Is WestJet or Air Canada Better? Which is Good Regarding Budget, Amenities, and Safety

The airline industry is a critical part of the global transportation infrastructure. It facilitates economic growth, world trade, international investment, and tourism. Canada’s aviation industry has played a significant role in the global scene, with two airlines in particular – WestJet and Air Canada – standing at the forefront. Let’s take a brief journey into the history of these two airlines.

WestJet:

WestJet Airlines Ltd. was founded in 1996 as a low-cost alternative to the country’s competing major airlines. It started as a small regional carrier operating a fleet of just three aircraft serving five destinations in Western Canada. The idea was simple: take the successful low-cost model used by airlines like Southwest Airlines in the United States and apply it to the Canadian market.

WestJet increased, adding more routes and expanding its fleet. By 2000, WestJet’s network stretched across Canada from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. The airline went public in 1999 and launched its first international flights in 2004. WestJet continued to grow its network in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe while maintaining its commitment to low-cost fares and excellent customer service.

Air Canada:

Air Canada’s roots go back much further. The airline was first incorporated in 1937 as Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA) by the federal government as a Canadian National Railway (CNR) subsidiary. TCA began its first flight operations in 1938, and in 1949 it was designated as Canada’s national airline. It became an independent entity from CNR in 1977 and changed its name to Air Canada.

Air Canada has grown over the decades to become Canada’s largest airline and its flag carrier. The airline became fully privatized in 1989. It has faced various challenges, including bankruptcy protection in the early 2000s, but has managed to restructure successfully and continue operations.

Today, Air Canada, together with its partners Air Canada Express and Rouge, provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 Canadian cities, 60 destinations in the United States, and 98 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

WestJet and Air Canada have been instrumental in shaping Canada’s airline industry. Although they began under different circumstances and with different business models, both airlines have proved resilient and adaptive in the ever-changing landscape of the aviation industry. Today, they stand as the two largest Canadian airlines, each offering travelers a unique set of services.

Safety Measures, Training, and Accident History of WestJet and Air Canada

Safety is a top priority in the aviation industry. WestJet and Air Canada have invested heavily in safety measures and crew training to ensure their passengers’ highest level of protection.

WestJet:

WestJet prides itself on a solid safety record. Since its inception in 1996, WestJet has not had a fatal accident. It adheres to the strict regulations and safety standards set out by Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S.

Regarding safety measures, WestJet operates a modern, up-to-date fleet and invests heavily in maintenance and safety systems. They also have an advanced de-icing system to ensure safe operations during the winter months.

All WestJet pilots undergo rigorous training programs, which include advanced flight simulation, emergency procedure training, and continuous learning programs. WestJet’s cabin crew members also receive extensive safety training that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.

Air Canada:

Air Canada has a solid safety track record. Over its extensive history since 1937, it has had a few incidents but has consistently taken steps to improve safety.

The airline strongly focuses on safety management systems, rigorous pilot training, and a safety-first culture. Air Canada pilots are put through a specific training regimen that includes state-of-the-art flight simulators, and the airline routinely invests in newer aircraft with the latest safety features.

Air Canada’s cabin crews receive thorough emergency procedure training and recurrent training to handle various emergency scenarios. In-flight safety is taken very seriously, with detailed safety briefings at the start of each flight.

Despite their best efforts, accidents do occasionally happen. Air Canada’s most serious accident occurred in 1983 when a fuel shortage led to a crash landing with 23 fatalities. Since then, Air Canada has made substantial improvements to its safety practices.

As for WestJet, while it has experienced some incidents, such as non-fatal runway overruns and in-flight malfunctions, it has managed to maintain an overall excellent safety record with no fatal accidents to date.

Both airlines are members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They participate in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a globally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess an airline’s operational management and control systems. The IOSA provides a standard that airlines must meet for safety compliance, and both WestJet and Air Canada meet these high standards.

Budget: A Comparison of WestJet and Air Canada

Airfare can be a significant factor when choosing an airline. WestJet and Air Canada offer a variety of classes with differing amenities and price points.

