WestJet or Air Canada?

Sharon Petersen

By Sharon Petersen Tue Apr 18, 2023

This week we compare WestJet and Air Canada on a long-haul return flight from Calgary to London Heathrow. Considering the overall cost, comfort, aircraft and flight time we will see who offers the best value. This review will demonstrate why it is so important to check all prices on a route rather than simply assuming low cost is cheaper.

JOIN: AirlineRatings.com YouTube Channel

GET: Accurate MH370 Information From AirlineRatings.com Newsletter

SEE: GT’s Radar Slams Netflix MH370 Doco

Our economy flight to London will be taking place on September 11th and returning on September 23rd 2023. Both WestJet and Air Canada operate direct flights on this route with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Our return flight with Westjet came to $1557 CAD with the inclusion of meals, snacks and drinks, in-flight entertainment through seat back screens, in-seat power, a standard window seat, blankets and pillows, 23kg of checked baggage and a 7kg carry-on bag.  Wifi Is also available for a fee.

Our flight with Air Canada came in cheaper at $1507 CAD which included meals, snacks, unlimited drinks, in-flight entertainment through seat back screens, in-seat power, a standard window seat, blankets and pillows plus 23kg of baggage and a 7kg carry-on bag. Wifi Is also available for a fee.

What was particularly interesting about this flight comparison was not only that Air Canada was cheaper than its low-cost competitor Westjet but that Westjet actually offered more legroom and seat width in economy. It is unusual to find the low-cost carrier offering more personal space than a full-service carrier. 

So which one would we pick to fly? With both airlines offering almost identical onboard service, having similar departure and arrival times plus the same aircraft, the choice has to come down to price. For this reason, the author would choose Air Canada but I would encourage anyone doing this route to compare the prices for both airlines for your specific dates and take your pick from there as both offer comfort and value so you can’t lose.

If you missed last week’s long-haul comparison between Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines check it out here

Are you enjoying our reviews so far? Are there any routes would you like us to evaluate? Place a comment below or get in touch via our social pages

Have questions or want to share your thoughts?

Comments

No comments yet, be the first to write one.

Latest news and reviews

View more
How Etihad Wellbeing helps frequent flyers arrive refreshed
Airline News

How Etihad Wellbeing helps frequent flyers arrive refreshed

Sep 10, 2026

Sharon Petersen
Miami Prime Air crash: Its service history spans three continents and seven operators, could this be a factor?
Airline News

Miami Prime Air crash: Its service history spans three continents and seven operators, could this be a factor?

Sep 8, 2026

Airline Ratings
Cathay Pacific vs British Airways: which airline wins Hong Kong to London?
Airline News

Cathay Pacific vs British Airways: which airline wins Hong Kong to London?

Sep 8, 2026

Sharon Petersen
The biggest competitor to Qantas domestic business class? Qantas itself.
Airline News

The biggest competitor to Qantas domestic business class? Qantas itself.

Sep 3, 2026

Sharon Petersen

Featured articles

View more
Cathay Pacific vs British Airways: which airline wins Hong Kong to London?
Airline News

Cathay Pacific vs British Airways: which airline wins Hong Kong to London?

Sep 8, 2026

Sharon Petersen
The biggest competitor to Qantas domestic business class? Qantas itself.
Airline News

The biggest competitor to Qantas domestic business class? Qantas itself.

Sep 3, 2026

Sharon Petersen
From First Circuit to Full Flight Deck: How MOZA Built a Flight Sim Ecosystem That Grows With You
Airline News

From First Circuit to Full Flight Deck: How MOZA Built a Flight Sim Ecosystem That Grows With You

Aug 18, 2026

Airline Ratings
The Boeing 737 MAX 7 is finally certified. The strange part? Almost nobody wants it.
Airline News

The Boeing 737 MAX 7 is finally certified. The strange part? Almost nobody wants it.

Aug 5, 2026

Josh Wood