I Tried Two of Canada’s Biggest Airlines Only One Surprised Me
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Date: 2025-08-02
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Comments and reviews: 20
Ozinater
Air Canada J class is not really comparable at all to Porter reserve. AC has a whole separate business class cabin. Porter's E2 is in an all economy configuration and Porter Reserve is premium seating within the Y cabin, and not business class as such. It's an apples to oranges comparison- that should be fairly obvious.
I worked for Porter for almost 3 years and now work for Air Canada. The onboard experience on Porter is more consistently pleasant. The crew, the inflight service, the wifi etc. The flying public here in Canada has become quite fond of Porter. So much so that Air Canada and WestJet have followed their lead and started offering free beer/wine and in-flight wifi on flights within Canada and the US. Air Canada has gotten a lot better than it used to be, particularly with the newer aircraft in the fleet such as the A220s. I sat in that exact same seat on the A220 in J and was impressed. Even economy seats on the A220 I've heard are good. But the experience varies quite a bit. A large part of AC's A320 mainline fleet do not have functioning IFEs, and many of the cabins are very tired. If you are unlucky enough to have your aircraft swapped to a Rouge aircraft- good luck to you. I can assure you it is not pleasant. Or crammed into the back of the 10-abreast 'high density' 777. Not the greatest experience.
Narrowbody within North America, Porter classic/Porter reserve vs Air Canada Economy/Premium economy, I would take Porter.
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Air Canada J class is not really comparable at all to Porter reserve. AC has a whole separate business class cabin. Porter's E2 is in an all economy configuration and Porter Reserve is premium seating within the Y cabin, and not business class as such. It's an apples to oranges comparison- that should be fairly obvious.
I worked for Porter for almost 3 years and now work for Air Canada. The onboard experience on Porter is more consistently pleasant. The crew, the inflight service, the wifi etc. The flying public here in Canada has become quite fond of Porter. So much so that Air Canada and WestJet have followed their lead and started offering free beer/wine and in-flight wifi on flights within Canada and the US. Air Canada has gotten a lot better than it used to be, particularly with the newer aircraft in the fleet such as the A220s. I sat in that exact same seat on the A220 in J and was impressed. Even economy seats on the A220 I've heard are good. But the experience varies quite a bit. A large part of AC's A320 mainline fleet do not have functioning IFEs, and many of the cabins are very tired. If you are unlucky enough to have your aircraft swapped to a Rouge aircraft- good luck to you. I can assure you it is not pleasant. Or crammed into the back of the 10-abreast 'high density' 777. Not the greatest experience.
Narrowbody within North America, Porter classic/Porter reserve vs Air Canada Economy/Premium economy, I would take Porter.
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Diane-no5nx
Just flew 2 flights to and from Europe on Air Canada economy and 1 up from economy. THE worst flights ever, going was a night time flight so it was pretty quiet food wasn’t to bad but the upgrade I bid on wasn’t worth it $700 extra $$. Cramped seating, compared to WestJet’s same class. Coming home in economy during the day was a whole different ball game. A little over half way thru the bathrooms started to smell, the one had toilet paper all over the floor and eventually people said no paper. Very cramped seating, but all that aside the worse cabin crew ever. They took no time with you, after the meal you hardly saw them. She walked thru with a large bottle of water and cups but I should say ran thru. I don’t know if it’s normal but something I never experienced, a small banner came across the top of your monitor snacks and refreshments were at the back of the plane, help yourself. The only time they spoke to you was to ask when the beverage trolley came thru but definitely no small talk. Someone said they’re in negotiations, well you don’t treat customers like that or you won’t have a job to worry about. From now on I’ll pay the extra if needed and fly WestJet or Porter if available. Air Canada sucks.
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Just flew 2 flights to and from Europe on Air Canada economy and 1 up from economy. THE worst flights ever, going was a night time flight so it was pretty quiet food wasn’t to bad but the upgrade I bid on wasn’t worth it $700 extra $$. Cramped seating, compared to WestJet’s same class. Coming home in economy during the day was a whole different ball game. A little over half way thru the bathrooms started to smell, the one had toilet paper all over the floor and eventually people said no paper. Very cramped seating, but all that aside the worse cabin crew ever. They took no time with you, after the meal you hardly saw them. She walked thru with a large bottle of water and cups but I should say ran thru. I don’t know if it’s normal but something I never experienced, a small banner came across the top of your monitor snacks and refreshments were at the back of the plane, help yourself. The only time they spoke to you was to ask when the beverage trolley came thru but definitely no small talk. Someone said they’re in negotiations, well you don’t treat customers like that or you won’t have a job to worry about. From now on I’ll pay the extra if needed and fly WestJet or Porter if available. Air Canada sucks.
