Review: WestJet Business Class 787 Calgary To London

Review: WestJet Business Class 787 Calgary To London

FROM: YYC
TO: LGW
CABIN: Business
DATE: April 2019
REVIEW RATING:
SEAT MAP: 787-9
BEN SAYS: Possibly the best Business Class product offered by any North American airline
47


WestJet 1
Calgary (YYC) – London (LGW)
Tuesday, April 30
Depart: 7:20PM
Arrive: 10:50AM (+1 day)
Duration: 8hr30min
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9
Seat: 4A (Business Class)

I love trying new products, so I was so excited when I boarded the WestJet 787! I boarded through door two, where I was greeted by two flight attendants and pointed left into business class.

WestJet has a fairly premium-light configuration on their 787. While many airlines use the entire space between doors one and two on the 787-9 for business class, WestJet squeezes both business and premium economy in that space, and then the rest of the plane is economy.

First I walked through the four rows of premium economy. This consisted of a total of 28 seats, in a 2-3-2 configuration.

WestJet 787 premium economy cabin


WestJet 787 premium economy cabin

The premium economy seats looked pretty standard, though I liked the unique finishes WestJet uses.


WestJet premium economy seats

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. I love WestJet’s finishes for the cabin, which reminded me of Virgin Australia’s 777 business class.


WestJet 787 business class cabin

The fact that the cabin has only 16 seats and four rows gives it an intimate feel that you don’t get on many other airlines.


WestJet 787 business class seats


WestJet 787 business class seats

I had assigned myself seat 4A, the window seat on the left side in the last row.


WestJet business class seat

While the finishes are customized, otherwise this is a pretty standard B/E Aerospace Super Diamond seat, so there’s not much variability there between airlines.


WestJet business class seat

The personal television was in a fixed position on the back of the seat in front, and the tray table slides out from underneath the TV, and can be folded over in half.


WestJet business class seat


WestJet business class tray table

Then to the left of the seat was a literature pocket.


WestJet business class literature pocket

Next to that were the two enclosed compartments. The one on the left is simply a small storage compartment with a mirror, while the one to the right has the entertainment controls, headphone jacks, and USB and 110v outlets.


WestJet business class seat storage

Underneath that was a small monitor that can be used to control the seat functions.


WestJet business class seat controls

Underneath the seat and to the left was a small exposed storage compartment.


WestJet business class storage

Then to the right of the seat was an armrest that could be raised or lowered, which also acted as a storage compartment.


WestJet business class storage

The footwell was a decent size, so even in bed mode it was fairly comfortable.


WestJet business class footwell

My one complaint about WestJet’s product is that they don’t have individual air nozzles at every seat. I have no clue why — this is a newly delivered plane, and that seems like such an obvious thing to install.

Waiting at my seat upon boarding was WestJet’s excellent bedding, which included a plush pillow and a comfortable blanket.


WestJet business class pillow & blanket

Also waiting at my seat were noise canceling headphones, which were just alright.


WestJet business class headphones

There was also a bottle of water.


WestJet business class bottled water

Okay, now on to the actual flight. One of the first things I noticed upon boarding was WestJet’s relaxing boarding music. I know some people don’t notice boarding music at all, but it’s something I always remember.

Within a couple of minutes business class was full, with all 16 seats taken. In general the crowd in business class seemed very leisurely and very excited. It sure seemed like there were no business travelers in the cabins. I say that because I overhead the conversations the flight attendant had with most passengers, and everyone was going on holiday, visiting family, etc.

The crew on this flight was fabulously friendly. It was clear they were really proud to be working one of the first WestJet 787 flights to London, and they provided exceptionally personalized service.

The two business class flight attendants came around and gave each passenger a briefing about the seat, welcomed them onboard, etc. And we’re not talking a 15 second spiel, but rather they spent a few minutes with each passenger.

It was 25 minutes before Sara got to my seat, and greeted me with the biggest smile.

“Welcome onboard, we’re so glad you’re here today. Is this your first time in WestJet business class?”
“It is!”
“Great! Is this your first time in a pod seat?”
“It’s not. I’ve flown it on another airline that shall remain nameless.”
“Same country?”
“Yep. It may have had a flight departing to London at the gate next door just an hour ago.”
“Well, that’s to Heathrow, I prefer Gatwick.”

Hah.

