WESTJET review : 10 October 2008 : by A Dias

Customer Rating : 5/5

We flew Westjet Quebec city to Toronto. Our flight attendant was so hilarious. The entertainment console was good with varied programmes but there was no need when we had live entertainment on board! The complimentary drink and snack was a nice touch on a budget flight. And the flight left before schedule and arrived before schedule - another first for us!

WESTJET review : 15 August 2008 : by M Vos

Customer Rating : 5/5

Toronto YYZ to Thunder Bay (YQT) return on Boeing 737-700. The online check in was very easy, and allowed me to print my boarding pass with ease. Dropped bag off at a designated check-in desk. The aircraft was very clean. Comfortable leather seats, and the seatback satellite TV's are a wonderful treat. The flight crew were attentive, and humorous. The only part was the Buy-On-Board service. Too expensive for what you get, and $3.00 CDN for headsets is a rip off.

WESTJET review : 17 June 2008 : by Judy Chan

Customer Rating : 2/5

YYC-YYZ flew once, and never again. It started out as a low-fare airline, and it really cannot shake off that image of being cheap, but the prices have gone up to match Air Canada. Yes the cabin crew & flight crew did joke around on the PA system, but it didn't really add anything to the experience. I flew Westjet before they added the satellite TV, so I had my iPod and books with me.

WESTJET review : 21 May 2008 : by M Oscars

Customer Rating : 4/5

YYZ-LAS-YYZ. Check-in a breeze and flights on time. Both ground and air staff friendly. Cabin seating comfortable and personal tv's with free satellite tv and a small choice of movies on demand for a fee. I noticed purchasable onboard food choices were standard sky cafe stuf. Nice touch is that one receives cookies or pretzels for free. Bar service efficient and alcoholic beverages less expensive than AC.

WESTJET review : 8 May 2008 : by B Scinski

Customer Rating : 2/5

Edmonton to Toronto and return. We had always considered WestJet to be the Canadian Airline to set the bar for quality and comfortable travel. This trip though set us back a bit and also our perception of WestJet service and comfort. A minor glitch on the way down and certainly nothing to get upset about was the fact we paid for TV service and my wife's monitor did not work. Now we realize it was only $3.00 and would not consider asking for it back, but we were also never offered it back but were simply told - 'Oh well. I guess it isn't working." Not a big deal by any stretch but certainly not the service, attention and care we were used to. On our return the entire satelite system did not work and neither did both our seats. We could not recline either one. Again all we got was, "Did you try and push back firmly?" That was the end of it. We flew from Toronto (same trip) to Varadero on SkyServivce. Everything worked, bags were unloaded in a timely manner, meals were free (hot sandwich - WestJet was pretzels), those that you wished to purchase were $5.00 (WestJet $6.00) and headsets $2.00 (WestJet $3.00). By previous WestJet experiences this was a poor to fair experience.

WestJet review by Rita McKinnon

8 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I was recently on a flight Las Vegas to Vancouver and was very upset that the person sitting next to me was about 250 lbs or more. He not only took all of his seat but at least half of mine. His one arm overlapped across my chest. I could not reach the buttons for the satellite TV to change channels or to use the volume button as he fell asleep shortly after takeoff. Proceeded to snore very loud and it was not very enjoyable at all for the price I paid to sit in my seat and not half a seat. I thought there was a standard that if you are that large you should be getting two seats and not one. It really is not fair for the person sitting next to you. To make matters worse I am 5' 11" so was very crowded. I know there is nothing that can be done and am only telling you this for future travellers that want to be comfortable. I know there is not much room as it is but this man was well over the regular limit and it was not very much fun at all having him take half of my space as well. Please do check your weight and body size limits for travellers and see that the rest of the passengers are not uncomfortable by this.

WestJet review by J Hedge

27 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Orlando to Calgary. Most of the comments here sum up the airline. An advantage that passes the time in a 737-700 are the sat tv systems you will find on carriers such as JetBlue and Virgin in economy. The crew were polite and cordial in a friendly way. I feel that if you fly within or to Canada you would be best to check Air Canada and Westjet to see who has the best fares to the destination that you wish to travel to. Westjet is a high 3 stars carrier that needs to contemplate its long term vision properly and grow its network to markets such as further US destinations.

