Airline Profile: WestJet

Featured Image: A WestJet Boeing 767-300 at Calgary International Airport

The Facts:

Analysis: 

Transitioning To Become A Full-Service Airline:

WestJet is (in a way) in the middle of a transformation from a low-cost airline to a full-service airline. What I mean is that they recently introduced real short and long-haul business class and a long haul premium-economy class product. Previously, they only offered a premium economy class on short and long-haul routes, which didn’t offer any amenities except better seats and free meals, which is a standard feature of a low-cost airline. With their new cabins, passengers will get flatbed seats on long-haul routes (business class), recliner seats on short-haul routes (premium economy), which are features of full-service airlines such as United, Delta, etc.

Additionally, they also just introduced an ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop. It would be a bit weird for the former low-cost airline to launch another low-cost carrier. This all makes me conclude that WestJet is transitioning to become a full-service airline to compete even more directly with Air Canada and establishing themselves as an airline that does have some bit of luxury with it.

Travel Classes:

Economy:

Economy Class is featured in a 2-2 configuration on all Bombardier Q400s, a 3-3 configuration on all Boeing 737s, a 2-3-2 configuration on all 767s, and once delivered, will be in a 3-3 configuration on 787s. Passengers in economy class receive free non-alcoholic drinks, although they do have to pay for meals which can be pre-selected 48 hours in advance. Once the 787 is introduced next year, passengers will receive free meals as part of the new 787 cabin experience.

Regarding entertainment, none is featured on Bombardier Q400s or Boeing 737-600s. However, USB ports and personal device entertainment via the WestJet Connect app are available on most 737-700s and 737-800s, and on all Boeing 737 MAXs and 767s.

Additionally, once the 787 is introduced, on that aircraft, passengers will have personal on-demand entertainment. All flights with personal on-demand entertainment feature paid WiFi. Finally, passengers booked on a basic economy ticket need to pay USD 30-40 for a checked bag, while passengers with a flexible economy ticket receive one 50lb bag for free, with a second available for purchase for USD 50-60.

Premium:

Premium class is like business class on short-haul flights but is like a premium economy class on long-haul flights, which is the reason why I have separated them into two categories.

Short Haul: On short-haul flights, WestJet Premium is available in two configurations. The first, which is featured on most aircraft is similar to an Intra-European business class. It features regular economy class seats (with a few extra inches of legroom) with the middle seat blocked with a table. That product is featured on the vast majority of 737s, although all aircraft will be eventually retrofitted with the new Premium product. On select 737 MAXs, WestJet features recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration (without legrests) which are similar to the short-haul business classes of United, Delta, and American. Passengers receive free hot meals on most flights over one hour. Like in economy, there is no built-in entertainment, although one does have access to personal device entertainment. Passengers also do get two 50lb bags available for free.

Long Haul: Premium class on long-haul flights is featured on the Boeing 767-300 and will be featured on the Boeing 787 once it is delivered. On the 767, it features recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration, and on the 787, it will feature recliner seats in a 2-3-2 configuration with legrests and recline. On the 767, only personal device entertainment is available, while on the 787, personal on-demand is available. Please note that it is the highest class of service on the 767, although on the 787, it will not be the highest class of service. As on short-haul flights, meal service is available. Please note that I do not believe that passengers in Premium class have lounge access.

Business:

Business class is not featured on any aircraft currently, although will be featured on the Boeing 787-9. It will feature an intimate cabin of 16 seats in a flatbed 1-2-1 reverse herringbone flat configuration. The cabin is nearly identical to that of Air Canada’s beside the finishings and the cabin size. Passengers will get full of international standard business class service and food as well as on-demand dining. Passengers also receive amenity kits, lounge access, priority check-in, and priority boarding. WestJet hasn’t announced much about the soft product, although we do know that passengers will receive premium bedding; I will update this post once the first flights with business class begin. At all seats, there are power outlets, USB ports, and 18.5-inch entertainment screens. Finally, passengers also are able to check two 50lb bags for free.

Have you ever flown on WestJet? Share about your experience below in the comments section!