American Airlines and Porter Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement, filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on July 25, 2025. This partnership, pending regulatory approval, promises to make travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 easier and more convenient for passengers, with expanded options and smoother connections.
The codeshare agreement, once approved, will let travelers book flights that combine both airlines on a single ticket. This means someone flying from a city in the United States 🇺🇸 can connect through Toronto and continue to a smaller Canadian city, or even onward to Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean, all in one booking. The agreement is still waiting for DOT approval, but both airlines expect a decision soon.
Porter Airlines, the third largest Canadian carrier, is based in Toronto and operates a growing fleet of Embraer E195-E2 jets and De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops. American Airlines, a member of the Oneworld alliance, already has codeshare partnerships with more than 20 airlines worldwide. This new agreement will allow American Airlines to sell tickets on Porter’s flights within Canada and to U.S. cities, while Porter can sell tickets on American’s flights within the United States 🇺🇸 and to Latin America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Porter mainly operates from Toronto Billy Bishop (YTZ) and Toronto Pearson (YYZ) airports. Currently, all Porter flights to American’s U.S. hubs leave from Pearson. Porter is known for its “elevated economy” service, offering free snacks, beer, wine, and Wi-Fi to all passengers. Those flying PorterReserve, the airline’s premium product, get extra benefits like more legroom and priority boarding.
For travelers, the codeshare agreement brings several benefits:
- Seamless Booking: Passengers can book a trip that includes flights on both airlines with one ticket, making connections easier.
- Expanded Destinations: American Airlines customers will have more access to smaller Canadian cities, while Porter customers can reach more destinations in the United States 🇺🇸, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
- Potential Loyalty Integration: While not yet confirmed, experts expect that frequent flyer programs may be linked in the future, allowing passengers to earn and use points across both airlines.
For the airlines, this partnership helps them compete with other major cross-border alliances. Air Canada and United Airlines have had a joint business agreement since 2022, and WestJet and Delta Air Lines have an equity partnership. American Airlines has struggled to gain a strong foothold in the Canadian market, but this codeshare with Porter gives it a better chance to compete.
Here’s what passengers can expect once the codeshare is approved:
- Booking: Travelers can book flights that include both airlines through either airline’s website or a travel agent.
- Check-in: Passengers check in with the airline operating each flight segment.
- Baggage: Bags will be checked through to the final destination if the trip is booked on a single ticket.
- Customer Service: Either airline can help with questions or problems on codeshare trips.
- Frequent Flyer Benefits: Details about earning and using points across both airlines are still pending.
American Airlines executives say this partnership is a key step in growing their presence in Canada 🇨🇦 and using Porter’s strong network in Toronto and Eastern Canada. Porter’s leaders highlight the chance to offer more destinations and smoother travel for their customers, as well as the possibility of working even more closely with global partners in the future.
The DOT is reviewing the codeshare application, and approval is expected because similar agreements have been approved in the past. Once approved, the codeshare will go live, and passengers can start booking combined trips.
Porter Airlines has grown quickly in recent years. It started by serving Eastern Canada and the U.S. Northeast but now flies across North America, including to the West Coast, Mexico, and the Caribbean. American Airlines tried to get access to Toronto Billy Bishop Airport through Connect Airlines in 2023, but that plan failed. This new partnership with Porter uses Porter’s established network and experience.
Industry experts see the codeshare as a smart move. Porter is the only major Canadian airline that wasn’t already working with a U.S. carrier. Consumer groups expect better connections and possibly lower fares, but some warn that codeshares can sometimes reduce competition on certain routes. The partnership is likely to increase travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, especially as demand grows after recent slowdowns caused by global events.
Looking ahead, both airlines hope to expand their networks even more. Porter plans to add more flights to Mexico and the Caribbean. While Porter isn’t part of a global airline alliance yet, this agreement brings it closer to Oneworld, since American Airlines is already a member and Porter has an interline agreement with Alaska Airlines.
Travelers should remember that the codeshare is not yet in effect. All the benefits and new booking options depend on DOT approval. There’s also no formal announcement yet about shared frequent flyer benefits or lounge access. The airlines will publish specific routes and schedules once the agreement is approved.
For official updates and more information, travelers can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website, which provides details on regulatory filings and airline partnerships. For booking and customer service, American Airlines can be reached at www.aa.com and Porter Airlines at www.flyporter.com.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this codeshare agreement is the most important new airline partnership between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦 in 2025. It will affect travelers, airline competition, and future alliances. Passengers, airlines, and industry watchers are all waiting for the final DOT decision, which is expected soon.
In summary, the American Airlines and Porter Airlines codeshare agreement is set to make cross-border travel easier and more flexible. It gives passengers more choices, helps both airlines compete, and could lead to even closer partnerships in the future. For now, travelers should watch for updates and be ready to take advantage of new routes and services once the agreement is approved.
Learn Today
Codeshare Agreement → A partnership allowing airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights under one ticket.
DOT Approval → U.S. Department of Transportation clearance needed for codeshare agreement to become effective.
Porter Reserve → Porter Airlines’ premium service offering extra legroom, priority boarding, and enhanced amenities.
Oneworld Alliance → A global airline alliance that American Airlines belongs to, facilitating partnerships and benefits.
Interline Agreement → An arrangement allowing airlines to handle passengers and baggage across multiple carriers on one itinerary.
This Article in a Nutshell
American and Porter Airlines plan a codeshare agreement pending DOT approval, promising seamless US-Canada travel with expanded destinations, easy booking, and potential loyalty perks. This alliance strengthens competition and passenger convenience, uniting Porter’s growing Canadian network with American’s global reach, benefiting travelers across North America and Latin America.
— By VisaVerge.com