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huyoung9153
I trust you are fine with some constructive criticism) Air Canada operates over 200 airplanes plus hundreds more in its other integrated subsidiaries like Air Rouge. WestJet operates over 200 airplanes and both airlines operate domestically and to many international destinations. Porter operates circa 70 airplanes and very few large planes and only 5 destinations outside Canada, none to Europe or South America and only within the last couple of years. You state in the title of your video that you’ve tried two of Canada’s biggest airlines, which implies the relative equality of those which you are comparing. Otherwise it’d be like comparing a Fiat 500 or Mini Cooper to a Bentley or Aston Martin or, as other commentators have aptly put it, comparing apples to oranges. The same goes for comparing an international flight of more than five hours duration with a relative puddle jumper flight in a much smaller plane. Comparing a fast food joint with a Michelin star restaurant may be a comparison but if its about fairness, it’s not unlike putting a two hundred lb man on a horse and expecting similar results as with a 105 lb jockey.
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I trust you are fine with some constructive criticism) Air Canada operates over 200 airplanes plus hundreds more in its other integrated subsidiaries like Air Rouge. WestJet operates over 200 airplanes and both airlines operate domestically and to many international destinations. Porter operates circa 70 airplanes and very few large planes and only 5 destinations outside Canada, none to Europe or South America and only within the last couple of years. You state in the title of your video that you’ve tried two of Canada’s biggest airlines, which implies the relative equality of those which you are comparing. Otherwise it’d be like comparing a Fiat 500 or Mini Cooper to a Bentley or Aston Martin or, as other commentators have aptly put it, comparing apples to oranges. The same goes for comparing an international flight of more than five hours duration with a relative puddle jumper flight in a much smaller plane. Comparing a fast food joint with a Michelin star restaurant may be a comparison but if its about fairness, it’s not unlike putting a two hundred lb man on a horse and expecting similar results as with a 105 lb jockey.
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lcloutier
Porter is great. And so are all Canadian airlines when compared to AirCan. To this day, AC is the spitting image of ex-CEO Calin Rovinescu; a very small man in a large body who acts, always, as a duplicitous little biche (pardon my French. I had the privilege of being insulted by him at a routine press scrum at the Montreal Hilton years ago and the absolute honour of putting on air my esteemed colleague's question about the French language which was the first step towards his dismissal as CEO. AirCan only puts effort in routes where executives think they could impress important int'l guests. Rouge is a union-busting dumpster fire aimed at exploiting every prized vacation destination for Canadian customers. I suspect IAH-YUL has good service these days because San Antonio and Houston are the main data centres for the Trump-focused GOP and Montreal is a big software town. That is 100% the way executives at AC thought under Rovinescu.
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Porter is great. And so are all Canadian airlines when compared to AirCan. To this day, AC is the spitting image of ex-CEO Calin Rovinescu; a very small man in a large body who acts, always, as a duplicitous little biche (pardon my French. I had the privilege of being insulted by him at a routine press scrum at the Montreal Hilton years ago and the absolute honour of putting on air my esteemed colleague's question about the French language which was the first step towards his dismissal as CEO. AirCan only puts effort in routes where executives think they could impress important int'l guests. Rouge is a union-busting dumpster fire aimed at exploiting every prized vacation destination for Canadian customers. I suspect IAH-YUL has good service these days because San Antonio and Houston are the main data centres for the Trump-focused GOP and Montreal is a big software town. That is 100% the way executives at AC thought under Rovinescu.
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xiunaa
When i was a kid i used to love flying AC. They were by far the best Canadian airline, recently they seem to have gone the way of oh so many flag carriers cutting their service at every opportunity, cutting their benefits and increasing prices to the insane. My last AC flight (Montreal to Heathrow) they straight up didnt offer a meal service (i beleive due to turbulance, and not only did they not apologize for the inconvenience when i emailed to complain about this to maybe get a voucher or something, they straight up lied to me and assured me there were two meals on that flight, and i must have slept through them (i dont sleep on planes. Needless to say ive vowed to never fly AC again.