WestJet review by Janet Maxwell

20 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Westjet scores high in customer service from the time you check in until you leave the aircraft. Last week in Saint Johns Newfoundland a blinding storm caused many flight cancellations and Westjet took care of their passenger base by providing food and accomodation. I am not certain if this is the practice of their competitors. This airline is fun - really unusual these days. I know that the goal of this airline is to be one of the top five in the world in eight years time.

WestJet review by I Stewart

16 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Edm.-Abbottsford rtn. Very efficient and friendly. Wish they had mileage plan of their own. Comfy seats, fast service. Crew very accommodating. Long wait at Calgary on plane as late aircraft from Hamilton and Halifax had connecting passengers. Chap beside me said he flew this way often and waiting for planes from the East was common. Somewhat annoying I must say, although if it were me on that Halifax flight, would be delighted the plane waited for me as it was the last one to Edmonton for the night. Made my companion and I very late and heard complaints that rental car kiosks closed at midnight. Always try and get Westjet to the West Coast.

WestJet review by Jeremy Ryan

15 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

YVR-YLW return. Two short flights in this one-class carrier, flying 737 jets. Great on-time service, good handling of awkward luggage (skis), and friendly staff on the ground and in the air. Cheap, too! A great low-cost carrier experience.

WestJet review by W Coulton

29 December 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Edmonton - Nassau Bahamas - Edmonton, via YYC outbound and YYZ on the return. Westjet provided a consistent product on all four flights. Staff were friendly and appeared keen to make the trip a pleasant one. Aircraft well maintained, with fairly confortable leather seats, reasonable seat pitch and live seat back TV. Food for purchase satisfactory and regular non alcoholic drink runs were made. All flights early and baggage arrived safely. Even NAS airport was quick on the arrival. Travelling at Christmas can be extra stressful.

WestJet review by Pat Grillas

12 November 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Montreal-Toronto-Ottawa. I feel that there is a genuine effort by the cabin crew for making the flights enjoyable. The entertainment satellite TV system is excellent. The cabin crew were polite on all my flights.

WestJet review by Paul Browne

4 November 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

YVR-LAS-YVR on a somewhat worn 737-700 outbound and a newer version inbound. Online check-in easy to use. No lines at YVR even at US Customs. Onboard crew friendly and professional. No Westjet song on either flight tho'! Whilst everything is for sale on board inc headphones, movies, and food, complimentary tea/coffee/soda and cookies or pretzels are offered also. Outbound I bought the standard hoagie, inbound I made sure I ate before I headed for the airport - enough said about Westjet's gourmet offerings. Leather seats, adequate legroom for a 2.5 hr flight tho' not much longer. Outbound I snagged bulkhead at the gate, inbound I picked 12F, the exit row without a seat in front - just like First Class! Would use them again if schedule and price were favourable.

WestJet review by Kevin McDougal

26 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Winnipeg to Montreal and back with WestJet and found it to be a good experience. Online check-in with seat selection, available from 24 hours before departure, was quick and easy to use; checking in early managed to get me seat 5A outbound and 2F inbound. Baggage drop was also done quickly and courteously at both airports. At the gate, there were no overbooking issues and both flights departed in a timely manner. And in the air, the seats (each equipped with IFE) were comfortable and the flight attendants were pleasant. The only things that travelers need to be wary of are that the airline does charge for both food and headsets, and that the Barney-esque "WestJet Song" might make some cringe. All in all, even though WestJet's fares often seem high compared to those promoted by Southwest, Ryanair or EasyJet, WestJet is a well-run, reliable airline that seems to do a good job of getting people from A to B without stressing them out.

WestJet review by Tony DiCocco

23 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Three stars is about right. First of all, its somewhat of a myth that WestJet is Canada's discount airline, since often Air Canada is about the same price (and not uncommonly more expensive). That being said, flying on WestJet is like Southwest in the States (without the cattle call for seats). Clean, no thrills, pay for your food, only 737's, and domestic (and some sun) destinations. One good thing about WestJet is that they fly to Southwestern Ontario airports, such as Hamilton, Kitchener and London that Air Canada doesn't serve, allowing me to avoid Toronto's Pearson Airport (although WJ has good service to YYZ as well, although not as many flights as AC). Unlike other posters, I didn't find service on WJ to be superior to AC, they're about the same in my eyes. Anyways, when flying in Canada, go with whatever airline is cheaper. Both have average service, but both do the job of getting you from point A to B.

