I’ve spent my whole summer travelling through Canada on both of the two Canadian airlines: WestJet and Air Canada. There are quite a few differences between the two and below I’ve broken them down into my own comparisons below.
Air Canada: In-flight movies are free, on-demand and on private seatback screens (no live TV).
WestJet: Live TV streams from the private seatback screens, but movies are for a fee.
Air Canada: The staff have a reputation for being unhelpful, although, in my experience, I find them great.
WestJet: The staff are perkier, often younger, and more conversational in general.
Air Canada: Old school safety routine and announcements.
WestJet: Injects a fresh way of saying the same old boring announcements. A point for effort.
Private Seatback TVs in Air Canada Flights.
Air Canada: Serves free drinks on all flights but charges for any food or snacks.
WestJet: Also serves free drinks (but doesn’t offer milk, which I find a major bummer) and gives out a small complimentary snack of cookies or Bits n’ Bites. They also serve food for a fee.
Air Canada: Known for late flights.
WestJet: Known for prompt arrival and departure of flights.
Air Canada: Known for being a bugger to deal with if flights get delayed, you miss a connection or need assistance to change things in any way.
WestJet: Known for being super helpful and accommodating when things don’t go as planned.
Air Canada: Has a frequent flyer program, Aeroplan, that is easy to use, can be simply booked on-line and points can be redeemed for a whole shwack of things. Aeroplan points can also be collected from an increasing amount of vendors. This is my preferred points program.
WestJet: Collecting Airmiles on their flights is being phased out as they launch their own loyalty program (I believe this Fall). I am very interested in seeing what they do with this.
Air Canada: The standard first class and economy class seating options, with different levels of tickets (Tango, Tango Plus, Latitude, Executive Class).
WestJet: Just book a ticket and get on the plane! There’s no first class.
What I liked:
- I fly with Air Canada much more often and actually like their service. Because I take so many flights, I like to just get in and get up in the air. The enthusiasm of WestJet staff can bug me when I’m taking multiple flights with them in a row- it’s harder to tune out someone with so much pep.
- I was stuck in Cape Breton in Hurricane Bill last week and had booked my flights with WestJet. When it came time to make alternate arrangements, the phone agent I spoke with was fantastic (a Nova Scotian herself!) and I got home one day later. No extra fees, not much hassle. (The rental car company, on the other hand, wasn’t so accommodating…)
- I like Air Canada’s check in process better. I believe they’re exactly the same, though, so I have no reason why I feel this way. Maybe it’s because I travel so much more often with Air Canada that it’s just comfortable.
What has your experience been like? How would you have compared the two airlines? What did I miss?
Copyright 2009 Lori Henry
I have only flrown Air Canada, to Winnipeg and Saskatoon, both times they have been great flights, because I don,t fly that much I,m not qualified to make a good opinion, my brother on the other hand lives in Winnipeg, and only will fly on Westjet, and the woman who used to visit me from Saskatoon, has used both, and preffers Westjet
Everyone has their preferences and, because I travel so much, I have all of my quirky little prefrences. I think the majority of people actually like travelling WestJet, from the feedback I hear, but I still like my Air Canada flights
Thanks for some insight. I’m booking a flight this summer back home and I’ve had trouble deciding on which airline to go with. WestJet seems to be a little cheaper on some days, which a big benefit for a student like myslef.
Yes, the prices do fluctuate and WestJet does seem to have generally cheaper flights. I sign up for both of their newsletters that send out seat sales every week and book based on the best deal.
AirCanada has typicall has 2 power outlets per 3 seats, WestJet doesn’t has absolutely none.
You’re right- I can’t remember WestJet having any power outlets on planes I’ve been on.
