As WestJet adds aircraft to its fleet, the airline is introducing temporary enhancements to select new-to-WestJet Boeing 737 aircraft to provide guests with a Premium option onboard. These enhancements, intended to improve guest experience, will be implemented beginning October 27 and include preferred seating, more elbow room, priority boarding, exclusive snacks and beverages, and a future travel credit.
WestJet’s commitment to expanding its fleet is essential to provide Canadians with reliable and affordable access to increased domestic and global destinations. To keep up with increasing demand, the airline is continuing to leverage a growing number of aircraft that are currently configured differently to the rest of its fleet. This includes aircraft operated by its former ultra-low-cost-carrier Swoop, recently acquired leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft announced earlier this year, and in 2025 it will include Sunwing Airlines aircraft.
The addition of these aircraft are greatly enhancing WestJet's ability to serve more guests throughout its network. This expansion not only boosts overall capacity but also improves aircraft availability for rebooking guests affected by irregular operations. As a result, disruptions to travel plans are minimized, helping ensure that travellers reach their desired destinations smoothly and on time.
Despite the benefits these aircraft provide, WestJet has heard guest feedback, loud and clear.
"We’ve listened to our guests and understand that these aircraft that are configured differently don’t yet deliver the experience they expect when travelling with us, especially for our Premium guests, “said Colleen Tynan, Vice-President of Guest Experience at WestJet. “Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of our new-to-WestJet 737s is essential for our integration efforts and overall guest satisfaction. While we are working diligently, these upgrades will take time. In the meantime, we are committed to making temporary improvements wherever possible and keeping our guests informed about our progress."
To bridge the gap for Premium guests during this transition, WestJet is introducing temporary enhancements to aircraft that currently lack a dedicated Premium cabin. These interim improvements will include:
- Preferred seating: Seats located at the front of the aircraft.
- More elbow room: A digital block on middle seats for the first three rows to ensure more comfort.
- Priority boarding: Guests will enjoy priority access when boarding.
- Early access to overhead bin: Offering ample space for carry-on luggage.
- Exclusive snacks and beverages: Including wine, beer, and spirits.
- Chilled and fresh meal: Available on flights over 2.5 hours.
- Future travel credit: Automatically issued to guests who have purchased a Premium seat, recognizing their loyalty and the difference in amenities.
When booking a seat on an aircraft reflecting a temporary Premium cabin, guests will recognize a “Cabin transformation” indicator reflected during the booking process on WestJet.com. Guests completing a booking via a travel agent, corporate travel arranger or online travel agency are asked to consult them to confirm if the flight will be on an aircraft undergoing a cabin transformation.
As teams across WestJet continue working behind the scenes to execute a complete interior transformation of cabins on its new-to-WestJet aircraft, the airline is committed to finding temporary solutions to provide a comparable experience for guests in the interim while keeping them informed on the progress being made. Learn more.