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When i was a kid i used to love flying AC. They were by far the best Canadian airline, recently they seem to have gone the way of oh so many flag carriers cutting their service at every opportunity, cutting their benefits and increasing prices to the insane. My last AC flight (Montreal to Heathrow) they straight up didnt offer a meal service (i beleive due to turbulance, and not only did they not apologize for the inconvenience when i emailed to complain about this to maybe get a voucher or something, they straight up lied to me and assured me there were two meals on that flight, and i must have slept through them (i dont sleep on planes. Needless to say ive vowed to never fly AC again.
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user-oh3cw5ip9t
I flew Porter (Vancouver-Toronto return, economy) for the first time last spring. Aside from the plane itself looking new and fresh, and there not being a middle seat, I saw no real difference from Westjet which I used for years for the same trip. The 'premium snacks' were not anything I'd call premium. One of them, dried fava beans, was in fact one of the worst things I've ever eaten. Or rather, tried to eat. I could barely swallow them and gave up after 1/4 of the bag. Free beer and wine is nice but since I rarely drink it didn't matter to me. Oh, and my 'window seat' had windows slightly in front of and behind me but not right next to me. That was odd.
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I flew Porter (Vancouver-Toronto return, economy) for the first time last spring. Aside from the plane itself looking new and fresh, and there not being a middle seat, I saw no real difference from Westjet which I used for years for the same trip. The 'premium snacks' were not anything I'd call premium. One of them, dried fava beans, was in fact one of the worst things I've ever eaten. Or rather, tried to eat. I could barely swallow them and gave up after 1/4 of the bag. Free beer and wine is nice but since I rarely drink it didn't matter to me. Oh, and my 'window seat' had windows slightly in front of and behind me but not right next to me. That was odd.
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jamesshort5682
Hello Noel. I have been flying across Canada and around much of the world on Air Canada for 30 years. Over that time, I have flown 950, 000 miles with the carrier. For the past 18 months, I have been splitting my flying time about 25/75 in favour of Porter. Air Canada has some very cool equipment (787, A220 etc) with real business class. However, the terrible on-time performance, downright disrespectful staff sometimes and, if you can believe it, oversold lounges (due to handling out access as credit card perks) significantly diminishes the experience. A comfortable seat, fast wifi, helpful staff and on time performance tips the scales in my opinion.
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Hello Noel. I have been flying across Canada and around much of the world on Air Canada for 30 years. Over that time, I have flown 950, 000 miles with the carrier. For the past 18 months, I have been splitting my flying time about 25/75 in favour of Porter. Air Canada has some very cool equipment (787, A220 etc) with real business class. However, the terrible on-time performance, downright disrespectful staff sometimes and, if you can believe it, oversold lounges (due to handling out access as credit card perks) significantly diminishes the experience. A comfortable seat, fast wifi, helpful staff and on time performance tips the scales in my opinion.
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MrNacholibre1980
I fly Porter all the time in Canada. I don't fly on Business class because I can't afford it but I can tell you that comparing Air Canada economy to Porter Classic the service is much better on Porter. You get the same drinks and snacks (no French Toast) but on Porter you get a much more friendly crew and they make you feel welcome and not a nuisance. Noel you need to compare economy flights because their slogan is: actually enjoy economy. Comparing business class on AC to Porter Reserve is like comparing United First Class to Emirates First. Not a fair comparison would you say
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I fly Porter all the time in Canada. I don't fly on Business class because I can't afford it but I can tell you that comparing Air Canada economy to Porter Classic the service is much better on Porter. You get the same drinks and snacks (no French Toast) but on Porter you get a much more friendly crew and they make you feel welcome and not a nuisance. Noel you need to compare economy flights because their slogan is: actually enjoy economy. Comparing business class on AC to Porter Reserve is like comparing United First Class to Emirates First. Not a fair comparison would you say
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susieblu4152
Porter absolutely rocks and what a disservice you did yourself not taking a longer flight! Porter Reserve is the way to go for a longer trip and I can assure you the meals are fresh and scrumptious, snacks and drinks, alcoholic or not are free and plentiful. The ground crew are always delightful and cabin crew, perfect. I was a West Jet flyer but since their East Coast presence has become not as friendly to we Maritimers I’ve been flying Porter and won’t look back, and as for Air Canada I don’t have to worry about their motto anymore We’re not happy until YOU’R not happy
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Porter absolutely rocks and what a disservice you did yourself not taking a longer flight! Porter Reserve is the way to go for a longer trip and I can assure you the meals are fresh and scrumptious, snacks and drinks, alcoholic or not are free and plentiful. The ground crew are always delightful and cabin crew, perfect. I was a West Jet flyer but since their East Coast presence has become not as friendly to we Maritimers I’ve been flying Porter and won’t look back, and as for Air Canada I don’t have to worry about their motto anymore We’re not happy until YOU’R not happy
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sosowad2954
In my experience, Porter's economy service is significantly better than Air Canada's. I also regularly fly Air Canada business class from Toronto (YYZ) to Monterrey, Mexico (MTY, and the service is consistently mediocre. It feels like a gamble on whether the flight attendants will be in a good mood. The check-in process and the service at the Maple Leaf Lounge in YYZ are also underwhelming. While the aircraft, seats, and in-flight entertainment are nice, I only fly them because it's a nonstop route. I also agree with other comments that this video isn't a fair comparison.
