This WestJet Premium Economy post was last updated in May 2025
While checking in for a return flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, I snagged a $99 upgrade to WestJet Premium Economy. Intrigued by the promise of extra legroom and complimentary meals and drinks, I aimed to assess if WestJet Premium Economy was a worthwhile investment.
After experiencing Norwegian Airlines’ premium product, I was curious to see how Canada’s preferred “non-discount” airline stacks up. In this WestJet Premium Economy review, let’s analyze the in-flight experience and amenities to answer the essential question: “Is WestJet Premium Economy Worth It?”
BOOK HERE: Compare prices on Westjet Premium flights with Skyscanner
WestJet Premium Economy 2025 Update
Although I stay pretty loyal to Air Canada thanks to their generous Aeroplan program, I make an effort to check out the competition a couple of times a year. That includes Flair, Porter, and WestJet. And because this WestJet Premium Economy post continues to be popular, I make a point to fly it at least once a year so I can keep things up to date.
This year, I flew Premium on a quick hop from Edmonton to Vancouver—a short leg after catching a couple great Oilers playoff games.
Here are some quick updates before getting into the full review.
2025 WestJet Premium Booking
The outbound was with Flair, but for the return I booked WestJet. Good reminder here: always check Skyscanner. While the WestJet website showed fares starting at $350+, I found the exact same flight on Skyscanner for $109 via Budget Air, including a carry-on—something that WestJet’s ultra-basic fare doesn’t include.
2025 WestJet Premium Seats
With that cheap fare locked in, I decided to splurge on an upgrade during online check-in (24 hours before departure). WestJet seat options included:
- Aisle seat in row 7: $14
- Exit row: $39
- WestJet Premium Economy: $56
At just $56 for a 1-hour and 40-minute flight, Premium was an easy choice.
Side note: this upgrade offers even better value on westbound flights, which tend to be longer. Just keep in mind that booking Premium at the time of purchase is usually much more expensive—upgrading during check-in is often the smarter move, especially if you booked your ticket through a third-party site like Skyscanner.
The Pros remain:
- 2-2 seating layout on the 737-700 (not 3-3 with a blocked-out middle like other WestJet Premium Economy flights I have taken)
- Spacious and genuinely comfortable seats
- Free alcoholic drinks and snacks (pretzels + a basket with chips, cashews, and candy bars—nice touch)
- I had a Caesar, which was great
Cons? Just one: my seat had a mess of Hi-Chew wrappers left behind by the previous passenger. At first, I thought WestJet was leaving candy on the seat… but nope. Just trash.
Still, for $56, this upgrade was well worth it. Just don’t pay full price at the time of booking—check Skyscanner, book the basic fare, and upgrade during check-in if available.
WestJet Premium Economy Full review
With this year’s update out of the way, read on for my full review and decide for yourself if it is worth the upgrade.
How Do I Book WestJet Premium Economy?
Officially called WestJet Plus, this Premium Economy service is available at the time of booking but for an over-inflated price. I checked at the time of my booking, and it was over $250 more per ticket.
Pass.
However, At check-in time (within 24 hours of the flight), it dropped to $99?
Details
Route: Ottawa to Vancouver
Aircraft: Boeing 737
Seat: 2A
Highlights: Open bar
Low lights: Tablecloth
My WestJet Premium Economy Review
Ready for takeoff? Let me take you through my firsthand experience flying in WestJet’s premium cabin. From the comfort and design of the seats to the quality of in-flight services, I’ll cover every detail to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Whether you’re considering an upgrade for extra legroom, better dining options, or simply a more relaxed flying experience, my in-depth review will help you decide if WestJet’s premium economy is worth the investment for your next trip. Discover what sets this cabin apart and whether it’s the right choice for your upcoming journey.
What Are WestJet Premium Seats Like?
WestJet Plus seats may look similar to those in economy, but they offer a bit more legroom, with 36 inches of space to stretch out. However, what makes WestJet Premium Economy stand out is the middle seat—or rather, the lack of one.
Like my experience flying Turkish Airlines short-haul business class, WestJet blocks out the middle seat, providing extra comfort and a more spacious feel. This simple but effective design makes a big difference in creating a more enjoyable and relaxed journey.
READ MORE: Is Air Canada Premium Economy Worth It?
What Is Service Like On Westjet Plus?
WestJet Premium Economy provides a service upgrade over standard Economy, but calling it truly “Premium” might be a bit of a reach. Upon boarding, passengers are welcomed with a modest bottle of water at their seat, along with a menu outlining the upcoming meal and beverage selections—details worth revisiting. However, these touches might not fully meet the expectations of travelers seeking a distinctly premium experience.
In terms of extras, the only other notable feature is the oversized napkin used as a “tablecloth” during meal service, which adds a small but nice touch to the overall presentation. Still, the experience may feel closer to an enhanced Economy service rather than a full-fledged Premium one.
Also, when considering if WestJet Premium Economy is worth it, I should note that it does not get you lounge access. I wouldn’t normally think it would, however, Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy got me access to the OneWorld Lounge at LAX so I have questioned other airlines since.
