WestJet Vs Air Canada 2024: Which Airline Should You Fly With?

Are you planning your next trip? Whether you’re flying domestically or travelling internationally, you’ll likely see more than a few flights offered by Air Canada and WestJet – the two major players in Canada’s airspace.

Which is the best airline, though?

Below, I’ll give you a brief overview of the two airlines. Then, I’ll jump into a comprehensive airline comparison based on the following factors:

1. Overall Cost/Value
2. Seating Classes
3. Flight Route Network
4. Aircraft And Fleet Size
5. Baggage Policies
6. Customer Service
7. Customer Loyalty Programs
8. In-Flight Entertainment And Amenities

Are you ready to learn more about Canada’s top airlines?

WestJet: Overview

WestJet Airlines was founded in 1996, focusing on providing affordable domestic flights within Canada.

Interestingly enough, WestJet’s founder, Clive Beddoe, was inspired by US-based Southwest Airlines’ low-cost pricing model centred around economy-class seating and friendly customer service.

The company began with a modest fleet of just three 737 planes, and Beddoe had no idea that WestJet would eventually grow into one of Canada’s largest airlines.

WestJet initially served five destinations within Western Canada (hence the name WestJet). Now, it serves over a hundred destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Despite expanding its fleet and offering premium seating options, WestJet is still focused on maintaining a competitive pricing model, which has helped the company expand its market share and continue competing with other airlines.

Air Canada: Overview

Air Canada was originally founded as Trans-Canada Airlines in 1937. It was a crown corporation (owned by the Canadian government) up until the Air Canada Act of 1978 when the government was required to relinquish control over the airline’s fares and regulations.

Today, it’s a publically-traded company and has been given flag carrier rights, allowing it to display the Canadian flag on its planes and making it one of the most recognizable airlines in the country.

Air Canada is, by far, the largest airline in Canada and offers global flights to over 200 destinations.

The company is also one of the founding members of the Star Alliance, which is the world’s largest airline alliance, designed to create a more seamless travel experience for global customers.

Does Air Canada Own Air Transat?

Not currently. In June 2019, Air Canada announced plans to acquire the smaller Canadian airline, Air Transat.

In February 2021, the federal government approved Air Canada’s offer to purchase the smaller Canadian airline Air Transat. However, the deal was called off in April of the same year. For now, Air Transat remains an independent airline.

WestJet vs Air Canada: Comparing The Top Canadian Airlines

Now that you know a little bit more about Canada’s top-two major airlines, it’s time to jump into the WestJet vs Air Canada comparison.

Should you choose WestJet or Air Canada? Both WestJet and Air Canada offer top-tier service. However, there are differences in fare cost, available destinations, flight experience, and more.

Air Canada vs WestJet: Overall Cost And Value

Despite the two airlines’ competitive nature, Air Canada and WestJet have significantly different pricing models. WestJet focuses on budget-conscious travellers, while Air Canada is generally regarded as a more premium airline, offering a greater range of amenities, upgrades, and seating options.

In 2015, WestJet expanded its business model to include premium and business-class seating options. This move has allowed the airline to poach some wealthier customers who only flew with Air Canada and other full-service airlines for added comfort.

Despite this, WestJet continues to offer affordable economy-class seating.

While WestJet focuses on providing the best value for the money, Air Canada tends to focus more on the customer experience. While Air Canada flights may be a bit more costly, customers:

• Have a greater range of seating options
• Can select a greater number of international destinations
• Can take advantage of premium in-flight amenities

In short – if you’re looking for an affordable, relatively comfortable flight, fly WestJet. On the other hand, if you don’t mind paying more for premium comfort and service, Air Canada is your best bet.

Both Air Canada and WestJet offer economy-class seating and options to upgrade. However, out of the two, I’d say that WestJet offers a better cost value.

WestJet vs Air Canada: Seating Classes And Comfort

As I mentioned, WestJet flights now offer a greater range of seating options to accommodate business-class passengers. These upgraded seating options typically come with a bit more legroom, wider seats, charging ports for your mobile devices, and even a complimentary bottle of water.