WestJet:

WestJet, traditionally recognized as a low-cost carrier, has evolved its service classes. As of now, WestJet offers the following service classes:

• Economy: This is the most budget-friendly option, providing the basic amenities for a comfortable flight. Passengers can purchase snacks and drinks aboard and access the in-flight entertainment system.
• Premium: For a higher fare, the Premium class offers additional benefits. These include extra legroom, priority services (like boarding and screening), and complimentary food and beverages.
• Business: Available on select Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights, the Business class offers luxury service. It includes lie-flat seats, gourmet food and beverage service, two free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.

Note that baggage fees, change fees, and onboard amenities can affect the overall cost of the ticket.

Air Canada:

Air Canada offers a range of services to cater to various travel needs:

• Economy Class: In this basic fare class, passengers receive complimentary snacks, meals on longer flights, and access to in-flight entertainment.
• Premium Economy: This class offers wider seats, more legroom, premium meals, and enhanced in-flight entertainment, as well as two free checked bags.
• Business Class (North America): Offering a superior end-to-end travel experience, this includes priority services, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, larger seats that recline more, premium meals and beverages, and two free checked bags.
• Signature Class (International): This is Air Canada’s most luxurious travel experience, exclusive services, exquisite dining on board, lie-flat seats, amenity kits, and airport lounge access.

Air Canada’s fares are typically all-inclusive and may be higher than WestJet’s. Still, they often include more amenities in their pricing.

Amenities: A Comparison between WestJet and Air Canada

Amenities are essential to the flight experience, impacting passenger comfort and overall satisfaction. Both WestJet and Air Canada offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience.

WestJet:

WestJet offers several in-flight amenities across all classes:

• In-flight Entertainment: WestJet Connect, their in-flight entertainment system, allows passengers to stream movies, T.V. shows, and music directly to their personal devices. For those without a device, tablets are available for rent on flights over 3 hours.
• Food and Beverage: Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on most flights, with complimentary food and beverages provided in Premium and Business classes. On longer international flights, a hot meal is provided in all classes.
• WiFi: Onboard WiFi is available on most flights, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

Air Canada:

Air Canada also offers an array of in-flight amenities:

• In-flight Entertainment: Air Canada provides personal touch-screen T.V.s at every seat. These feature hundreds of hours’ worth of entertainment, including movies, T.V. shows, music, podcasts, and games.
• Food and Beverage: On international flights, a complimentary hot meal, snacks, and beverages, including wine and spirits, are provided in all classes. On North American flights, meals are available for purchase in Economy Class, while Premium Economy and above receive complimentary meals.
• WiFi: Air Canada offers satellite WiFi on most of its flights, allowing passengers to surf the web, stream videos, or check emails.
• Amenity Kits: On long-haul international flights, Air Canada provides amenity kits in Premium Economy and above, typically including items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, an eye mask, and earplugs.

Inflight Experience: A Detailed Look at WestJet and Air Canada

The inflight experience can determine when choosing an airline for your travels. That encompasses aspects like customer service, comfort, punctuality, and the overall quality of the journey. Let’s compare the inflight experiences provided by WestJet and Air Canada.

WestJet:

WestJet provides a friendly, comfortable, and straightforward inflight experience. Here are some key features:

• Crew: WestJet’s crew is often praised for their friendly and helpful service. They’re committed to providing an excellent experience for travelers.
• Seating and Comfort: WestJet offers comfortable seats with ample legroom in all their service classes. The Business class on their 787 Dreamliner even features lie-flat seats for maximum comfort on long-haul flights.
• Punctuality: WestJet usually maintains good on-time performance, ensuring you reach your destination as scheduled.
• Inflight Entertainment: With WestJet Connect, passengers can enjoy various movies, T.V. shows, and music on their devices, ensuring a pleasant journey.

