See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. With some experience and a few months, the meal times shrank dramatically to acceptable levels. {external-icon} Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines and/or be translated. NICE! [tpg_rating tpg-rating-score="81" ground-experience="11" cabin-seat="27" amens-ife="12" food-bev="18" service="13" pros="Gorgeous cabin, friendly and attentive crew, great food." Enrollment required. Especially an airline that previously didn't have business class. But Ben, maybe you were starving and eager to eat & drink something. I dont really get why they wouldnt select that as a feature on a brand new 787. Please advise. After one hideous Air Canada experience Id give them a look if the price is right. Ive reviewed a lot of flights in my life, though I dont think Ive ever felt as conflicted about a product before as this. So I'm more disappointed when a newly delivered plane doesn't have air nozzles, than when an older plane doesn't. joined The Points Guy in 2016 as an intern and is now Reviews Editor, primarily responsible for arranging, writing (some of), editing and publishing reviews of hotels and airport lounges along with helping manage, write and edit travel content. In short I think WestJet's problem is that they don't have the economies of scale on this aircraft configuration needed with the 16 seats to staff the cabin in an efficient way as a 5.3:1 (adding 1 FA) probably doesn't pencil out for them. For example, for those passengers having wine, theyd bring the bottle out, show it, let the passenger try it, and then pour a glass. Otherwise, great looking cabin and food. Although not consistent - good customer service can be found there too. I immediately knew that I wanted the poutine. All rights reserved. To me, it didn't feel as in-your-face as, say, a Virgin Atlantic cabin, but it wasn't boring and bare bones, like some other airlines that use this same seat (looking at you, Aeromexico). See terms and conditions. Then there was the business class cabin, which consisted of a total of 16 seats, spread across four rows in a 1-2-1 configuration. Im going to split up service into two parts, because yes, there is a catch. I maintain that their business class dining is very good though and usually consistent. WestJets New 787 Business Class: Almost Amazing, But, my full review of WestJets 787-9 business class, WestJet Expands To Asia, With Calgary To Tokyo Route, WestJets Interesting New Calgary To Rome Flight, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners, My meal order was taken 40min after takeoff, I was served my first drink 1hr25min after takeoff, My appetizer was served 3hr after takeoff, My main was served 3hr20min after takeoff, My dessert was served 3hr40min after takeoff. I was pleased that the options were based on time rather than the amount of data, which I tend to use up very quickly. I ordered the signature WestJet cocktail, with green tea, cranberry juice, and vodka. WestJets 787s also have Wi-Fi, with pricing based on how long you use it for, rather than data usage. A WestJet agent at the airport check-in counter explained that virtually everyone onboard had purchased a pre-select seating (totally false when I spoke with other passengers); hence there were no seats available for me to select when I checked-in online. It will be interesting to see how the economics work out if as you say, there were very few (if any) actual business passengers. Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. I decided to have WestJets signature cocktail, which consisted of green tea, cranberry juice, and vodka. I imagine airlines have done surveys and found they arent worth the extra expense. For flight attendants just figuring out where to find things around the galley is sometimes a nightmare. The one glaring problem is the pace of service. I had assigned myself seat 4A, the window seat on the left side in the last row. Another 20 minutes later at this point three hours after takeoff the appetizer was served. Food was wonderful and served to me around 90 mins after take-off. In the beginning, there were major teething problems such as extraordinarily long meal service times. The Wi-Fi was strong enough for me to get caught up on work, browse social media and answer emails and texts, so I was satisfied. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. With models. Second, the airline has begun receiving brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, equipped with a very competitive-looking business-class product that it flies between Canada and Europe. Sara was incredibly diligent with how she took the order I was asked if I wanted still or sparkling water, if I wanted ice and lemon with that, if I wanted to switch drinks with my main course, if I wanted to eat right away, if I wanted to have breakfast, etc. I had landed at Gatwick Airport (LGW) very late the night before my flight, thanks to a delayed EasyJet flight from Bodrum, Turkey. (Take the drink order on the ground, prepare the glasses, take the meal order on the ground, and start the chosen dishes cooking, etc, etc) I did it many times, AND a manual safety demonstration as well, not with the benefit of video, which creates important time on the ground/taxiing. Thanks. Fares look not cheap so not yet a bargain hunter option. Of course the big area for improvement was with speed. If they are on, i shut them off. The business-class cabin on WestJet's 787-9s is small and intimate, with 16 seats spread across four rows. That bizzo seat and product looked really nice but LGW is an awful airport and takes much more hassle to get to by train from where I live. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. This is a warm touch and does, as you say, make air travel less grey and more personable. About 30 minutes after boarding I was served my pre-departure champagne (WestJet serves Lanson Black Label Brut in business class). Give them some time, they'll iron out the kinks. I would love to try this product. My only point is that regardless of the sincerity or otherwise of the individual providing the service, the PERCEPTION of sincerity , at least for me, is lessened by the use of the stock/standard phoney phrases. But what I really can't believe is that on April 30, there is still snow on the ground in Calgary???!!! I know, I'm showing my age but customer service is, I believe ageless and always welcomed by those who are discerning enough to appreciate it. :-). I travel for pleasure only, no business. Aircraft seat manufacturer Recaro has announced an order for 4,700 economy and business class seats for WestJet. If someone has a different experience, please let me know. Wow, nice interior! How was availability? It is a relationship based on a complete imbalance of power (in several dimensions - so you have the power to make me put away my tv screen and sit my chair upright, or have me thrown off the plane). Arrive: 10:50AM (+1 day) business class is a good @JW: Having lived in Singapore too, I get the impression that Singaporeans have a bit of a love-hate relationship with SQ. Third and each additional bag: $100.00 CAD / $118.00 USD. This was one of the best beef dishes Ive ever had on a plane. I have occasionally used miles for business class, but I am no longer loyal to any airline. Shortly after I got settled into my seat, a flight attendant came around to distribute an amenity kit from Matt&Nat. Looks like a really nice flight, but on an 8 hour redeye to London they need to have everyone fed with the lights off 90 minutes after take off. (A two-hour flight west, before flying east.). Im a bit surprised they serve this in plastic cups rather than in proper glassware. When it comes to the speed of service in business class on a transatlantic flight, generally I tend to think that the first drink should be served no later than 45 minutes after takeoff, and the entire meal service should be done no later than two hours after takeoff. Overnight, you want the sleep time. Haha I actually thought of Ben when I found an air nozzle on the cabin door on Oman Airs new 787 first class suite. Advertised prices, taxes and fees may fluctuate based on exchange rate. Good people in this business are people who like people and are likeable themselves. Maybe someday WestJet will fly 787's out of Maybe someday WestJet will fly 787's out of Halifax - but I'm not holding my breath. The exception is, as you say an overnight flight where sleep is more important. @DenB WestJet is partnered with Delta and AirFrance/KLM so eventually they will be bookable with SkyPesos and Flying Blue. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. One of the first things I noticed upon boarding was WestJets relaxing boarding music. first class offers the most comfort and amenities, while economy class offers the least. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. 2) Are these flights bookable with Delta SkyMiles? This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. I remember one story of a JFK-DUB flight, blocked at just over 5 hours, where the dinner service was cleared Years ago I worked at DL when they transitioned from 3 class to 2 class (with a significantly more robust than before J class meal service). Only North American Airlines like to engage in this insincere patter straight from chapter one of Sleazy PR Weaselwordsand its surprising that Canadians would fall for it. AC probably have a better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure. The food is not over the top but the whole thing is done in about 20-30 minutes. She is so wise. Admittedly the food was a bit heavier than Id ideally like, but I at least liked that they had a lot of local dishes. