WestJet can be a good airline when its schedule and total price, including bags and seat selection, fit your trip. This WestJet airline review helps you compare the displayed fare conditions, baggage allowance and onboard options before choosing a ticket.
Compare the fare family, operating aircraft and complete price. Economy, Premium and long-haul flights deserve different expectations.
Key Takeaways
- WestJet is worth considering when a convenient itinerary and the total fare with bags and seats beat your alternatives.
- EconoFlex includes one checked bag under WestJet’s fare rules as of October 21, 2026.
- WestJet’s baggage limits are 41 × 15 × 33 cm for personal items and 56 × 23 × 36 cm for carry-ons as of October 21, 2026. Check your booking’s allowance.
- UltraBasic’s prepaid first checked bag on Canada-US flights costs $55 to $65 CAD/USD under WestJet’s fee schedule as of October 21, 2026; the applicable currency depends on the booking.
- Premium generally includes meals on flights longer than 2.5 hours, according to WestJet’s food-service rules as of October 21, 2026.
Here’s if WestJet is a good airline
WestJet is a sensible choice when the itinerary and all-in fare work for you, not simply because the headline price is low.
Compare what each displayed fare includes rather than relying on a budget-airline label. Bags, seating and the conditions attached to your ticket matter more to your final decision.
- Good fit: Convenient nonstops within Canada or to the United States, suitable long-haul aircraft, and competitive complete fares.
- Compare carefully: Fixed baggage needs, uncertain plans or important onward connections, particularly when choosing UltraBasic instead of EconoFlex.
4 pros of flying with WestJet
WestJet’s main advantages are useful flight options and fare or cabin inclusions that may suit your trip.
Useful nonstop options can simplify your trip
A nonstop removes a connection and may justify a slightly higher fare. Compare connecting itineraries against nonstop alternatives before choosing on price alone.
✈️ Compare schedules for your dates to see whether a convenient nonstop makes WestJet the better choice.
A suitable long-haul itinerary can be worth choosing
For a long flight, compare the assigned aircraft, seat map and departure time. A schedule that gives you a realistic chance to sleep can be worth more than a small fare saving.
Premium can include meals on longer flights
As of October 21, 2026, Premium generally includes meals on flights longer than 2.5 hours. Check the benefits displayed for your flight before upgrading.
EconoFlex bundles a checked bag
EconoFlex includes one checked bag as of October 21, 2026. Compare its fare difference with the cost of adding a bag to another fare; its value depends on what you’ll use.
3 cons of flying with WestJet
WestJet’s main drawbacks to check are optional charges, entry-fare conditions and flight-specific cabin amenities.
Bags and seat selection can increase the total
Checked baggage and advance seat selection can erase a small fare advantage. Compare the checkout total, not just the search result.
UltraBasic conditions need a close read
Inspect UltraBasic’s displayed baggage, seat-selection, change and cancellation conditions before paying. Compare Econo on the same flight if those conditions don’t suit your trip.
Check cabin amenities for your specific flight
An international destination alone doesn’t tell you what seating, catering or entertainment to expect. Check the operating aircraft and flight details, especially when you’re trying to sleep.
WestJet fares, baggage and the real total cost
Choose your fare by baggage, seating and flexibility needs, then compare the complete checkout price.
Which economy fare should you choose?
WestJet economy fares: what changes your booking decision
| Fare | Personal item and carry-on eligibility | Checked baggage | Standard seat selection | Changes and voluntary cancellation | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UltraBasic | Check the allowance shown for each segment | Add the displayed bag fee to your total | Paid advance selection | Read the displayed conditions before paying | Travelers whose needs match the displayed conditions |
| Econo | Check the allowance shown for each segment | Add the displayed bag fee to your total | Paid advance selection | Check applicable fees and cancellation terms | Comparing the complete price with UltraBasic |
| EconoFlex | Check the allowance shown for each segment | One bag included | Check the displayed inclusion | Read the displayed change and cancellation terms | Travelers needing a checked bag |
A change fee is separate from any increase in airfare. A cancellation credit also isn’t a cash refund.
First checked bag on Canada-US flights
| Fare | Prepaid first bag | Airport first bag | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| UltraBasic | $55 to $65 CAD/USD | $80 to $94 CAD/USD | Prepay if you need a bag |
| Econo | $45 to $53 CAD/USD | – | Add baggage before comparing totals |
| EconoFlex | Included | Included | Count the included bag’s value |
Can you bring a backpack and an overhead bag?