Air Canada:

As the country’s flag carrier, Air Canada provides a comprehensive and often luxurious inflight experience. Key features include:

• Crew: Air Canada’s cabin crew is professional and courteous, often going above and beyond to cater to passenger needs.
• Seating and Comfort: Comfort is a priority for Air Canada. Their range of seating options, from spacious Economy Class to lie-flat options in Business Class, is designed to enhance passenger comfort.
• Punctuality: While Air Canada generally strives for on-time performance, they have faced challenges in this area. However, efforts are continuously made to improve punctuality.
• Inflight Entertainment: Personal touch-screen T.V.s at every seat offer a wide range of entertainment options, including movies, T.V. shows, and music, adding to the quality of the journey.

Baggage Allowance for Domestic and International Travel: WestJet vs. Air Canada

Baggage allowance policies can be crucial in deciding which airline to fly with. Here is how WestJet and Air Canada compare:

WestJet:

• Carry-on Baggage: WestJet allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) per passenger. The carry-on bag must be at most 53 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm, including handles and wheels.
• Checked Baggage: There is no free checked baggage allowance for domestic flights for the basic ‘Econo’ fare, while one free checked bag is included for Premium and Business classes. For international flights, the allowance varies depending on the destination. Passengers usually need to pay for checked bags unless they travel on a fare that includes a baggage allowance or have a qualifying WestJet RBC MasterCard.

Air Canada:

• Carry-on Baggage: Air Canada also allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must be at most 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, including handles and wheels.
• Checked Baggage: For domestic flights within Canada and flights to the U.S., there is no free checked baggage allowance for the basic ‘Economy’ fare. One bag is free in Premium Economy and two in Business Class. For international flights, the policy varies. Economy passengers usually get one free checked bag, while Premium Economy and Business Class passengers get two.

It’s important to note that all baggage must comply with weight and size restrictions, and additional fees apply for overweight or oversized baggage. For both airlines, the maximum weight for a checked bag is typically 23 kg (50 lbs) in Economy and 32 kg (70 lbs) in Business Class. The maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) are usually 158 cm (62 in).

Is Air Canada a good Airline?

Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and has been operating since 1937. It has consistently been recognized for its performance in a variety of areas. Here are a few factors to consider:

Safety: Air Canada has a strong safety record and is recognized by the International Air Transport Association for its safety practices. The airline has continuously improved its safety measures and protocols over the years.

Coverage: Air Canada provides a comprehensive network of routes, serving over 200 airports on six continents. It offers domestic and international flights, giving travelers various destination choices.

Service and Amenities: The airline offers several cabin classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, and Signature Class. Depending on the class of service, amenities can include personal touch-screen T.V.s with a range of entertainment options, meals and beverages, and comfortable seating. Air Canada also provides amenity kits on long-haul international flights in Premium Economy and above.

Customer Satisfaction: While customer satisfaction can vary depending on personal experiences, Air Canada has received numerous awards that attest to its service quality over the years. In 2020, it was rated the Best Airline in North America by Skytrax World Airline Awards for the third consecutive year.

Air Canada CleanCare+ Program: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada introduced the CleanCare+ program, enhancing existing procedures for personal safety and cleanliness on their flights.

However, it’s also worth mentioning that every airline is flawed. Like all airlines, Air Canada has received some criticisms – these can relate to customer service, flight delays, or baggage handling. Some travelers have also found Air Canada more expensive than budget airlines.

Is Westjet a good Airline?

WestJet is one of Canada’s largest airlines and is generally well-regarded in several areas. Let’s look at some key factors:

Safety: WestJet has an excellent safety record. Since its inception in 1996, WestJet has not had any fatal accidents. The airline adheres to strict safety standards and is recognized for its safety practices.

Coverage: WestJet serves over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. That includes major cities and popular vacation spots, giving passengers various travel options.

Service and Amenities: WestJet is known for its friendly and approachable service. The airline offers a variety of fare classes, including Economy, Premium, and Business (on select flights), each with its own set of amenities. Passengers in all classes have access to WestJet Connect, their in-flight entertainment system, which includes movies, T.V. shows, and music.