Here are the seating options offered by WestJet:

• Domestic Economy
• Domestic Premium
• International Economy
• International Premium Economy
• International Business Class

Air Canada offers similar seating options, including:

• Domestic Economy
• Domestic Premium Economy
• Domestic Business Class
• International Economy
• International Premium Economy
• International Business Class

As you can see, Air Canada offers a greater range of premium seating options. Both airlines offer economy and premium seating for domestic and international flights. However, Air Canada also offers business class seating for domestic flights (which WestJet does not).

Because of this, I’d be more inclined to choose Air Canada if comfort and seating options were at the top of my list.

WestJet vs Air Canada Flights: Route Network

Cheap tickets or extra-comfortable seating don’t matter that much if the airline can’t fly to where you need it to. With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at the routes and destinations offered by WestJet and Air Canada.

Of the two airlines, Air Canada’s route network is more extensive.

It serves over 200 destinations across six continents, including:

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• Central/South Pacific Islands (often referred to as Oceania)

Air Canada is also a member of the Star Alliance, which is the world’s largest airline alliance. Some of the customer benefits incurred by this include:

• Frequent Flyer Transfer: Air Canada customers can transfer their Aeroplan frequent flyer rewards to other airlines in the Star Alliance
• Larger Travel Network: Air Canada customers can access 1,300 locations in 190 countries, thanks to the Star Alliance’s vast network
• Elite Status And Lounges: Air Canada customers who have elite status or premium lounge perks will be recognized and rewarded with similar perks by other airlines in the Star Alliance

WestJet, however, is more focused on providing affordable domestic flights within Canada and the North American continent.

That being said, WestJet has expanded its route network to include 100 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Still, this is only half of Air Canada’s route network, and WestJet isn’t a member of the Star Alliance, which means customers can’t access the same extensive global network.

All in all, I’d say that Air Canada is better suited to international flights, while WestJet is a better airline for those looking for flights in Canada and the US.

Air Canada vs WestJet: Fleet Size And Aircraft

While Westjet and Air Canada are the two largest Canadian airlines, Air Canada is the larger carrier of the two.

Currently, Air Canada operates a fleet of 283 planes, including those operated by its subsidiary airlines, Air Canada Express (or Jazz) and Air Canada Rouge. The fleet primarily consists of Boeing and Airbus planes, with some smaller models sourced from Mitsubishi, Embraer, and De Havilland.

Here’s an in-depth breakdown of all of the planes and models that are currently in Air Canada’s fleet:

Air Canada’s diverse range of aircraft allows the airline to serve a wider range of routes, from short-haul domestic flights to long-haul international journeys.

Air Canada is also committed to investing in modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, reducing its environmental impact and providing its passengers with a better in-flight experience.

By contrast, WestJet’s fleet is smaller, with approximately 170 aircraft, primarily comprising narrow-body Boeing 737s, which are the industry standard for short to medium flights within the North American continent.

Other models in WestJet’s fleet include:

• Boeing 737 MAX
• Boeing Disney-Themed 737
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• De Havilland Dash 8-400
• Saab 340

Overall, WestJet’s fleet focuses on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, reflecting the airline’s low-cost carrier origins.

While WestJet has updated a number of its Boeing 737s to the next-generation Boeing 737 models, many of the planes in its fleet are slightly older. This means that customers may not get the same luxurious in-flight experience as they would with Air Canada’s more modern fleet.

Air Canada boasts a larger and more diverse fleet, catering to a broader range of routes and travel needs. On the other hand, WestJet’s fleet is smaller and primarily oriented towards shorter domestic flights, emphasizing efficiency and affordability.

WestJet vs Air Canada: Baggage Policies

If you’re travelling light, then you may not be as concerned about the airlines’ baggage policies. However, if you’re going on a long vacation or travelling with family, it helps to fly with an airline with more lenient baggage policies.

With that in mind, let’s take a quick look at WestJet and Air Canada’s baggage policies regarding carry-ons and checked baggage.

