Porter Airlines Bombardier Q400 Trip Report
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
priestpilot
I fly Porter often. When they started flying in 2006, the idea was to be a fancy new airline catering to business travellers and putting class back into air travel. They started flying to Ottawa with the intent that Toronto would be the origin and destination (rather than a transfer point. But eventually they started allowing connections, but a boarding pass needs to be shown to access their departure lounge in Toronto (which is something very unique about them and that airport.
However, they have been going downhill and I feel like they started cheaping out on things. Flights between Toronto and Ottawa are supposed to be frequent, every hour or so. But when they couldn't fill their planes they started cancelling flights, which would screw up connections (I personally know people who have been delayed for at least half a day because of this. I find them to be hit-or-miss nowadays. Lately I have been prefering to take the train in business class when traveling between Toronto and Ottawa.
But what I do like is that they ended Air Canada's monopoly on Sudbury and opened up that route to competition. Now fares are actually affordable to a lot of people!
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I fly Porter often. When they started flying in 2006, the idea was to be a fancy new airline catering to business travellers and putting class back into air travel. They started flying to Ottawa with the intent that Toronto would be the origin and destination (rather than a transfer point. But eventually they started allowing connections, but a boarding pass needs to be shown to access their departure lounge in Toronto (which is something very unique about them and that airport.
However, they have been going downhill and I feel like they started cheaping out on things. Flights between Toronto and Ottawa are supposed to be frequent, every hour or so. But when they couldn't fill their planes they started cancelling flights, which would screw up connections (I personally know people who have been delayed for at least half a day because of this. I find them to be hit-or-miss nowadays. Lately I have been prefering to take the train in business class when traveling between Toronto and Ottawa.
But what I do like is that they ended Air Canada's monopoly on Sudbury and opened up that route to competition. Now fares are actually affordable to a lot of people!
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burkeshaw
Hi Jeb; Took a Q-400 from Calgary Ab. to Ft. St. John B. C. with Westjet. I took it more as a souvenir of flying F-27s with Quebecair in northern Quebec. I forgot i'm an adult now and so the picture window was not as huge as I remembered it! LOL! The flight was great, smooth and, like you, with comfortable seating. Service was a little on the basic side however, a small package of nut free whatever they were and a coke! Two and a half hours later I was in Ft. St. John. What seriously impressed me was the ground customer service. Because of the full flight, they offered free baggage check in. On the way home, again with Westjet, I had an extra bottle of rum that I carefully packed into my suitcase - using bubble wrap and my clothes. They offered to check the suitcase in for me, put a fragile strip in the bag and everything came home safe and sound! Great service - totally happy!
Idle curiosity question Jeb: what is it you do that allows you all these great flights and train travel? Is your corporation hiring? LOL! They are all most excellent videos! Thanks for posting!
John Shaw, Calgary Ab.
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Hi Jeb; Took a Q-400 from Calgary Ab. to Ft. St. John B. C. with Westjet. I took it more as a souvenir of flying F-27s with Quebecair in northern Quebec. I forgot i'm an adult now and so the picture window was not as huge as I remembered it! LOL! The flight was great, smooth and, like you, with comfortable seating. Service was a little on the basic side however, a small package of nut free whatever they were and a coke! Two and a half hours later I was in Ft. St. John. What seriously impressed me was the ground customer service. Because of the full flight, they offered free baggage check in. On the way home, again with Westjet, I had an extra bottle of rum that I carefully packed into my suitcase - using bubble wrap and my clothes. They offered to check the suitcase in for me, put a fragile strip in the bag and everything came home safe and sound! Great service - totally happy!
Idle curiosity question Jeb: what is it you do that allows you all these great flights and train travel? Is your corporation hiring? LOL! They are all most excellent videos! Thanks for posting!
John Shaw, Calgary Ab.
