Back To Vancouver With The Boys on Porter Airlines

A week or so ago, I brought the boys back to visit my mom in Vancouver. Here they are on the Seabus from downtown to North Vancouver (one of our favourite things to do). This is part of the public transit system (Translink). For the price of a bus ticket, you can take a 15 minute ride across Vancouver Harbour. It’s a really nice way to see the city.

Vancouver gets a lot of rain, being a coastal city. The weather is unpredictable at this time of year, so bringing a sweater and an umbrella are necessary. Luckily, we had some good weather during our 4 days there (around 20c).

I tried Porter Airlines for the first time. They are a regional carrier based out of downtown Toronto, but have recently started flying to Vancouver. Their personal size bag maximum is smaller than most airlines, so I brought the Medium Zipper Tote in charcoal grey (usually I travel with the large). There was plenty of space stowed under the seat in front.

I usually recommend the large size bags for travel carry-ons that I make, which are the limit for most large airlines. However, with smaller airlines, requirements may be different or some maximums may have changed post-Covid. I think airlines are getting more stringent about passenger carry-ons, so it’s a good idea to check.

Porter usually gives snacks and drinks for all flying classes. However, we were treated to sample their new meals which is usually for Reserve customers (their business class). There were a few selections, like salmon on rice, vegetarian soba noodles, cheese plate and ham croissant. I tried the salmon on rice going there and the cheese plate on the way back. That was a very nice surprise.

Inside Porter’s brand new plane, the Embraer E195-E2. It’s 2 rows of 2 seats each. Their claim to comfort is that you never get stuck in the middle seat. It’s nice, clean and modern, with a bit more legroom than Canada’s larger carriers.

Flying over Toronto Pearson International Airport for our connecting flight to Vancouver from Ottawa.

We had a nice time in Vancouver. I’m glad I was able to take the boys back for the first time, since moving to Ottawa. l Iike taking short trips. There’s less to pack, it’s fun for a few days and I’m not away from my work for too long.

Thanks for coming by. I hope you liked seeing a few photos of this trip. -Cat

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