So you're planning a trip and wondering: is WestJet a good airline? Honestly, I used to ask myself the same thing before my first flight with them back in 2017. Since then, I've taken 23 flights with WestJet – some fantastic, a few frustrating, and most somewhere in between. Let me break it down for you based on cold facts and my own experiences.
Quick reality check? WestJet isn't luxury, but it consistently delivers solid value for money. Think of them as that reliable coworker who gets the job done without drama. Last January, I flew from Toronto to Calgary during a snowstorm. Our plane got de-iced three times (yikes), but the crew kept cracking jokes and passing out extra snacks. That's WestJet in a nutshell.
Where WestJet Actually Flies (And Where They Don't)
WestJet's route map is sneakily strategic. They dominate western Canada but have gaps elsewhere. Check their current destinations before assuming they fly everywhere:
| Region | Major Routes | Gaps to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal hubs. Excellent coverage for smaller cities (e.g., Saskatoon, Halifax) | Limited northern routes (Yellowknife only 2x weekly) |
| USA | 30+ cities including Orlando, Las Vegas, Phoenix. Seasonal flights to Hawaii | No New York (JFK/EWR) or Washington D.C. flights |
| International | London (Gatwick), Dublin, Paris seasonally. Cancun year-round | No Asian or Australian routes. Limited European cities |
My advice? Use their route map tool aggressively. I once booked Vancouver-Kelowna assuming hourly flights, only to discover the last departure was at 4:30 PM. Rookie mistake.
Breaking Down WestJet's Fare Classes
WestJet's fare system isn't simple, but it's flexible. Here's what you're really buying:
ECONOMY
- Basic: No changes, no seat selection, personal item only ($40-150 CAD savings)
- Econo: Free carry-on + personal item, $65 change fee
- EconoFlex (My pick): Free same-day changes, advanced seat selection, checked bag included
PREMIUM
- Premium: Wider seats (36" pitch), priority boarding, free drinks
- PremiumFlex: All Premium perks + free changes/cancellations
- Business: Only on 787 Dreamliners. Lie-flat beds, premium dining
Personal tip? EconoFlex often costs only $30-50 more than Econo but includes a $35 checked bag and $12 seat selection. Math usually wins.
The Baggage Fee Trap (And How to Dodge It)
Ah, baggage fees – where airlines make their real money. WestJet's no exception:
| Bag Type | Domestic/Transborder | International | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | $35 online, $50 airport | Free (most fares) | Book EconoFlex or higher |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $50-$70 | $100 | WestJet RBC Mastercard holders get free 1st bag |
| Overweight (50-70lbs) | $100 flat | $100 flat | Weigh at home! Airport scales are cruel |
True story: My cousin paid $237 in baggage fees flying Winnipeg-Toronto with two overweight suitcases. Don't be my cousin.
What's It Really Like Onboard?
Let's talk about the actual flying experience. Having logged 38 hours in WestJet seats last year, here's the unfiltered version:
Seat Comfort
- Economy: 30-32" pitch (tight for 6-footers). Thin cushions get uncomfortable after 3 hours. My knees touched the seat on their older 737s.
- Premium: 36" pitch makes a shocking difference. Worth the $60-$120 upgrade for flights over 2 hours.
- Business Pods: Only on 787s. Actual lie-flats with direct aisle access. Rivals Air Canada's business class.
Pro tip: Always check SeatGuru before selecting. Exit rows have 38" pitch but don't recline. Window seats near the back have misaligned windows.
Food & Drinks
Remember that Toronto-Calgary flight I mentioned? We got complimentary sandwiches when stranded. That's rare though. On typical flights:
- Short flights (under 2 hrs): Pay-for-snacks only (Pringles $3, sandwich $9)
- Transcontinental/International: Free meal in economy (surprisingly decent chicken wraps)
- Premium Cabin: Free alcohol + upgraded meals (I actually liked their beef short ribs)
Alcohol prices sting: $8 for beer, $9 for wine. Bring cash – their card readers fail mid-flight annoyingly often.
