As someone who frequently takes to the skies, I've always been intrigued by new airlines entering the fray. So when Porter Airlines, a promising Canadian upstart, began making waves in the industry, I knew I had to give it a whirl. Now, having experienced their services on a journey from DC's Dulles airport to Toronto's city airport, I can confidently say that they've earned an 8 out of 10 on my personal airline scorecard.
From the moment I stepped on board, I was greeted with an overwhelming sense of warmth, courtesy, and impeccable service that was truly reminiscent of Canadian hospitality. What particularly stood out were the little details, the ones that make you feel truly cared for - real glasses and silverware, unique and local snacks sourced from Canadian businesses, and complimentary Canadian red or white wine. Yes, you heard that right, all free of charge!
However, it wasn't all smooth cruising. One noticeable absence was WiFi, which might be a deal-breaker for those who need to be connected on-the-go. But honestly, I found the break refreshing, a chance to enjoy the unique experience of flying on a turboprop plane from Dulles to Toronto. After all, who couldn't use 90 minutes of unplugged peace in today's hyper-connected world?
Another hiccup came in the form of the emergency exit seats, which I wouldn't recommend for those on the larger side. These seats have fold-down tray tables which eat into the seating space. Luckily, I was able to switch my seat on the return flight and even had the entire row to myself!
Upon arrival in Toronto, I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the Billy Bishop airport. I breezed through customs and immigration with unprecedented speed, making it a perfect end to a rather enjoyable journey.
So, despite a couple of minor setbacks, I rate Porter Airlines an 8 out of 10. Had I not initially been seated in the emergency exit row, they would've earned a 9. And with the addition of WiFi, they'd soar straight to a perfect 10.
Would I fly with them again? Absolutely! And I wholeheartedly recommend that you try them too. This isn't just about reaching your destination; it's about embracing the adventure along the way. And with Porter Airlines, the journey seems worth it.