Porter Airlines has a baggage policy that varies by fare type (Basic, Standard, Flexible, Freedom, PorterReserve) and destination (domestic, U.S., sun destinations, transatlantic). Below is a concise overview based on the most recent information available from Porter’s official website and other reliable sources.
Carry-On Baggage Policy
Allowance:
- All Passengers: One personal item (e.g., briefcase, purse, small backpack, camera bag, laptop bag) included at no cost.
- Max dimensions: 33 x 43 x 16 cm (13 x 17 x 6 in).
- No weight restriction, but must fit under the seat.
- Basic Fare: Only one personal item; standard carry-on not included (except on transpacific flights to/from Europe and Africa, where a standard carry-on is included).
- Standard, Flexible, Freedom, PorterReserve Fares: One personal item plus one standard carry-on bag.
- Max dimensions for standard carry-on: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.5 x 15.5 x 9 in), including handles and wheels.
- No weight restriction, but must fit in the overhead bin or under the seat.
- PorterReserve Fares: Explicitly includes two carry-on articles (personal item + standard carry-on).
Additional Notes:
- Duty-free purchases (e.g., cigarettes, alcohol, perfume) in reasonable quantities do not count toward the carry-on allowance if sealed in a Security Tamper Evident Bag with a receipt (valid for 48 hours).
- Oversized carry-on bags may be checked at the gate for a fee ($49.50–$138 CAD/USD, depending on the situation).
- GatePorter Service: Passengers can leave carry-on bags (including mobility aids or strollers) at the aircraft bridge before boarding for transfer to the baggage hold at no extra cost.
- Items like coats, cameras, strollers, child restraint systems, canes, crutches, or life-sustaining items do not count as carry-on. A small diaper bag is permitted for parents traveling with an infant (under 2) as an additional item.
- Pet carriers count as the standard carry-on, allowing only one additional personal item.
Checked Baggage Policy
Allowance:
- Basic Fare: No free checked baggage; fees apply for all bags.
- Standard Fare: One checked bag included on flights to/from Europe and Africa; otherwise, fees apply.
- Flexible Fare: One checked bag included on flights to/from Europe and Africa; otherwise, fees apply.
- Freedom Fare: One checked bag included; first two bags free for some routes.
- PorterReserve Fare: Up to two checked bags included at no additional cost.
- Infants (under 2): No separate baggage allowance, but strollers and car seats are carried free.
- Military Personnel (Canadian/U.S.): Up to three checked bags free on Porter-operated flights (max 203 cm/80 in, 32 kg/70 lb each) with valid military ID (active or retired, business or personal travel). Does not apply to partner airline connections.
Size and Weight Restrictions:
- Max dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) total (length + width + height) per bag.
- Max weight: 23 kg (50 lb) per bag; no single piece can exceed 32 kg (70 lb).
- Bags exceeding 203 cm (80 in) or 32 kg (70 lb) are not accepted.
Refund Policy: Baggage fees are non-refundable unless the booking is canceled within 24 hours of purchase or if baggage is damaged or delayed.
Excess and Special Items
Excess Baggage:
- Fees increase with the number of bags checked (see above).
- During high-volume periods, excess bags may be placed on hold and transported on the next available flight; passengers must return to the airport to retrieve them.
Sports Equipment:
- Counts as one checked bag toward the allowance, subject to standard fees unless otherwise stated.
- Max weight: 32 kg (70 lb); max dimensions: 203 cm (80 in).
- Other equipment (e.g., sports rackets) may be carried on if within carry-on size limits.
Firearms and Ammunition:
- Allowed as checked baggage only, per dangerous goods regulations.
- Firearms: Must be in a hard-sided container; Porter is not liable for sight misalignment.
- Ammunition: Up to 5 kg (11 lb) per passenger, securely packed in a hard-sided container; cannot be combined across passengers. Must be declared at check-in.
Pets:
- Small dogs or cats allowed in the cabin in an airline-approved carrier (counts as the standard carry-on, max one pet per carrier).
- Carrier must fit under the seat; not allowed for unaccompanied minors, passengers with infants, or those near emergency exits.
Respiratory Assistive Devices:
- Ventilators, respirators, CPAP machines, and approved portable oxygen concentrators are accepted, typically free of charge.
Restricted Items:
- Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage: firearms (except as noted), toy/replica weapons, knives/scissors with blades over 6 cm, axes, hammers, drills, baseball/cricket bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, martial arts equipment, and more. See Porter’s website for a full list.
Additional Information
Connecting Flights:
- If the first flight is operated by Porter, Porter’s baggage policy applies for that direction. If operated by a partner (e.g., JetBlue), the partner’s policy applies.
- For single-ticket itineraries with partners, Porter typically honors the baggage policy of the most significant international carrier, but check each airline’s policy.
- Baggage is transferred automatically for connections through Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to final destinations in Canada or the U.S.
VIPorter Status: Higher tiers may offer additional baggage allowances (e.g., free checked bags). Check your status in “My Bookings.”
BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard: Cardholders may receive free checked baggage benefits.
Payment:
- Online: Credit card (Amex, MC, Visa, UATP), Gift Certificate, or Reservation Credit.
- Airport: Debit or credit only (cash-free).
Lost/Damaged Baggage: Contact Porter’s customer service or visit their website for claims procedures.