WestJet review by B McMichael

11 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

YXU-YYC - pretty awesome flight for 7:00 in the morning. The flight attendants were cheery. Professional, and did their job properly. The food on the flights you have to buy, and is kind of expensive, so bring your own food onto the plane. The ticket was expensive, as well. The personal TVs are great when you are travelling with children. The plane was new and clean.

WestJet review by Dawn Isadore

11 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

For all the people who don't appreciate being called by your first name - stop taking yourself so seriously. For all those who don't like the fact that there isn't a business class section - book on another airline. For those who say that WJ is responsible for the 'soaring cost' and 'lack of service' on the bigger, 'full-service' airlines, there is a reason that they are trying to copy what WJ is doing. They know that if they were to continue offering all those perks, no one would be able to fly. Also - to those who are lamenting the fact that Ward Air and CP Air were so much classier and offered a better deal for a better price - there is a reason they no longer exist. In the airline business in Canada, survival of the fittest is real.

WestJet review by G Mair

22 May 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

I have flown WestJet a lotthe last few years (Vancouver to Toronto, Ottawa, Thunder Bay, Halifax, Montreal among others), since Air Canada ticked me off one time too many. I always find the service is professional, planes are very clean and modern, and on-time performance is good. The few of times things have gone "wrong" with WestJet - a couple of delayed flights and once my bags didn't arrive due to me making a last minute change of itinerary - their service in keeping you informed and resolving the problems has been excellent. I still fly Air Canada every now and again, and it amazes me that it is Canada's "low- cost" airline that offers in-seat TV and free snacks/cookies with your drinks. Prices may be similar between AC and WestJet, but if WestJet flies there, I'll choose them over Air Canada every time. Bottom line is that with WestJet I have never arrived at my destination in a bad mood due to airline screw-ups. With Air Canada it happened all too often.

WestJet review by Kelly Bass

12 April 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

I fly regularly from Edmonton to Vancouver and Edmonton to Toronto. They are by far the best air carrier between these destinations, and for the prices offered, I do mind having to pay $5.00 for a sandwich. From Edmonton to Vancouver (90 minutes), it is not even necessary anyhow

WestJet review by Jay Franske
1 April 2007

I recently flew Westjet from YYC-YEG, this was my first time flying with Westjet. I have travelled all over the world on many different airlines, and I have no idea why some people get excited about this airline. The check-in experience was ok, the flight departed on time. The flight attendants were nothing special a couple young ,and older. The seats were not comfortable, had to pay for everything they offered, (not sure about washrooms) did not use. Westjet considers themselves as a low cost carrier with great service, I find that Air Canada prices are the same if not cheaper and the service is just as good, with more flight options. The so called low cost airline with great service is no cheaper or customer friendly than any other airline.

WestJet review by Joan Rickerby
9 March 2007

YYZ - UVF (St Lucia). What a nice change to be on-time when you consider other Canadian charters. Each seat has it's own TV on the back of the seat in front of you and for $5 CND you can select from numerous movies. Bring a set of your own universal headphones or buy theirs for $3 CDN. More legroom than we are used to when we go down south each year! Food quite good. FAs looked like they enjoyed their job. Miracle of miracles - we arrived home on-time too!

WestJet review by Russell Clements
9 January 2007

Used this airline twice in the last 3 weeks - Calgary to Kelowna and Kelowna to Vancouver. I always enjoy these particular flights with either Westjet, (or alternatively on some previous trips, with Jazz - the times and availability determine the choice). This trip, the Westjet flights were as good as ever. Since I last flew with this airline 2 years ago, they seem to be more professional. Clean aircraft, smooth flights, and good though basic service from courteous and efficient attendants Always a satisfactory experience with Westjet, though I do miss the more laid back, more rustic, approach of Jazz, (in my experience anyway). Would happily fly with either of these carriers again.

