Toronto rising
Several new luxury properties are bringing elegance to an evolving Toronto skyline. Among them, the Thompson Toronto, the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto and the Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square. Read more
The flight was short, but not so much that I couldn't enjoy myself.
Yes, I actually enjoyed my flight. In fact, I couldn't help but think that it was how flying should be, and used to be.
The airline was 5-year-old Porter Airlines, a Toronto-based carrier that offers short-haul flights from Toronto to the likes of Newark, Chicago and Washington.
What sets Porter apart is that the airline treats everyone like business-class passengers, even though the flights, while not cheap, are priced competitively with the major carriers.
It begins at the airport, where Porter lounges have wide, leather chairs; complimentary beverages; and free WiFi. That experience is magnified in Toronto, where Porter is the main airline at Billy Bishop Toronto City Center Airport, and where the airline has its largest lounge, complete with ample seating, closed-off business pods and a sizable kitchen offering snacks and drinks.
Flying in and out of Toronto, Porter has a great advantage over other airlines because it is the only one that flies into City Airport, located on an island that is literally a 30-second ferry ride to downtown Toronto -- locals call it the world's shortest scheduled ferry. The tiny airport accommodates only small aircraft, which is why Porter can call it home.
Porter's jets are all 70-passenger, turboprop planes. The leather seats are standard coach size, but according to Porter, its cabins offer more legroom than any in its class.
During the flight, even though it's less than two hours to Toronto from Newark, Porter flight attendants, who wear traditional uniforms and caps, serve an actual box meal -- a small chicken wrap and salad for lunch, a fruit cocktail and muffin for breakfast. All beverages, including wine and beer, are complimentary.
And once at City Airport, it took me 30 minutes to get through customs, ride the ferry and hop aboard the free shuttle Porter operates to the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, just across from Union Station, Toronto's main train station.
Porter pays commissions on its flights and has a travel agent portal on its website, www.flyporter.com.
Follow Johanna Jainchill on Twitter @jjainchilltw.