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E2Driver
Yeah making landings smooth can sometimes be a challenge at YTZ. Its not unsafe, the runway is definitely long enough for this aircraft. Its just not quite long enough to always finesse or play with the landings like you can at most airports that have 2-3X the length. I compare it to Navy Carrier flying. With an island runway as short as this, the plane ALWAYS has to touch down in a defined landing zone for safety, and leaves very little wiggle room to make it nice and greasy. Often it happens but when you throw in things like wind gusts from the North or when a light Q400 doesnt settle as expected, the Pilot usually has to accept an outcome that may feel a little rougher than normal or go-around. Despite the challenge, many YTZ Pilots say its the most enjoyable and rewarding landings that they do in their career. Excellent video and so happy to hear that You was a great flight with Porter. They are a fantastic Airline and I enjoy them Immensely. Cant wait to get back in the air.
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Yeah making landings smooth can sometimes be a challenge at YTZ. Its not unsafe, the runway is definitely long enough for this aircraft. Its just not quite long enough to always finesse or play with the landings like you can at most airports that have 2-3X the length. I compare it to Navy Carrier flying. With an island runway as short as this, the plane ALWAYS has to touch down in a defined landing zone for safety, and leaves very little wiggle room to make it nice and greasy. Often it happens but when you throw in things like wind gusts from the North or when a light Q400 doesnt settle as expected, the Pilot usually has to accept an outcome that may feel a little rougher than normal or go-around. Despite the challenge, many YTZ Pilots say its the most enjoyable and rewarding landings that they do in their career. Excellent video and so happy to hear that You was a great flight with Porter. They are a fantastic Airline and I enjoy them Immensely. Cant wait to get back in the air.
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Alim
I have taken Porter many times from Toronto to Atlantic Canada and to be honest I increasingly prefer to just take Air Canada. They get a bad rap but they are more dependable in terms of reliability than Porter is and actually do those particular routes nonstop instead of forcing you to stop in Ottawa or Montreal before continuing onward. Ill buy some wine or beer if thats what I want and I certainly dont do that every flight, so the free alcohol thing isnt that big a deal for me. That being said it can be a good option on routes like Toronto to Ottawa or Montreal or to cities in the Northeast US, especially if downtown is where you need to be and you get a good deal.
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I have taken Porter many times from Toronto to Atlantic Canada and to be honest I increasingly prefer to just take Air Canada. They get a bad rap but they are more dependable in terms of reliability than Porter is and actually do those particular routes nonstop instead of forcing you to stop in Ottawa or Montreal before continuing onward. Ill buy some wine or beer if thats what I want and I certainly dont do that every flight, so the free alcohol thing isnt that big a deal for me. That being said it can be a good option on routes like Toronto to Ottawa or Montreal or to cities in the Northeast US, especially if downtown is where you need to be and you get a good deal.
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FKillin
I love flying with Porter. But the best part is the lounge when you depart Toronto. Also I find It easier to fly back from Billy Bishop over Pierson airport because at Pierson you go through immigration in Canada instead of in the US. I do not find that going through immigration in Canada is any fast. The only complaint is that now they charge for a bag. So if you flying to Toronto from the east coast and flying Porter is an option take. Great airline.
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I love flying with Porter. But the best part is the lounge when you depart Toronto. Also I find It easier to fly back from Billy Bishop over Pierson airport because at Pierson you go through immigration in Canada instead of in the US. I do not find that going through immigration in Canada is any fast. The only complaint is that now they charge for a bag. So if you flying to Toronto from the east coast and flying Porter is an option take. Great airline.
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Mark
Can't get much more Toronto than drinking Ontario wine on a Toronto built aircraft flying into Billy Bishop on the Island.
Porter is Unique treasure and their key is you being able to take the tunnel or ferry to downtown. You sat on the bus but essentially you are blocks away from about 50 hotels. There is no long trip in from the airport to downtown. For anyone flying to Toronto in the North East, this is the way to travel. .
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Can't get much more Toronto than drinking Ontario wine on a Toronto built aircraft flying into Billy Bishop on the Island.
Porter is Unique treasure and their key is you being able to take the tunnel or ferry to downtown. You sat on the bus but essentially you are blocks away from about 50 hotels. There is no long trip in from the airport to downtown. For anyone flying to Toronto in the North East, this is the way to travel. .
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The
Love watching airport action Jeb! If you visit Minneapolis, checkout the Observation Deck near Gate D1. My dad worked for Republic Airlines and then Northwest after they merged in 1986. ; we use to hang out at the airport while my dad was at work. Wish spectators and AVGEEKS could still go out to the concourses and gates. Hopefully that will change again in the future.