What Is The Food Like on WestJet Plus?
The food in WestJet Premium Economy offers a slight upgrade from standard Economy, though it may not meet the expectations of a truly premium dining experience. The menu includes a selection of snacks, meals, and drinks, but the variety and quality are only marginally better than what you’d find in the main cabin.
While the meal presentation feels more refined, the taste and selection might leave some travelers wanting more. Though it’s a nice touch to have enhanced options, the overall improvement in food quality is modest and may not fully justify the “premium” label in the dining department. For those seeking a significant culinary upgrade, WestJet Premium Economy’s offering might fall a bit short.
The WestJet Premium Menu
The “premium“ service continues with the boxed lunch. Although similar (if not the same) options are available in Economy, the box lunch is included with a WestJet Premium Economy ticket. As is that beautiful tablecloth 🙂
With a five-hour flight that had us arriving early evening on a Saturday, Erin and I shifted our focus to making WestJet Premium Economy worth it through the bar.
Although there are no notable craft beers beyond Granville Island (which is owned by a beer conglomerate), they were plentiful. After a Caesar (Canada’s cocktail) and then several Pale Ales, we noticed the attendant was less frequent with her rounds. Then she actually brought us a beer to split rather than each our own. I didn’t think of it much until Erin ordered us a couple of Gin and Tonics and questioned whether we were driving once we landed or not! ?
Valid.
UPDATE:
To celebrate Westjet’s inaugural 787 Dreamliner, they added a craft brew to their menu! Thanks to a partnership with Big Rock you can now order Dream Craft, an “All Canadian Ale,” for a limited time.
READ MORE: Interested in WestJet’s pet policy? Learn more!
What Is The In-Flight Entertainment Like on WestJet Plus?
The in-flight entertainment system in WestJet’s premium economy mirrors the self-service setup found in the Economy class, providing no distinct upgrade or additional perks in this department. While this similarity might disappoint passengers seeking an exclusive entertainment experience, it’s worth noting that WestJet compensates with a user-friendly option.
Entertainment Options in WestJet Premium Economy
WestJet Premium Economy offers a flexible entertainment experience through the WestJet app, which provides access to a wide selection of complimentary movies and TV shows. Instead of relying on built-in seatback screens, passengers can stream content on their personal devices, allowing for a more customized in-flight experience.
This app-based entertainment system adds convenience, letting travelers choose what to watch and when. While the format is standard across both premium and economy cabins, the diverse library ensures that passengers have a range of content to choose from, enhancing their ability to tailor the flight to their preferences. The app’s easy access and variety help make the in-flight experience more enjoyable, especially for those who appreciate controlling their entertainment options.
Overall Impressions of WestJet Plus
Is WestJet’s Premium Economy Worth It?
So, is WestJet Premium Economy worth it? If you were to ask the two cheerful adults who stumbled into a taxi stand that day in Vancouver, the answer would be a resounding yes. For those who enjoy a few drinks and a bit of extra comfort, the experience can certainly feel justified.
However, if you’re not planning to indulge as much as we did, consider upgrading only on the day of your flight, especially if it’s a longer journey. At around $100 for an included meal (albeit a snack), complimentary drinks, and extra legroom, it’s a reasonable deal. In contrast, shelling out an additional $250 during the booking process may not offer the same value. Ultimately, whether the premium experience is worth it depends on your travel style and expectations.
Update 2024
Update on My WestJet Plus Experience
Since writing this post, I’ve had the opportunity to fly WestJet Plus a few more times, and I wanted to share some updates. I appreciate all the emails and comments I’ve received; they really enrich the conversation! Your feedback is invaluable, so please keep it coming! Whether it’s your experiences or questions about WestJet Plus, I’m here to engage and share insights. Thank you for being part of this journey!
WestJet Premium Menu – Improved Meals
Since my first post, the WestJet menu and service is now much better. Gone are the paper towel tablecloths and generic menu. There are now hot meal items available that are “off-menu,” as well as craft beer. There’s also a nice snack box handed out, as well as some Canadiana in their dessert offering.
That said, is it still worth the upgrade fee? This is a much-needed update to WestJet’s Premium Economy offering. However, it is not enough to push me over the top with their initial sticker price.
Upgrade Lockdown
On that note, I have had a couple of flights now where my ticket class would not allow for an upgrade despite seats being available when inquiring at the gate. This happens if you buy the absolute lowest value option when purchasing seats. Unfortunately, it is hard to get around if you book seat sales and try to upgrade later!
Compare prices on Westjet Premium flights with Skyscanner
- READ MORE: Is Porter Airlines Premium Economy Worth It?
- READ MORE: British Airways Premium Economy Review
- READ MORE: Norwegian Airlines Premium Economy Review
What say you?
Is WestJet Premium Economy worth the upgrade for you?
Let’s hear it!
For more luxury travel reviews from business class and beyond see HERE.
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Hi Shaun. I recently flew 4 West Jet Premium Economy segments (within Canada and from/to LAX) with connecting flights to SYD. Prior to this travel I had read your above review – as I had not heard of West Jet (they were part of my QF itinerary).
