PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — For years, getting from Toronto to Palm Springs meant either booking one of the Big Two Canadian carriers or accepting a connection through LAX. Not exactly ideal when you're dreaming of desert sunshine and poolside margaritas.
That changed at the end of 2024, when Porter Airlines launched nonstop service between Toronto Pearson and Palm Springs International. And if recent flight reviews are any indication, they're not just filling a gap; they're raising the bar.
Three Airlines, Better Options
The new route gives Canadians a third airline choice for Palm Springs, joining Air Canada and WestJet on this winter escape route. More competition typically means better fares and more flight times to choose from, which is welcome news for snowbirds and Coachella-bound travelers alike.
Porter's been shaking things up in the Canadian market lately, expanding aggressively into routes long dominated by the country's two major carriers. The Palm Springs launch fits that pattern perfectly: a sun destination with proven demand, now served with Porter's signature style.
The Porter Difference
What makes Porter stand out isn't just the new route; it's how they fly it. Their Embraer 195-E2 aircraft features a 2-2 seating layout, which means no middle seats. Ever. That alone is worth the price of admission if you've ever been stuck in 23B on a packed narrowbody.
The airline's PorterClassic cabin includes complimentary WiFi and free beer, wine, and snacks. Nothing fancy, but it's refreshing when most carriers nickel-and-dime you for everything beyond the seat cushion. On a recent flight from Palm Springs to Toronto, flight PD 634 departed on time and arrived 20 minutes early, covering the distance in 4 hours and 12 minutes, according to The AU Review.
The reviewer noted that Porter "continue to impress with their flights to the USA," praising both the onboard experience and operational reliability. When you're connecting to a festival or trying to maximize vacation time, that punctuality matters.
Seasonal Service with Room to Grow
The Toronto-Palm Springs route operates as a winter seasonal service, which makes sense given Palm Springs' appeal as a desert refuge during Canada's coldest months. The schedule runs three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering flexibility without daily frequency.
Flight times work reasonably well for both leisure and long-weekend travelers. The morning departure from Toronto gets you poolside by early afternoon; the return flight leaves enough time for a leisurely checkout without predawn wake-up calls.
Fares have been competitive, with one-way tickets starting around CAD 141 from Palm Springs to Toronto in early 2026. That's not bargain-basement territory, but it's reasonable considering you're getting direct service with included perks that would cost extra elsewhere.
Why Palm Springs?
Palm Springs isn't just golf courses and mid-century modern architecture anymore, though it certainly has plenty of both. The city's evolved into a year-round cultural destination, albeit one that's particularly appealing when Toronto's buried under snow.
The spring music festival season, headlined by Coachella, draws thousands of Canadians annually. Porter's service provides direct access without the hassle of LAX connections or desert drives from Los Angeles. Beyond festival season, the area's spas, hiking, and resort scene attract snowbirds seeking longer winter escapes.
Having three Canadian carriers on the route also signals sustained demand. Airlines don't launch seasonal service on a whim; they follow the bookings. The fact that Porter saw room for a third competitor suggests the market can support it.
Porter's California Push
The Palm Springs launch is part of Porter's broader California expansion. The airline also added San Diego service around the same timeframe, targeting another sun-and-sand market with strong Canadian appeal.
This westward push marks a shift for Porter, which historically focused on Eastern Canada and select U.S. East Coast cities. The addition of California destinations signals ambitions beyond regional carrier status, positioning Porter as a legitimate transcontinental option.
Whether they can sustain this growth depends partly on continued investment in aircraft and slots, but also on maintaining the service quality that's earned them loyal fans. Free beer and no middle seats only work if the planes show up on time and the experience stays consistent.
What It Means for Travelers
If you're a Canadian eyeing Palm Springs, you've now got genuine choices. Compare not just fares, but what's included, schedule convenience, and aircraft comfort. Porter's 2-2 configuration genuinely improves the flying experience, especially on a five-hour flight.
The seasonal nature means you'll need to book within the winter window, typically running December through April. If demand proves strong enough, year-round service isn't out of the question, though Palm Springs summers are brutally hot and less appealing to most visitors.
For now, the winter escape just got easier. And if your flight lands 20 minutes early? That's 20 more minutes by the pool.
About the Author
Bob Vidra
Bob Vidra, based in scenic Tahoe, is an esteemed tech editor known for his deep understanding of the dynamic intersection of technology, travel, and the outdoors.
