Is WestJet a Good Airline? (My Honest Feedback)

As a travel blogger, I have had the pleasure of flying with WestJet on a few occasions.

I’m going to be honest and provide my honest feedback on the airline, so you can make an informed decision on whether or not it is a good airline.

WestJet Reviews - Pros and cons
aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview of WestJet

WestJet is a Canadian low-cost airline founded in 1996.

It is the second-largest airline in Canada, operating an extensive domestic and international network.

WestJet serves over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

The airline has a fleet of over 130 aircraft, which includes Boeing 737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8, 767-300ER, and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Pros of Flying WestJet

Excellent Customer Service

As a US travel blogger who has a keen interest in aviation, I have had the pleasure of flying with WestJet several times and I can confidently say that their customer service is excellent.

The staff are friendly and professional, and they are always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that you have a comfortable and pleasant flight.

On one occasion, I was running late for my flight and the staff were very accommodating and understanding.

They were able to help me get on the plane in time and even gave me a complimentary snack for my troubles.

Reliable and On-Time Flights

Another great thing about WestJet is that their flights are usually on time and reliable.

I have never had any major issues with their flights being delayed or canceled, and I have always been able to get to my destination on time.

Additionally, the planes are always clean and well-maintained, which makes for a comfortable and enjoyable flight.

Affordable Prices

WestJet is also known for its affordable prices.

I have always been able to find great deals on flights with WestJet, and they often have promotions and discounts that make flying even more affordable.

Additionally, they offer a variety of different fare options, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget.

Wide Range of Destinations

WestJet also offers a wide range of destinations, so you can find flights to almost anywhere in the world.

They have flights to major cities in the US, Canada, Europe, and beyond, so you can always find a flight to your desired destination.

Additionally, they offer a variety of different routes, so you can find the best route for your travels.

WestJet Review - Pros and Cons
Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cons of Flying WestJet

Limited Flight Options

WestJet offers limited flight options, especially for international routes.

This means that travelers may have to book flights with other airlines to get to their desired destination.

Additionally, WestJet does not offer direct flights to some popular destinations, so travelers may have to make several connections to get to their destination.

Hidden Fees

Some passengers have criticized WestJet for charging hidden fees, such as fees for checked baggage, seat selection, and in-flight snacks and beverages.

FAQs

What is the cost of tickets on WestJet?

WestJet offers a variety of ticket prices depending on the route and time of year.

Prices can range from as low as $50 CAD for a one-way ticket to over $1000 CAD for a round-trip ticket.

Prices also vary depending on the type of ticket purchased, such as economy, business, or first-class.

What are the fees for checked baggage on WestJet?

WestJet offers a checked baggage allowance for passengers on their flights.

The allowance is based on the type of ticket purchased and the destination.

For most domestic flights, the allowance is one checked bag up to 23kg for economy class and two checked bags up to 23kg for business class.

Fees for additional or overweight bags may apply.

Does WestJet have a loyalty program?

Yes, WestJet has a loyalty program called WestJet Rewards.

Members of the program can earn points for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.

Points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

What is WestJet’s baggage allowance?

WestJet’s baggage allowance is based on the type of ticket purchased and the destination.

For most domestic flights, the allowance is one checked bag up to 23kg for economy class and two checked bags up to 23kg for business class.

Fees for additional or overweight bags may apply.

Does WestJet offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?

Yes, WestJet offers a variety of promotions and discounts for booking flights.

Customers can save money by signing up for WestJet Rewards, which offers discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals.

Customers can also take advantage of WestJet’s promotional codes, which are available on the WestJet website and can be used to save money on flight bookings.

Additionally, WestJet offers special discounts to seniors, military personnel, and students.

What is WestJet’s policy for changing or canceling flights?

WestJet’s policy for changing or cancelling flights depends on the type of fare purchased.

For most fares, customers can make one free change or cancellation to their flight within 24 hours of booking.

After that, customers may be charged a fee to make any changes or cancellations.

Additionally, any changes or cancellations to flights may incur a fare difference if the new fare is more expensive than the original fare.

How comfortable are the seats on WestJet’s planes?

WestJet offers comfortable seating on all of its planes.

The seats are ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and feature adjustable headrests and lumbar support.

The seats also have plenty of legroom and recline for added comfort.

Additionally, WestJet offers premium seating in its Plus cabins, which feature wider seats and extra legroom.