Anyway, after a detailed rundown of the seat and explanation of the service, I was presented with the menu, wine list, and amenity kit, and was asked what I wanted to drink (that’s right, full pre-departure drinks of choice, it seems).


WestJet business class cabin

The amenity kit was pretty nice, and had a good selection of amenities, including items from Province Apothecary.


WestJet business class amenity kit

Similarly, I liked the style of the menu and wine list.


WestJet business class menu

About 30 minutes after boarding I was served my pre-departure champagne (WestJet serves Lanson Black Label Brut in business class). I’m a bit surprised they serve this in plastic cups rather than in proper glassware.

WestJet business class pre-departure drink

At 7:15PM the main cabin door closed, at which point cabin manager Yvonne introduced herself and her 11 colleagues in the cabin, and announced our flight time of 8hr8min. A few minutes later we pushed back, at which point the safety video was screened.

Pushing back Calgary Airport

We started our taxi to the runway at 7:30PM.

WestJet 737 Calgary Airport

Taxiing Calgary Airport

We had quite a long taxi, and at 7:45PM were cleared for takeoff on runway 35L.


Taking off Calgary Airport

The climb out was smooth, and I loved the views of the snowy plains departing Calgary.


View after takeoff from Calgary Airport


View after takeoff from Calgary

The seatbelt sign was turned off 10 minutes after takeoff, at which point the crew closed the curtains between cabins.

WestJet 787 business class cabin

I took this opportunity to play around with the entertainment system. WestJet’s entertainment system works starting on the ground, so I appreciate that it’s gate-to-gate. I started by checking out the moving map for our flight to London.

Moving map enroute to London

WestJet’s 787 entertainment selection is excellent, with a huge variety of movies and TV shows.

WestJet entertainment selection


WestJet entertainment selection


WestJet entertainment selection


WestJet entertainment selection

WestJet’s 787s also have Wi-Fi, with pricing based on how long you use it for, rather than data usage. The pricing was as follows:

  • 90 minutes cost 10.99CAD
  • Full flight cost 21.99CAD
  • 24 hours cost 32.99CAD

Since I had purchased a 24 hour pass on my previous flight, it was also valid on this flight. Awesome.

WestJet Wi-Fi pricing

Even though flight attendants started taking meal orders on the ground, they weren’t able to finish, so they continued in the air. It was 40 minutes after takeoff before my order was taken.

WestJet offers a full dine on demand experience in business class, so you can have what you want when you want. 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.

By the way, I thought the menu looked really, really good. Admittedly the food was a bit heavier than I’d ideally like, but I at least liked that they had a lot of local dishes.

The menu read as follows:

The drink list read as follows:

I was served my first drink 1hr25min after takeoff. Ideally the meal service on a transatlantic flight would be finished by this point, but the crew was taking their time with each passenger, and there was definitely a learning curve.

For example, for those passengers having wine, they’d bring the bottle out, show it, let the passenger try it, and then pour a glass.

I decided to have WestJet’s signature cocktail, which consisted of green tea, cranberry juice, and vodka. It was excellent, and surprisingly not too sweet. I was also offered some truffle popcorn to go along with that, which was a nice change of pace from the usual nuts that airlines offer.

WestJet business class signature cocktail & popcorn

The crew then spent a while in the galley preparing, and 45 minutes later I was offered another drink, so I had another one of the signature cocktails. 10 minutes later warm towels were distributed.


WestJet business class warm towel

A full 2hr40min after takeoff my table was set. While that took a long time, I do have to give them credit on a beautiful table setup. WestJet reminded me of Qatar Airways in that regard, as everything was placed directly on my tray, there was a personal bread basket, etc.

WestJet business class table setting

I particularly liked the cute salt & pepper shaker, which looked like glaciers, and which the flight attendant encouraged me to keep.


WestJet business class salt & pepper shaker

Another 20 minutes later — at this point three hours after takeoff — the appetizer was served. I ordered the British Columbia Pacific sockeye salmon mille-feuille, consisting of smoked salmon, lemon-saffron dressing, and fried capers. It was phenomenal.


WestJet business class appetizer

Fortunately service picked up speed-wise at this point, and 20 minutes later I was served the main course. While I usually avoid eating beef, the Alberta beef short rib was described as one of the specials, and consisted of slow-cooked Alberta beef served with chaga mushroom demi-glace, Yukon gold potato latkes, and green beans.