WestJet review by David Howe
10 October 2006

Just a short leg Ottawa to Toronto on Sept. 21, but I wanted to say that I noted a vast improvement in the level of professionalism. This flight was on a new 737-600 series, no tvs or winglets retro-fitted yet, but on such a short flight not a problem. The crew were friendly but without the "cheesey awe-shucks" folksiness prevalent on this carrier in the past. They had proper bilingual announcements too, and no joking around during the safety announcements. Keep up the good work Westjet, though I have to say both major Canadian carriers really lack in terms of onboard service and fares charged per mile compared to my recent travels in the UK on BA (see review)

WestJet review by John Adams
22 September 2006

Charlottetown-Toronto 15 September 2006. Excellent flight! We checked in online that morning, and got the seats we wanted. The flight left and arrived on-time, and the seat-back TV was superb. Cabin crew were friendly and efficient. The only strange thing was that we were asked to stop reading and put away books/newspapers for takeoff - obviously some H&S executive has been bored and has carried out a full risk assessment of reading during takeoff.

WestJet review by Jennifer Smith (a WestJet employee)
30 July 2006

Just a quick note to Mr. Gary Roberts who claimed 'Is West Jet that dumb?' When you ask a question you'll get an answer. The reason why your always changing your seat is because for certain 'weight and balance' reasons of an aircraft, men, women and children are pre seated accordingly on the aircraft to ensure the aircraft will take off properly and to ensure the safety of all the passengers on board! Before you bash, ask !

WestJet review by Gary Robertson
18 July 2006

I travel by West Jet a lot, and I always have to go on line and change my seat. I always sit as close to the front as necessary and want an aisle seat. Not once have I been given a seat up front and aisle. What does it take to have your computers make the selection for your valued clients? Is it that hard? Do I have to change the seat every time? Is West Jet that dumb?

WestJet review by Bart Omand
2 May 2006

Actually, its a 12 hour web check in, not 24 hours as the previous post states. It is very easy to use and is a great feature for a LCC. I have flown WestJet and have always been very satisfied.

WestJet review by Michelle Tanner
23 January 2006

Regina-Calgary route quite often and have never been dissatisfied. The leather seats are comfy and roomy, there is free satellite tv on the back of every seat, and the airplane is always very clean. For a one hour flight, the 'snack pack and a drink' they provide is adequate. I've never had a problem with my luggage not arriving and the most I've had to wait for it on the baggage carrier is 15 minutes. Just a note to the recent poster who was upset about the seat booking. WestJet offers online booking, so you can book your seat online 24 hours ahead of your flight (maybe that's what those passengers did?). This way you can skip the regular check-in line and go straight to baggage drop, with your seat already picked by yourself online. I used this feature for the first time about a month ago and I plan on doing this from now on, very quick and convenient.

WestJet review by J Pernal
14 January 2006

My first experience with West Jet, not bad, except when it came to seat booking . Being aware of a first come policy , arrived at the airport quite early [2nd in line], was surprised to find seating available only in the last 20 rows. Seeing people from the rear of the line sitting in the first ten rows makes your policy a bit fishy. Thanks for wasting at least 2 hours of what is already a stressful time for some.

WestJet review by Tanya Eastman
14 January 2006

I give top marks to WestJet flight attendants who are friendly if not quirky. I was not impressed by the service provided from ticket agents to boarding agents. WestJet had deleted my 'confirmed' seats and actually had me wondering if we might be bumped. We did get on the plane but the comfort level was unacceptable. My seat did not fully recline while I may as well have been a pillow for the fellow in the seat in front of me whose seat seemed to be compensating for mine. I think my feet were numb due to the lack of leg room and I just could not get comfortable the whole flight. I submitted a compliant to WestJet, but they worded their reply so that when I finished reading their response, I was almost convinced they were doing me a big favour by allowing me to fly with them at all. Still, I give credit to the flight attendants who remained friendly and empathetic as they told me "there's really nothing more we can do." It was a strange statement considering they really hadn't done anything.

WestJet review by David Howe
5 January 2006

My previous comments are based on years of experience, and my own preferences and tastes to which I am entitled. My company chooses WestJet because they fall for the myth that WestJet is so good as most people in Calgary think. I have since requested that they no longer fly me on WestJet if at all possible I never said WestJet was bad, just not as great as they would have you think. Their inflight magazine and website are full of self-praising slogans based on their own opinions. How could you possibly say that WestJet is as good as Wardair was? Wardair served filet mignon on Royal Doulton China, on a wide-bodied aircraft and at a much lower cost, even counting for inflation. They were world renowned. CP Air was also world class. I dont think your opinions are based on fact, just loyalty to WestJet for whatever reason. If WestJet is so devoted to low cost flying as they claim, how come it costs so much more now in real dollars than it did ten or fifteen years ago?