Customer Satisfaction: WestJet has built a reputation for customer satisfaction. The airline’s commitment to customer service is often mentioned in passenger reviews. In 2020, WestJet was recognized by Tripadvisor as a Travelers’ Choice Winner for Airlines, highlighting their passenger approval.

WestJet’s Safety Above All COVID-19 program: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WestJet implemented the Safety Above All program to enhance sanitation measures and modify services to reduce contact and ensure passenger safety.

However, like any other airline, WestJet has its share of criticisms. Some passengers have had issues with customer service, flight delays, or baggage handling. Also, while WestJet was originally a low-cost carrier, some passengers have noted that their prices have risen over the years.

Summary: WestJet vs. Air Canada – Which is Better?

Choosing between WestJet and Air Canada involves individual preferences, needs, and budgets. Both airlines have their strengths and are generally considered reputable and reliable.

Regarding safety, both WestJet and Air Canada maintain vital safety records and have implemented additional measures to ensure passenger safety, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regarding budget, WestJet was initially recognized as a low-cost carrier and generally offered competitive prices. However, it has expanded to include premium services. Air Canada’s fares might be higher, but they often include more amenities in their pricing.

For amenities and inflight experience, both airlines offer a range of options. WestJet is known for its friendly service and straightforward, comfortable flights. At the same time, Air Canada provides a more comprehensive service focusing on passenger comfort and entertainment.

The baggage allowance for both airlines is quite similar, with specific allowances varying based on factors such as fare type and destination.

As the country’s largest airline, Air Canada offers extensive coverage with flights to over 200 destinations across six continents. WestJet, while smaller, also provides a broad network, serving over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Ultimately, the choice between WestJet and Air Canada depends on your specific travel requirements, budget, and personal preferences. Both airlines are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience. It’s advisable to check the latest information on the airlines’ websites and consider user reviews when deciding.

Is WestJet or Air Canada Better? Which is Good Regarding Budget, Amenities, and Safety

The airline industry is a critical part of the global transportation infrastructure. It facilitates economic growth, world trade, international investment, and tourism. Canada’s aviation industry has played a significant role in the global scene, with two airlines in particular – WestJet and Air Canada – standing at the forefront. Let’s take a brief journey into the history of these two airlines.

WestJet:

WestJet Airlines Ltd. was founded in 1996 as a low-cost alternative to the country’s competing major airlines. It started as a small regional carrier operating a fleet of just three aircraft serving five destinations in Western Canada. The idea was simple: take the successful low-cost model used by airlines like Southwest Airlines in the United States and apply it to the Canadian market.

WestJet increased, adding more routes and expanding its fleet. By 2000, WestJet’s network stretched across Canada from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic. The airline went public in 1999 and launched its first international flights in 2004. WestJet continued to grow its network in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe while maintaining its commitment to low-cost fares and excellent customer service.

Air Canada:

Air Canada’s roots go back much further. The airline was first incorporated in 1937 as Trans-Canada Airlines (TCA) by the federal government as a Canadian National Railway (CNR) subsidiary. TCA began its first flight operations in 1938, and in 1949 it was designated as Canada’s national airline. It became an independent entity from CNR in 1977 and changed its name to Air Canada.

Air Canada has grown over the decades to become Canada’s largest airline and its flag carrier. The airline became fully privatized in 1989. It has faced various challenges, including bankruptcy protection in the early 2000s, but has managed to restructure successfully and continue operations.

Today, Air Canada, together with its partners Air Canada Express and Rouge, provides scheduled passenger service directly to 64 Canadian cities, 60 destinations in the United States, and 98 cities in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

WestJet and Air Canada have been instrumental in shaping Canada’s airline industry. Although they began under different circumstances and with different business models, both airlines have proved resilient and adaptive in the ever-changing landscape of the aviation industry. Today, they stand as the two largest Canadian airlines, each offering travelers a unique set of services.

