Air Canada vs. WestJet: Here's How Flying Business Class On These Airlines Compares
If you're looking to level up your next flight, you might be considering flying business class.
Canadian airlines offer business class seats on their flights in North America and internationally, and while it usually comes with a heftier price tag, you'll be able to enjoy some added comforts in the sky.
Air Canada and WestJet both have business classes with perks such as lie-flat seats, complimentary meals and drinks and priority services.
However, the airlines also have some differences when it comes to their business class experiences, especially when looking at the price.
So, if you're planning to fly business class and you're not sure which airline to choose, here's how business classes with Air Canada and WestJet compare and what you get for your cash.
Air Canada
At the airport
Air Canada offers business class seats to travellers on its flights within North America. For international flights, what was formerly called International Business Class is known as Signature Class.
While business class tickets are pricier than Air Canada's Economy and Premium Economy offerings when travelling in North America, there are some perks on offer that could be worth it.
At Toronto Pearson Airport, business class travellers are able to use a specific check-in desk to speed up the process of getting through the airport. At other airports, you'll be able to get priority check-in.
Air Canada Business Class passengers will also get a bunch of priority services, including security clearance, boarding and baggage to make your journey faster.
You'll also get to make use of Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges with complimentary meals and drinks, WiFi and showers.
International travellers will get the same perks as their North American counterparts when travelling in Signature Class, but there are also some extra bonuses.
Signature Class travellers will have access to a fancy chauffeur service at Toronto Pearson and Vancouver International Airports, which will transport you across the tarmac in a Porsche to visit the Air Canada Signature Lounge.
The luxury lounges have a complimentary dining experience with dishes created by Air Canada's chef David Hawksworth, a bar menu of champagne and spirits, a concierge and Molton Brown care products.
When travelling in business or Signature class, you'll get a personal item, a carry-on bag and two pieces of checked luggage included with your fare.
Seats
If you're handing over extra cash to fly business class, one of the major differences you'll see is in the comfort of the seats on board.
Business class on North American flights is made up of a cabin with larger seats that are either by the window or on an aisle, so no need to worry about the dreaded middle seat. Each seat reclines, has extra legroom and adjustable head and footrests.
For International flights, Air Canada's Signature Class steps it up again with seating "pods" that convert into lie-flat beds with duvets, pillows and a mattress pad so you can get some shut-eye while on board.
You'll also get screens to watch in-flight entertainment while you travel.
Food
Business class and Signature Class tickets for North America and international Air Canada flights will also get you a meal on board, including a "hot casserole, salad and vinaigrette, bread roll and dessert," according to the airline.
There's also a bar service with hot drinks like tea and coffee, soft drinks, beer and wine.
On international flights, there will be a hot snack served mid-flight and a snack basket available throughout if you're still hungry.
Price
Prices for flying in Air Canada's business or Signature classes vary, depending on the day you're flying and which booking platform you're using.
When booking directly through Air Canada, a business class ticket from Toronto Pearson Airport to Vancouver International Airport could cost around $1,624 one-way for a non-stop flight.
If you're taking a long-haul flight, tickets are fairly pricey. A Signature Class ticket from Calgary Airport to London Heathrow booked through Air Canada could set you back around $11,201 one-way.
WestJet
At the airport
WestJet, in comparison, does not have business class on its North American flights, with the highest class being Premium.
Travellers with Premium tickets will still get perks, including priority check-in, baggage, security screening and boarding.
However, WestJet does offer business class tickets on its international flights, and similarly to Air Canada, you'll get priority services and access to airport lounges included in the fare.
WestJet premium and business class travellers will get a personal item, a carry-on bag and two pieces of checked luggage included with their ticket.
Seats
WestJet's business class seats on international flights are also focused on comfort with lie-flat seats, blankets and pillows so you can rest. The seats also come with "fully extendable privacy screens," the airline said.
Passengers in business class will get an amenity kit with things like skincare products so you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
You'll have a screen for watching movies or TV shows on your flight, as well as noise-cancelling headphones for a bit of quiet.
Food
If you're flying premium in North America, drinks and snacks are included in your fare. For flights longer than 2.5 hours, you will also get a hot meal.
Passengers in business class will be able to choose from a selection of Canadian and international wines and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on board. Travellers will be served hot meals inspired by "rich Canadian landscapes."
Business class passengers will also be able to choose from a selection of exclusive snacks while flying.
Price
Prices for business class seats with WestJet vary due to demand.
If you're booking directly through WestJet, a seat in the premium cabin between Toronto Pearson Airport and Vancouver International Airport could cost around $541 one-way.
WestJet's business class seats are definitely more affordable than Air Canada's Signature Class.
Tickets from Calgary Airport to London Heathrow in business class booked directly with WestJet can cost around $1,596 per person one-way.
So, if you're looking for a luxury travel experience, both Air Canada and WestJet have business class offerings available with very different price tags.
These prices are confirmed at the time of publishing, but they can change at any time. Taxes and fees may not be included.