This was one of the best beef dishes I’ve ever had on a plane.


WestJet business class main course

Dessert was served 20 minutes later. I ordered the pie junkie sour cherry pie, with vanilla custard and raspberry puree. Again, it was excellent.

WestJet business class dessert

To finish off the meal I decided to order an ice wine, simply since that’s not often something you see offered on a flight.


WestJet business class ice wine

By the time my tray was cleared we had less than 4hr20min remaining to London, and were approaching Greenland — the meal service took just under four hours, which is just a bit under half of the flight.

Moving map enroute to London


Moving map enroute to London

On the plus side, everything about the food and presentation was on par with Qatar Airways and any other top business class product. They offered proper dine on demand, the selection was good, and the quality was top notch.

Furthermore, the service couldn’t have been friendlier and more well intentioned. It was clear that the crew was proud of their product, and it showed. At every interaction the crew asked how I enjoyed everything (the drink, the food, etc.).

Of course the big area for improvement was with speed. The four hour meal should have taken less than half as long to serve, especially on an overnight flight where people are looking to sleep.

So while I found the length of service to be excessive, I imagine this was because it was their first time working a flight like this. Hopefully over time the speed will improve significantly. Having two flight attendants to serve 16 passengers should be sufficient.

At the conclusion of the meal I reclined my seat into bed mode.

WestJet business class bed

It was a really comfortable bed, and I fell asleep almost immediately.


WestJet business class bed

Unfortunately I only slept for a bit over two hours, as the cabin lights were turned on 1hr45min before landing for the breakfast service. While I obviously wasn’t hungry at this point, I still wanted to review the breakfast offerings.

Moving map enroute to London


Moving map enroute to London

Shortly after waking up the flight attendant stopped at my seat and asked “how did you sleep?” She also took my breakfast order.

I ordered the ginger and apple juice, as well as a cappuccino, to drink. To eat I ordered fresh fruit and a greek yogurt parfait. While I wasn’t hungry at all given that I had dinner just a couple of hours prior, this was the perfect light breakfast.

WestJet business class breakfast

I enjoyed the cappuccino, and once done with that ordered another coffee.


WestJet business class cappuccino

I love their coffee setup!


WestJet business class coffee

Shortly before our descent I visited the lavatory, which was spotless. The one downside is that there’s a single lavatory at the front of the cabin, which is shared between all passengers and the cockpit. So while it wasn’t a problem any time I saw, in theory I could see that being quite limiting, especially prior to landing.

WestJet 787 lavatory


WestJet 787 lavatory amenities

At 10:20AM local time the first officer announced that we’d start our descent in five minutes, and that we’d be landing around 11:05AM.

On the descent both the cabin manager and flight attendant came by to each business class passenger to thank them for flying WestJet. Everyone was also given a candy in the shape of a maple leaf.


WestJet business class candy

The seatbelt sign was turned on about 20 minutes before landing.

View approaching London


View approaching Gatwick

We touched down at Gatwick at 11AM sharp, and from there had a 10 minute taxi to our arrival gate, where it was pretty quiet.

Arrival gate Gatwick Airport

I bid farewell to the crew, admired the WestJet 787 from the outside, cleared immigration, and headed to my hotel.

WestJet 787-9 upon arrival at Gatwick

WestJet 787 business class bottom line

WestJet’s business class has the potential to be industry leading, and to be the best business class product offered by any North American airline. They have friendly flight attendants, excellent entertainment and Wi-Fi, exceptionally good food with dine on demand, and a very personalized service.

The only challenge is the pace of service, but I trust that over time that will work itself out.

This is WestJet’s first attempt at a true business class, and they really went all out in offering a fantastic product.

Conversations (47)
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  1. Zoey C Guest

    Was not impressed at all... I have experienced better. The decor of the cabin looks economy, no PJ to offer? Oh well, it is truly West Jet.

  2. Doron Horowitz Guest

    Four hours to complete a dinner service (as elegant and personalized as it is) is ridiculous! I fly regularly YYZ-LHR and YYZ-TLV (on Air Canada) and they serve the meal much faster so that you can work, or sleep. Air Canada's Signature (business) class is excellent. The J class cabin on the 787-9 runs from door 1 to door 2, has a total of 3 washrooms (some shared with Premium Economy) and has never disappointed...

