Information on WestJet Flights

As one of Canada’s largest airlines, WestJet has built a loyal following among travelers looking for affordable fares with limited extras. Overall, you can expect a slightly elevated experience compared to some ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States – although a recent change to its lowest-level fare category has reduced what’s included.

Why fly WestJet?

I find WestJet to be a good choice for budget-conscious transborder travel, but it’s important to weigh the fare vs. the cost of obtaining additional services and amenities.

The airline can also be especially attractive to travelers like me who are members of Delta SkyMiles, thanks to the partnership between the two carriers (if you have elite status with Delta, you get more freebies when flying WestJet). I’m more motivated by convenience, fares and frequent flyer affiliation – especially with shorter flights – than I am by the need to fly an airline with all the bells and whistles, so WestJet has often been a decent option for me.

Aircraft types

If you’re flying between Canada and the US or domestically within Canada, you can expect the same general layout on most flights, since the company’s workhorse for those routes is the Boeing 737 (737-8 MAX, 737-800 NG, 737-700 NG). I’ve found some of these aircraft to be better maintained (or have newer interiors) than others, however.

The 737-8 MAX are among the newest planes in the fleet (with more still being added), so they’re most likely to have the freshest interiors. Still, I wouldn’t usually choose a flight or route based solely on the type of aircraft or the possibility of a fresher interior, especially for a shorter flight, since I’ve found all of them to be comfortable enough.

The much-larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner flies mostly trans-Atlantic and trans-Pacific routes, as well as a handful of high-density North American routes. These planes offer more amenities and options for upgrading your trip – most notably the option to fly in business class, which isn’t available on the company’s narrow-body aircraft, and extra amenities in the Premium cabin including blankets, pillows and a welcome beverage.

On the smaller end are the De Havilland Dash 8-400 and Saab 340B, which are used for short-haul routes operated by WestJet Link and WestJet Encore and offer fewer amenities on board.

Understanding fare categories on WestJet

Depending on the type of aircraft, you’ll find up to seven different fare categories on WestJet. It can get confusing, since in some cases a higher fare of service may not offer some benefits that you might get with a lower fare class – so shop wisely. There have been times when I’ve reconsidered the fare class I choose after reviewing the details of what’s included, and how much it costs to add more amenities.

UltraBasic

In 2024, WestJet revamped its lowest fare category, formerly known as Basic, and rebranded it as UltraBasic. Now, you’re only allowed to bring one personal item with you, and it must fit beneath the seat in front of you (unless you’re flying to Europe or Asia, in which case a carry-on bag is included).

You can bring extra luggage and choose your seat in advance, of course, but it will cost extra – and this is the only fare category where you won’t earn anything with WestJet Rewards, the airline’s loyalty program. You’ll also be among the last to board the aircraft, and no changes or cancellations are allowed to the reservation.

Econo and EconoFlex

Depending on the type of trip I’m taking, I generally consider either of these two categories to be the best deal, since they provide some features that I’d likely have to pay for with UltraBasic.

Econo fares include a carry-on bag as well as a personal item, but you’ll still pay extra for seat selection, checked baggage, changes and cancellations. EconoFlex fares include one free checked bag, free seat selection and free changes and cancellations.

Premium and PremiumFlex

Premium fares offer all the benefits of Econo, plus two free checked bags, seat selection and priority screening, boarding and baggage handling. But you’ll pay extra for changes and cancellations. PremiumFlex eliminates the change and cancellation fees.

Business and BusinessFlex

Available only on the 787 Dreamliner, Business class service is closer to what you’d expect from any long-haul, full-service airline. With the Business fare, you get all the benefits of Premium, as well as access to an airport lounge. But, unlike Premium Flex, with a Business fare you must pay for changes and cancellations. BusinessFlex gets rid of those fees.

Extended Comfort

Regardless of which type of economy fare you purchase (UltraBasic, Econo, EconoFlex), you can upgrade your experience by purchasing an Extended Comfort seat, which features extra legroom and includes earlier boarding. Whether it’s worth it or not may depend on how much you’re willing to spend, as well as the length of the flight (I generally don’t worry about space when flying shorter hops).

