On 03OCT, I had the pleasure of joining Porter Airlines on their inaugural flight from YYZ to PHX. The non-stop service from Toronto to Phoenix opens a gateway to Arizona’s vast outdoor playground, luxurious resorts (did someone say wellness?), and a vibrant arts scene.
Porter’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft is modern and comfortable. Having no middle seat to contend with is definitely a bonus. The friendly cabin crew served complimentary wine and beer (also a bonus), paired with surprisingly yummy snacks. In-flight Wi-Fi was a great feature that came in handy as I prepared for the trip. These niceties set Porter apart and the four-and-a-half-hour flight flew by.
The plan is to make Porter the first choice on the Toronto-Phoenix route, not only for snowbirds but also for those looking to explore one of North America's most iconic regions. There are, of course, connections from other Porter centres such as Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax. For your more discerning clientele, PorterReserve is all-inclusive, with extra legroom, premium cocktails, and complete meals.
As part of a small press group hosted by the Arizona Tourism Office, we arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport just as the desert heat reached a high of 42 degrees Celsius. Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the USA, and is renowned for its golf courses - nearly 200 of them, and soon-to-be-experienced culinary scene (more on that Monday!).
Only 30 minutes away is Scottsdale, awash with luxurious hotels such as the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, the Global Ambassador, The Hyatt Regency, and the Four Seasons, along with premier shopping districts and top-tier restaurants.
I’m looking forward to the next five days as our hosts from both Phoenix and Scottsdale promise to deliver a specially curated experience for us lucky press folk. We’ll be sampling some of the area’s finest cuisine, exploring key cultural sites, and immersing ourselves in the thriving arts scenes.
I’ll be sharing those Arizona experiences with you over the next week.
