When I was planning my trip to New York for my mindfulness retreat, I initially looked into flying out of Pearson Airport to Stewart Airport in New York State which is the closest airport to my retreat. Except that I couldn’t get a direct flight there. I could however fly to Philadelphia first and then change plans and fly to Stewart. It would only take my about 10 hours to get there. I don’t think so!
I also checked out flights out of Buffalo since it’s not too far. Funnily enough they don’t fly direct either so back to Philadelphia and a 9 hour commute.
I then checked out Porter airlines and while they definitely didn’t fly to Stewart airport, I could get a flight to New York City for a really decent price. Add in the cost of a hotel for a few nights and it works out to just a tiny bit more than a flight via Philadelphia. Porter it is!!
Porter is located in downtown Toronto, so right beside my condo. The above pictures were taken by me one day when I was out for a walk. That’s how close the airport is. It is a really great option for people who are traveling for work as they can fly out right from the city’s core.
Porter flies out of Billy Bishop airport on Toronto Islands so you need to take the ferry across to get to the airport. The ride over is pretty quick and the ferry leaves every 15 minutes.
Look at this view!!
5 Reasons Why Porter Airlines is the Better Way to Travel
- They’re Speedy and Efficient: The time from the moment I got on the ferry, checked in, checked my bag and went through security? 15 minutes. 15 minutes!! Seriously, I timed it. Since it is a smaller airport there isn’t the high volume of people flying in and out so you can get through a lot faster. I still can’t believe it only took 15 minutes!! That is so ridiculously amazing,
- The Lounge: When you fly Porter you get access to their passenger lounge where you wait to board. This isn’t just any lounge though. This lounge has complimentary food and beverages. That’s right my friend, complimentary as in free!!
- Since the plane is smaller, there are no dreaded middle seats. Two seats on one side of the aisle and two seats on the other. There is plenty of leg room as well. At least it’s equivalent to what you would find on most airplanes.
- My flight was less than 2 hours and we were provided with snacks! I’ve been on longer flights where you don’t get anything unless you purchase it from the in-flight menu. On this flight you had your choice of snack and they even had a gluten-free alternative! I mean that is the way that you appeal to your clientele. Most flights only hand out a complimentary glass of water in a plastic cup. On this flight? Free pop and alcohol (!) in a real glass (!) – for real, it’s free with your ticket.
- Now, I didn’t get a photo, mainly because I didn’t want to bother them while they were working, but the flight attendants have the cutest uniform!! They are retro style and are just darling. Now, uniforms aren’t your typical reason for choosing an airline but in this case it’s just the icing on an already delicious (gluten-free 🙂 ) cake! 😉
From now on when I am looking to fly somewhere I am definitely going to start with Porter airlines. They fly to so many countries and cities so it is pretty easy to make them your number one airline. Whether you are flying in or out of Toronto, you should check out Porter for your next flight.
Charlene xoxo
*this post is not sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own based on my most recent experience*
