Porter Airlines has added two new destinations in Southern California. The Canadian carrier, which first launched in 2006 using De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), has expanded its flying to Toronto-Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with the introduction of its Embraer E195-E2 fleet. These new aircraft are allowing the airline to open longer routes and expand further into the United States.
Beginning this winter, the airline will begin flying from Toronto-Pearson to San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). The San Diego flights will operate year-round 4x weekly while the Palm Springs service will be winter seasonal only, operating 3x weekly.
As mentioned above, the airline will utilize its Embraer E195-E2 on both routes. Porter’s E195s are equipped with 132 seats in an all Economy layout and have free Wi-Fi available for all passengers.
Passengers booking PorterReserve fares also receive priority check-in and boarding, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals. These items are available for purchase à la carte when booking PorterClassic fares.
Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines, had this to say about the new routes:
“Adding these two Southern California centres to our network means there are new options for passengers to enjoy Porter’s genuine onboard hospitality when planning their trips. Our presence across the continent continues to grow, with a network of flights that provides real competitive choices for travellers.”
Kevin Jackson, President of Porter Airlines
The Toronto-San Diego route is blocked at 5 hours and 45 minutes westbound and 4 hours and 45 minutes eastbound. The flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on the following schedule:
PD 681 (YYZ-SAN) Depart: 10:25a Arrive: 1:10p
PD 682 (SAN-YYZ) Depart: 2:05p Arrive: 9:50p
Flights between Toronto and Palm Springs are blocked at 5 hours 21 minutes westbound and 4 hours and 35 minutes eastbound. The flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays on the following schedule:
PD 633 (YYZ-PSP) Depart: 10:50a Arrive: 1:11p
PD 634 (PSP-YYZ) Depart: 2:15p Arrive: 9:50p
The addition of San Diego and Palm Springs now gives the airline four destinations in California, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Diego and San Francisco, all of which are served from Toronto-Pearson. Tickets for both routes are currently on sale at flyporter.com.
Summary
Porter Airlines is launching two new routes to Southern California this winter with the addition of San Diego and Palm Springs. The airline will use its new Embraer E195-E2 on both routes which should be a comfortable ride for passengers though roughly six-hours on what is essentially a big regional jet seems a little rough.
I’ve never flown Porter personally but have heard great things about the airline from a passenger and convenience perspective though, admittedly, most of that came when they were exclusively operating turboprops on short routes from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. I’m curious to hear any thoughts from those who have flown with the airline more recently.
(Images courtesy Porter Airlines)