Myself, and any other frequent flyer I have talked to prefer AC over West Jet. Having the lounge in Toronto is Abigail plus for air Canada and although the live tv can be great to watch the game there isn’t a lot on during those red eye flights
Also big bonus for anyone who flies the east coast a lot, air Canada has almost twice as many flights which helps with timing and when a storm hits
I have flown both AC and Westjet previously but most recently took both and must say that I strongly prefer Air Canada. The screens for the in-seat private tv’s are larger; the movies are free; I’d rather watch free movies than regular tv. Also, enjoyed the XM Satellite radio option. The food choices and quality are much better on Air Canada (I’d rather have better than a ‘free’ sample bag of bits and bites that could be downed by a 2 year old in one minute flat). I have found over the years that AC seems to have loosened up a bit and are more chatty, helpful, and humorous. For drink choices I was suprised that Westjet was serving California wines while AC served Canadian (points for AC on that decision). One huge negative for Westjet was when I flew on the night of the Stanley Cup (Vancouver vs. Boston-Game 7) and their ridiculous commercials on the TV screen took so long, advertising their earbuds for sale and the fact that they fly to the Barbados, I missed a major portion of the hockey game – Air Canada would never do that; in fact I bet an AC pilot would be practically calling the game if not updating people on the score.
Kimberly, I agree with all your points. And it’s true in my experience also: Air Canada has definitely “loosened up” and are more friendly and chatty. I am also a fan of movies rather than live TV; I don’t watch TV, so I never know what’s on or what channels show what. I have also spoken with many regular travellers from outside of Canada lately, and they just love Air Canada. That’s a far cry from the reputation AC used to have…
I prefer Air Canada much more. Air Canada has many advantages over Westjet and is a much better airline. Better entertainment system. They have free movies like someone mentioned and not $6 ones like at Westjet. They have OnDemand TV so you get to choose what to watch and when if there is nothing good going on through live TV with Westjet. As well they have audio, video, fun for kids, games, etc.. Generally a better entertainment system overall. They have a better menu on board with more choices to eat that are much better tasting than Westjet. AC has an excellent safety record and much more larger and comfortable aircraft to fly on. Finally let’s not forget the most important part, AC flies to more than 30 countries all over the world. They fly internationally to Europe, Asia, South America and Westjet only flies in Canada, U.S, Mexico and the Caribbean. Air Canada flies to way more destinations and is a large international airline. AS well they’re part of the Star Alliance. They have the great frequent flier program. Just generally flights with Air Canada were way more comfortable for me than Westjet. I’ve never had a problem with service on any Air Canada flight and some were even better than Westjet. That’s just my opinion.
I haven’t flown either recently but last time I flew ac they lost my luggage(actually the past couple times) WJ hasn’t lost my luggage yet, fingers crossed for this flight since I’m not getting free tv i better atleast have my luggage when I get off the plane.
Ah, lost luggage. I travel a lot, but I still reach the baggage carousel with trepidation: please, please, please be there…
I have flown both, but only in Canada. When it comes to travelling with young children, westjet wins hands down. However when I travel by my self I generally go based on departure times and prices. I am not much of a tv watcher so neither the tv or movie options mean anything to me. Air Canada has lost my luggage twice, and once managed to lose the safety catch from a car seat.. it was bagged, someone ripped it off and removed it. Air Canada’s response was that since I didn’t notice until I was at the car.. it wasn’t their problem. I had to notify them before leaving the airport. Very aggravating
this is all very useful but what about 2 key points – seat comfort, safety record…
I made the mistake of making a reverse booking on an Air Canada flight. I meant to fly round trip from Edmonton to Victoria then Victoria back to Edmonton. What was booked was Victoria to Edmonton then Edmonton back to Victoria. Air Canada showed me no mercy and sold me another ticket at full price. My daughter and myself sent letters in to Air Canada and we never heard boo back. My brother made the same mistake only his was supposed to be round trip from Edmonton to Grande Prarie and back to Edmonton thru Westjet. Westjet gave him a complimentary ticket and accomadated him on his mistake. Just run a stock compararison use WJA vs AC.A. It is pretty obvious Air Canada’s days are numbered. Good riddence to bad rubbish!
WOW, that’s a horrible story! Thanks for letting my readers know. I know who you’ll be flying with in the future…