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Love watching airport action Jeb! If you visit Minneapolis, checkout the Observation Deck near Gate D1. My dad worked for Republic Airlines and then Northwest after they merged in 1986. ; we use to hang out at the airport while my dad was at work. Wish spectators and AVGEEKS could still go out to the concourses and gates. Hopefully that will change again in the future.
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Sassy
At this point, I think I have seem pretty much all of your videos. One common thread I have to ask about. I really don't remember you ever saying you had a miserable experience with cabin crew. Now, I may be wrong, but have you ever had a bad experience with cabin crew? Or is it a matter of see camera, make nice.
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At this point, I think I have seem pretty much all of your videos. One common thread I have to ask about. I really don't remember you ever saying you had a miserable experience with cabin crew. Now, I may be wrong, but have you ever had a bad experience with cabin crew? Or is it a matter of see camera, make nice.
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Susan
Jebb do you love it when you get a chance to board via tarmack. I love it when I get to go on via tarmak. I noticed on the announcements they forgot to mention that tampering with smoke alarm is a federal offence which makes me think there must be some great stories behind that restriction.
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Jebb do you love it when you get a chance to board via tarmack. I love it when I get to go on via tarmak. I noticed on the announcements they forgot to mention that tampering with smoke alarm is a federal offence which makes me think there must be some great stories behind that restriction.
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Mark
I took my first Q400 trip from Southampton, UK to the isle of Jersey using FlyBe and it took 35 minutes! I flew back on a Blue Islands ATR 72-500 but 10 minutes after take off a door alarm went off so we had to land back at Jersey and were transferred to an even smaller ATR 42-320!
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I took my first Q400 trip from Southampton, UK to the isle of Jersey using FlyBe and it took 35 minutes! I flew back on a Blue Islands ATR 72-500 but 10 minutes after take off a door alarm went off so we had to land back at Jersey and were transferred to an even smaller ATR 42-320!
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Gary
Hey Jeb, great video. I have flown Porter a number of occasions from Thunder Bay. The real Porter experience is best when departing YTZ as they have an amazing lounge with all kinds of free items! It would probably be worth doing a follow up video just to show that aspect.
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Hey Jeb, great video. I have flown Porter a number of occasions from Thunder Bay. The real Porter experience is best when departing YTZ as they have an amazing lounge with all kinds of free items! It would probably be worth doing a follow up video just to show that aspect.
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MacDBB
Love Porter. Great airline although I wish they did a few more point to point flights as going through Toronto every time gets old. Billy Bishop - is a nice spacious city hub, but be prepared for go arounds in bumpy weather (nervous flyers beware I guess.
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Love Porter. Great airline although I wish they did a few more point to point flights as going through Toronto every time gets old. Billy Bishop - is a nice spacious city hub, but be prepared for go arounds in bumpy weather (nervous flyers beware I guess.
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Steve
Yayy! Glad you enjoyed your flight. We honestly always do our best and it's great working with like minded people who all want to give the best experience possible. love flying to dulles_airport. it's my favorite airport in our network. Bienvenue!
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Yayy! Glad you enjoyed your flight. We honestly always do our best and it's great working with like minded people who all want to give the best experience possible. love flying to dulles_airport. it's my favorite airport in our network. Bienvenue!
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Bob
Isn't this pronounced like the guy that dropped the bombs during WWII? Bomb-bar-DEAR. I've never heard that word pronounced Bom-bar-dee-EH. If you go to Dictionary. com, you'll find that the word is pronounced as bomb-bar-DEAR.
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Isn't this pronounced like the guy that dropped the bombs during WWII? Bomb-bar-DEAR. I've never heard that word pronounced Bom-bar-dee-EH. If you go to Dictionary. com, you'll find that the word is pronounced as bomb-bar-DEAR.
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Peter
Do they have a upper class yet. Like more leg room for extra money. nice vid too so this is your homework. next time you fly a q 400 I love the sound of those props landing can you record them next time please.
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Do they have a upper class yet. Like more leg room for extra money. nice vid too so this is your homework. next time you fly a q 400 I love the sound of those props landing can you record them next time please.
