Sunday, July 6, 2025

Porter Airlines, the third-largest airline in Canada, is renowned for its extensive network of leisure flights across North America. In a major enhancement for frequent travelers, the airline has expanded its partnership with Alaska Airlines, allowing travelers to redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for flights on Porter Airlines. This recent development opens up additional opportunities for Mileage Plan members to put their valuable miles to use.

Although Alaska Airlines and Porter Airlines have had a partnership for a while, the recent ability to redeem Mileage Plan miles for Porter flights represents a major enhancement in their relationship. Prior to this change, customers could earn Mileage Plan miles when flying on Porter Airlines and earn VIPorter points when flying with Alaska Airlines. Now, with this newly expanded partnership, Mileage Plan members can use their miles to book flights across Porter’s extensive North American route network, providing more value for their miles.

This expanded functionality will be particularly advantageous for travelers who fly frequently between North American cities and are looking for more ways to maximize their Mileage Plan miles. Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is widely regarded for its generous redemption rates, and now with Porter Airlines in the mix, travelers have even more options to explore the continent.

Porter Airlines, based in eastern Canada, operates out of several key hubs including Toronto (Pearson and Billy Bishop airports), Ottawa (YOW), and Montréal (YUL). From these airports, Porter flies to numerous destinations in Canada, the United States, and beyond, including Florida, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and Costa Rica. This wide-ranging network makes it easy for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members to use their miles for a variety of routes.

Alaska Airlines employs a distance-dependent award system for its Mileage Plan redemptions. Since all of Porter’s routes fall within the “Americas” region, customers can use their miles to book flights across this extensive network. The award chart breaks down into four categories based on flight distance:

Example: Toronto to New York City / Quebec City

Economy: 4,500 miles

Premium Economy: 6,000 miles

Business: 9,000 miles

Example: Toronto to Miami / Montreal to Ft. Myers

Economy: 7,500 miles

Premium Economy: 10,000 miles

Business: 15,000 miles

Example: Ottawa to Cancun / Toronto to Grand Cayman

Economy: 12,500 miles

Premium Economy: 17,500 miles

Business: 25,000 miles

Example: Montreal to Vancouver / Toronto to Puerto Vallarta

Economy: 17,500 miles

Premium Economy: 22,500 miles

Business: 35,000 miles

When considering whether it’s worth using Alaska Airlines miles for Porter Airlines flights, it’s helpful to look at the cash price versus the miles required for redemption.

For instance, one of Porter’s longest routes is from Toronto to Liberia, Costa Rica, which typically runs during the winter season. The cash price for this flight can range from $250 to $500, depending on the season. By redeeming 17,500 miles and paying $88 in taxes and fees, you can book an economy class nonstop flight. However, keep in mind that during peak travel periods, such as holidays, the mileage requirement can increase. While this redemption may seem appealing, the savings may not offer the best value. Using 17,500 miles to save $101 results in a value of approximately 0.6 cents per mile, which is well below the typical 1.6 cents per mile valuation of Alaska miles.

For shorter routes, such as from Toronto’s Billy Bishop airport (YTZ) to Newark (EWR), the redemption value is much better. This route costs just 4,500 miles in economy class, with taxes and fees amounting to $67. The same flight costs $174 in cash, meaning that by using 4,500 miles, you save $107. This results in a redemption value of 2.38 cents per mile, which is significantly higher than the average Alaska miles valuation.

For travelers interested in premium economy, the same route from Toronto to Newark costs 6,000 miles and offers a savings of $215. This redemption equates to a fantastic 3.58 cents per mile, providing excellent value.

Not every flight on Porter Airlines provides the same value when redeeming Alaska Airlines miles. It’s important to calculate the cents-per-mile value for each flight by comparing the number of miles required with the cash price of the ticket. Shorter flights, like the Toronto to Newark route, offer excellent value, while longer routes, such as Toronto to Costa Rica, may not be as beneficial, especially during peak seasons when the mileage requirements increase.

By carefully evaluating the savings and comparing the miles required for redemption against the cash cost, travelers can make informed decisions about when to use their Alaska miles for Porter Airlines flights and when to hold on to them for more valuable redemptions.

The addition of Porter Airlines to the list of airlines that accept Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for redemption offers travelers more opportunities to make use of their miles on a variety of North American routes. While some routes offer excellent value, others may not provide the same level of savings. By evaluating the cents-per-mile value for each flight, travelers can ensure they are getting the best deal when redeeming their miles. Whether planning a quick getaway to Newark or a tropical vacation to Costa Rica, carefully considering the value of your miles will help you maximize the benefits of this new redemption option.

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