@movernie
So….it was an incredible experience for me flying with Porter Airlines on its inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Vancouver Airport (YVR). After having so much fun exploring Vancouver, eating, drinking, hanging out with my Vancouver friends, that it’s time to fly home.
Well….I am flying back from Vancouver to Toronto with Porter Airlines once again on its new Embraer E-195-E2 jet from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ).
I took an Uber ride from Downtown Vancouver to Vancouver Airport, it was about noon on a weekday so the traffic wasn’t so bad, it took about 30 minutes for the ride.
I informed the Uber driver that my flight is a domestic one, so he said it should be at the Main Terminal. As always, I am super happy when my Uber Driver knows where he is going.
MoVernie TIP: Although my Porter flight is a domestic flight, the entrance to the Porter counter isn’t located in the domestic area, but instead, it was located more towards the International area. It was a bit odd coz my Uber Driver was going to drop me off in the domestic area, which he was right. However, as our vehicle slowly made our way towards the back part of the Domestic flights, I noticed there were signage outside each entrance and I spotted Porter was located more in the “International” flights area. So, I told the Uber driver to stop and drop me off there.
My advice is always look out for signage and look out for your airline, coz although your flight is a domestic one, perhaps the airport has another space for new airline such as Porter.
Once I got into the airport, there was no one lining up at the Porter airport. What some reason, I don’t have a QR code for my Porter boarding pass and I was instructed to talk to a staff at the Porter counter to get a physical copy of the boarding pass. I have no problem doing that as I was curious to check out the Porter counter section anyways.
The process of getting check-in and via the security check were seamless, although there was a short lineup to get pass the custom. Nevertheless, it was a smooth process.
It was a short walk to the gate for my flight. I was about an hour before take off and there were already some passengers and flight attendants on hand. The sign indicated that the Porter flight is on time and will be leaving as scheduled. Since I have about 40 minutes left, I decided to chill at the Vino Volo wine bar and get myself a pint of Vancouver beer before heading back to Toronto.
My Flight Heading Back to Toronto – MoVernie FUN Facts:
– Porter Airlines first time having its flight flying from Vancouver Airport to Toronto Pearson.
– This direct flight departs from the Main Terminal (Vancouver Airport)
– Departure Time: 2:00 PM PT
– Duration: 4 hrs & 32 mins
– Arrival Time: 9:35 PM ET (YYZ – Terminal 3)
– Porter purchased the new Embraer E195-E2 jets which is bigger, faster and more fuel efficient
At around 1:30 PM PT, people began to board. This flight was jam packed, pretty full. The travel time was approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes. Whenever we are flying from the west coast, due to the jet stream, it’s always much quicker to fly from west coast to the east coast. Thus, when I was flying from Toronto to Vancouver, the flight took about 5 hours and 10 minutes.
When the plane took off, I decided to log in the complimentary WIFI. Since I am a long-time VIPorter Member, I login and could access the WIFI for the entire trip without the need to watch the TV commercial every 30 minutes.
Just like my inaugural flight flying from Toronto Pearson to Vancouver, we were being served with a free meal to try (normally, the meal will be for purchase for PorterClassic). This time, they ran out pretty much everything and I was sitting at Row 16, which is half way from the plane. They were serving ham & cheese croissant or cheese & fruit plate or a veggie dish. I elected to try the ham & cheese croissant. It was not bad as the cheese was a high quality thick piece of cheese. However, that’s all you get from the meal, no side dishes or nothing other than the lunch.
To flush down with my meal, I chose for a complimentary beer that was served in a glassware. Fancy!
I have been examining the food menus from Porter and I really like some of their offerings, but for some reason, they don’t have any of those choices by the time it comes to me. I would like to try the salmon poke, mango chicken or soda noodles.
Mind you, the food menu differs when flying towards the east coast or flying towards the west coast. Click here to check out the food offerings.
An hour before landing at Toronto Pearson, the friendly Porter crew served us with another round of beverage and snacks. I have to say, the snacks offering are delicious. I enjoyed the salty almonds, the peanuts, the cookies and banana bread were delightful as well. For my 2nd round, I opted for another complimentary beer. You could ask for red or white wine or just a juice/pop. Whatever you like.
The flight was on schedule and it was a safe landing.
MoVernie Verdict:
I really enjoy both of my Porter flights when flying from Toronto to Vancouver. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience. Porter crew were friendly and hardworking from every step of the flight experience. The plane itself was new, modern, quiet and smooth. The best part? The flights were on time and landed on schedule.
Would I Fly with Porter in the near future? Hell ya! Most definitely. I highly recommend you to fly and experience what Porter Airlines is all about as you will #ActuallyEnjoyEconomy!
I look forward to fly to destinations outside of Canada in the near future!
