To the point
Porter Airlines is changing its VIPorter rewards program by adding status and new benefits for its frequent flyers.
How the new VIPorter program works
Now that Porter launched some new destinations with its new Embraer aircraft, why not change its VIPorter frequent flyer program as well.
First, the member continues to earn VIPorter points for every dollar of eligible expenses. Then, the two ways of exchanging points remain the same.
Next, here are the changes effective January 31, 2023:
- There will be five levels of frequent flyer status (instead of three)
- Ability to earn 5 points per dollar on Basic fares (previously it was 2 points)
- Carry over expenses in excess of the membership goal to the next year ($3,000 maximum) to stay ahead of the game
- Extension of status for up to 18 months while on parental leave
- PorterReserve certificate for $3,000 or more in expenses (and one for every $2,000 thereafter) to upgrade to a PorterReserve fare (which is equivalent to business class and corresponds to the first 4 rows of the cabin)
- VIPorter members enjoy free and fast Wi-Fi connection without advertising interruption
Note that VIPorter will soon offer the ability to earn and redeem points for other services and airline partners. This will be followed.
The new status and benefits
There will now be additional statuses and the names of each status will also change.
Here are the new VIPorter status and the new features:
| Member | Passport | Venture | Ascent | First | |
| Expenses / year | 0 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | $ 10,000 and more |
| Earning points | 5 points / $1 | 6 points / $1 | 6 points / $1 | 7 points / $1 | 7 points / $1 |
| Head Start (carry over of expenses to the next year) | X | X | X | X | |
| Parental leave (extension of status for 18 months) | X | X | X | X | |
| PorterReserve seat (“upgrade”) | X | X | X | ||
| Free PorterClassic Stretch seat selection | X | X |
For the rest of the benefits, you can see an overview of the VIPorter program here.
Current members will receive an email by February 1st confirming the status for which they are eligible.
Bottom Line
Porter has changed its membership levels. Now, to reach the second level, you must accumulate $2,000 in expenses in the same calendar year instead of $1,500.
Then, the last two levels (Ascent and First) make a clear distinction between those who spend even more. Before, you only needed to spend over $3,000 to get the ultimate level of the program.
As of today, it takes $6,000 to achieve Ascent status and $10,000 or more to achieve First status. The difference in benefits between the two is minimal.
First status also offers a seat guarantee in the event of a cancelled flight or a guaranteed reservation if a flight is already full. It remains to be seen if it is worth the effort for a Porter frequent traveler to achieve this status.
Are you a member of Porter? If not, you can join here; new members get a 500 VIP points bonus after their first flight.
Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
