WestJet, Canada’s second-largest airline, has been a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers since its founding in 1996. Operating flights to approximately 90 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe, WestJet offers a low-cost model with a reputation for friendly service. However, passenger experiences vary, with reviews highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. In this article, we explore WestJet reviews to help you decide if this airline is the right fit for your travel needs.
Overview of WestJet Airlines
WestJet Airlines, headquartered in Calgary, operates hubs at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). As a low-cost carrier, it provides Economy Class seating with an option for “Plus” fares, which offer preferred seating with extra legroom. The airline also operates a regional subsidiary, WestJet Encore, and maintains codeshare agreements with over a dozen carriers, including Delta and Korean Air, as part of its expanding global network [Web ID: 5, 6, 11, 13].
Recent developments, such as Delta and Korean Air acquiring a 25% stake in WestJet in May 2025, signal the airline’s growing international presence [Web ID: 5]. However, passenger feedback often focuses on the day-to-day experience, from booking to in-flight services, which we’ll dive into below.
What Passengers Say About WestJet: Key Themes in Reviews
Based on thousands of reviews from platforms like TripAdvisor, Trustpilot, SKYTRAX, and others, WestJet earns a mixed but generally decent reputation, often rated around 3/5 for its affordability and network reach [Web ID: 18]. Below, we summarize the main pros and cons from passenger feedback.
Pros of Flying with WestJet
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Affordable Pricing: WestJet is frequently praised for its competitive fares, especially for routes within Canada and to the U.S. For example, a round-trip flight from Fort Lauderdale to Calgary was reported at just $292, making it a strong choice for budget travelers [Web ID: 24].
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Clean Aircraft: Many passengers note that WestJet’s planes, primarily Boeing 737s, are well-maintained and tidy [Web ID: 4, 12].
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Nonstop Flights: The airline’s direct routes, such as San Diego to Calgary, are a major draw for travelers seeking convenience [Web ID: 4, 12].
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Family-Friendly Boarding: Families with young children appreciate early boarding options, which ease the stress of traveling with kids [Web ID: 4, 12].
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Friendly Staff: Positive reviews often highlight exceptional customer service from specific crew members, such as Emil, who arranged wheelchair assistance, or flight attendants who bring energy and humor to the cabin [Web ID: 1, 11].
Cons of Flying with WestJet
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Customer Service Issues: Numerous reviews cite poor customer service, including unhelpful staff, long wait times, and lack of accountability for delays or cancellations. One passenger described a “complete disaster” at a Michigan airport due to absent WestJet staff, forcing them to book a new $1,500 flight with another airline [Web ID: 7, 14].
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Baggage Policy Confusion: WestJet’s baggage policies, particularly for “Ultra Basic” fares, have drawn criticism. Passengers report unexpected fees, such as $95 per carry-on bag, and inconsistent enforcement between flights [Web ID: 1, 11].
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Flight Delays and Cancellations: Delays of up to 7.5 hours and last-minute cancellations are common complaints, often with minimal communication or compensation. One traveler missed a connecting flight due to a delayed WestJet flight and received no meal vouchers or support [Web ID: 3, 17].
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In-Flight Amenities: WestJet’s no-frills approach means limited amenities. There’s no in-flight Wi-Fi on many flights, and food options are often described as mediocre or unavailable. One passenger noted running out of snacks and water on a delayed flight [Web ID: 5, 24].
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Aging Fleet and Comfort: Some reviews mention cramped seating, especially on older aircraft like the Boeing 737-800/8, with broken seatbacks and tight legroom. Premium Economy seats have also been criticized for not delivering promised comfort [Web ID: 1, 13].
WestJet’s Fleet and In-Flight Experience
WestJet’s fleet primarily consists of Boeing 737s, with some aircraft dating back to the early 2000s, making them among the oldest in the airline’s lineup [Web ID: 4]. While the planes are generally clean, the lack of seatback screens and inconsistent Wi-Fi availability (priced at around CA$23 for a full flight) can be a drawback for long-haul travelers. However, passengers can stream movies and TV shows via the WestJet app, with titles like Oppenheimer and Barbie available [Web ID: 24].
In-flight dining is limited, with small drink cups and a la carte snacks or meals that often receive lukewarm reviews. Some passengers suggest bringing your own food and water to avoid disappointment [Web ID: 24].
Booking and Check-In Process
WestJet’s booking process has faced scrutiny for technical issues, with passengers reporting a slow or glitchy website and app [Post ID: 0, 3]. Check-in can also be inefficient, particularly for international flights, as kiosks often don’t print bag tags, and TSA PreCheck passes may require desk assistance, leading to long lines [Web ID: 4, 12].
For those using points, WestJet partners with programs like Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles, though award availability for nonstop flights can be limited. Booking directly through WestJet’s website is often recommended to avoid third-party complications [Web ID: 5, 24].
Recent Sentiment on X
Posts on X from July 2025 reflect growing frustration with WestJet’s reliability and customer service. Users describe the airline as having “lost its way,” citing frequent delays, poor communication, and a weak loyalty program. One user noted, “WestJet used to be great, but current management is destroying this” [Post ID: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. While these sentiments are not conclusive, they align with some web-based reviews highlighting a decline in service quality.
Is WestJet Worth It?
WestJet remains a solid option for budget travelers seeking affordable fares and nonstop routes, particularly within Canada and to select international destinations. Its clean aircraft and occasional standout crew members are bright spots. However, inconsistent customer service, unexpected fees, and limited in-flight amenities may frustrate those prioritizing comfort or reliability.
Tips for Flying with WestJet
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Book Directly: Avoid third-party booking platforms to reduce complications [Web ID: 7, 14].
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Check Baggage Policies: Confirm carry-on and checked bag allowances, especially for “Ultra Basic” fares, to avoid surprise fees [Web ID: 1, 11].
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Plan for Delays: Bring snacks and water, as in-flight services may be limited or unavailable [Web ID: 5, 24].
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Use the App: Download the WestJet app for free in-flight entertainment, but don’t rely on Wi-Fi [Web ID: 24].
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Contact Customer Service Early: If issues arise, reach out promptly, as response times can be slow [Web ID: 7, 14].
Conclusion
WestJet offers a budget-friendly way to travel across Canada and beyond, but it comes with trade-offs. While some passengers praise its affordability and friendly staff, others report significant issues with customer service, baggage handling, and flight reliability. By understanding these WestJet reviews and planning accordingly, you can make an informed decision about whether this airline suits your travel needs.
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