    Four hours to complete a dinner service (as elegant and personalized as it is) is ridiculous! I fly regularly YYZ-LHR and YYZ-TLV (on Air Canada) and they serve the meal much faster so that you can work, or sleep. Air Canada's Signature (business) class is excellent. The J class cabin on the 787-9 runs from door 1 to door 2, has a total of 3 washrooms (some shared with Premium Economy) and has never disappointed me. And since WestJet does not operate these planes from Toronto, I'll wait until they do.

  3. Christopher McMahon Guest

    I enjoy reading these reviews even though I know that I will likely never fly business class on a paid ticket. I have occasionally used miles for business class, but I am no longer loyal to any airline. I travel for pleasure only, no business. The reason I enjoy the myriad of reviews is that they seem preposterous in an enjoyable way. Are the salt shakers and arrangement of the tray table setting really that...

    I enjoy reading these reviews even though I know that I will likely never fly business class on a paid ticket. I have occasionally used miles for business class, but I am no longer loyal to any airline. I travel for pleasure only, no business. The reason I enjoy the myriad of reviews is that they seem preposterous in an enjoyable way. Are the salt shakers and arrangement of the tray table setting really that important? Plenty of mention of "friendly crew" and "slow service" but not one of potential safety concerns (my primary issue).
    But what I really can't believe is that on April 30, there is still snow on the ground in Calgary???!!! What the heck!

  4. Steve H Guest

    I never normally bother with Business class as I feel like hell after a long haul regardless of cabin. But based on this, bagged myself a return London Toronto. Got adjacent seats in row 1,anyone know if in the middle you can speak to the person next to you, in this case my good lady, or is there a screen?

  5. Charles / Shanghai Diamond

    Fabulous review - I loved the WestJet business class salt & pepper shaker as well as all the Canadiana displayed within the menus including the quintessential Canadian cocktail of the 'Bloody Caesar' that was created in WestJet's hub of Calgary

  6. D.Ball Guest

    @Bob......"Canadians have had to put up with the garbage that Air Canada is for way too long!"........Westjet is 22 years old...... 22 years.....what do you mean by "far too long"?.....I knew someone would harp in with that silly cliche........ Air Canada is excellent.

  7. Speedbird Guest

    @SuperVC10 That would leave Canada with one airline. No way a regulator would approve that would they?

  8. Fred M Guest

    Meal service waaaay to long but worth the wait by the look of it.

    Only problem with this service is the hideous Gatwick, London’s second worst airport after the misnamed ‘London’ Stansted (aka London East Europe). Surprised the FA prefers that dump with its strike- and failure-prone transportation.

    I think it’s Virgin has English meat pies on some menus. I am waiting for WestJet do do a 36,000-ft poutine, just for fun.

    This looks very...

    Meal service waaaay to long but worth the wait by the look of it.

    Only problem with this service is the hideous Gatwick, London’s second worst airport after the misnamed ‘London’ Stansted (aka London East Europe). Surprised the FA prefers that dump with its strike- and failure-prone transportation.

    I think it’s Virgin has English meat pies on some menus. I am waiting for WestJet do do a 36,000-ft poutine, just for fun.

    This looks very promising. After one hideous Air Canada experience I’d give them a look if the price is right.

  9. CJS Guest

    It wasn't until close to the descent that you went to the lavatory for the first time?? Are you serious - after drinking all that you drank and eating all that food? Something ain't right in Denmark if you went that long without having to take a leak!

  10. Paolo Diamond

    @ Mark
    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. Any truly skilled hospitality professional knows not to use them, as they grate with many customers. There are hundreds of ways to make someone feel welcome without engaging in silly banter about being so thrilled to...

    @ Mark
    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. Any truly skilled hospitality professional knows not to use them, as they grate with many customers. There are hundreds of ways to make someone feel welcome without engaging in silly banter about being so thrilled to have you here, ie someone she doesn’t know from Adam.
    Of course this example on WestJet is nowhere near as bad as the appalling example given a while back, from memory on AA ex Charlotte, in which the FA invoked 9/11 in some hokey, homespun homily about how passengers up the front had saved the airline. Genuine puke material.
    This flight looks ok, although I’m not keen on the pre-departure champagne being served in the plastic cup...consequently looking like a slightly frothy urine sample.

