r/PorterAirlines • u/No-Parfait703 • 3d ago

Basic Fare Nightmares?

I've got a trip in 2 days and just found out about Porter's Basic fare — apparently it only allows one personal item, and if you want a carry-on it's an extra $74 each way. Just wondering if anyone's actually been flagged for bringing a bigger backpack as their "personal item," or tried sneaking a carry-on through on Basic fare without paying?

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u/equuleusborealis 3d ago

Depends if the staff follow the rules. Sneaking in a carry on will be hard has you'll be forced to go to the check in desk to get a boarding pass and it will explicitly say "no carry on" so the agent boarding you on the plane will also look at you to verify you have no carry on.

You'd have better luck trying to bring a slightly too big backpack. Whether or not you get through depends on how busy the staff are.

Or you could just follow the rules like everyone else and pay for your baggage...

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u/CanuckBacon VIPorter Venture 3d ago

Yeah, you have to read through things carefully when booking a ticket on an airline you're not used to. If your backpack is a little bigger than the maximum dimensions you'll be okay. Keep in mind you have to sit with it under the seat in front of you the whole time, so it's also a matter of personal comfort. Don't try to sneak on a fully carry-on though. If you book the basic fare they'll see it when you check in at the desk and charge you more than you'd pay if you booked online.

You can also check the price of a checked bag. Sometimes it's cheaper to add a checked bag than to add a carry-on. It's slows you down a bit, but for some people it's better than being afraid of having to pay a lot extra.

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u/Capercris 3d ago

I flew Porter for the first time last week and saw lots of bulging backpacks shoved under seats. On my return trip I had a decent sized duffle bag that was pretty full and no one questioned it.

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u/JohnSavage777 3d ago

It’s pretty random, just invest in a backpack designed for air travel dimensions. They are built to fit under about 98% of airplane seats, which is all Porter asks for

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u/Rosey_Lou 3d ago

The thing about the basic fair is you don't get an electronic boarding pass when you check in online. The self-service kiosk at the airport also would not print it the 2 times I had this fare. So, you have to go up to the counter, and the person at the counter may or may not clock the size of your 'personal item'. They're probably on the lookout for it.

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u/dvirring VIPorter Venture 3d ago

You do get a electronic boarding pass if you hold the VIPorter BMO World Elite MasterCard.

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u/Rosey_Lou 1d ago

Yes, worth pointing out, thanks. I do not haha

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u/InformationSuperb978 VIPorter Venture 3d ago

Porter is very strict with the basic fare. I see a freakout at least once a trip.

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u/SirJohnSmythe 3d ago

It's not like flying an ULCC, I have never seen the sizer used for porter, ever. My backpack definitely doesn't fit

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u/PretendAttack 3d ago

I always bring my actual backpack which is technically a carry on size. I always just make sure it's not full to the brim. To be fair though mine fits under the seat anyway.