I generally found the service, seats, food, and staff good – and probably above my expectation for a low-cost carrier.
My only issue was on my Calgary to Ottawa flight. I believe I got the same FA as you (in fact, following the incident, I had flash backs to your above review). After 2 GnTs in the first 2 hours – I asked for another GnT. The FA (let’s call her ‘Mary’ – who had earlier told the entire plane she had been with West Jet for 22 years) abruptly advised me that she would not be serving me another drink as that would be my third ordered in 2 hours, and “was I driving?” (which I wasn’t – but that was irrelevant, and we still had 2 hours to go). Seeing the stunned look on my face from her comment, I later had a very strong conversation with Mary.
I did wonder if this was a West Jet (unwritten) policy on the responsible service of alcohol – however, I had no similar issues on the other 3 flights, so can only assume Mary must have thought she was the Plane Police – however probably needs to retire (or rephrase her statements to passengers).
Other then that one issue – I would fly West Jet again.
That’s too funny. Weird that this is a common complaint but glad to hear it was a good experience otherwise.
Thanks for the great travel tips! I am a college student and in my free time I write my blog about life hacks that students can use to save some money and have fun. You had great advice that even I didn’t know about. I usually write about tips about education, how to reduce study load and stress levels.
i am going to Europe in Dec. I noticed that beer and liquor are on the menu. What about wine?Bob
Last time I flew Premium class with Western I spent 905 of the flight with the chair in front of me practically in my lap. I could have braided the woman’s hair. I could not reach my bag on the floor and had to push the whole chair as hard as I could to get my table out. Airline staff could not have cared less.
Only other choice are the front seats, but they are the ones used for families traveling with babies
Sorry to hear Vivien! Curious though, what aircraft was this? This does not sound possible in the 737’s that dominate WestJet’s fleet.
Flew to Pueto Vallarta in Jan. on WJ premium economy. It was regular economy seats with a tray in the middle seat. Complete waste of money. They show all these fancy seats on the internet but what we were on was an old Boeing 737 – 700 or 800 not sure. Flew to NZ on NZ air, premium economy and it was like first class. TV’s, food was incredible, seats were like easy chairs in your living room that came up under your legs, blankets, eye masks, warm socks and ear plugs all supplied and top of the line ear phones. They need to take some lessons if they are going to advertise premium when it is not.
Hey James, thanks for the comment.
The images you see in WestJet advertisements are of their brand new 787 Dreamliners. They could probably do a better job sharing where these fly but their website does show the routes so suggest checking this out ahead of time to avoid supprises. That said, for the most part, these aircraft only fly transatlantic flights. Most airline premium economy (and business class) on their short-haul flights are very similar to WestJet’s 737 offerings. You can check out my reviews of Turkish Air and Egypt air where I flew both transatlantic and short-haul. I would think that if you took an Air New Zealand flight within the country it would be the same.
Safe travels!
Sorry to hear Glenn. There is value if you know what you are getting and premium economy doesn’t = lay flatbeds. That said, I would suggest only booking premium economy within 24-hours or at the customer service desk if the price is right.
If you are interested in a Westjet business class experience they did just start offering that in their new 787 Dreamliners. I hope to check it out soon and will be sharing a post on my thoughts so be sure to check back!
You seem to want to “gouge” the airline by drinking a LOT. Why not just take economy and buy your Gin and tonic water at a market after you land. Oh, and eat an Impossible Burger too – if you can find one.
I personally fly premium economy and business (usually on BA) overseas for COMFORT, and do not try to gouge. Yes, I look for a bargain, but comfort is KING, not the booze.
No drinking and driving for me, either
Hey Ken, thanks for the comment! I highly recommend you indulge in a cocktail or two on your next flight. It may help take that edge off 😉
Agreed, comfort is king, With Westjet’s premium economy though, the difference in seats is minimal. This means if you are asking if the service is worth it, you might want to look at what else that price tag gets you.
Safe travels!
Hi Shaun,
Did I read that right that the drinks are unlimited?
How about the food, so they allow for a second sandwich?
Great article, btw, thank you!
Thanks Charles. Yup, open bar. The food is not but I am sure you can ask for seconds. I will test this out this weekend when I fly with them and report back!
Hey Charles! I took Westjet Premium a couple of weeks back again and they have stepped up their game! I will be doing an update to this post and a new one to cover the changes. Till then I can confirm you can pick now from dedicated hot meals for premium-class as well as anything off of the regular menu. You can ask for additional food.
Hi Shaun
My daughter flew on the westjet flight from YYC to Dublin. I booked the flight for here in premium economy costing me 3 times the amount vs economy. I thought that it would be the bigger seats with great recline. Apparently, they are like the reg economy seats with the middle seat blocked off.. no meals as well from Halifax to Dublin. She,s pissed as am I. Never will happen again with westjet.
Glen:
I would be pissed.
Especially with the photos showing normal first class styel seat.
Shaun:
The “plus” is the same as this “Premium cabin”? it looks like it is marketed as a First Class/Delta Premium Economy seat… with business class like Delta one…
If this plus you are talking about is the “Premium cabin” what a scam!
got it
you don’t like to drink