  11. SullyofDoha Gold

    I love that they have their own beer! :-)

  12. Daniel from Finland Guest

    I'm not buying the 'on demand' part here. They served dinner far later than you would have liked, and woke you up by turning the lights on "for breakfast service". So where's the 'on demand' in that? Sounds just like any other service.

    Otherwise, this seemed like a very nice flight and a good concept.

  13. Dennis Gold

    @Janet, what a nonsense! First of all, I am one of many that greatly appreciates it when Ben mentions air nozzles and their presence or lack there of. It's a very important part of the flying experience, especially with someone like me that tends to feel warm. Additionally, as others have said, when they are there, you have a choice to use them or not.

  14. LIONEL PUNDYK New Member

    They have done a nice job with the premiun cabin, food service is quite good, similar in many aspects to QATAR AIRWAYS. Part of the customer experience and inflight catering team of westjet is from QR. Now, I want to see more canadian wines onboard.

  15. MARK Guest

    @The nice Paul - "Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me."

    Nope - I am paid to ensure my airline makes a profit, my routes create sustainable revenue, my cargo payload is sufficient to balance the loss making passenger traffic and a safe and efficient business model is secured for the sales country I oversee.

    I happen to be passionate about good customer service because that is WHO...

    @The nice Paul - "Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me."

    Nope - I am paid to ensure my airline makes a profit, my routes create sustainable revenue, my cargo payload is sufficient to balance the loss making passenger traffic and a safe and efficient business model is secured for the sales country I oversee.

    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.

    Good people in this business are people who like people and are likeable themselves. Likeable does not have to mean intrusive. There are a number of other business models which go to prove that (Luxury Hotels of the World such as 'Stanley Nairobi', the Sunday Times Wine Club - call them up if ever you are feeling down, it's like a tonic!, even Eurotunnel Customer Service team stand out).

    If airlines are going to be chosen by choice in this aggressively price-sensitive market, a kindly "Hello Mrs X. Lovely to see you again" goes a long long way...

    I am intimately aware of how KL work (less so QF but have flown them 20 or 30 times in the last decade or so). Although not consistent - good customer service can be found there too.

    Anyway, nuff said... off to work now... with a smile and the knowledge that my small contribution can be made with a genuine smile.

  16. JW Guest

    @Janet I am with Lucky too on the air nozzles. Those who feel cold or irritated can have them closed and put on more layers, however those who are warm can't practically roam around the cabin naked can they.

    It's very inconsiderate to generalize others thinking with yours.

  17. Mattux Member

    @Mark. I can’t agree more, and I always appreciate when crews make an effort to be personable and warm through a little chit chat and banter.

    Neither is this “North American Airlines... sleazy PR” as suggested previously. In addition to NA carriers, I find almost all quality airlines in Asia and the Mid East (I have less sampling time on others) make an effort with the senior crew members giving a personable welcome to...

    @Mark. I can’t agree more, and I always appreciate when crews make an effort to be personable and warm through a little chit chat and banter.

    Neither is this “North American Airlines... sleazy PR” as suggested previously. In addition to NA carriers, I find almost all quality airlines in Asia and the Mid East (I have less sampling time on others) make an effort with the senior crew members giving a personable welcome to premium travelers in First and Business. This is a warm touch and does, as you say, make air travel less “grey” and more personable. Here is to civility.

  18. The nice Paul Diamond

    @ Mark

    “customer service is ... always welcomed by those who are discerning enough to appreciate it.”

    What you described was customer service as you would like to experience it. Guess what? Not everyone’s the same. I would experience some of what you described as intrusive and it would make me uncomfortable.

    Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me. Only a fool would imagine that what we...

    @ Mark

    “customer service is ... always welcomed by those who are discerning enough to appreciate it.”

    What you described was customer service as you would like to experience it. Guess what? Not everyone’s the same. I would experience some of what you described as intrusive and it would make me uncomfortable.

    Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me. Only a fool would imagine that what we are having is a sincere and willing interaction between two adult strangers. 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).

    It’s why I like the more self-confident and self-contained service culture of, say, KLM or Qantas. Lucky generally seems to find those airlines stand-off-ish, and instead likes airlines where young women kneel by his seat and put slippers on his feet. Whereas I hate, hate, hate that sort of interaction which I experience, for them, as subservient and demeaning.

