On the heels of announcing a JV with Transat, Porter Airlines has announced a partnership with Alaska Airlines. The agreement leverages Porter’s presence across Eastern Canada along with Alaska’s well-established U.S. West Coast links to provide passengers with more flight options from coast to coast.
In an interview regarding the Transat agreement with Open Jaw’s Nina Slawek, Porter’s EVP, Kevin Jackson, made it clear that more partnerships are in the offing.
This new interline agreement with Alaska means that from 13DEC, passengers can purchase combined Porter-Alaska itineraries directly from flyporter.com or third-party agencies.
Alaska’s Mileage Plan members can begin earning points on Porter flights booked via Alaska Airlines starting in JAN. Looking ahead to 2024, VIPorter and Mileage Plan members will accrue miles in their respective loyalty programs, regardless of where they book their flights.
“This partnership with Alaska Airlines is a significant win for passengers looking for more choice and better service when flying within Canada and the United States,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Porter Airlines. “Alaska and Porter emphasize passenger service excellence on each and every flight. We’re excited about what this means for passengers across North America.”
With Porter flights connecting Toronto Pearson and California taking off in JAN 2024, passengers will be able to fly directly into major Alaska Airlines hubs in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Flights from YYZ to LAX begin 16JAN 2024, with a departure from Toronto at 10:30 a.m. and arrival in Los Angeles at 1:05 p.m. local time. The returning flight will depart LAX at 2:45 p.m. and arrive at YYZ at 10:32 p.m., Toronto time, as Open Jaw reported.
Flights from Toronto to San Francisco will begin 25JAN 2024. The outgoing flight will depart YYZ at 10:30 a.m. and land at SFO at 1:22 p.m. local time. The returning flight will depart San Francisco at 2:50 p.m. and arrive at YYZ at 10:36 p.m. local time.
Through these hubs and existing Porter destinations like Boston and New York, passengers can access 18 western U.S. markets, including Portland, San Diego, Seattle, and Phoenix, all available via an Alaska Airlines connection. Connections via shared Canadian airports are expected to come online in early 2024.
Porter said in the coming year additional benefits will unfold, including improved mileage redemption availability for both VIPorter and Mileage Plan members. Porter and Alaska will continue to strengthen their partnership further in 2024.
“Porter Airlines opens new opportunities for our guests to travel to Canada in style,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. “We’re thrilled to partner with a vibrant and growing airline, and eager for our flyers to enjoy the refined experience that Porter offers, including top-notch inflight service and terrific onboard amenities.”
