about it. There was no follow-through, and I had to patiently wait to get off the plane and jog through Pearson to make the second flight. I made it, but just barely, and with a sour taste.
“Offered help, then ghosted. That sums up the onboard experience with Porter.”
Flight 2: Toronto to Vancouver
The second flight was pretty much a mirror image of the first, but was much longer, at just shy of 5 hours duration. We encountered quite bad turbulence, particularly as we approached Alberta, meaning that the crew were confined to their seats for much of the flight.
I have to say, I was just relieved to be onboard and delighted to arrive in Vancouver in one piece and on the same day!
Final Thoughts: Is Porter Airlines Worth It?
Let me sum up what I think about Porter Airlines for long-distance, multi-leg journeys.
The good:
- Comfortable aircraft with no middle seats
- Genuinely free snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi, a real bonus given the stinginess of the competition
- Better onboard experience than WestJet or Air Canada Economy (in my opinion)
The bad:
- App doesn’t work for many international travellers
- Tight connections with no real support
- Limited route network
- Spotty reputation for follow-through
Porter feels like a premium experience wrapped around a budget backbone. That’s fine, as long as nothing goes wrong. But if it does, you’re very much on your own.
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I paid for this trip myself. My flight reviews are independent and not sponsored by Porter or any affiliate airline.