porter airlines ranking

Toronto-based airline wins first place for economy class over major global carriers

If you can't afford to fly first class, it's helpful to know which airlines offer the best economy class experience. It turns out that Porter Airlines ranks very highly among travellers.

The low-cost Canadian airline took the top spot in the USA Today Readers' Choice Awards for Best Economy Class in the world.

Ranking number one out of 10 international airlines, USA Today calls Porter a "hidden gem" in the North American aviation industry.

"Passengers enjoy comfortable seats, snacks, and an assortment of beverage options, including local wine and beer," reads the ranking, published Wednesday.

Porter beat out other major carriers like Singapore Airlines, American Airlines and Air New Zealand.

In a statement, Porter's President Kevin Jackson said the carrier continues to elevate the economy class experience for everyone across North America as it grows its network.

"That includes no middle seat on any flight, free beer and wine served in glassware, a selection of complimentary premium snacks, high-quality fresh meal options, plus free streaming Wi-Fi on the E195-E2 for all passengers," said Kevin Jackson, president of Porter Airlines.

In fact, the Toronto-based airline welcomed Air Canada to the "free wine and beer for economy passengers" team in a cheeky post on X back in June.

If you want to experience its winning economy class, Porter now flies to every province in Canada from its eastern hubs in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.

It's also quickly expanding flights into the U.S., currently serving six destinations in Florida, four in California, and Las Vegas and Phoenix.

According to the airline, these destinations complement its long-standing presence in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington.

The USA Today Readers' Choice Awards highlight the best of the best in a variety of categories, like travel, food and drink, and things to do, with all nominees submitted by a panel of experts.

Lead photo by

Primestock Photography / Shutterstock.com


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Travel

Future of Toronto's Billy Bishop airport now uncertain

Flyer claims Air Canada unfairly denied him boarding to Toronto over dog carrier

Last chance for Canadians to apply for Nexus before drastic fee hike

Toronto-based airline wins first place for economy class over major global carriers

Canadians will soon have to pay an additional fee to travel to the U.K.

Successful Bay St. couple from Toronto who quit jobs to move to Panama have no regrets

Canada could get online passport renewals like the U.S. 'in near future'

New security technology will change the way people move through Canadian airports