    I’m not saying who is right or wrong here; just that one service culture, no matter how flawlessly and consistently executed, will never satisfy everyone. Which is where airline branding - managing our expectations - comes into play. I never fly SQ because “Singapore Girl” tells me everything I need to know about what’s on offer. Precisely the same reason that some people go out of their way to fly SQ.

  19. Mark Guest

    Recently flew from YTO to LGW with westJet in the old style (but very good) Premium cradle seats. Food service was excellent but interestingly, equally slow. That was my one criticism in my feedback to the carrier post-flight. I suggested they needed one more body in the galley as each setup was prepared individually by the 2 crew members working the cabin. I was served my (excellent) meal in row 4, 45 mins after 1A...

    Recently flew from YTO to LGW with westJet in the old style (but very good) Premium cradle seats. Food service was excellent but interestingly, equally slow. That was my one criticism in my feedback to the carrier post-flight. I suggested they needed one more body in the galley as each setup was prepared individually by the 2 crew members working the cabin. I was served my (excellent) meal in row 4, 45 mins after 1A got theirs. Interesting that it was the same in Biz on your flight. Cannot fault the crew/service concept/quality. Excellent.

    @Paulo - I absolutely disagree. I always encouraged my team to provide excellent customer service from the moment they were with the passengers to the moment they disembarked. That meant, where possible for regular punters, remembering their names, welcoming them on board with a smile, remembering their favourite pre-departure drink, asking whether their wife/husband/boyfriend/girlfriend/dog had recovered from the bout of flu they had last time they were with us. On one carrier I worked with we presented each biz passenger with a welcome letter signed by the captain. Yes it was 'scripted' - but it was appreciated and an individual touch.

    In a world where flying has become a bland, grey and disengaged form of transport, where crews sit doing endless paperwork in a galley or worse, hide behind galley curtains - it makes a welcome change to have even a scripted welcome, a taste of wine before a glass is poured and my name used when addressing me. It's how it used to be done when things were done right...

    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.

  20. Paolo Diamond

    “We’re so glad to have you here today”
    Creepy nonsense. Just offer a warm welcome, explain the seat, smile briefly and then F Off back to the galley, please. Only North American Airlines like to engage in this insincere patter straight from chapter one of Sleazy PR Weaselwords...and it’s surprising that Canadians would fall for it.

  21. Mattux Member

    I am with Ben on air nozzles. Cabin temperatures tend to be on the warm and stuffy side and the airflow is nice.

    Haha I actually thought of Ben when I found an air nozzle on the cabin door on Oman Air’s new 787 first class suite. It is rare these days to see them on newer aircraft.

  22. Howard Guest

    @Janet - “hurts the value...” please quantify that ... you come across as quite angry...

  23. Bratty Guest

    Aaaah lil Janet uses the choice to turn off a nozzle but Lucky cannot have the choice to turn them on because.... no one wants them and she has spoken to everyone!!! She is so wise.

  24. Janet Guest

    Your preoccupation with air nozzles hurts the value of your reviews. I hate air nozzles. If they are on, i shut them off. What makes you think you are in the majority in thinking they matter? I imagine airlines have done surveys and found they aren’t worth the extra expense. My advice is travel with layers. If you’re hot, remove a layer. If cold, add one. Dry air blowing on you just leads to dry...

    Your preoccupation with air nozzles hurts the value of your reviews. I hate air nozzles. If they are on, i shut them off. What makes you think you are in the majority in thinking they matter? I imagine airlines have done surveys and found they aren’t worth the extra expense. My advice is travel with layers. If you’re hot, remove a layer. If cold, add one. Dry air blowing on you just leads to dry eyes. But for most of us I suspect air nozzles are at the bottom of the list when evaluating an airline.

    1. Ben (Lucky) OMAAT

      @ Janet -- The beauty of air nozzles is that you don't have to use them if you don't want them. ;) Air nozzles is one of the many factors I mention this 2,500+ word post, so if you think mentioning that "hurts the value of [my] reviews" then I'm sorry.

      And a lot of airlines keep cabins really warm. You can only take off so much clothes.

  25. benjinito Guest

    Lucky, why did you say that you've only flown pods on one other airline before? You should tally up how many business products you've actually tried!

    1. Ben (Lucky) OMAAT

      @ benjinito -- Hah, I figured the Air Canada comparison was the most relevant, though I do wonder how many airlines I've flown with that type of seat...

