With a philosophy centered on convenience, impeccable service, and luxury amenities, Canada's Porter Airlines has become the carrier for fliers seeking a business-class experience at a coach-class price--if you're traveling in the northern part of the continent. The six-year-old company flies to many Canadian and a handful of American destinations, including New York, Chicago, and Burlington, Vt. Porter's headquarters are at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on a small island directly across from the bustle of downtown. To check in, customers take a short ferry ride.

Porter's modern lounge offers plush seating, Wi-Fi, a business center outfitted with iMac workstations, and treats including international newspapers, Starbucks coffee, and chocolate-dipped biscotti--all free. The pampering continues onboard with comfortable two-by-two leather seats--no one gets stuck in the middle--and complimentary small sandwiches, yogurt, and wine. Well-fed passengers kick back with the airline's clever in-flight magazine, re:porter. It's a cousin of Monocle, whose editor-in-chief, Tyler Brûlé, is also the chairman and CEO of London's Winkreative, the company behind Porter's branding experience. Each issue features neighborhood guides with tips from the locals.