VIPorter Members Can Now Redeem on Air Transat and Alaska Airlines

VIPorter members just got a serious boost in redemption options.

Porter Airlines has expanded its loyalty program, allowing members to redeem VIPorter points for flights on Air Transat and Alaska Airlines.

This update unlocks more than 2,000 new redemption routes, covering destinations across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean, further enhancing VIPorter’s appeal as a travel rewards program.

VIPorter Expands Beyond Porter Flights

When Porter Airlines launched VIPorter, it was primarily a niche loyalty program designed for its own growing network.

However, 2024 has been a game-changer, as Porter has strategically deepened its partnerships with Air Transat and Alaska Airlines, transforming VIPorter into a more versatile and valuable program.

Here’s what’s new:

• Redeem VIPorter points for Air Transat flights to Europe, the Caribbean, and more
• Redeem VIPorter points for Alaska Airlines flights within the U.S. and Canada
• Over 2,000 new routes available through Porter’s booking platform

Redemption rates for partner flights start at:

• 9,500 VIPorter points for Alaska Airlines flights within the U.S.
• 21,500 VIPorter points for Air Transat flights to the Caribbean
• 25,000 VIPorter points for Air Transat flights to Europe

All redemptions must be made via flyporter.com or through Porter’s contact centre.

How Well Does This Work? Early Observations

Although this expansion is promising, early searches reveal some limitations.

It seems like Alaska Airlines flights cannot be booked as standalone redemptions and must include a connecting Porter segment.

This means that even though Alaska Airlines flies direct between Toronto and Seattle, VIPorter redemptions require a connection via Vancouver, Los Angeles, or San Francisco before continuing to Seattle.

Certain Air Transat routes, particularly to the Caribbean and South America, do not appear in the search tool despite the airline operating cash flights on those routes.

Some European destinations, such as Dublin and Rome, return an error stating that a partner airline isn’t available.

In some cases, the system forces a layover in Toronto or Montreal on a Porter flight before continuing on Air Transat, even when a direct Air Transat flight exists from the origin airport.

This suggests an integration issue or a deliberate strategy to prioritize connections through Porter’s network.

Redemptions appear to follow a dynamic pricing…