Porter Airlines is reshaping its presence in Chicago by launching its inaugural service between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) with twice daily flights.

Passengers benefit from the new U.S. CBP Preclearance facility at YTZ, clearing customs and immigration in Toronto prior to departure, arriving in the U.S. as domestic passengers.

Many connecting itineraries are also enabled via O’Hare with codeshare partner American Airlines, including service to Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, Orange County, San Diego and Seattle.

The new schedule is:

YTZ-ORD is operated on the 78-seat De Havilland Dash 8-400 aircraft. On every flight, passengers enjoy Porter’s signature service, including no middle seats, complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, and premium snacks. All 29 aircraft are being upgraded with the TiSeat 2V Lite from Expliseat, which maximizes comfort with enhanced seat and back cushions. Other cabin enhancements include updated table trays and a new Personal Electronic Device (PED) holder, allowing passengers to use their devices hands-free, LED mood lighting and reading lights, as well as new carpeting. The first planes featuring these changes are currently operating and the full fleet will be upgraded this fall.

“Since launching U.S. flights from YTZ in 2008, Porter has been committed to providing an elevated economy service between Toronto and key American cities, providing travelers with more choice and flexibility. The shift to O’Hare creates many new connecting itinerary options through our American Airlines partnerships for passengers travelling north and south,” said Andrew Pierce, vice-president, network planning and reporting, Porter Airlines.

“Year after year, O’Hare International Airport ranks as the most connected airport in the United States, and the continuous investment and unwavering commitment from all of our airline partners help us retain that title. On behalf of Mayor Brandon Johnson, we welcome Porter to O’Hare and look forward to many years of helping Chicagoans connect with family and friends to the north and explore the sights of Toronto, while opening the door to new business opportunities between our two global cities,” said Commissioner Michael McMurray, Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA).