What it’s Like Flying Domestic and Transborder with Porter Airlines

Similar to most airlines around the world, Porter Airlines allows travelers who have booked any fare other than the Basic fare to check-in online and select their seats 24 hours prior to departure. Using the Porter app, I checked in online with no issues. Luckily, there were plenty of window seats available. I always opt for a window seat for the views. After checking in online, I was sent a mobile boarding pass to my email, which could then be displayed at the airport. And for iPhone users, it could also be saved to your Apple Wallet. Nowadays, checking in online makes the airport experience a lot smoother, and if you don’t have checked bags, you can bypass the check-in counters and head straight to the gate. You can even help preserve the environment by using a mobile boarding pass rather than having airport agents print your boarding pass.

Toronto Island Airport is a regional airport located on the Toronto Islands, right off the Toronto Harbour. The airport is best for travelers who want to fly conveniently from downtown Toronto rather than make their way to Pearson Airport. However, due to the length of the runway, the airport only serves regional jets and Dash 8-400 aircraft.

To get to this airport, travelers can either take a 2-minute ferry ride, or walk through the underground tunnel. Travelers flying on Porter can take a complimentary shuttle to/from the Fairmont Royal York hotel’s western entrance on York Street, across the street from Union Station. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes.

Being a smaller airport, it was very easy to navigate. The entire process from check-in to clearing security took only 20 minutes. There is one restaurant, one store to buy snacks and drinks, and a coffee shop. Otherwise, the waiting area in the airport is pretty small and not crowded. Travelers who do not like crowds will certainly enjoy flying from this airport as an alternative to the much busier Lester B. Pearson International Airport. 

The important thing to know is, for travelers traveling to the U.S.A., Toronto Island Airport doesn’t have U.S. Pre-clearance like Pearson Airport does. Therefore, there is no need to arrive 3 hours prior to departure, as customs are done upon arrival. 

Porter Airlines Dash 8-400 Aircraft (DH4)

Porter flies DH4 aircraft, built by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited. For the future, the airline has ordered Embraer E195 aircraft in order to fly longer distances. That will be the next generation airplane to fly travelers in a comfortable and sustainable style. While many people don’t enjoy flying on propeller planes, Porter’s flights are surprisingly not noisy. Thanks to the development of a modern Noise and Vibration Support System, Porter’s aircrafts are the quietest propeller planes flying today.

Departure from Billy Bishop Toronto Island Airport

Boarding started 40 minutes prior to departure, which was unexpected considering that my boarding pass said boarding only starts 30 minutes prior. Final boarding was announced approximately 20 minutes prior to departure. All flights that evening, Porter and Air Canada, were on time. The flight departed 5 minutes early. While many domestic flights are known to be constantly delayed, especially short ones that are 1-2 hours long, it looks like Porter really works hard for on-time performance.

Teo’s Travel Tip: when departing from Toronto Island Airport, always get a seat on the left. If you’re flying into Toronto Island Airport, get a seat on the right. 

Takeoff from Toronto Island Airport is an experience. The plane took off to the west and turned around, giving the travelers sitting on the left side a beautiful view of Toronto. It was night outside, so it was a night view. Meanwhile, my first time flying Porter, takeoff was to the east and the view over Toronto was better. Regardless of the direction of takeoff, if you sit on the left you will get a beautiful view of Toronto.

Flight Amenities

Just like any domestic flight, a snack of cookies and a drink were served free of charge. Porter does not have a meal menu, as their flights are pretty short. The biggest difference when flying Porter is, beer and wine are complimentary! They will even give you more than one if you ask for it. Now this is something you almost never see on flights, not even on flights that are 7 hours or longer! 

Arrival at Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport

After about 50 minutes of flying, the flight landed towards the southwest, with a view of Mount Royal and downtown Montreal in the distance. The domestic area is located in a separate building, from where travelers walk through a tunnel to get to the main building. Just a 15-minute walk and we were in the arrivals area.