A backpack counts as a personal item only if its packed dimensions fit WestJet’s limit. As of October 21, 2026, WestJet lists:
- Personal item: 41 × 15 × 33 cm.
- Carry-on: 56 × 23 × 36 cm.
Size alone doesn’t establish eligibility. Check the baggage allowance displayed for your booking before packing an overhead bag.
Read the displayed allowance for every leg. Don’t assume an allowance on one flight covers the entire journey.
When is EconoFlex worth paying for?
Compare the fare difference with the checked-bag fee you would otherwise pay. EconoFlex can be worthwhile even when its initial price is higher, but read its displayed seat-selection, change and refund terms separately.
Tip: Compare ticket price plus bags in each direction, selected seats, intended extras and applicable charges. Keep both totals in the same currency.
✈️ Once you know your baggage and seating needs, compare complete fares rather than the lowest advertised ticket.
What are WestJet economy and long-haul flights like?
Check the aircraft, seat map and listed amenities for your WestJet flight, especially before an overnight trip.
Compare the aircraft and amenities shown for your flight
WestJet economy: flight details that matter
| Flight detail | Cabin and entertainment checks | Meal-service consideration | What to check before booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assigned aircraft | Inspect the seat map and listed entertainment options | Check the flight’s menu and meal inclusions | Seat location, seating options, catering |
| Overnight flight | Compare seat layout and your sleep needs | Check meal timing and inclusions | Departure time and arrival time |
| Connecting segment | Inspect each segment’s operating carrier and aircraft | Check service on each leg | Connection time and baggage allowance |
Caption: Check your flight’s seat map and listed entertainment options before choosing a seat.
Compare the seating options and prices displayed for your flight. Use its seat map rather than expecting uniform legroom across the fleet.
Inspect the operating carrier and aircraft for every segment of a connecting itinerary.
Is WestJet good for long-haul flights?
Check the aircraft assigned to your intended flight. Weigh seat location, sleep needs, catering and connection timing alongside price.
Crossing a border doesn’t establish which amenities are included. Confirm the details for your flight and recheck the aircraft before departure.
Is WestJet Premium worth the upgrade?
WestJet Premium is worth comparing when its listed inclusions justify the upgrade over your complete economy fare.
Review the Premium benefits displayed for your specific flight rather than assuming the same seating and service on every aircraft.
If you’re also considering another seating option, compare its listed benefits and total price separately.
As of October 21, 2026, WestJet generally includes Premium meals on flights longer than 2.5 hours.
Compare the upgrade difference with economy plus the extras you need, then decide whether the listed benefits are worth it to you. An upgraded cabin doesn’t automatically make your ticket cash-refundable.
✈️ Price economy and Premium on the same flight to see whether the upgrade buys benefits you’ll use.
Food, drinks, entertainment and Wi-Fi on WestJet
Plan food and entertainment around your specific flight: complimentary refreshments, meals, screens and Wi-Fi are not interchangeable inclusions.
Food and drinks: what should you expect?
Check your flight’s catering details to see which food and drinks are included and which cost extra. As of October 21, 2026, Premium generally includes meals on flights longer than 2.5 hours.
Consult WestJet’s Economy menu for buy-on-board choices, and plan around your flight’s catering.
Before packing food, check airline requirements, airport security restrictions and destination import rules.
Screens, personal-device entertainment and Wi-Fi
Check your flight’s entertainment options before departure, including whether you need your own device, headphones or an app.
Entertainment access doesn’t mean internet access. Check whether Wi-Fi is offered on your flight and review any access requirements and charges before departure. Charge devices, update the WestJet app and download backup entertainment before departure.
Is WestJet safe, and what if your trip is disrupted?
WestJet operates under Canadian aviation oversight; for connections and disruptions, prioritize itinerary protection and know which remedy to request.
Safety and connection planning
Transport Canada oversees Canadian commercial aviation. Operational safety is separate from customer-service satisfaction; service reviews are not an airline safety measure.
Prefer a protected single-ticket connection over a self-transfer when recovery matters. Leave extra schedule margin before cruises or weddings, and compare later same-day flights that could provide recovery options.
