Why Westjet isn't low cost anymore

Since 1996, WestJet has operated an extensive domestic route network within Canada, but what they now offer might surprise passengers who haven’t flown with them in a while or even at all. In 2013 the carrier started transitioning from a low-cost to hybrid carrier. The rise of this has been unstoppable with Westjet this year crowned the second best hybrid airline in the world.

Now offering premium seating options, free in flight Wi-Fi and complementary drinks and snacks in economy, WestJet is leading the way in the hybrid category.

AirlineRatings.com took a return trip between Vancouver and WestJet’s base in Calgary to see exactly what the hybrid carrier offers from a passengers perspective in both economy and premium economy.

Seating

WestJet’s economy seating is better than expected for an airline that has evolved from a budget carrier into a hybrid operator. Its Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft are configured either in an all economy layout or with three rows of premium seating at the front of the cabin.

Standard economy seat pitch is 30 inches. While that falls just short of the 31 inches offered on newer cabins by Southwest Airlines, it still positions WestJet competitively within North America by balancing affordability with comfort. By comparison, many European low cost airlines offer between 28 and 29 inches of pitch.

Our outbound flight from Vancouver was operated by an ex-Sunwing aircraft featuring an all economy cabin. Thanks to Sunwing’s original configuration, the first few rows offered a generous 35 inches of pitch, providing noticeably more legroom. During booking, these seats were available for selection from around CAD$40.

WestJet has announced plans to retrofit its fleet with new seating and a consistent 30 inch pitch across all economy seats.

Like other airlines in North America, WestJet offers three rows of premium economy in a 2-2 layout on single aisle aircraft. Passengers in these seats are given a 38 inch seat pitch, 20 inches of width and 5 inches of recline. All premium seats have adjustable headrests, USB ports and a power outlet.

WestJet lets passengers bid for an upgrade to premium economy if there is space available in the week or two prior to the flight. When we sent our offer of $95 CAD the website stated it was ‘poor’, but we got lucky this time.

Onboard catering

WestJet offers complimentary snacks in both cabins on domestic flights. In economy, a soft or hot beverage is offered, alongside a granola bar or pretzels. We went for a Coke Zero and the pretzels, which tasted as expected.

The fact that WestJet offers free snacks and drinks on a short 1-hour domestic flight is nothing short of amazing. Many other airlines took this service away in favour of cost-cutting and have not reinstated it as competition increases.

The airline’s catering offering does not differ much in premium economy, with alcoholic beverages and snacks on the buy-on-board menu offered free of charge. A bottle of water is presented in the seat for boarding.

On flights over 2.5 hours, premium passengers are given a Canadian or globally inspired meal. To differentiate itself from competitors on flights under 2.5 hours, WestJet could enhance this service by offering a sandwich.

Free Wi-Fi and entertainment for all passengers

All passengers, regardless of cabin class, can enjoy free Wi-Fi at high speeds as long as they are signed up to WestJet Rewards. The service also includes hundreds of hours of movies, TV shows, LinkedIn learning and Calm meditations.

Great Canadian customer service

Canada is known for its friendly people, and WestJet is absolutely included in that. From the moment passengers step on board, regardless of the time of day, the crew is warm, friendly and engaging.

In this day of cost-cutting, schedule constraints and poor customer service, it is excellent to see customers treated warmly. By far, this is the best aspect of WestJet.

The price and premium perks

The question of whether WestJet’s premium cabin and perks are worth it depends on the length of flight and whether they are needed, considering affordability. On lengthy vacation flights to the Caribbean, the comfort is worth it, but only if the price difference can be justified.

Premium economy passengers can enjoy:

• Snacks and beverages on all flights and hot meals on flights over 2.5 hours

• Two checked bags

• Priority check-in

• Priority security

• Priority boarding

• Increased seat comfort and legroom

For a return journey between Vancouver and Calgary with an economy flex ticket, we paid $419 CAD. This included standard seat selection, free changes*, 23 kilograms of checked luggage and carry-on baggage. As mentioned, we then spent a further $95 CAD for the upgrade, taking our total to $514 CAD.

The average base return fare between the two cities sits at around $150 CAD.

*fare differences are applicable

Our overall verdict

WestJet is a carrier you should seriously consider when travelling across Canada, to the Caribbean, or on long-haul routes to Europe. Fares can often come in well below full-service competitors such as Air Canada, yet the airline still delivers a surprisingly polished onboard experience with a strong mix of comfort, service and value.

What really sets WestJet apart is its people. The cabin crew genuinely care about the passenger experience, and small touches like complimentary snacks go a long way in making customers feel appreciated rather than processed.

Recognised by AirlineRatings.com as a Seven Star Safety Rated airline and ranked among the World’s Top 25 Safest Airlines, WestJet also stands out as one of the safest airline choices in North America.