Pre-flight experience

How to navigate the airport experience when flying WestJet

Baggage policy and fees

If you’re traveling with a carry-on, be careful about which fare class you book (the new UltraBasic fare doesn’t include a carry-on). You’ll need to be similarly vigilant about getting the best deal if you want to check bags; EconoFlex is the lowest fare category that includes a free checked bag. Premium and Business fares include two checked bags per passenger.

It’s always cheaper to pay in advance for a checked bag; do it online or via the WestJet app. It costs more if you pay for checked bags within 24 hours of departure, whether you do it online or at the airport.

In my experience, size limits for carry-ons are stricter with WestJet than with some other airlines, so take note before attempting to carry something big onboard. I’ve seen some WestJet gate agents who don’t pay much attention to size and others who do, so it’s up to you if you want to run the risk of being charged extra to gate-check what you were trying to sneak by as a carry-on.

Check-in and boarding

My elite status with Delta Air Lines has been a plus when flying WestJet, since it allows access to priority service lines and earlier boarding. If you have elite-level frequent flyer status with Delta (or even if you don’t but are a SkyMiles member), be sure to share your membership number when making your reservation. Members of WestJet Rewards, the frequent flyer program of WestJet, also have access to priority lines and boarding.

Without question, the WestJet app is the most efficient way to check in. If you’re checking a bag, you may want to arrive extra early, since at some airports all economy passengers wait in one line (again, elite status with WestJet or Delta can help you skip to a priority line, if there is one).

Airport lounges

WestJet offers free access to partner lounges – in most Canadian cities, it’s a Plaza Premium Lounge – for some elite-level members of WestJet Rewards. WestJet’s flagship facility, the Elevation Lounge, is located at Calgary International Airport; the facility serves hot food and is furnished with showers.

If you have Diamond, Platinum or Gold Medallion status with Delta SkyMiles and you’re flying between Canada and the US on either airline, you’re also eligible. Passengers flying business also get free lounge access. In Canada, you can also pay your way into WestJet’s designated lounges.

The onboard experience on WestJet

Inflight features depend on the aircraft and route; here’s an overview of what to expect.

Boeing 737 and 787 Dreamliner

WestJet’s Economy seat pitch is generally on par with most carriers, at 30 inches on the carrier’s 737 aircraft. You can upgrade to 33 or 34 inches by paying for Extended Comfort seating, or 37 inches in Premium seating.

Business Class Seating on board features pods with lie-flat seats and lots of amenities, including 18.5-inch seatback monitors.

Seats on WestJet Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft are equipped with in-seat AC power and/or USB-A sockets. Soda pop, juice, water and a small snack are served for free during most flights aboard those aircraft. The airline sells additional food and drinks at relatively reasonable prices, but I generally prefer to bring my own food since availability of some items can be limited.

Dash 8-400 and Saab 340B

Dash 8-400 and Saab 340B aircraft don’t have power outlets, so be sure you’re charged up before boarding. These smaller aircraft also have limited Wi-Fi and less overhead storage space. If your flight is longer than 50 minutes, you’ll probably still have an opportunity to partake in the inflight snacks and drinks, minus the hot food.

Loyalty programs

WestJet Rewards is different from most loyalty programs. Rather than miles or points, you earn WestJet Dollars based on how much you spend on air travel, vacation packages, car rentals, hotel stays and other purchases. You can then redeem those “dollars” for travel on WestJet as well as for vacation packages with its affiliated company, Sunwing Vacations (Sunwing is owned by WestJet).

Unless you’re planning on lots of trips to, from and around Canada, it probably makes more sense as a US-based traveler to focus your loyalty with a US carrier. As an elite member of Delta SkyMiles, for example, I get benefits on WestJet like access to better seating, priority check-in lines and free checked bags, even though I’m not a member of WestJet Rewards.

Credit cards

RBC Banks offers two WestJet co-branded credit cards: WestJet RBC Mastercard and WestJetRBC World Elite Mastercard. But to obtain a card, you must be either a Canadian resident or a non-resident who is emigrating to Canada or going to work or study there.