Porter Airlines is announcing its first flights to sun destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Costa Rica this winter.
It’s a major change for Porter, which has previously operated flights only within Canada and to the United States. It also gives Canadians and other travellers new ways to reach sunny destinations this winter.
Porter said its expansion means travellers can choose from five destinations and 13 routes originating from Toronto Pearson International Airport, Ottawa International Airport and John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.
The line-up of destinations includes Cancun, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Nassau, The Bahamas, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and Liberia, Costa Rica.
“These are Porter’s first routes outside of our longtime presence throughout Canada and the U.S., and we’re starting off in a big way by introducing five distinctly different destinations,” said Kevin Jackson, president, Porter Airlines. “This is a significant development for anyone who wants to fly with Porter to more places and experience our award-winning service that focuses on making flying enjoyable for economy travellers.
“Recognizing that many passengers prefer Porter’s approach to economy travel, we have seen other Canadian airlines mimic our unique service in other regions where we already fly, such as by adding free beer and wine, and we anticipate that our competitors will do it again as we enter new sun destinations,” Jackson said. “But our loyal passengers know that the feeling of flying Porter can’t be matched. It’s intangible elements, like our caring people and generous service, that continue setting us apart.
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa on Grand Cayman. JIM BYERS PHOTO
“That’s why people love Porter, and why they are going to enjoy flying with us to the sun.”
Porter is the only airline offering service from Ottawa to Grand Cayman and Liberia, as well as Hamilton to Puerto Vallarta and Nassau.
I haven’t been to Puerto Vallarta or Costa Rica, but I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Cancun, The Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. Cancun is famous for its year-round weather, huge mix of hotel types and proximity to wonderful Mayan ruins such as Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza. The Bahamas has some of the world’s most beautiful water and an enormous variety of islands to explore, including not only Nassau but Eleuthera, Exuma and super-quiet/restful Long Island.
I had a tremendous visit to The Cayman Islands several years ago. I stayed at the stunning Kimpton Seafire Resort on Grand Cayman and also had a day trip to fabulous Little Cayman, where there are a handful of boutique resorts that mostly cater to divers, and where the main road cuts directly across the airport runway. It’s a delightful, throwback kind of place I’d love to return to. Exploring Cayman Brac also would be high on my list.
