Porter Airlines – Strategies for Getting Free Baggage
Porter Airlines is renowned for its excellent onboard service, but its baggage fees can sometimes be expensive. Here are some tips to save money on your next flights with Porter, whether you’re paying in points or dollars!
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,050Annual fee rebated$199Total$1,249Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$1,249
Welcome offer+ one round-trip companion passTo earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $5,000 within 110 days, $9,000 within 180 days and $18,000 within 365 days of account opening.
With this offer for the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you get up to 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass. Plus, you pay no annual fees for the first year and receive $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status.
Here’s how to get your full welcome bonus:
20,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
20,000 points, a round-trip companion pass, and $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status after $9,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
30,000 points after $18,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
So, to get the full welcome bonus of 70,000 VIPorter points, you’ll need to spend $18,000 in the first year.
With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you earn 3 points per dollar at Porter and 2 points per dollar on gas, transportation, grocery, restaurant and hotel purchases. And 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, including Costco.
With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you and up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking enjoy Porter travel benefits such as:
One free checked bag
1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types
Free PorterClassic seat selection
Priority security screening.
Priority rebooking on another flight in case of a delay
Exclusive check-in.
Early boarding
Additionally, as a BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard holder, your VIPorter points do not expire, and you automatically receive VIPorter Horizon Grand Traveller status. You also earn $1 in eligible spending towards your Porter status for every $25 spent.
You can also earn one round-trip companion pass per year if you spend $50,000 on your BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard during your membership year.
Finally, you are covered by a wide range of insurance policies:
21-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance
Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay insurance
Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance
Common carrier insurance
Flight Delay Insurance
Baggage insurance
Hotel burglary insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended warranty insurance
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
Legal
†Conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for updating the content of this site. For the most up-to-date information, please click on the Online Application link.
Annual fee
Primary card$199
Additional card$75
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
3xPorter flights
2xGroceries
2xConvenience
2xTransit
2xGas
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,878
2nd Year Value$316
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,000
Trip InterruptionIncluded
Delayed BaggageIncluded
Lost BaggageIncluded
Flight DelayIncluded
Hotel BurglaryIncluded
Travel AccidentIncluded
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
When you make a reservation, the fee details will be displayed during the process. Of course, if you have a bag to check in, it is more cost-effective to pay for it at that time.
If you have already made your reservation with Porter, click on My reservations in your profile. Then, under the Flight Options tab, go to the Add Baggage option. You’ll see all the necessary information on whether or not there is a charge.
Fare Classes with Included Baggage
Porter offers various fare classes, some of which already include one or two checked bags at no extra charge:
Porter Classic
Basic: No checked baggage included
Standard: No checked baggage included
Flexible: 1 free checked bag
Freedom: 1 free checked bag
PorterReserve
Navigate: 2 free checked bags
Ultimate: 2 free checked bags
If you plan to check a bag, compare the additional cost of a bag with a Standard fare (without included baggage) to a Flexible fare, which already includes one for free.
VIPorter Status with Included Baggage
The VIPorter loyalty program offers several VIPorter status levels, each with its own baggage benefits:
VIPorter Member: No checked baggage included
VIPorter Passport: No checked baggage included
VIPorter Venture: 1 free checked bag
VIPorter Ascent: 2 free checked bags
VIPorter First: 2 free checked bags
For example, if a VIPorter Venture member books a ticket in Basic fare class (where no baggage is included), he or she will automatically be entitled to a free checked bag, thanks to their status.
One of the easiest ways to get a free checked bag with Porter Airlines is by holding the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. This card offers its holder and their travelling companions (up to 8 people travelling on the same reservation) a first checked bag free on all Porter flights.
The annual fee for this card is $199 (and even waived for the first year, thanks to the welcome offer). This can represent significant savings for an individual, a family, or a pack of raccoon friends who frequently travel with Porter with bags to check.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,050Annual fee rebated$199Total$1,249Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$1,249
Welcome offer+ one round-trip companion passTo earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $5,000 within 110 days, $9,000 within 180 days and $18,000 within 365 days of account opening.
With this offer for the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you get up to 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass. Plus, you pay no annual fees for the first year and receive $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status.
Here’s how to get your full welcome bonus:
20,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
20,000 points, a round-trip companion pass, and $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status after $9,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
30,000 points after $18,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
So, to get the full welcome bonus of 70,000 VIPorter points, you’ll need to spend $18,000 in the first year.