WestJet review by W Campbell
21 December 2005

Just a short comment to Mr Howe. Those "free meals and booze" were never free. One way or another someone other than Air Canada or Canadian paid for them. At least WestJet doesn't serve up a meal that cost them a dollar, then claim that the cost of the meals is the difference in the prices, as AC has done. I have flown on all the schedules airlines that operate or have operated in Canada, including AC, Canadian, Canada 3000, CPAir and PWA, to name a few. I would suggest WestJet is as good as or better than any. There must be some reason other than falling for the advertising that the company you work for chooses WestJet. Otherwise, why not just not fly with them? I don't mean to be insulting, but I don't think your comments are based on good information.

WestJet review by Andrew Smith
21 December 2005

Halifax-Toronto. Check-in was quick and the women behind the desk very friendly. The plane boarded and took off on time, and landed in Toronto 10 minutes early. This flight was serviced by one of WestJet's Boeing 737-700's with Bell ExpressVu backseat Tv. This made the time fly! The cabin crew was friendly, and passed through the cabin regularly, however they were not as upbeat as I had expected. Service consisted of pretzels or cookies and a drink, along with a number of things to buy. When we landed, the baggage was out within 15 minutes, which is a record for me in Toronto! The only fault with WestJet is that their crew's are not fluent in English and French, and all announcements in French were already pre-recorded.

WestJet review by David Howe
27 September 2005

I fly Westjet a lot - too much, only because my company is based in Calgary and they have fallen for the WJ spin that they are so much better than AC. I fly them between Ottawa and Calgary a lot. They appeal to the less experienced traveller and WestJet did a great job of persuading such people to fly. However they offer nothing to business travellers or those who travel frequently. There is nothing great about free pretzels and soft drinks for a flight that is anything but low cost, and yet they make it sound like such a big deal A few years ago on Air Canada or Canadian for a lot less money you got a free hot meal with free booze. At least Air Canada still feed you from Ottawa to Calgary. I blame airlines like Westjet for deglamorizing air travel without reducing the cost. Yest the planes are nice and clean, the TV is OK, but all our airlines offer modern aircraft and if not TV then at least a movie.

WestJet review by Susan Johnson
23 September 2005

Just a note to Darran on the Westjet TV's. They will not be charging for them at all. The credit card swipe will only be used when they introduce the pay per view movies possibly later next year.

WestJet review by Darran Burr
23 September 2005

Flew Vancouver to Toronto September 14th, this is a superb low cost airline. I live in the UK and Westjet surpass all the UK low cost carriers in every aspect, service, comfort and professionalism. The only thing I recommend you avoid is any seat in Row 11 on their 737-700 aircraft, the seats on this row do not recline and therefore are not the most comfortable, however, the legroom is superb and beats most UK and Canadian Scheduled airlines, Row 12 have the best seats, these are over the emergency exits and do recline! The in-flight Live TV is brilliant, when I was flying I watched a Manchester United v Villareal European Champions League Game live, just amazing, and it made the 4 hour flight pass so quickly! Book any flight with Westjet and you are in for a treat! Keep up the good work Westjet, don't become complacent in the very competitive market place that you are in and you will always be on the "skies to success", also, please don't start charging for the live TV, i noticed that the screens had a credit card swipe facility installed on them and I guess that you have plans to charge for this great facility very soon.

WestJet review by Dave Graubard
23 September 2005

Last week flew WestJet from Calgary to Ft. McMurry via Edmonton both directions. Excellent flights on new 737-700 aircraft. It is a bit torturous with the Inflight TV on such short flights (34 minutes from Calgary to Edmonton and 45 minutes from Edmonton to Ft. McMurry) as you just get to watching a show and the FA's turn it off due to the beginning of the descent. Professional and fun FAs, ontime flights and comfortable seats (except seat 1A/F and 2 A/F as they are just when the fuselage begins to get smaller and the window seats are a bit cramped). I always fly WestJet when I'm in Canada and wish they were tied to a US airline to link up with.

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