What to do if WestJet cancels or disrupts your trip
- Save your booking details and disruption notice.
- Review rebooking instructions supplied by WestJet, or contact WestJet customer service.
- Request the applicable refund or alternative.
- Retain receipts and baggage documentation.
- Submit the relevant claim, then escalate through the applicable authority if needed.
- Save trip records Save your booking details and the disruption notice.
- Review rebooking Review WestJet’s rebooking instructions or contact customer service.
- Request a remedy Request the applicable refund or alternative.
- Retain records Keep receipts and baggage documentation.
- Submit or escalate Submit the relevant claim, then escalate through the applicable authority if needed.
Rebooking, care, expense reimbursement, ticket refunds and statutory compensation are separate remedies. Eligibility depends on the circumstances; don’t assume every disruption qualifies for all of them.
Consult the rules applicable to your itinerary and disruption, and use official guidance to identify the appropriate regulator if you need to escalate a complaint.
Cash refunds, travel credits and baggage claims
For voluntary cancellations, WestJet’s cancellation rules require cancellation more than two hours before departure as of October 21, 2026. If the airline cancels, consult the applicable airline-cancellation rules separately.
A cash refund returns money; a travel credit is for future travel. Check the terms of any credit or other benefit before accepting it instead of a refund.
Report delayed baggage promptly, keep the file reference and receipts, and use the baggage claim channel rather than the flight-delay compensation form.
If you’ve already checked in, see how to uncheck in for a flight. Undoing check-in and canceling a ticket are separate actions.
WestJet alternatives: when should you compare Air Canada?
Choose between WestJet and Air Canada using the same itinerary, cabin, baggage needs and flexibility, not an airline-wide winner.
WestJet versus Air Canada: compare the same trip
| Booking factor | What to compare | When the difference matters |
|---|---|---|
| Itinerary | Same airports and dates; nonstop versus connecting | Avoiding extra travel time |
| Schedule | Frequency and usable recovery flights | Fixed commitments |
| Cabin | Operating aircraft, seats and meal service | Overnight or longer flights |
| Complete fare | Bags, seating, change rules and currency-consistent total | Comparing actual value |
Neither airline is automatically cheaper or better for every trip. A convenient schedule can matter more than a small fare difference.
See our Air Canada airline review for a fuller alternative assessment. If you’re also considering a US-carrier itinerary, compare Air Canada versus United Airlines.
✈️ Compare the same dates, airports and baggage needs before choosing WestJet or an alternative.
Before paying, confirm the operating carrier, aircraft, fare name, bag allowance, seating, refund form and final total.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your fare determines baggage and flexibility, while your route and cabin shape the onboard experience.
Is WestJet a safe airline?
WestJet is a commercial airline operating under Canadian aviation regulation and Transport Canada oversight. Assess operational safety separately from baggage complaints, refund experiences and onboard service.
Is WestJet a budget airline?
A budget-airline label is less useful than comparing the complete fare. Check the baggage allowance, seat-selection costs and ticket conditions shown for your booking, then compare that total with other airlines.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on WestJet?
Check the allowance displayed for every segment of your booking before bringing both. As of October 21, 2026, WestJet’s maximum dimensions are 41 × 15 × 33 cm for a personal item and 56 × 23 × 36 cm for a carry-on. Meeting the size limits doesn’t establish that both are included.
Do you get free food on WestJet?
Check your flight’s catering details for included food and paid options. As of October 21, 2026, WestJet generally includes Premium meals on flights longer than 2.5 hours.
Can I bring my own food on a WestJet flight?
Before packing your own food, check airline requirements, airport security restrictions and destination food-import rules.
Is WestJet EconoFlex worth it?
EconoFlex includes one checked bag as of October 21, 2026. Compare the fare difference with the bag fee you would otherwise pay, and check the displayed seating, change and cancellation terms before booking.
Is WestJet Premium worth it?
Compare Premium’s listed benefits with the upgrade price and your complete economy total. As of October 21, 2026, Premium generally includes meals on flights longer than 2.5 hours. Check the seating and other inclusions shown for your specific flight.
Is WestJet good for international flights?
WestJet can be a good choice when its schedule, total price and aircraft suit your trip. Check the assigned aircraft, meal service and connection arrangement before paying rather than assuming an international flight includes particular amenities.