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Kamloops
Enjoyed this video about the Q400 with Porter. You should consider some of the Q400 flights in Western Canada on West jet and Air Canada Jazz. The Q400 is the work horse for most flights in BC and Alberta.
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Enjoyed this video about the Q400 with Porter. You should consider some of the Q400 flights in Western Canada on West jet and Air Canada Jazz. The Q400 is the work horse for most flights in BC and Alberta.
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Patrick
Flew one recently to Toronto from Dulles. Was very good for a regional and would fly Porter again when going to Toronto especially since my home airport of Richmond doesn't have a direct to Toronto.
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Flew one recently to Toronto from Dulles. Was very good for a regional and would fly Porter again when going to Toronto especially since my home airport of Richmond doesn't have a direct to Toronto.
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Mathew
We've heard of people being chronically late, right? I am chronically early when flying. Solely for the reason of exploring the airport and watching the activity on the ramp.
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We've heard of people being chronically late, right? I am chronically early when flying. Solely for the reason of exploring the airport and watching the activity on the ramp.
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John
The reason why Porter has larger legroom is because it has less seats than a regular Q400 because of the short runway at YTZ there Q400s have less seats and larger legroom
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The reason why Porter has larger legroom is because it has less seats than a regular Q400 because of the short runway at YTZ there Q400s have less seats and larger legroom
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Christopher
Thanks for posting this video, I love the Q400, it is my favourite. I've flown with Porter a few times. I like watching the props turning on startup
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Thanks for posting this video, I love the Q400, it is my favourite. I've flown with Porter a few times. I like watching the props turning on startup
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William
Thanks for the review of this important option for travel to Canada for us East Coasters (BOS) and for the info about the Q400, which Ive never flown.
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Thanks for the review of this important option for travel to Canada for us East Coasters (BOS) and for the info about the Q400, which Ive never flown.
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OntarioRail12
I still remember when I was little I flew from Washington DC to Toronto (hometown) and puked all over the seat rip to whoever sat on it next
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I still remember when I was little I flew from Washington DC to Toronto (hometown) and puked all over the seat rip to whoever sat on it next
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Chief
Man I wish I hadve got on those orlando flights. I knew they wouldnt last long but how cool is that. A 3. 5 hr turboprop out of city to fl?
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Man I wish I hadve got on those orlando flights. I knew they wouldnt last long but how cool is that. A 3. 5 hr turboprop out of city to fl?
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steve
jets are banned at Toronto City, extra leg room is because seats were removed to permit dash 8 to fly non dtop to destinations in PEI
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jets are banned at Toronto City, extra leg room is because seats were removed to permit dash 8 to fly non dtop to destinations in PEI
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Logan
I honestly prefer the Q400 because I think the CRJ200 is just too small for me. Thanks for the awesome videos, Jeb! Keep it up =)
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I honestly prefer the Q400 because I think the CRJ200 is just too small for me. Thanks for the awesome videos, Jeb! Keep it up =)
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It
The Dash 8 Q400s is one of the quickest civil turboprop aircraft in the world and has a maximum cruise speed of 360 knots.
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The Dash 8 Q400s is one of the quickest civil turboprop aircraft in the world and has a maximum cruise speed of 360 knots.
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MrRamyon74
A real shame the people of Toronto didn't get behind their plans at Billy Bishop for the C-series, now A220 jets.
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A real shame the people of Toronto didn't get behind their plans at Billy Bishop for the C-series, now A220 jets.
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Aaron
Hey whats up with the double down vote? It cancelled out. I see what you did there. But seriously, I enjoy your videos
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Hey whats up with the double down vote? It cancelled out. I see what you did there. But seriously, I enjoy your videos
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Steph
Flying Porter for the second time in just a few weeks. Really looking forward to it. Such a stark contrast to Pearson.
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Flying Porter for the second time in just a few weeks. Really looking forward to it. Such a stark contrast to Pearson.
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Cherry
Horizon Air, which is owned by Alaska airlines uses the Bombardier Q400, you should review them if you have a chance.
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Horizon Air, which is owned by Alaska airlines uses the Bombardier Q400, you should review them if you have a chance.
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