WestJet’s carry-on baggage policies are as follows:

• Passengers are allowed to bring one standard article and one personal bag onboard
• The maximum size for standard articles is 53 x 23 x 38 cm (21 x 9 x 15 in), and the maximum size for personal articles is 41 x 15 x 33 cm (16 x 6 x 13 in)
• Passengers must be able to lift their own carry-on baggage into the overhead bin

Air Canada’s carry-on baggage policies are the same but allow for slightly larger carry-ons:

• The maximum size for standard articles is 55 x 23 x 40 cm (21.5 x 9 x 15.5 in), and the maximum size for personal articles is 33 x 16 x 43 cm (13 x 6 x 17 in)

WestJet’s check baggage policies are:

• Checked baggage fees vary depending on the destination, fare type, and number of bags
• The maximum weight per bag is 23 kg (50 lb), and the maximum linear dimensions are 157 cm (62 in) in total (length + width + height)
• Passengers can check up to four bags

Air Canada’s checked baggage policies are:

• Checked baggage fees vary depending on the destination, fare type, and number of bags
• The maximum weight per bag is 23 kg (50 lb) for Economy Class and 32 kg (70 lb) for Premium Economy, Business, and First Class
• The maximum linear dimensions are 158 cm (62 in) in total (length + width + height)
• Passengers can check up to four bags

As you can see, both WestJet and Air Canada have relatively similar baggage policies.

However, Air Canada allows premium economy and business class customers to bring on slightly heavier and larger bags, making them the better choice for those travelling with more baggage.

WestJet vs Air Canada: Customer Service And Timeliness

Both WestJet and Air Canada have comparable customer service ratings.

However, I will say that getting in touch with an Air Canada agent over the phone is nearly impossible (I recently tried when writing my post on Air Canada’s Buddy Pass promotion, and have yet to receive a response months later).

Given the post-pandemic labour shortage, though, this is only to be expected. Based on my personal experience, I’ve generally received polite, friendly service at Canadian airports from both airlines.

That being said, flight timeliness is another issue altogether.

Both Air Canada and WestJet are ranked LAST for on-time performance. Smaller Canadian and foreign/US-based airlines are more likely to arrive on time than Air Canada or WestJet flights.

Overall, I’d say the two airlines are tied here. While both offer friendly customer service and try their best to resolve customer problems, both airlines have also developed a bad reputation for late flights and arrivals.

WestJet vs Air Canada: Customer Loyalty Programs

Air Canada and WestJet offer customer loyalty plans, allowing frequent flyers to take advantage of perks and bonuses.

Air Canada’s customer loyalty program is called Aeroplan. Members can earn Aeroplan points by flying with Air Canada, its Star Alliance partners, or by using Aeroplan’s affiliated credit cards.

Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related rewards.

Aeroplan also offers elite status tiers based on qualifying activity, providing members with additional benefits such as lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, and bonus points.

WestJet’s customer loyalty program is called WestJet Rewards. Members earn WestJet “dollars” by flying with WestJet or using the airline’s affiliated credit cards.

Like Aeroplan points, WestJet dollars can be redeemed for flights, vacation packages, car rentals, loading, and more. WestJet Rewards also offers elite status tiers for frequent flyers who want to take advantage of lounge access, expedited boarding, and more.

Overall, I’d say the two airlines are tied here. Both offer comparable loyalty programs and elite status tiers.

WestJet vs Air Canada: In-Flight Entertainment, Wifi, And Food

As with most airlines, your in-flight experience can vary a lot, depending on the length of your flight, the make/model of the plane you’re flying on, and your seating choice. Unless you’re flying premium or business class, your experience will be fairly standard.

That being said, Air Canada offers more modern planes and more options for premium seating. The last time I flew premium with Air Canada, I particularly enjoyed my flight experience. The Air Canada food and meal service was excellent.

Although the two airlines offer similar in-flight experiences, I’d say that you’re more likely to get a better experience on one of Air Canada’s more modern planes. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a greater range of premium seating options (which typically come with a better experience).

Verdict – Should You Fly With WestJet Or Air Canada?

I’d be more inclined to fly WestJet if you’re looking for lower-cost domestic flights.

However, if you’re flying internationally or looking for a more comfortable in-flight experience, then Air Canada is your best bet. Air Canada’s partnership with Star Alliance also allows its customers to facilitate flights to more remote destinations.

Other than their reputation for late flights, both airlines offer comparable services and routes within Canada, though.

Looking to book the cheapest flights in Canada? Keep on reading to see my list of the best budget airlines in Canada next!