Pictured above: Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO |
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Jim Byers / JIMBYERSTRAVEL.COM
TORONTO, ON: Porter Airlines is launching daily service to five cities in south Florida this fall. Toronto Pearson International Airport to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, as well as Ottawa International Airport to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando.
All routes begin with one daily, roundtrip flight on Porter’s new Embaer jets.
It’s a big boost for Canadian snowbirds and other travellers who love the Sunshine State. Porter’s only Florida destination as of today is Melbourne/Orlando International Airport.
“Canadians represent the largest group of international travellers to Florida, and now they can choose to fly with the only airline that emphasizes style, care and charm in every aspect of the flight experience,” airline officials stated. “From the moment passengers step on the plane, they are met with genuine hospitality and an elevated onboard service.
“Free, fast WiFi, a selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware is standard for all passengers. Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive PorterReserve fares or purchased à la carte with PorterClassic fares.”
The flight schedule and respective start dates are as follows:
Route |
Departure |
Arrival |
Flights begin |
Toronto Pearson – Tampa
Tampa – Toronto Pearson |
4:30 p.m.
9:05 a.m. |
7:32 p.m.
12:00 p.m. |
Nov. 1, 2023
Nov 2, 2023 |
Toronto Pearson – Fort Myers
Fort Myers – Toronto Pearson |
4:45 p.m.
9:00 a.m. |
8:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. |
Nov. 10, 2023
Nov 11, 2023 |
Toronto Pearson – Orlando
Orlando – Toronto Pearson |
12:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. |
2:58 p.m.
10:48 a.m. |
Nov. 21, 2023
Nov. 22, 2023 |
Orlando – Ottawa
Ottawa – Orlando |
4:00 p.m.
5:30 p.m. |
7:02 p.m.
8:59 p.m. |
Nov. 21, 2023 |
Toronto Pearson – Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale – Toronto Pearson |
12:15 p.m.
8:40 a.m. |
3:34 p.m.
11:55 a.m. |
Nov. 30, 2023
Dec. 1, 2023 |
Ottawa – Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale – Ottawa |
4:45 p.m.
4:30 p.m. |
8:32 p.m.
7:49 p.m. |
Nov. 30, 2023 |
Toronto Pearson – Miami
Miami – Toronto Pearson |
3:40 p.m.
8:40 a.m. |
7:05 p.m.
12:00 p.m. |
Dec. 12, 2023
Dec. 13, 2023 |
All times are local
The new routes are Porter’s first to the U.S. using its state-of-the-art 132-seat, all-economy Embraer E195-E2 aircraft. The two-by-two configuration provides a more comfortable passenger experience and means that Porter is the only airline with no middle seats on every flight.
Detailed schedules and Porter Escapes vacation packages can be found on www.flyporter.com.
EXCITING NEWS FOR FLORIDA LOVERS
“Canadians are used to flying to Florida, but not like this,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Porter Airlines. “Porter’s all-economy onboard service is unmatched by any other carrier in North America. Whether that’s free WiFi, no middle seats, free beer and wine alongside premium snacks, or fresh, healthy food, Porter is challenging the industry’s definition of economy air travel.
“We believe that time onboard our aircraft is just as important as at the destination.”
“We are excited to welcome Porter Airlines to Florida. Our Canadian visitors will be able to take advantage of these direct flights to 5 different destinations throughout the state and experience our beautiful beaches, miles of nature trails and endless opportunities for fun in the sun,” said Dana Young, president and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA.
Added flights to Tampa/St. Pete will be especially nice for Toronto Blue Jays fans, as Canada’s only major league baseball team holds its spring training camp and exhibition games in Dunedin, a short drive from Tampa International Airport.
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