With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you earn 3 points per dollar at Porter and 2 points per dollar on gas, transportation, grocery, restaurant and hotel purchases. And 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, including Costco.
With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you and up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking enjoy Porter travel benefits such as:
One free checked bag
1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types
Free PorterClassic seat selection
Priority security screening.
Priority rebooking on another flight in case of a delay
Exclusive check-in.
Early boarding
Additionally, as a BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard holder, your VIPorter points do not expire, and you automatically receive VIPorter Horizon Grand Traveller status. You also earn $1 in eligible spending towards your Porter status for every $25 spent.
You can also earn one round-trip companion pass per year if you spend $50,000 on your BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard during your membership year.
Finally, you are covered by a wide range of insurance policies:
21-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance
Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay insurance
Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance
Common carrier insurance
Flight Delay Insurance
Baggage insurance
Hotel burglary insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended warranty insurance
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
Legal
†Conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for updating the content of this site. For the most up-to-date information, please click on the Online Application link.
Annual fee
Primary card$199
Additional card$75
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
3xPorter flights
2xGroceries
2xConvenience
2xTransit
2xGas
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,878
2nd Year Value$316
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,000
Trip InterruptionIncluded
Delayed BaggageIncluded
Lost BaggageIncluded
Flight DelayIncluded
Hotel BurglaryIncluded
Travel AccidentIncluded
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Another Credit Card with a Travel Credit
There is another credit card that offers an annual travel credit, which can be used to offset various travel expenses, including checked baggage fees.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.
Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.
With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:
5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
2 points per dollar on recurring bills
2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
1 point per dollar for all other purchases
And since it’s a Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.
With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:
Airport parking
Baggage fees
Seat selection
Access to airport lounges
Airline ticket upgrades
What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.
Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Legal
® Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
® The À LA CARTE REWARDS logo is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA LOUNGE is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® À LA CARTE REWARDS PLAN is a registered trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® Apple Pay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Apple Inc. is not a sponsor of or participant in National Bank Mobile Banking Solutions.
® Google Pay is a registered trademark of Google LLC. Use of this trademark is subject to Google Inc. Permissions.
TM À LA CARTE TRAVEL is a trademark of National Bank of Canada. The À la carte Travel agency is owned by Transat Distribution Canada Inc. and holds a Quebec permit (No. 753141).
TM À LA CARTE REWARDS is a trademark of National Bank of Canada.
® THE TOTAL, THE CONNECTED and NATIONAL BANK are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
* Mastercard® World Elite®
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best Mastercard credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
The National Bank® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card was voted best travel credit card by Milesopedia in 2026, 2025 and 2024.
Every year, Milesopedia reviews credit card offers from major financial institutions and establishes its Ranking based on over 150 criteria such as fees, welcome offer, minimum income required, number of points per category, account credits, insurance, airport lounge access, etc.
Certain restrictions apply. For more information, see the Rewards Plan section or the Plan Rules applicable to point accumulation.
Grace period: No interest is charged on purchases made during the month if the cardholder pays the full balance of their account within twenty-one (21) days of the statement date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances and balance transfers. Minimum payment: if your account balance is less than $10, you must pay the balance in full. If you reside in the province of Quebec, your minimum payment is 5% of your account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. If you reside outside Quebec, your minimum payment is 2.5% of the credit card account balance plus any overdue amount, or $10, whichever is greater. Account statement: an account statement is sent monthly.
Table of examples of credit fees calculated over a 30-day period
Annual interest rate
$500
$3,000
22.49%
$9.24
$55.45
20.99%
$8.63
$51.76
13.2%
$5.53
$33.16
9.2%
$3.78
$22.68
*Variable interest rate in effect as of September 1, 2021.
Balance transfers and cash advances are subject to National Bank credit approval. Each amount transferred cannot be less than $250.
Exclusive to World Elite Mastercard cardholders. Presentation of the physical credit card and boarding pass is required to access the lounge. The National Bank® Lounge is accessible to customers traveling on international flights only (excluding flights to Canada and the United States). You benefit from free and unlimited access with one guest and two children aged 12 and under. Until October 4, 2026 (date subject to change), customers can enter the National Bank Lounge three hours before their flight departure time. From October 5, 2026 (date subject to change), access will be authorized for a maximum duration of 2 hours (3 hours for customers who hold a Private Banking 1859® World Elite® Mastercard® credit card). National Bank customers who are not World Elite ® Mastercard ® cardholders can also access the current lounge based on current rates and benefit from a 25 % discount on these rates : 63,24 $ taxes included for adults (excluding discount) $40.24 taxes included for children aged 2 to 12 (excluding discount) free for children under 2 (excluding discount) The entry fee is subject to change without notice and is the responsibility of the lounge operator.
