I was lucky enough to fly Porter Airlines today out of Toronto yesterday.
With yesterday morning’s snowstorm wrecking havoc everybody was struggling to get planes into Ottawa and Montreal – Porter however was running a mere 30 minutes behind schedule. A fact that shared and updated on their website. This allowed me to delay leaving for the airport.
Moreover, the convenience of flying out of downtown Toronto is out of control. Rather than be stuck in traffic on a Thursday afternoon I chilled out with friends until the last moment. Better yet, Gavin informed me of the free shuttle Porter runs between Union Station and the island ferry.
This is the first step in my break up with Air Canada – with whom I’ve had a long running love/hate relationship (in short, I hate everything except the lounge and the airmiles). Air Canada recently sent me another two useless “upgrade certificates” that, as I’ve discussed, are neither a reward nor an incentive, and so only serve to make me loath them further. Since I can’t make Super Elite on Air Canada, and I’ve got plenty of miles, I’m going to give my money to as many other airlines as possible. If competition can breed more airlines like Porter – then all the more reason.
As an aside, it would appear I’m not the only one smitten with Porter. Upon getting off the plane in Ottawa, Stephan Dion, Ralph Goodale, Ken Dryden and possible a few other Liberals were getting ready to board. I know several firms that – to manage risk – cap the number of partners/executives/specialists/etc… that can be on any one flight. Interesting to note that this is not the case with the Liberal Party of Canada. One hopes that, at least, the Leader and the Deputy Leader are not allowed to share a plane.
eaves.ca 
Are you sure your upgrade certificates are useless? I think they have upgrades for the tango plus? I’ll acquiesce to you since you’re the flying expert.
However, ever think of having the company pay for the regular airfare and you pay the difference? I know it’s not what the intent is but on some of those 5 hour flights it may just be worth it.
And government networks are hard because you have people in those positions for 10 years who don’t know how to say “yes, we can do that.” I was at meetings all last week where they’d send in a gov’t worker who really wasn’t authorized to do anything but take notes. Very frustrating. And it’s worse when you have multi-departments at the table.
Are you sure your upgrade certificates are useless? I think they have upgrades for the tango plus? I’ll acquiesce to you since you’re the flying expert.However, ever think of having the company pay for the regular airfare and you pay the difference? I know it’s not what the intent is but on some of those 5 hour flights it may just be worth it.And government networks are hard because you have people in those positions for 10 years who don’t know how to say “yes, we can do that.” I was at meetings all last week where they’d send in a gov’t worker who really wasn’t authorized to do anything but take notes. Very frustrating. And it’s worse when you have multi-departments at the table.
PS: You might want to check that certificate as they changed it last month. Who knows, you may be able to use it!
PS: You might want to check that certificate as they changed it last month. Who knows, you may be able to use it!
Hi Tania,
They do have upgrades for Tango plus… but you only get two a year if you are Elite. The thresh-hold upgrades (which you receive after flying 50K, 75K, and 100K) are only good if you fly latitude class. Sadly, most clients won’t payfor a latitude class ticket…
It’s funny, I keep hearing more and more Air Canada horror stories. G&M correspondent Stephanie Nolen recounted one last week that also occurred to a friend of mine: “Though I never left the ground, they lost my luggage.“
Hi Tania,They do have upgrades for Tango plus… but you only get two a year if you are Elite. The thresh-hold upgrades (which you receive after flying 50K, 75K, and 100K) are only good if you fly latitude class. Sadly, most clients won’t payfor a latitude class ticket…It’s funny, I keep hearing more and more Air Canada horror stories. G&M; correspondent Stephanie Nolen recounted one last week that also occurred to a friend of mine: “Though I never left the ground, they lost my luggage.“
I can think of several politicians I’d like to put on the same plane….
I can think of several politicians I’d like to put on the same plane….