Does WestJet have in-flight entertainment options?

Yes, WestJet offers in-flight entertainment options on select flights.

Customers can access the WestJet Connect entertainment system, which offers a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games.

The system is available on most flights and can be accessed via personal devices or in-seat entertainment screens.

Additionally, WestJet offers Wi-Fi access on select flights, allowing customers to stay connected while in the air.

Does WestJet serve meals on its flights?

Yes, WestJet serves meals on its flights.

Depending on the route, passengers can enjoy a variety of meal options, including light snacks, sandwiches, and hot meals.

Passengers can also purchase snacks, drinks, and other items from the onboard WestJet Café.

Does WestJet offer WiFi on its flights?

Yes, WestJet offers WiFi on its flights.

Passengers can purchase a variety of WiFi plans depending on their needs, including a basic plan that allows for browsing the web, checking emails, and streaming music, as well as a premium plan that allows for streaming videos and movies.

Does WestJet allow advance seat assignments?

Yes, WestJet allows advance seat assignments.

Passengers can select their seats when they book their flights online or through the WestJet app.

Passengers can also make changes to their seat assignments at the airport or through the WestJet customer service team.

Does WestJet allow pets on its flights?

Yes, WestJet allows pets on its flights.

Pets must be in a carrier that meets the airline’s size and weight requirements, and the carrier must be stowed in the cabin for the duration of the flight.

Passengers must also pay a fee for bringing their pets on the flight.

How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?

WestJet’s staff are known for their friendly and helpful attitude.

Customer reviews often cite the airline’s staff as being helpful and accommodating, and many customers have noted that the staff go out of their way to make sure their experience is as enjoyable as possible.

WestJet’s staff are also noted for their professionalism and efficiency, making them a great choice for travelers who want a stress-free flight experience.

Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?

Yes, WestJet offers a variety of services for travelers with disabilities.

The airline offers special seating arrangements and assistance with boarding, disembarking, and connecting flights.

WestJet also offers wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and other services for travelers with disabilities.

How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?

Booking a flight with WestJet is easy and convenient.

Customers can book flights online, over the phone, or in person at one of the airline’s ticketing offices.

WestJet also offers a mobile app, which makes it easy to book flights, check-in, and manage your bookings on the go.

What is the airline’s on-time performance record?

WestJet has an excellent on-time performance record.

According to FlightStats, the airline has an on-time performance rate of over 90%, making it one of the most reliable airlines in the world.

WestJet also has a low cancellation rate, meaning that customers can be confident that their flights will depart and arrive on time.

Does WestJet have a good safety record?

Yes, WestJet has an excellent safety record.

The airline has an impeccable safety record, with no major incidents reported since its inception in 1996.

WestJet has been consistently rated among the top 10 safest airlines in the world and is one of the few airlines to have achieved a 7-star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com.

WestJet is also committed to safety, investing in state-of-the-art technology and training to ensure the safety of its passengers and crew.

What is WestJet’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?

WestJet’s policy for lost or damaged luggage is to provide passengers with compensation for any items that are lost, damaged, or delayed during their journey.

WestJet will reimburse passengers for the cost of the item, up to a maximum of $2,000 per passenger.

In the event of delayed luggage, WestJet will provide passengers with a $100 voucher to purchase replacement items.

Passengers can also purchase additional travel insurance to cover any additional costs associated with lost or damaged luggage.

How extensive is WestJet’s route network?

WestJet has an extensive route network, operating flights to over 100 destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

The airline also has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, allowing passengers to access even more destinations.

WestJet also offers a range of domestic and international flight packages, allowing passengers to save money on their travel.

Does WestJet have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?

Yes, WestJet has a number of partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.

The airline has codeshare agreements with several airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, and Delta Air Lines.

WestJet also has a partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, allowing passengers to earn points for their flights and redeem them for rewards at Marriott hotels.

WestJet also has partnerships with several car rental companies, allowing passengers to book their rental cars in advance.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience flying with WestJet was a positive one.

Alternative airlines to consider are Air Canada or Flair Airlines as they both fly similar routes.

Here’s a video review of the airline.

The flights were on time and the staff were friendly and helpful. The seat comfort was good and the onboard amenities were satisfactory.

The food options were varied and the in-flight entertainment was enjoyable. I would definitely recommend WestJet to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable airline.