Flying Porter: airports, fares, and baggage
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Flying Porter starts with choosing the airport and fare. A Billy Bishop flight takes different planning from a Toronto Pearson departure, and onboard services also depend on the scheduled aircraft.
This guide helps you compare the whole trip. For points, redemptions, status, and credit card benefits, read our VIPorter program guide. It remains the reference for loyalty program rules.
Choose the right airport
Read the full airport name on each part of your booking, including the return trip. Compare the airfare with ground transportation, parking, and the time needed to reach your destination.
In Toronto, Porter distinguishes Billy Bishop, airport code YTZ, from Toronto Pearson, code YYZ. Its airport access guide covers both locations. Billy Bishop is accessible through the pedestrian tunnel or by ferry. At Pearson, Porter lists Terminal 3 as its terminal.
Changing between YTZ and YYZ means travelling between two airports. Allow for ground transportation, possible baggage collection, and another security screening. Treat this differently from a connection within one terminal.
For Montreal, our June 15, 2026 article on Porter flights at MET Airport explains the opening. For an upcoming trip, confirm the exact airport and available routes for your dates in the flight search.
Dash 8 or E195-E2: check the aircraft
Porter’s official fleet page lists the Dash 8-400 turboprop and the Embraer E195-E2 jet. Their cabins and equipment differ.
The official seat maps show PorterReserve and PorterClassic seating. The E195-E2 has two seats on each side of the aisle, with no middle seat.
Check the map for your selected flight before paying for a seat. An aircraft featured in a news story or photographed in this guide does not guarantee the aircraft on your departure.
Compare PorterClassic and PorterReserve
Read Porter’s fare options before comparing prices. PorterClassic includes Basic, Standard, Flexible, and Freedom fares. PorterReserve includes Navigate and Ultimate.
For each option, check:
- included cabin and checked baggage;
- seat selection charges;
- change and cancellation conditions;
- airport and onboard services;
- the total cost for all travellers and flight segments.
Basic has significant restrictions. Its ordinary fare conditions do not allow voluntary changes or cancellations. Check the rules shown for your booking, especially if your travel plans could change.
PorterReserve includes seating at the front with extra legroom and additional services. The product differs by aircraft. Check what your flight offers rather than assuming the fare name means a long-haul business class seat.
Baggage: separate personal items from carry-on bags
A personal item and a standard carry-on bag are different categories. Porter’s official carry-on rules list these maximum dimensions:
- Personal item: 33 × 43 × 16 cm.
- Standard carry-on bag: 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
Basic normally includes a personal item, without an included standard carry-on bag. Purchased bundles, eligible benefits, and some itineraries can change this. The fare chart specifically lists an exception for travel to Europe and Africa. Check the allowance for the complete itinerary, particularly when a partner airline is involved.
For checked baggage, review the number of pieces and fees in your booking. Add the cost of the services you need when comparing a fare without bags against one that includes them.
Our guide to Porter baggage benefits covers options related to fares, status, and cards. Confirm your current eligibility before relying on a benefit.
Wi-Fi, meals, and onboard services
Porter advertises free Wi-Fi on its E195-E2 aircraft. Do not assume the same service is available on the Dash 8. The inflight experience pages and fare chart describe services by flight.
Meal service depends on the fare, flight duration, and scheduled service. Official pages do not all list the same duration threshold for fresh meals. Check your flight’s service before relying on an included meal. Snacks and drinks may not replace a full meal.
Keep travel documents and essential items accessible. If your bag is taken at the aircraft entrance, check where it will be returned before leaving a passport or medication inside.
Connections and partner flights
Read the “operated by” line for each segment. A ticket sold by Porter may include a partner airline with different services and applicable rules.
Check airports, baggage, travel documents, and connection procedures for the whole itinerary. With separate tickets, confirm what happens if the first flight is delayed and whether you must collect your bags.
Points earning and redemption options do not follow from a codeshare alone. For those rules, use the VIPorter program guide and its linked specialist guides.
Before booking and departure
Compare the final price, airport, fare, baggage, and total journey time. To choose a card that suits your spending, use our best credit cards guide, then read the selected card’s conditions.
Before departure, review flight times, required documents, allowances, and your flight’s check-in deadlines. Keep service confirmations accessible.
Official sources checked on October 26, 2026. Aircraft, schedules, and booking conditions still need to be checked for your travel dates. Dated articles retain their historical context.
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Questions before you book
Does Basic include a standard carry-on bag?
It normally includes a personal item without an included standard carry-on bag. A purchased bundle, eligible benefit, or some itineraries can change the allowance. The fare chart specifically lists an exception for travel to Europe and Africa. Check the complete booking.
Are Billy Bishop and Toronto Pearson the same airport?
No. Billy Bishop uses airport code YTZ and Toronto Pearson uses YYZ. Travelling between them requires ground transportation and may mean collecting bags and passing through security again.
Is Wi-Fi available on every Porter aircraft?
Porter advertises free Wi-Fi on its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. Do not assume the same service is available on the Dash 8. Check the aircraft and the services for your flight.
Is PorterReserve the same on the Dash 8 and E195-E2?
No. Seat maps and equipment differ. PorterReserve includes front-of-cabin seating with extra legroom and additional services, which you should check for your booked aircraft and flight.
Does every Porter ticket have the same baggage rules?
No. The fare, itinerary, eligible benefits, and involvement of a partner airline can change the rules. Read the allowance for your journey and check the operating carrier.
Where can I find VIPorter points and status rules?
The Milesopedia VIPorter program guide remains the reference for points, redemptions, status, and card benefits. This guide focuses on preparing for the flight.