Safety Measures, Training, and Accident History of WestJet and Air Canada

Safety is a top priority in the aviation industry. WestJet and Air Canada have invested heavily in safety measures and crew training to ensure their passengers’ highest level of protection.

WestJet:

WestJet prides itself on a solid safety record. Since its inception in 1996, WestJet has not had a fatal accident. It adheres to the strict regulations and safety standards set out by Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S.

Regarding safety measures, WestJet operates a modern, up-to-date fleet and invests heavily in maintenance and safety systems. They also have an advanced de-icing system to ensure safe operations during the winter months.

All WestJet pilots undergo rigorous training programs, which include advanced flight simulation, emergency procedure training, and continuous learning programs. WestJet’s cabin crew members also receive extensive safety training that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.

Air Canada:

Air Canada has a solid safety track record. Over its extensive history since 1937, it has had a few incidents but has consistently taken steps to improve safety.

The airline strongly focuses on safety management systems, rigorous pilot training, and a safety-first culture. Air Canada pilots are put through a specific training regimen that includes state-of-the-art flight simulators, and the airline routinely invests in newer aircraft with the latest safety features.

Air Canada’s cabin crews receive thorough emergency procedure training and recurrent training to handle various emergency scenarios. In-flight safety is taken very seriously, with detailed safety briefings at the start of each flight.

Despite their best efforts, accidents do occasionally happen. Air Canada’s most serious accident occurred in 1983 when a fuel shortage led to a crash landing with 23 fatalities. Since then, Air Canada has made substantial improvements to its safety practices.

As for WestJet, while it has experienced some incidents, such as non-fatal runway overruns and in-flight malfunctions, it has managed to maintain an overall excellent safety record with no fatal accidents to date.

Both airlines are members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). They participate in the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a globally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess an airline’s operational management and control systems. The IOSA provides a standard that airlines must meet for safety compliance, and both WestJet and Air Canada meet these high standards.

Budget: A Comparison of WestJet and Air Canada

Airfare can be a significant factor when choosing an airline. WestJet and Air Canada offer a variety of classes with differing amenities and price points.

WestJet:

WestJet, traditionally recognized as a low-cost carrier, has evolved its service classes. As of now, WestJet offers the following service classes:

• Economy: This is the most budget-friendly option, providing the basic amenities for a comfortable flight. Passengers can purchase snacks and drinks aboard and access the in-flight entertainment system.
• Premium: For a higher fare, the Premium class offers additional benefits. These include extra legroom, priority services (like boarding and screening), and complimentary food and beverages.
• Business: Available on select Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights, the Business class offers luxury service. It includes lie-flat seats, gourmet food and beverage service, two free checked bags, and access to airport lounges.

Note that baggage fees, change fees, and onboard amenities can affect the overall cost of the ticket.

Air Canada:

Air Canada offers a range of services to cater to various travel needs:

• Economy Class: In this basic fare class, passengers receive complimentary snacks, meals on longer flights, and access to in-flight entertainment.
• Premium Economy: This class offers wider seats, more legroom, premium meals, and enhanced in-flight entertainment, as well as two free checked bags.
• Business Class (North America): Offering a superior end-to-end travel experience, this includes priority services, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, larger seats that recline more, premium meals and beverages, and two free checked bags.
• Signature Class (International): This is Air Canada’s most luxurious travel experience, exclusive services, exquisite dining on board, lie-flat seats, amenity kits, and airport lounge access.

Air Canada’s fares are typically all-inclusive and may be higher than WestJet’s. Still, they often include more amenities in their pricing.

Amenities: A Comparison between WestJet and Air Canada

Amenities are essential to the flight experience, impacting passenger comfort and overall satisfaction. Both WestJet and Air Canada offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience.

WestJet:

WestJet offers several in-flight amenities across all classes:

• In-flight Entertainment: WestJet Connect, their in-flight entertainment system, allows passengers to stream movies, T.V. shows, and music directly to their personal devices. For those without a device, tablets are available for rent on flights over 3 hours.
• Food and Beverage: Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on most flights, with complimentary food and beverages provided in Premium and Business classes. On longer international flights, a hot meal is provided in all classes.
• WiFi: Onboard WiFi is available on most flights, allowing passengers to stay connected during their journey.

