Porter Airlines Elevates VIPorter Program

Porter Airlines has elevated its loyalty program, VIPorter, with the introduction of two exciting new credit cards that promise to enrich the travel experience for Canadian frequent fliers. Announced on Monday, these cards could shake up the loyalty landscape, especially with Porter’s new alliances with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines, potentially positioning VIPorter ahead of WestJet Rewards for many travelers. However, for those who prioritize maximizing savings through loyalty points, Air Canada/Aeroplan continues to be the first choice for most Canadians.

The BMO VIPorter Mastercard Options

The new BMO VIPorter Mastercard line includes an entry-level card with an annual fee of $89, waived for the first year. This card allows users to earn two points for every dollar spent on Porter flights, and one point per dollar for purchases on transportation, gas, groceries, dining, and hotel accommodations. For all other purchases, cardholders earn 0.5 points.

But there’s more! Cardholders automatically receive VIPorter Passport Avid Traveller status, enhancing their travel experience with boarding perks and priority security screening. Spending $25,000 annually rewards users with a voucher for 35% off the base fare on a Porter flight for up to four people.

The second card option, the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, is tailored for those who frequently fly. It offers three points per dollar spent on Porter flights and two points for the same purchase categories as the entry-level card, while offering one point on everything else. The annual fee here is $199, also waived for the first year.

With this card, users gain the benefits of VIPorter Avid Traveller Venture membership, including complimentary checked and carry-on baggage, priority boarding, and an enticing annual companion pass that offers 100% off the base fare upon spending at least $50,000.

Edmond Eldebs, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Porter Airlines, commented on these offerings, stating, “The significant growth we’ve had as an airline over the last two years gives us a presence in every province, so this is the right time to introduce a credit card that matches the value our customers have come to expect when flying Porter.”

Comparing Airline Credit Card Benefits

When stacked up against competition, these new cards present a compelling case. For instance, the WestJet RBC Mastercard has a lower annual fee of $39 but doesn’t carry the extensive benefits that come with the VIPorter cards. Additionally, while the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card provides similar perks, it comes with a hefty annual fee of $599 and doesn’t match the earning rate of the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard.

It’s essential to note that although higher spending thresholds for annual vouchers may limit accessibility for some, those who joined the waiting list for these cards receive an extra 10,000 points as a welcome bonus.

Understanding VIPorter Points System

VIPorter employs a dynamic pricing system for flights, meaning points needed for redemption can fluctuate based on demand. Typically, booking early yields better deals for points expenditure.

For example, booking a one-way ticket from Vancouver to Toronto on May 14, 2024, could cost as low as $188 or 8,000 points, plus $68 in fees, providing a value-per-point of approximately 1.5. It's noteworthy that similar to Aeroplan, obtaining points worth 1.5 to 2 is attainable with VIPorter, a factor that enhances the appeal of the program.

Moreover, the recent partnerships expand VIPorter’s network significantly. Members can now book flights using VIPorter points with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines, allowing for more than 1,000 itineraries across the U.S. and various global destinations. For instance, disenchanted WestJet loyalists in Alberta can now find new pathways to Europe via Air Transat, enriching their travel possibilities.

Making the Right Choice with Airline Credit Cards

Both VIPorter credit cards offer excellent perks, especially for loyal flyers. If you regularly choose Porter for travel, the World Elite version is highly recommended due to added advantages like free baggage and optimal seat selection. However, approval for the World Elite Mastercard requires an income of $80,000 or a household income of at least $150,000.

In summary, while these cards boast benefits that exceed those of Aeroplan and WestJet, it’s vital for potential cardholders to carefully evaluate their travel ambitions and evaluate which airline program aligns with their travel preferences and priorities. With these new offerings, Porter Airlines is certainly steering toward a stronger position within the competitive loyalty market, enticing travelers to reconsider their frequent flying choices.

Conclusion

Are you ready to take your travel plans to new heights?