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In my experience, Porter's economy service is significantly better than Air Canada's. I also regularly fly Air Canada business class from Toronto (YYZ) to Monterrey, Mexico (MTY, and the service is consistently mediocre. It feels like a gamble on whether the flight attendants will be in a good mood. The check-in process and the service at the Maple Leaf Lounge in YYZ are also underwhelming. While the aircraft, seats, and in-flight entertainment are nice, I only fly them because it's a nonstop route. I also agree with other comments that this video isn't a fair comparison.
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noel_philips
Starting with my first flight on Trans Canada Air Lines, now Air Canada, in 1958, on a Canadair North Star, to prresent day, freqently flying all over the world with Air Canada, I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bad flight. The food is consistantly good, and the flight crews excellent. As for Canada Customs, I have NEVER been treated with anything but poiliteness and professionalism. On the other hand, in all the time I have crossed into the US by either land, sea or air, I have yet to be treated with anything but disdain, rudeness and unprofessionalism. Chimo
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Starting with my first flight on Trans Canada Air Lines, now Air Canada, in 1958, on a Canadair North Star, to prresent day, freqently flying all over the world with Air Canada, I can honestly say I have NEVER had a bad flight. The food is consistantly good, and the flight crews excellent. As for Canada Customs, I have NEVER been treated with anything but poiliteness and professionalism. On the other hand, in all the time I have crossed into the US by either land, sea or air, I have yet to be treated with anything but disdain, rudeness and unprofessionalism. Chimo
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supernova9909
Flew my first ever international flight and also my first ever widebody flight from YVR-NRT earlier this year on an Air Canada 777-300er with 3 4 3 seat config. 1 hr delay, and arriving in Narita, we parked at what seemed like the furthest away possible gate from customs and had a long walk, but no problems besides that. The comfort and meals however, both barely acceptable but nothing terrible. My friend flew on Zipair and had a much better experience for cheaper. Overall 6/10. My next flight is going to be ANA out of Seattle, interested to see how it compares.
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Flew my first ever international flight and also my first ever widebody flight from YVR-NRT earlier this year on an Air Canada 777-300er with 3 4 3 seat config. 1 hr delay, and arriving in Narita, we parked at what seemed like the furthest away possible gate from customs and had a long walk, but no problems besides that. The comfort and meals however, both barely acceptable but nothing terrible. My friend flew on Zipair and had a much better experience for cheaper. Overall 6/10. My next flight is going to be ANA out of Seattle, interested to see how it compares.
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CumulusGranitis
Very nice summary of Air Canada's Business Class. Yes that In Flight map AC has is something you can play with for hours. Air Canada has certainly pulled it socks up in the past 5 years where Business Class is concerned and it has become the product I look forward to every time I fly whether Domestic or Trans Border. Now if you want really eye opening and comfortable journey Noel try their Signature Class pods on wide body's. Intercontinental flights are joy in Air Canada's Signature Class. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.
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Very nice summary of Air Canada's Business Class. Yes that In Flight map AC has is something you can play with for hours. Air Canada has certainly pulled it socks up in the past 5 years where Business Class is concerned and it has become the product I look forward to every time I fly whether Domestic or Trans Border. Now if you want really eye opening and comfortable journey Noel try their Signature Class pods on wide body's. Intercontinental flights are joy in Air Canada's Signature Class. Give them a try, you will not be disappointed.
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kevindigo22
Haven't flown Porter yet, but I have to say that my two most recent trips on Air Canada (domestic and to Europe) went smoothly and were MUCH better than what I remember from the past. I used to find the AC cabin crew could be downright surly, now they seem to be younger and much more friendly. Plus the free wine and beer. Previously AC only had to compete with Westjet and didn't try very hard, but now they have more competition with Porter and Flair on the scene, and seem to be doing better.
