Porter Airlines, a Canadian carrier, has a cancellation policy that varies by fare type and complies with Canadian regulations and U.S. DOT rules for U.S.-related flights. Below is a concise overview based on the latest available information as of June 24, 2025:
24-Hour Cancellation Policy:
- All tickets booked directly through Porter’s website , app, or call center are fully refundable within 24 hours of booking, provided the flight departs at least 7 days later (168 hours or more). This applies to all fare types (Basic, Standard, Flexible, Freedom, Navigate, Ultimate) and aligns with U.S. DOT regulations for U.S.-related bookings. Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
General Cancellation Rules:
- Basic Fare: Non-refunded and non-changeable at any time after the 24-hour window. If canceled, the ticket value is forfeited, and no credit or refund is issued.
- Standard Fare: Non-refunded but cancellable up to 1 hour before departure. A cancellation fee of USD 100 per passenger per direction applies, or USD 200 if canceled at the airport on departure day. A travel credit is issued for the remaining value, valid for 12 months from the original booking date.
- Flexible Fare: Non-refunded but cancellable up to 1 hour before departure. A cancellation fee of USD 155 per passenger per direction applies, or USD 255 if canceled at the airport on departure day. A travel credit is issued, valid for 12 months.
- Freedom Fare: Fully refundable up to 1 hour before departure with no cancellation fees. Refunds are issued to the original payment method.
- PorterReserve (Navigate): Cancellable up to 1 hour before departure with a travel credit issued (no cash refund). No specific cancellation fees are mentioned, but fare rules apply.
- No-Show: Failure to cancel before departure results in forfeiture of the ticket value for all fares, with no refund or credit issued. Remaining segments of connecting flights are also canceled.
Special Circumstances:
- Medical Emergencies or Bereavement: Porter does not make exceptions for non-refunded tickets (e.g., Basic, Standard) without the Refund Option. Travel insurance is recommended. For refundable fares (e.g., Freedom, Ultimate), refunds may be processed with documentation (e.g., medical/death certificate) via the Call Centre.
- COVID-19 or Restrictions: If Porter cancels due to government restrictions, you’re entitled to a refund, not just a credit. Travel credits from past disruptions are valid for 12 months.
- Third-Party Bookings: Cancellations must be processed through the agent (e.g., Expedia, Kayak), and the 24-hour refund policy may not apply. Agent fees may be charged.
Refund Processing:
- Credit card refunds are processed within 7 business days; other payments (e.g., debit) take up to 20 calendar days. Delays have been reported for complex cases.
- Travel credits are valid for 12 months from the original booking date, transferable, and applicable to base fares, surcharges, taxes, and fees.
- Refunds for VIPorter point bookings are re-deposited to the account at no cost.
