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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Porter Airlines include carry-on baggage?

Yes. All Porter fares include one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg) and one personal item at no charge. Checked bags are not included and cost $35 CAD for the first bag when pre-purchased online.

Does Porter Airlines serve free drinks?

Yes. Porter is known for including complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks on most flights — a perk that distinguishes it from low-cost competitors.

Can I cancel a Porter Airlines booking?

Free cancellation within 24 hours of direct booking. After that, standard fares allow changes for $75 CAD per segment. PorterFlex allows changes for $25 CAD. PorterReserve has no change fee.

What is VIPorter?

VIPorter is Porter's loyalty program that works like a cashback system, earning Porter dollars (3–10% of base fare depending on status) redeemable on any Porter flight with no blackout dates.

What aircraft does Porter use?

Porter's fleet includes Bombardier Q400 turboprops (for short-haul routes, including YTZ) and Embraer E195-E2 jets (for longer routes to the US, Caribbean, and Mexico from Pearson).

Is Porter Airlines better than Air Canada for short-haul Canadian routes?

For many travelers, yes. Porter's complimentary drinks and snacks, downtown Toronto airport (YTZ) for applicable routes, and often friendlier service make it a preferred alternative to Air Canada on short-haul eastern Canada routes.