Subject to providing the required supporting documents in the manner and within the prescribed timeframe. Certain conditions may apply. Only the primary cardholder of a National Bank World Elite Mastercard (Cardholder) whose account is in good standing can request a « Travel Fee Reimbursement ». « Account in good standing » means an account linked to the credit card that does not violate the Credit Card Agreement in any way and on which no restrictions apply. For example, and without limitation, the associated annual fees must have been paid in full. The maximum reimbursement of $150 can be requested from January 1 to December 31 of each year. Eligible expenses are: airport parking baggage fees seat selection airport lounge access worldwide airline ticket upgrades A reimbursement request must be made within 60 days of the purchase date. Travel expenses must be charged to the National Bank World Elite Mastercard credit card account. The maximum reimbursement of $150 is applicable per account. Please allow up to 7 business days for the reimbursement to be processed from the date your request is submitted. National Bank reserves the right to request additional supporting documents for validation purposes (e.g., invoices). You must keep all receipts and supporting documents for a period of 12 months from the date you made your reimbursement request. An unused reimbursement in one year cannot be carried over to the next year. You can make your request online at rewards.nbc.ca or by calling 1-800-341-8083 (toll-free) for an agent to assist you with your travel fee reimbursement request.
Point accumulation on grocery and restaurant spending depends on the total gross monthly amount charged to the credit card account, across all categories. Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible grocery and restaurant purchases. The 5 points per dollar accumulation is valid for the first $2,500 of gross monthly purchases charged to the account. Beyond this amount, eligible grocery and restaurant spending will earn 2 points per dollar. The calculation of the gross monthly purchase amount is based on monthly billing. A grocery purchase means a purchase made at a merchant whose primary business is selling food, such as a grocery store, delicatessen, supermarket, fruit store, or specialty food store. Meal kit subscriptions and meal delivery services are eligible. Therefore, this definition excludes, among others, retail stores and big-box stores whose primary business is selling non-food items. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. A restaurant purchase means a purchase made at a restaurant, including quick-service restaurants, bars, discotheques, nightclubs, and taverns. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
These protections apply if the purchases or rental are paid for in part with the card before departure, except, if applicable, for out-of-province medical-hospital insurance for which it is not necessary to charge the purchase of an à la carte trip and for baggage delay protection where the full cost of transport must have been charged to the card. All these protections apply to the primary cardholder, their spouse and/or their dependent children when they (spouse and dependent children) travel with the cardholder. Extended warranties apply to most new items purchased with the card, in Canada or abroad, provided the manufacturer’s warranty exists and is valid in Canada. Certain conditions, limitations and restrictions apply. For more information and details regarding your insurance coverage, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Subject to credit approval by National Bank.
Certain conditions apply. Visit mastercard.ca for more information. See all credit card terms and conditions.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your gas or electric charging purchases at a gas station or certain big-box stores. Some merchants may sell products or services identical or similar to those of eligible merchants, or are separate merchants located on the same premises as eligible merchants, but are classified by Mastercard in different categories. Purchases made from other merchants only earn base reward points. To view the full list of Mastercard codes associated with eligible merchants, download the À la carte Rewards Plan® terms and conditions document.
Recurring bill payments are defined as payments made monthly or regularly that are automatically charged by the merchant to your National Bank World Elite Mastercard. Not all merchants offer recurring payments, and not all recurring payments are considered recurring bill payments. Therefore, some payments may not qualify for accelerated reward points.
To earn 2 points per dollar spent, you must pay for your eligible purchases through the À la carte TravelTM agency section of our À la carte RewardsTM site.
For example, if you spend $400 monthly on groceries, $200 on gas, $100 on recurring bills and $150 on other purchases, the $850 spent will generate 2,750 points, broken down as follows: 2,000 points for grocery spending (since the total gross monthly amount is $850, which is less than $2,500), 400 points for gas spending, 200 points for recurring bills and 150 points for other purchases.
Insurance up to $1,000 in case of breakage, loss or theft of mobile devices for a maximum period of 2 years following the date of purchase. Subject to purchasing the device with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard or a phone service subscription paid by recurring payments from your National Bank Platinum Mastercard starting September 1, 2022. For all conditions, please consult the insurance certificate linked to your card.