Air Canada:

Air Canada also offers an array of in-flight amenities:

• In-flight Entertainment: Air Canada provides personal touch-screen T.V.s at every seat. These feature hundreds of hours’ worth of entertainment, including movies, T.V. shows, music, podcasts, and games.
• Food and Beverage: On international flights, a complimentary hot meal, snacks, and beverages, including wine and spirits, are provided in all classes. On North American flights, meals are available for purchase in Economy Class, while Premium Economy and above receive complimentary meals.
• WiFi: Air Canada offers satellite WiFi on most of its flights, allowing passengers to surf the web, stream videos, or check emails.
• Amenity Kits: On long-haul international flights, Air Canada provides amenity kits in Premium Economy and above, typically including items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, an eye mask, and earplugs.

Inflight Experience: A Detailed Look at WestJet and Air Canada

The inflight experience can determine when choosing an airline for your travels. That encompasses aspects like customer service, comfort, punctuality, and the overall quality of the journey. Let’s compare the inflight experiences provided by WestJet and Air Canada.

WestJet:

WestJet provides a friendly, comfortable, and straightforward inflight experience. Here are some key features:

• Crew: WestJet’s crew is often praised for their friendly and helpful service. They’re committed to providing an excellent experience for travelers.
• Seating and Comfort: WestJet offers comfortable seats with ample legroom in all their service classes. The Business class on their 787 Dreamliner even features lie-flat seats for maximum comfort on long-haul flights.
• Punctuality: WestJet usually maintains good on-time performance, ensuring you reach your destination as scheduled.
• Inflight Entertainment: With WestJet Connect, passengers can enjoy various movies, T.V. shows, and music on their devices, ensuring a pleasant journey.

Air Canada:

As the country’s flag carrier, Air Canada provides a comprehensive and often luxurious inflight experience. Key features include:

• Crew: Air Canada’s cabin crew is professional and courteous, often going above and beyond to cater to passenger needs.
• Seating and Comfort: Comfort is a priority for Air Canada. Their range of seating options, from spacious Economy Class to lie-flat options in Business Class, is designed to enhance passenger comfort.
• Punctuality: While Air Canada generally strives for on-time performance, they have faced challenges in this area. However, efforts are continuously made to improve punctuality.
• Inflight Entertainment: Personal touch-screen T.V.s at every seat offer a wide range of entertainment options, including movies, T.V. shows, and music, adding to the quality of the journey.

Baggage Allowance for Domestic and International Travel: WestJet vs. Air Canada

Baggage allowance policies can be crucial in deciding which airline to fly with. Here is how WestJet and Air Canada compare:

WestJet:

• Carry-on Baggage: WestJet allows one carry-on bag and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) per passenger. The carry-on bag must be at most 53 cm x 38 cm x 23 cm, including handles and wheels.
• Checked Baggage: There is no free checked baggage allowance for domestic flights for the basic ‘Econo’ fare, while one free checked bag is included for Premium and Business classes. For international flights, the allowance varies depending on the destination. Passengers usually need to pay for checked bags unless they travel on a fare that includes a baggage allowance or have a qualifying WestJet RBC MasterCard.

Air Canada:

• Carry-on Baggage: Air Canada also allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must be at most 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm, including handles and wheels.
• Checked Baggage: For domestic flights within Canada and flights to the U.S., there is no free checked baggage allowance for the basic ‘Economy’ fare. One bag is free in Premium Economy and two in Business Class. For international flights, the policy varies. Economy passengers usually get one free checked bag, while Premium Economy and Business Class passengers get two.

It’s important to note that all baggage must comply with weight and size restrictions, and additional fees apply for overweight or oversized baggage. For both airlines, the maximum weight for a checked bag is typically 23 kg (50 lbs) in Economy and 32 kg (70 lbs) in Business Class. The maximum total dimensions (length + width + height) are usually 158 cm (62 in).