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. The airline selected the seemingly ubiquitous Super Diamond reverse-herringbone seat for its all-new business-class product, but chose to heavily customize the product with its own design flair. Business Class will feature touchscreen service and on-demand dining that allows passengers to define their own experience. Even the salt-and-pepper shakers were stylized! Second bag: $50.00 CAD / $59.00 USD. The only route where SQ gets it done <30mts is on CGK-SIN. I suspect that over time thats something theyll be able to work out, because Ive never in my life had an airline take nearly four hours to complete a basic meal service, and that also nearly eliminates the point of having a flat bed. As a OW Emerald I feel my status means nothing with Ive flown CX JL TK TG NH OZ AA F class and the WS crew was the best. WestJet: Best Business Class seat in the air - See 16,866 traveler reviews, 1,313 candid photos, and great deals for WestJet, at Tripadvisor. Flights from SIN-LHR, AMS,FRA and SIN-NRT,LAX,SFO. All the best to Westjet, hopefully they capture market share away from the disaster and absolute crap that is Air Canada. A full 2hr40min after takeoff my table was set. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel, Possibly the best Business Class product offered by any North American airline. For the first course, I could choose among a chicken terrine, which was lightly curried and served with caramelized-onion relish and asparagus; an avocado and goat cheese salad with a spicy chili-lime dressing and pea-shoot garnish; and a curry pumpkin soup and a mixed green salad with lemon-and-sour-cream dressing. each option offers a different level of comfort and amenities. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Non . Calgary (YYC) London (LGW) Not much variety there. WestJets 787 business class has so much potential. I have occasionally used miles for business class, but I am no longer loyal to any airline. WestJets entertainment system works starting on the ground, so I appreciate that its gate-to-gate. Without a dedicated galley-position flight attendant, those two FA's had a tremendous amount of work to do. Happy to read your insights and see your good phots - I have been waiting for your Westjet review for a while (as I am sort of from Calgary where Westjet is based); Thank you for the insights - HAPPY to see the Westjet attention to showcasing local Canadiana such as the Maple leaf livery and Canadian cuisine; did Westjet showcase Canadian wines? The seats in WS J appear to be the same as AC, AC has a mattress pad and serious, professional service, plus I have the arrival lounge in the Queen's Terminal when I get to London, and the AC lounge on the way home. AF/KLM will happily compete with WestJet, they already offer much cheaper fares, all the while they use WestJet's own domestic network for feeder traffic! Standard FA crew positions have one FA do nothing but be the J class cook. I suggested they needed one more body in the galley as each setup was prepared individually by the 2 crew members working the cabin. View the current offers here. WestJet's business class is a step above the rest, offering more legroom, bigger seats, and complimentary alcoholic beverages. Or maybe there were some trainees onboard. Plus Ups are excluded. The ones on AA feel more sterile than a hospital. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Must keep an eye out for new 787s. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. Still best airline, Qatar that is. WestJet business class pre-departure drink. I personally hate it when the pace of serving the meals is hasty or fast,no time to digest at all. Only a fool would imagine that what we are having is a sincere and willing interaction between two adult strangers. Review: WestJet Business Class 787 Calgary To London, Review: WestJet Plus 737 Denver To Calgary, Review: Air Europa Business Class 737 London To Madrid, Review: Air Europa Business Class 787 Madrid To Miami, WestJet Expands To Asia, With Calgary To Tokyo Route, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Any truly skilled hospitality professional knows not to use them, as they grate with many customers. You should tally up how many business products you've actually tried! But as I dug into the selection, I wasn't impressed. Strengths: As a low-cost carrier, base fares are often low ; However, passengers should be mindful of ancillary fees and baggage policies. Well, neither. Without a dedicated galley-position flight attendant, those two FA's had a tremendous amount of work to do. You'll find a lot of unique wares on the WestJet 787, like a blue bowl and a cutlery napkin holder made of hammered steel. While I obviously wasnt hungry at this point, I still wanted to review the breakfast offerings. Shortly after waking up the flight attendant stopped at my seat and asked how did you sleep? She also took my breakfast order. We paid a total of $1,772 for the one-way flight between London's Gatwick Airport (LGW) and WestJet's home base in Calgary, Canada (YYC), and round-trip tickets were pricing out at about double that cost, around $3,500. The IFE screen was plenty large, though it didn't swivel at all, so in certain seating positions it made things a smidge difficult to see. Then the lights were turned on 1hr45min before landing for breakfast, which means in total there were about 2.5 hours between when I finished dinner and when breakfast started. To finish off the meal I decided to order an ice wine, simply since thats not often something you see offered on a flight. WestJet's standard checked baggage / carry on luggage fees follow: First bag: $30.00 CAD / $35.40 USD. Lanson was their champagne on offer. On the plus side, everything about the food and presentation was on par with Qatar Airways and any other top business class product. Again, it was excellent. Cheese enchiladas. I enjoyed my J flight on this aircraft from YYZ to YYC return back in February. Heather Yourex-West reports - May 13, 2019 The proposed $3.5-billion bid by Onex Crop. @Paulo - I absolutely disagree. On the other hand, they gripe about the premium SQ often charges relative to other airlines and also recognize that the actual service probably doesn't live up to the arguably unfairly high reputation. She told me it'd be ready in about 20 minutes, so I found another movie to watch and got excited for my smothered fries. Shortly before our descent I visited the lavatory, which was spotless. @ Anthony -- See this post for all of their current route plans: [flight_stats ticket-class="first" review-stat-section="Ground Experience" tpg-rating="11" tpg-rating-max="20" tail="C-GUDH" age="0" departure="13" departure-2="49" duration="08" duration-2="27" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]. The dinner service started with truffle popcorn and drinks. Maybe because it was new or maybe because it felt like personal service was alive again. @Janet, what a nonsense! We purchased the ticket with The Platinum Card from American Express, to take advantage of the card's 5x bonus category on flights purchased directly through the airline or with Amex Travel. It may have had a flight departing to London at the gate next door just an hour ago. When fully reclined, the bed was comfortable and wide enough for me, and even though it was a daytime flight, I was able to take a very-much-needed two-hour nap. It depends on the schedule offered by WJ and AC and also if you are a Flying Blue member you just stick to WJ i guess. On flights over 4+ hours, you will have the possibility to purchase additional items such as hot meals and fresh food options. Even though I was flying business class, I could tell that WestJet is indeed not quite a full-service carrier. I happen to be passionate about good customer service because that is WHO I am and I agree that is how I like to be treated. Within the past few days WestJet launched 787-9 service between Calgary and London, which represents an exciting new phase for the airline. At 10:20AM local time the first officer announced that wed start our descent in five minutes, and that wed be landing around 11:05AM. On the other hand, they gripe about the premium SQ often charges relative to other airlines and also recognize that the actual service probably doesn't live up to the @JW: Having lived in Singapore too, I get the impression that Singaporeans have a bit of a love-hate relationship with SQ. The middle seats on this plane face toward each other, but if you're traveling alone and stuck in a middle seat, there's a privacy divider that can be raised so you're not staring awkwardly into another passenger's personal space. No way a regulator would approve that would they? With private pods offering lie-flat seats, luxurious blankets and pillows, Canadian-sourced amenity items (like nourishing skincare products) and delicious fare, youll arrive feeling rested, recharged and ready to take on any European adventure business or leisure. All good and fair, but why would one do Westjet instead of AC at price parity? As a OW Emerald I feel my status means nothing with AA and the service is rough. See more about our ethics policies here. Theres a major catch, though, as Ill get into a bit below. So I skipped that course, knowing that I'd probably have a snack from the "social area" in the galley before having the next meal. Flight interruptions and passenger rights, Private pods with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access, Custom-designed pillows and blankets availableon transatlantic flights and on demand on domestic flights, We are the only airline in Canada with fully extendable privacy screens, Extra space to work or relax with a seat pitch of 46 inches and a seat width of 22 inches, Refresh with a bottle of water upon boarding, and a welcome beverage served prior to take off. Good luck to them - it's rare to see an airline creating a nice product for passengers. 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