Annual fee
Primary card$150
Additional card$50
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
5xRestaurants
5xGroceries
2xGas
2xBills & recurring payments
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$745
2nd Year Value$923
Card benefits
Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Bottom Line
If you travel once or twice a year with Porter, the simplest strategy is to choose a fare class that already includes a checked bag. Alternatively, pay for it during booking and get reimbursed using the $150 annual credit from the National Bank World Elite Mastercard.
For more frequent travelers (3-5 flights per year), the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard offers excellent value. The $199 annual fee is quickly offset if you check bags on each flight, especially if you are travelling with family or in a group.
The optimal solution for frequent travelers (more than 5 Porter flights per year) is to aim for a VIPorter status in combination with the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard. This card not only offers the renowned free checked bag benefit but also other privileges like earning 3 points per dollar spent with Porter and $1 in eligible spend for every $25 spent, helping you accelerate achieving your next Porter status!
Annual feeFirst Year Annual Fee Rebate$89$0First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Welcome offerTo earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $3,000 within 110 days, $6,000 within 180 days and $10,000 within 365 days of account opening.
Up to 40,000 pointsEnds Oct 31, 2026
To earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $3,000 within 110 days, $6,000 within 180 days and $10,000 within 365 days of account opening.
Annual feeFirst Year Annual Fee Rebate$199$0First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Welcome offer+ one round-trip companion passTo earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $5,000 within 110 days, $9,000 within 180 days and $18,000 within 365 days of account opening.
Up to 70,000 pointsEnds Oct 31, 2026
+ one round-trip companion passTo earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $5,000 within 110 days, $9,000 within 180 days and $18,000 within 365 days of account opening.
Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$1,050Annual fee rebated$199Total$1,249Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
$1,249
Welcome offer+ one round-trip companion passTo earn all Bonus Points: cumulative purchases of $5,000 within 110 days, $9,000 within 180 days and $18,000 within 365 days of account opening.
With this offer for the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you get up to 70,000 VIPorter points and a round-trip companion pass. Plus, you pay no annual fees for the first year and receive $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status.
Here’s how to get your full welcome bonus:
20,000 points after $5,000 in purchases within the first 110 days of account opening
20,000 points, a round-trip companion pass, and $1,000 in eligible spending towards your VIPorter status after $9,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
30,000 points after $18,000 in purchases within the first 365 days of account opening
So, to get the full welcome bonus of 70,000 VIPorter points, you’ll need to spend $18,000 in the first year.
With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you earn 3 points per dollar at Porter and 2 points per dollar on gas, transportation, grocery, restaurant and hotel purchases. And 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, including Costco.
With the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, you and up to 8 companions travelling on the same booking enjoy Porter travel benefits such as:
One free checked bag
1 complimentary carry-on bag on all Porter fare types
Free PorterClassic seat selection
Priority security screening.
Priority rebooking on another flight in case of a delay
Exclusive check-in.
Early boarding
Additionally, as a BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard holder, your VIPorter points do not expire, and you automatically receive VIPorter Horizon Grand Traveller status. You also earn $1 in eligible spending towards your Porter status for every $25 spent.
You can also earn one round-trip companion pass per year if you spend $50,000 on your BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard during your membership year.
Finally, you are covered by a wide range of insurance policies:
21-day out-of-province or country emergency medical insurance
Trip Cancellation/Interruption/Delay insurance
Car rental-collision/loss damage insurance
Common carrier insurance
Flight Delay Insurance
Baggage insurance
Hotel burglary insurance
Purchase Protection
Extended warranty insurance
Finally, enjoy six months of Instacart+ membership and a monthly $10 Instacart credit when you sign up with your eligible BMO credit card.
Legal
†Conditions apply.
BMO is not responsible for updating the content of this site. For the most up-to-date information, please click on the Online Application link.
Annual fee
Primary card$199
Additional card$75
Annual income required
Individual$80,000
Household$150,000
Conversion fees
2.5%
Earning rate
3xPorter flights
2xGroceries
2xConvenience
2xTransit
2xGas
2xRestaurants
1xAll spending
Value
1st Year Value$1,878
2nd Year Value$316
Travel insurance
Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 21 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,000
Trip InterruptionIncluded
Delayed BaggageIncluded
Lost BaggageIncluded
Flight DelayIncluded
Hotel BurglaryIncluded
Travel AccidentIncluded
Purchase protection
Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days
Our editorial integrity
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.