WestJet Rewards: Is Their Loyalty Program Worth It?
WestJet Rewards works differently than Air Canada's Aeroplan. You earn dollars, not points:
| Tier | How to Earn | Best Perks | Is It Valuable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member | $1 = 1 WestJet dollar (WSD) | Free anniversary companion flight ($119-$799 fees apply) | Yes for occasional flyers |
| Silver | Spend $3,500/year | Free checked bag + priority check-in | Marginal – easier than Aeroplan 25K |
| Gold | Spend $7,500/year | Companion voucher + lounge passes | Only if you fly monthly |
My strategy: Use their RBC Mastercard for groceries/gas to rack up WSDs. Paid only taxes for my Vancouver-Hawaii flight last year.
Customer Service: The Ugly Truth
This is WestJet's weakest spot. Stats don't lie:
- 2023 on-time performance: 63% (below Air Canada's 69%)
- Baggage mishandling rate: 8.3 per 1,000 bags (industry average is 7.6)
- Phone wait times: 25-50 minutes during disruptions
Personal horror story: During the 2022 Christmas meltdown, I waited 4 hours on hold. Their chat bot is useless for complex issues. But – when you reach a human, they're famously apologetic. Got $250 voucher after a 6-hour delay.
When WestJet Shines (And When to Avoid Them)
Based on my flights and industry data:
GOOD FOR
- Western Canada domestic hops (Calgary-Vancouver daily 10x)
- Vacation routes to sun destinations (their Cancun operations are smooth)
- Travelers valuing simplicity over luxury
- Families (free strollers/car seats + early boarding)
AVOID FOR
- East Coast-US connections (poor schedules)
- Business travelers needing lounge access (only 4 Maple Leaf Lounges)
- International premium travel (limited business class routes)
- Tight connections under 90 minutes (slow baggage systems)
WestJet vs The Competition
How does "is WestJet a good airline" stack up against rivals?
| Airline | Price | Comfort | Reliability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet | $$ | ★★★☆ | ★★★☆ | Western Canada, vacation packages |
| Air Canada | $$$ | ★★★★ | ★★★☆ | International flights, business travel |
| Lynx Air | $ | ★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆ | Ultra-budget short flights |
| Porter Airlines | $$$ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★ | Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal triangle |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WestJet better than Air Canada?
Depends. WestJet beats Air Canada on Western Canada coverage and friendlier staff. But Air Canada wins for international routes and premium cabins. For price? Tie – but WestJet has fewer hidden fees.
Does WestJet cancel flights often?
Their 2023 cancellation rate was 1.8% (industry average 1.5%). Weather-related cancellations are common in winter – avoid early morning flights from Calgary in January.
Can I trust WestJet with connecting flights?
Minimum connection times: 60 mins domestic, 90 mins US/international. Personally, I never book under 2 hours after missing a Calgary-Toronto connection. Their rebooking process is slow during IRROPS.
Is WestJet good for long international flights?
On their 787 Dreamliners, absolutely. Economy has 32" pitch with decent recline. Avoid older 737 MAX for transatlantic – no seatback screens and tight layout.
How does WestJet handle delays?
Legally they owe you nothing for weather delays. For mechanical issues: $400-$1000 compensation after 3+ hour delays. Document everything – I submitted a claim with photos of airport boards and got paid in 6 weeks.
The Final Verdict
So, is WestJet a good airline? Yes, with caveats. They're Canada's friendly mid-market carrier – not fancy, usually reliable, occasionally frustrating. Would I fly them again? Already booked for my Edmonton-Vegas trip in November. But I paid extra for EconoFlex and packed lighter.
Ultimately, WestJet delivers most when you manage expectations. Don't expect champagne service on beer prices. Do expect competent transport with fewer nickel-and-dime surprises than ultra-low-cost carriers. And hey – those free cookies on afternoon flights? Still the best in the business.
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