Is Air Canada a good Airline?

Air Canada is the largest airline in Canada and has been operating since 1937. It has consistently been recognized for its performance in a variety of areas. Here are a few factors to consider:

Safety: Air Canada has a strong safety record and is recognized by the International Air Transport Association for its safety practices. The airline has continuously improved its safety measures and protocols over the years.

Coverage: Air Canada provides a comprehensive network of routes, serving over 200 airports on six continents. It offers domestic and international flights, giving travelers various destination choices.

Service and Amenities: The airline offers several cabin classes, including Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, and Signature Class. Depending on the class of service, amenities can include personal touch-screen T.V.s with a range of entertainment options, meals and beverages, and comfortable seating. Air Canada also provides amenity kits on long-haul international flights in Premium Economy and above.

Customer Satisfaction: While customer satisfaction can vary depending on personal experiences, Air Canada has received numerous awards that attest to its service quality over the years. In 2020, it was rated the Best Airline in North America by Skytrax World Airline Awards for the third consecutive year.

Air Canada CleanCare+ Program: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Canada introduced the CleanCare+ program, enhancing existing procedures for personal safety and cleanliness on their flights.

However, it’s also worth mentioning that every airline is flawed. Like all airlines, Air Canada has received some criticisms – these can relate to customer service, flight delays, or baggage handling. Some travelers have also found Air Canada more expensive than budget airlines.

Is Westjet a good Airline?

WestJet is one of Canada’s largest airlines and is generally well-regarded in several areas. Let’s look at some key factors:

Safety: WestJet has an excellent safety record. Since its inception in 1996, WestJet has not had any fatal accidents. The airline adheres to strict safety standards and is recognized for its safety practices.

Coverage: WestJet serves over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. That includes major cities and popular vacation spots, giving passengers various travel options.

Service and Amenities: WestJet is known for its friendly and approachable service. The airline offers a variety of fare classes, including Economy, Premium, and Business (on select flights), each with its own set of amenities. Passengers in all classes have access to WestJet Connect, their in-flight entertainment system, which includes movies, T.V. shows, and music.

Customer Satisfaction: WestJet has built a reputation for customer satisfaction. The airline’s commitment to customer service is often mentioned in passenger reviews. In 2020, WestJet was recognized by Tripadvisor as a Travelers’ Choice Winner for Airlines, highlighting their passenger approval.

WestJet’s Safety Above All COVID-19 program: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WestJet implemented the Safety Above All program to enhance sanitation measures and modify services to reduce contact and ensure passenger safety.

However, like any other airline, WestJet has its share of criticisms. Some passengers have had issues with customer service, flight delays, or baggage handling. Also, while WestJet was originally a low-cost carrier, some passengers have noted that their prices have risen over the years.

Summary: WestJet vs. Air Canada – Which is Better?

Choosing between WestJet and Air Canada involves individual preferences, needs, and budgets. Both airlines have their strengths and are generally considered reputable and reliable.

Regarding safety, both WestJet and Air Canada maintain vital safety records and have implemented additional measures to ensure passenger safety, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regarding budget, WestJet was initially recognized as a low-cost carrier and generally offered competitive prices. However, it has expanded to include premium services. Air Canada’s fares might be higher, but they often include more amenities in their pricing.

For amenities and inflight experience, both airlines offer a range of options. WestJet is known for its friendly service and straightforward, comfortable flights. At the same time, Air Canada provides a more comprehensive service focusing on passenger comfort and entertainment.

The baggage allowance for both airlines is quite similar, with specific allowances varying based on factors such as fare type and destination.

As the country’s largest airline, Air Canada offers extensive coverage with flights to over 200 destinations across six continents. WestJet, while smaller, also provides a broad network, serving over 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.

Ultimately, the choice between WestJet and Air Canada depends on your specific travel requirements, budget, and personal preferences. Both airlines are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable travel experience. It’s advisable to check the latest information on the airlines’ websites and consider user reviews when deciding.