About PD
Porter Airlines — flying under the PD code — is a Canadian regional carrier that's built a real following, especially among eastern Canada business travelers. It's not a legacy giant and it's not a bare-bones budget operation either. Think somewhere in the middle: a regional airline with genuine polish. PD runs 224 non-stop routes across 48 airports, which is a surprisingly punchy network for a carrier most people outside Canada haven't heard of. The heart of it all sits in Toronto, with YYZ leading the charge at 34 routes. The network is deeply Canadian — 178 of those routes stay within Canada — but PD does reach into the US, Mexico, and even Costa Rica and the Cayman Islands. That's more range than you'd expect.
Why fly PD?
Honestly? PD earns loyalty because it doesn't treat you like a number. The experience tends to feel more considered than what you'd get on a typical budget carrier — and that matters when you're doing Toronto-to-Ottawa runs on a Monday morning for the fourth time this month. The route map from YOW alone covers 31 destinations, which makes Ottawa travelers genuinely well-served — not an afterthought. And the longest route, YOW to LIR in Costa Rica at nearly 4,000 km, shows PD isn't just shuffling people between Canadian cities anymore. That's a real leisure play. If you're based in eastern Canada, PD probably connects your city better than anyone else does. That's the core reason to fly them.
PD hub airports
- YYZ Toronto — 34 PD routes from Canada
- YOW Ottawa — 31 PD routes from Canada
- YTZ Toronto — 18 PD routes from Canada
- YHU Montreal — 12 PD routes from Canada
- YHM Hamilton — 12 PD routes from Canada
Top destination countries on PD
- Canada — 178 PD routes
- USA — 34 PD routes
- Mexico — 6 PD routes
- Cayman Islands — 2 PD routes
- Costa Rica — 2 PD routes
- Bahamas — 2 PD routes
Tips for booking PD
Check which Toronto airport you're actually flying from — PD operates out of both YYZ and YTZ, and those are not interchangeable. Billy Bishop (YTZ) is downtown and tiny and lovely, but if your cab driver goes to Pearson by mistake, your day is ruined. Montreal flyers should note YHU, not YUL, handles PD's 12 routes there — same deal, different airport, easy mistake. Book early on the Mexico and Cayman routes — only 6 and 2 routes respectively, so seats go fast in winter. And always double-check baggage allowances before you pack, because PD's policies can vary depending on fare type.
Frequently asked questions about PD
Where does PD fly?
PD operates 224 routes across North America, with a strong focus on Canada, the USA, and Mexico. This extensive network makes it easy to travel between major cities and destinations throughout these regions.
What is PD's main hub?
PD's primary hub is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which serves as the central connecting point for most of the airline's operations.
What type of airline is PD?
Based on its extensive 224-route network and focus on major North American destinations, PD operates as a full-service carrier with broad regional and cross-border connectivity.
When should I book a PD flight?
For the best fares, book 2-4 weeks in advance, though this varies by route and season. Compare different fare classes during booking to find the option that best suits your needs and budget.
What should I know about baggage and check-in with PD?
Baggage allowances and check-in policies vary by fare class and route, so review your specific ticket details before traveling. We recommend checking in online 24 hours before departure or arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights.