Scotiabank Gold American Express® CardScotiabank Gold American Express® CardEarn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points + no annual fee in your first year

How to Get Free Baggage with Porter Airlines

How to Get Free Baggage with Porter Airlines
Share

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!

Standard Fees for a Checked Bag

The cost of a checked bag depends on:

  • The fare class of the ticket;
  • Flight origin and destination;
  • If you are a VIPorter member;
  • If you have the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard;
  • When the checked baggage was purchased (at the time of booking, after booking, at the check-in counter, or at the boarding gate).

For example, if you have a flight from Montreal to Vancouver, the rates may vary per bag and per person, for a one-way trip:

Time of bookingChecked baggage fee
Upon reservation$40 to $51.75
After reservation$45 to $63.25
At the registration desk$50 to $69
Boarding gate$55 to $74.75
Annual fee
$0 $199
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,249
Milesopedia 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.
Welcome offer
Up to 70,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Ends Oct 31, 2026
Apply Now

on BMO's website

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:

  • On 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.

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 & EV
  • 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.

To find out more, read our complete guide to VIPorter’s Avid Traveller Elite Status.

Partner Credit Card Offering a Free Checked Bag

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.

Annual fee
$0 $199
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,249
Milesopedia 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.
Welcome offer
Up to 70,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Ends Oct 31, 2026
Apply Now

on BMO's website

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:

  • On 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.

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 & EV
  • 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.

Although not specifically linked to Porter Airlines, the National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers great flexibility, thanks to its $150 Annual Travel Credit. Additionally, the reimbursement process is very easy!

Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia 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.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on National Bank's website

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 an NBC mycredit 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 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

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
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
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!

Our credit card selection
Credit cardAnnual feeWelcome offer
Annual fee$89 $0Welcome offer
Up to 40,000 pointsEnds Oct 31, 2026
Apply Now
Annual fee$199 $0Welcome offer
Up to 70,000 pointsEnds Oct 31, 2026
Apply Now

Ready to plan your next trip? Discover 15 destinations accessible with 50,000 VIPorter points, from Europe to Canada!

Our featured card

Annual fee
$0 $199
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$1,249
Milesopedia 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.
Welcome offer
Up to 70,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Ends Oct 31, 2026
Apply Now

on BMO's website

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:

  • On 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.

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 & EV
  • 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.