My Porter E195-E2 flight in “PorterReserve” class from Los Angeles (LAX) to Toronto (YYZ) was truly a great experience, reminding me of what a difference a kind and engaging crew and a high quality menu can make on a flight.
PorterReserve: Excellent Onboard Experience (LAX-YYZ)
PorterReserve is not business class, but is located in the front of the aircraft and features more legroom than a standard economy class seat, plus extra amenities like free meals and premiums drink onboard.
It’s pricer, of course. A standard (PorterClassic) seat costs $143 and a premium (PorterResreve) seat costs $409 if buying a one-way ticket in advance from LAX-YYZ. I almost feel like Porter is so great in regular economy class that the upgrade becomes nice but unnecessary.
The entire plane has power outlets at each seat, complimentary wi-fi from ViaSat, complimentary snacks and drinks (served in glassware)…everyone gets a premium experience onboard. And the meals and drinks served in PorterReserve can be purchased in economy class as well.
Seats are 18.3 inches wide with 36 inches of pitch in PorterReserve and 30 inches in PorterClassic. That’s the big difference. All seats recline.
Flight attendants were extremely pleasant, particularly Alexandra, pictured below, who worked the PorterReserve cabin. She was friendly and very attentive…it was a lovely combination that reminded me of how much great service can improve a flight.
Lunch was served, with choices offered on a printed menu. The cauliflower appetizer and the mango chicken dish were cold, but fresh and delicious.
Augustine had ham and croissant sandwiches, which he liked (after I pulled the brie off).
Excellent coffee too from Balzac’s:
I will offer many more details about the flight in my full review, but for now I just want to celebrate Porter for bringing dignity back to the economy class experience. Drinking out of a glass in economy class is practically unheard of these days…offering premium snacks and drinks from Canadian companies on a complimentary basis plus gourmet meals for purchase is a nice change of pace from the status quo.
My first flight on Porter was a great one and I look forward to flying this carrier again.
So I guess the extra legroom and food is worth the price difference?
I didn’t say that, but I was very happy to experience Porter and it lived up to its high expectations.
Was the brie cheese removed because it’s a soft ripened cheese? You guys look so happy in the photo.
It is a lovely experience but we can’t escape the fact it is a very narrow body small feeling E192 aircraft. 5 hours in this aircraft from YYZ to YVR is uncomfortable no matter the class.
On the positive side, a drink in a real glass, and a decent meal (even just ham and cheese on a croissant) is so hard to come by these days that this is really encouraging.
On the other hand $260 price bump gets you maybe $20-$25 in food/drink, 6 inches more legroom, a seat at the front, and assumedly earlier boarding. I’d probably pay it primarily for the leg room if traveling alone on a flight over 2 hours- but with a kid or two, probably not.
LAX-YYZ basically is medium haul, almost certainly longer than any European flight not involving Russia. $409 is less than what UA is asking for an one way MEX-DFW economy ticket (less than half the distance, and with a need to clear customs at IAH) in early April – and without any checked luggage (well, I can probably check a bag due to my *G status). I think that it’s the Y price that’s out of whack here, the Reserve one seems absolutely fine.
Did you find the sleeping bear on a log? mr. Porter and the bird are not the only animals found in the meal packaging.
Yes, on the sides of the package.
Who the heck removes brie?
My son.
Most important question… Did you get to keep the raccoon swizzle stick as a souvenir? 🙂
I certainly did!
I just found a Porter Reserve for only $80USD over regular on YYC-YOW-YYZ… Bought it mostly because of this report. Definitely worth $80.
Hope you have lovely flights!