This Canadian Airline Is Doubling Its Capacity to Florida in Time for Winter

Canadian carrier Porter Airlines will double its flights to Florida in time for winter, making it easier for snowbirds to escape to warmer climes. 

The airline will now fly up to 126 flights each week across 14 different routes between Canada and the Sunshine State, according to Porter. Flights will connect major cities in both countries, including Toronto and West Palm Beach, Montréal and Fort Lauderdale, and Ottawa and Orlando.

“We experienced a strong response to our Florida service last winter. Now, we’re providing our passengers with substantially more flight options to meet their Florida travel plans this winter, including departures from four major Canadian airports,” Kevin Jackson, the president of Porter Airlines, said in a statement, adding, “We provide an elevated economy experience that is unmatched in North America.”

Porter’s winter schedule will kick off with flights between Toronto and Fort Myers on Oct. 25, followed by flights between both Ottawa and Fort Lauderdale and Toronto and Tampa on Oct. 27. That will complement the year-round flights to Orlando from both Toronto and Ottawa.

Porter will also launch new seasonal service between Toronto and Palm Beach on Nov. 14. That flight will operate once each day.

Dana Young, the president and CEO of Visit Florida, said the expansion “signifies the growing demand for travel to our incredible destinations, [and] allows more Canadians to discover the unique charm, vibrant culture and warm hospitality that Florida has to offer.” 

Porter will operate these routes on its 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, which feature a 2-2 seat configuration. Each flight includes complimentary snacks, beer, and wine, and comes complete with free Wi-Fi.

The Florida expansion comes on the heels of the airline’s decision to launch new seasonal flights between Montréal and both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Those flights took off last month for the first time and are expected to end in October. 

The airline has also partnered with Alaska Airlines to make flying between Toronto and California easier.