I have always preferred to travel on Porter from the downtown Billy Bishop airport (YTZ) for a couple of reasons: less crowds, shorter security lines, NEXUS kiosks on arrival from the US, free snacks and beer and friendly service in the skies.
So, when I heard on July 5, 2021 that Porter was resuming flights in September, I was excited and knew that I had to try them out again since they stopped operations at the start of the pandemic.
So, on July 7th after checking and clearing my schedule, I booked myself on the first flight out on September 8th. What made the decision easier was the price and the ability to cancel all fares including “Basic” fares and receive a refund to the original form of payment. Infact, when the fare dropped slightly a few days later I was able to cancel and rebook at the lower price and the refund for the earlier booking posted to my credit card as a refund within 3days. I did “splurge” on booking a “Premium PLUS seat” so that raised my cost by about $40 so I could be in row 2. (Row 1 was blocked for crew seating)
And, now began the agonizing wait of two months….
On September 8, I arrived at the downtown airport at 6:30am for my 8:00am flight.
It was a quick elevator ride down to make the short trek of partial walk(closed due to maintenance) and partial walkway as we moved through the tunnel…
and then back up as we reached the island airport.
And up some more…..
to get to the check-in desks
Since I had purchased a “Basic” fare, I was only only to check-in online at home 24hours before departure, but had to obtain my boarding pass at a check in counter. On the far left I found a sign for that and went there to get my boarding pass. I was issued my boarding pass in less than a minute and when I was handed my boarding pass, all the check-in agents started clapping. I was surprised and was told that I was officially the first passenger to check in today.
I then headed over to domestic security which was just to the right of the check-in desks. (The security to the left side of the check-in desks is for trans-border security). The security person scanning my boarding pass also mentioned that I am the first passenger to pass through security. I had to remove my jacket and place in a tray but was allowed to keep my belt and shoes on. As my tray passed through the scanner, I was advised that I was randomly selected for additional screening and would need to have my carry on swab tested. I highly doubt this was random and it appears he had a quota to meet. Anyways, that process took just about a minute and I was off on my way to the lounge/waiting area.
This is the sight that greets you as you descend into the lounge/waiting area.
There are lots of spaces for seating with social distancing
There are a couple of outlets too
The washrooms were spacious and spotlessly clean.
Finally it was time to board. While it was announced at about 15mins to departure that boarding would be by rows, at around 10mins to departure, an announcement was made for a general boarding and then everyone rushed to board. You then go to your gate where your boarding pass and a government issued ID is validated. This agent was the only agent I noticed who was not wearing gloves while handling IDs of all passengers, while all other employees from check-in to security to staff at the coffee shop were wearing gloves.
Then, its a few steps further and you board by going up a few set of steps up the aircraft.
Finally I was on board and excited to occupy my “Premium PLUS seat”. This is where my biggest disappointment of the day came. These are pretty tight and narrow seats and I had to get up from my seat, put the seat belts on the arm rests, sit down and then fasten my seat belt. There is no room after you sit to place your hands at the sides and grab the seat belts.
I later checked on the porter website, the benefits of these “Premium PLUS seat” and realised that the advantage is only the legroom and not wider spacious seats. That is indeed true as there is ample legroom here as can be seen below.
Shortly after takeoff, the 15passengers on board were offered snacks and drinks from a trolley that was pushed through the cabin by the cabin attendant who was also wearing gloves. The snack option was only chips and the beverages option was coffee and water (not sure if pop was an option).
I visited the washroom and noticed it was pretty cramped and there was no running water – not a good move during a pandemic when hand washing in encouraged.
In conclusion, here are my views on the pluses and minuses:
Pluses:
– Quick check in process
– Quick security process
– No long walks to get to your gate
– Cheap fares if booked well in advance.
– Good large overhead bins
Minuses:
– No free cookies and snacks in waiting area (as was offered prior to COVID)
– All employees must wear masks
– Tiny washrooms and no running water
– “Premium PLUS seats” are very narrow
– Not sure why row 1 was blocked when no crew occupied it
– Need a better selection of snacks and beverages on board
Overall, it was a good experience with Porter, and I look forward to flying on the trans-border routes soon.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
All photos were taken by me at the airport and on the aircraft.