Porter Airlines Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

Porter Airlines Overview

Porter Airlines is a Canadian carrier known for a boutique service model that offers complimentary snacks, drinks, and a relaxed experience that stands out from typical low-cost carriers. Porter primarily operated from Toronto's Billy Bishop City Airport (YTZ) but has expanded to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) and beyond with its new Embraer E195-E2 jets, reaching destinations across North America and the Caribbean.

Porter Airlines Baggage Policy

Porter Airlines includes carry-on baggage on all fare types — a distinction from many Canadian competitors:

• All economy fares: One carry-on bag (23 cm × 40 cm × 55 cm, max 10 kg) plus one personal item (15 cm × 33 cm × 43 cm) included at no charge.
• Checked baggage (all fares): Not included. Fees apply per bag.

Checked bag fees on Porter:

• First bag: $35 CAD online (more at airport)
• Second bag: $55 CAD online
• Third bag: $100 CAD online

PorterReserve and higher fare bundles may include one complimentary checked bag — always check what is included in your specific bundle. Bags over 23 kg (50 lbs) are charged an overweight fee of $75 CAD. Bags over 32 kg are not accepted.

Cancellation and Change Policy

Porter's cancellation and change policies are tied to fare bundles:

• Standard (Porter) fare: Non-refundable. Changes allowed for $75 CAD plus fare difference per segment.
• PorterFlex: Changes allowed for $25 CAD per segment. Credit for cancellations.
• PorterReserve: No change fee. Full flight credit for cancellations. No cash refund.

Porter offers a 24-hour risk-free cancellation on all fares booked directly.

Seat Selection

Porter Airlines does not offer a complex seat selection pricing model. Standard economy seat selection is available at low cost, typically $10–$30 CAD. Exit row seats with extra legroom cost more. PorterFlex and PorterReserve fare bundles may include free seat selection. All seats on Porter's new E195-E2 aircraft have 30 inches of seat pitch in economy, and no middle seats on most routes (2-2 configuration).

VIPorter Loyalty Program

VIPorter is Porter's frequent flyer program. Members earn Porter dollars on every flight based on base fare (typically 3–10% depending on tier) that can be used like cash toward future Porter flights. There are no blackout dates and no award charts — it works like a cashback program tied to Porter flights.

Status tiers are Classic (entry), Elite, and Elite Plus. Elite status requires 40 segments or 25,000 VIPorter miles per year; Elite Plus requires 60 segments or 50,000 miles. Elite members earn a 75% bonus on Porter dollars and receive priority boarding and security lane access at select airports.

Pro Tips for Flying Porter

• Porter's Billy Bishop (YTZ) terminal in downtown Toronto is remarkably convenient — a 15-minute ferry ride to the island airport can save hours vs. Pearson for city travelers.
• Free beer, wine, and snacks are genuinely included in the base fare on most Porter routes — budget accordingly and avoid buying food before you board.
• The new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft (used on longer routes including Caribbean and Mexico) has a wider cabin than most regional jets with no middle seats.
• Book PorterFlex if there's any chance of itinerary changes — the reduced change fee ($25 CAD vs. $75 CAD) pays for itself quickly.
• Porter's new Pearson routes have significantly expanded its network beyond Eastern Canada — check Porter before automatically defaulting to Air Canada or WestJet.