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Haven't flown Porter yet, but I have to say that my two most recent trips on Air Canada (domestic and to Europe) went smoothly and were MUCH better than what I remember from the past. I used to find the AC cabin crew could be downright surly, now they seem to be younger and much more friendly. Plus the free wine and beer. Previously AC only had to compete with Westjet and didn't try very hard, but now they have more competition with Porter and Flair on the scene, and seem to be doing better.
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Aleksandar6ix
I love Air Canada’s A220, but when it comes to travel for work, it’s Always Porter for me. I’ve never been late with them in over a year. The irony here is that my first AC A220 flight was TO Houston, and I always fly Porter round trip to Halifax. So, you follow in my footsteps! Don’t forget that Q400 Noel! Both these jets used the same engines, and I even recognize your Porter flight attendant!
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I love Air Canada’s A220, but when it comes to travel for work, it’s Always Porter for me. I’ve never been late with them in over a year. The irony here is that my first AC A220 flight was TO Houston, and I always fly Porter round trip to Halifax. So, you follow in my footsteps! Don’t forget that Q400 Noel! Both these jets used the same engines, and I even recognize your Porter flight attendant!
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davidedwards5039
When I flew by Edmonton from Ottawa via Toronto, the services were Excellent and when I lost my phone and report it on to the airline Call customer service centre by text it was found and located on the plane and was actually flown to Edmonton in Two days and when it arrived at the Edmonton international it was turned over to me by the head ticket agent supervisor and and all I need was photo ID.
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When I flew by Edmonton from Ottawa via Toronto, the services were Excellent and when I lost my phone and report it on to the airline Call customer service centre by text it was found and located on the plane and was actually flown to Edmonton in Two days and when it arrived at the Edmonton international it was turned over to me by the head ticket agent supervisor and and all I need was photo ID.
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diordna7
As a Canadian, I was hoping for a more substantial comparison. This was a bit lightweight, with comparison between different-length flights in different seat classes, and chirpy comments about the scenery. For most of us, a comparison of economy class would be more useful. BTW, I've been happy with Air Canada, but like any corporation they need good competition or management will get lazy and arrogant.
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As a Canadian, I was hoping for a more substantial comparison. This was a bit lightweight, with comparison between different-length flights in different seat classes, and chirpy comments about the scenery. For most of us, a comparison of economy class would be more useful. BTW, I've been happy with Air Canada, but like any corporation they need good competition or management will get lazy and arrogant.
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RogerBurton-q2s
Comparing different classes is ridiculous.
Porter does miss the screens however as the wifi is free its not such a big deal. Now try flying Air Canada economy or premium economy and you'll find the seats similar to Porter.
As for cost nobody charges per KM its all route dependent.
The thing with Porter is your snack is free unlike every other north american airline.
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Comparing different classes is ridiculous.
Porter does miss the screens however as the wifi is free its not such a big deal. Now try flying Air Canada economy or premium economy and you'll find the seats similar to Porter.
As for cost nobody charges per KM its all route dependent.
The thing with Porter is your snack is free unlike every other north american airline.
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terryandhope
I love Porter. It’s my goto airline. I fly between Edmonton and Toronto a few times per year. My choice is west jet, air Canada or Porter. Unless one of the others has a really good deal, I pick Porter. Although I really can’t stand WestJet. I hope you come back to Canada Noel. We do have some beautiful country both East and west. Thanks for reviewing two of our best airlines.
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I love Porter. It’s my goto airline. I fly between Edmonton and Toronto a few times per year. My choice is west jet, air Canada or Porter. Unless one of the others has a really good deal, I pick Porter. Although I really can’t stand WestJet. I hope you come back to Canada Noel. We do have some beautiful country both East and west. Thanks for reviewing two of our best airlines.
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trevorvincent1168
As a Canadian, I was hoping for a little better out of this video. Comparing AC business class to Porter reserve, isn’t much of a comparison. A better comparison would have been flying AC economy from, say, Toronto to Vancouver and then Porter from Vancouver to Toronto. That short flight from St. John’s to Halifax isn’t much to gage by.
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As a Canadian, I was hoping for a little better out of this video. Comparing AC business class to Porter reserve, isn’t much of a comparison. A better comparison would have been flying AC economy from, say, Toronto to Vancouver and then Porter from Vancouver to Toronto. That short flight from St. John’s to Halifax isn’t much to gage by.
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