There was a lot of excitement today as Porter commenced operations out of Toronto Pearson (YYZ) operated by their new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft in addition to their flights out of the Toronto downtown Billy Bishop airport on an island(YTZ).
On arrival at Terminal 3 at Toronto Pearson, there was a large sign outside guiding you which entrance to use.
Once inside, you were greeted by a new set of check-in desks with cheerful and smiling check in agents and lots of helpful Porter staff to direct you.
The check-in process was smooth and seamless. Even though I had done an online check-in for PD105, the inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson to Montreal with a scheduled departure time of 0725 , I had to drop off my checked bags. The agent who processed this for me seemed to be a new hire as not one but two other Porter employees were guiding her. After this was done, one of the employees who was guiding her, walked me to the bag drop area. She even took away my empty luggage cart. Impressed!!
As I was walking away, I noticed that Porter has an invalid character in Montreal. Unless, I am not aware that this is French way of spelling “Montreal”, QA Team I am looking at you.
After check-in, the security took forever, but this is totally outside the control of Porter.
After some early morning breakfast at the Plaza Premium Lounge, complimentary courtesy of the American Expresss Platinum, as I was at the airport around 0520, and knowing that the refreshments onboard would be nowhere close to a good breakfast, I then headed towards the gate.
On the way, it appeared that a press conference was in progress.
As I was reaching the gate, I could see from a distance that there was a lot of buzz and excitement there with free coffee, cookies and cupcakes.
I casually strolled to the table and I was asked if I would like a coffee and how I take it. Within a few seconds I was handed a cup of coffee and invited to have a cookie and/or a cupcake to go with it. Impressed.
This was followed by announcing a winner who won a free round trip ticket to anywhere on Porters network.
Boarding commenced shortly a few minutes before the scheduled departure.
This was done in order of: (I think)
1. Parents with small children
2. Passengers that need assistance
3. VIPorter members other than base level VIPorter member
4. Back 1/3rd of the aircraft
5. Middle 1/3rd of the aircraft
6. Front 1/3 of the aircraft
As you had your boarding pass scanned, each passenger has handed a large envelope that contained a travel voucher for $150, a certificate and a keychain. Impressed.
As you entered the aircraft, you could see the difference in the seats compared to the smaller aircraft out of YTZ.
Another visible striking difference was all the flight attendants were smiling and welcoming all passengers on board. Impressed.
I had selected an emergency row seat and there was ample leg room there.
Looking around the seat, a lot of thought seems to have gone in the small details, i.e.
I was surprised to learn that you get free wifi on the aircraft.
I tried the Free 30-minute Wi-Fi session and I had to watch an ad to get online. The wifi is fine for light browsing and social media. I found it a bit sluggish so dont expect to get serious business work done. Also note, the wifi is not available while de-icing is in progress.
After reaching cruising altitude, the fasten seat belts sign was turned off and an announcement made of refreshment service that would be made soon.
Before the beverage cart came out, it was a quick dash to the washroom to check out the size and what is in there.
It was not large, but has enough room to move around without hitting the door or the walls.
Back at the seat I noticed a couple of additional features.
It was now time to enjoy some complimentary light snacks and refreshments. As this was an early morning flight, beer and wine was not served.
It was soon time to reach Montreal. We got a gate right next to another Porter aircraft that presumably arrived from YTZ.
After we landed, for some strange reason, it took about 10mins for the door to be opened and allow passengers to disembark. Additionally, bags also took what seemed like ages to come on the conveyor belts. The airtags showed them sitting on the tarmac outside the plane for a long time.
Overall, it was a pleasant flight with friendly crew. Kudos to Porter for working through the logistics of operating out of another airport. The new aircrafts are spacious and the seats are quite comfortable. For someone who mostly travels only in premium cabins, it was actually a case of “Actually enjoy economy”.
So, would I fly Porter out of Pearson? While everything Porter did that is within their control was a good experience, I am not a fan of the long security lines and long walks to the gate. This ground experience is better at YTZ. Having said that a little competition is always healthy to improve the offerings to the travelling public.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
