WestJet Airlines - Good or Bad?

I just published a review of WestJet. The short answer is, I love it and wish I could fly it more often. They also just started service with 767s to England.

It's almost like an inverse nickle-and-dime experience. Upgrading to their Plus seats was like $35 US, which got me a checked bag, free snacks and lunch, plus more legroom.

In my experience it depends where and when you are flying. If you are flying in the summer to a larger city (Vancouver, Toronto, etc) you will be fine.  However, if you are traveling to a place with constant weather changes: fog, rain, or snow do not take them.  Living in Newfoundland, CA WestJet are always cancelling their flights due to our weather patterns. I would not recommend taking WestJet to Newfoundland (if that is where you are traveling). 

Of the two national airlines in Canada this is by far the best. I no longer fly Air Canada as they are stuffy and don't care about you. WestJet are relaxed and accomodating. We were delayed leaving Nassau last year and had to run to reach our connection in Toronto. WestJet sent us a $50.00 voucher for our problems. I have also found that you can get plus seats about 3 days prior to your flight at a reduced rate and they are worth it on longer flights.

Personally used Westjet domestically and they were great. They are quite unique and similar to Southwest in the U.S. For nickel & diming , I I'd say that it all depends on the fate you select. However, I feel they are less of a hassle to deal with.

Great customer service (in fact most non-US airlines seem to generally be friendlier than what we're used to). 

But as far as fees, unfortunately they're pretty close to the US legacy carriers (American, Delta, United) who do certainly nickel-and-dime you for everything except cabin air. 

WestJet certainly isn't as generous as the best US airlines (Southwest, JetBlue, Virgin America). 

Fees for: checked baggage, better seats, reservation changes, in-flight entertainment. 

About the only freebie they kick in is free snacks. ;-(  Bon appetit! 

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/fares/service-fees.shtml

WestJet is a Rock Star.  For some of the trips in Canada they are virtually the only option.  US Carriers wish in their wet dreams they were half as good as WestJet.  Smart, sharp, professional.  These guys are the Best.

WestJest is SouthWest of the north. Always have had a great time flying with them.

Hi Jillian I fly West Jet to Calgary from LA often to visit my cousins there and I am always impressed with the flight. The crew are great, service just fine and the flight comfortable. I think they charge the regular baggage fees and I can't remember if there were any other charges. I usually remember if an airline has "annoyed" me (the list is long) and West Jet has not.

Do some research and do the math. You may be able to save a lot of money. Here is the strategy:

Find the largest two border cities somewhere on your path.

(example: Seattle Wa and Vancouver BC)

Check out flights to the American City. Also check for public transit to the Canadian city. Use the transit system to get you across the border to the Canadian airport. Then continue to your destination. I lived in Detroit and found flying from London to Windsor Ontario and then getting across the river to Detroit was cheaper by $500. Well worth the effort!

West Jet is my favourite airline for travelling within Canada, the USA and Jamaica. They are reliable and give good service.

I've flown within canada with westjet, no complaints - It's standard to charge for checked baggage now so expect that and bring your own food but apart from that cheap is cheap go for it

I fly to Palm Springs with WestJet every year and always fly WestJet within Canada. They are a great, reliable airline. They are one of the big two airlines in Canada. Do not hesitate at all to book with them.