orter Airlines will once again speed the world's shrinking by opening its much anticipated Toronto-to-New York route. Beginning on March 31st, the Toronto-based carrier will offer seven daily round-trip flights to Newark International Airport (close enough). Return flights begin at $190 while one-way flights start at $120, both before taxes and fees. Do not let memories of the ill-fated Toronto-to-Rochester ferry line tarnish your excitement.

Porter straddles a unique border between style and convenience, service and budget. Unlike Europe-based low-cost airlines, such as EasyJet and Ryan Air, Porter has not dropped prices by doing away with service and comfort. Instead, the carrier has found a balance that allows for reduced fares while retaining high-quality facilities. The pre-flight lounge is awash in modern leather trimmings (sorry vegans), free colas, coffee, cake, and sundry other treats, free WiFi, and picturesque scenery. In-flight services offer complimentary snacks and drinks, no matter the brevity of the trip.

Porter's foremost draw - at least for Torontonians - is its convenience. Its Toronto home, City Centre Airport (aka the Island Airport), is in the heart of the city. A five minute (if that) ferry ride from the foot of Bathurst Street, the airport can be reached via short walk from the financial district, the Bathurst streetcar, or a shuttle from Union Station. The Toronto-to-New York journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. However, travel time to and from City Centre is substantially lower than Pearson International Airport. Furthermore, because of the former's lower volume, check-in is much more expedient.

Since opening in 2006, amidst fervent opposition from a number of area residents and high-profile politicians, Porter has introduced routes from and to Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Montreal, and Mont Tremblant, with plans to expand to other North American hubs in the coming years (sorry, Jack Layton). -S.T.