  26. ptahcha Member

    RE: Air nozzle on Boeing planes - it is an option that the airlines chooses to add at an extra cost. Has nothing to do with the age of the aircraft.

    1. Ben (Lucky) OMAAT

      @ ptahcha -- Sorry if I wasn't clear. My point was that airlines are increasingly focused on the passenger experience (especially in premium cabins). Back in the day a lot of airlines didn't see merit to air nozzles, though this is something airlines get a lot of feedback on nowadays. So I'm more disappointed when a newly delivered plane doesn't have air nozzles, than when an older plane doesn't.

  27. Dennis Gold

    Wow, nice interior! And the dishes are making me hungry. Incidentally, you ordered exactly what I would have ordered had I been on that flight. If I ever need to fly to Canada from Europe, they will be on my radar. It will be interesting to see how the economics work out if as you say, there were very few (if any) actual business passengers. Or perhaps they can make it work with the leisure...

    Wow, nice interior! And the dishes are making me hungry. Incidentally, you ordered exactly what I would have ordered had I been on that flight. If I ever need to fly to Canada from Europe, they will be on my radar. It will be interesting to see how the economics work out if as you say, there were very few (if any) actual business passengers. Or perhaps they can make it work with the leisure travellers. Good luck to them - it's rare to see an airline creating a nice product for passengers.

    1. Ben (Lucky) OMAAT

      @ Richard Toscano -- It all depends where you're originating. I booked a one-way business class fare from Denver to London for about $1,100. A roundtrip just from Calgary to London typically runs over $3,000.

  28. 305 Guest

    Much nicer finishes than AA's same seats. The ones on AA feel more sterile than a hospital

  29. RF Diamond

    Seems like a great product. Good to see them stretch.

  30. Bob Guest

    Good luck to Westjet!

    Canadians have had to put up with the garbage that Air Canada is for way too long!

  31. YULtide Gold

    The food does look very good. But look at the Vegetarian options. Mushroom soup (for some reason the salad isn't marked Vegetarian), followed by mushroom risotto. Not much variety there.

  32. duck ling Guest

    Looks like a top notch product! Tables individually laid up, espresso based drinks. NICE!

    Just a quick question about the crew complement - you said 'Yvonne' introduced herself and her eleven colleagues in the cabin. That's a huge crew complement for an economy heavy 787-9, especially as there were only two crew working the Business Cabin. They have ten working in economy? Or maybe there were some trainees onboard. Just as a comparison at BA...

    Looks like a top notch product! Tables individually laid up, espresso based drinks. NICE!

    Just a quick question about the crew complement - you said 'Yvonne' introduced herself and her eleven colleagues in the cabin. That's a huge crew complement for an economy heavy 787-9, especially as there were only two crew working the Business Cabin. They have ten working in economy? Or maybe there were some trainees onboard. Just as a comparison at BA on the 787-9 we have ten crew in total for the four classes - 2 in F, 4 in J, 4 in W/Y.

  33. alex Gold

    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.

    Long drawn out meals are nice, but people really just want to sleep.

  34. Super VC10 Gold

    Pleased you liked the WestJet flight!

    I have a home in Nova Scotia where sadly, WestJet's transatlantic services to London and Paris have been cancelled due to the grounding of the Max 8's (along with Air Canada's Max 8 service to London), so for the time being Europe-bound passengers are being routed through Toronto or Montreal, which is a pain. (A two-hour flight west, before flying east.)

    Maybe someday WestJet will fly 787's out of...

    Pleased you liked the WestJet flight!

    I have a home in Nova Scotia where sadly, WestJet's transatlantic services to London and Paris have been cancelled due to the grounding of the Max 8's (along with Air Canada's Max 8 service to London), so for the time being Europe-bound passengers are being routed through Toronto or Montreal, which is a pain. (A two-hour flight west, before flying east.)

    Maybe someday WestJet will fly 787's out of Halifax - but I'm not holding my breath. I suspect a future WestJet merger with Air Canada...

  35. ChrisC Guest

    That service is very slow even if it does look to be very good.

    And the jack for the headphones is in the storage cupboard meaning you have to keep it open? which seems strange or is there a gap in the lid?

  36. Jeff Guest

    That pie looks fantastic and I want it.

  37. YYCguy Guest

    Montreal is not a WestJet hub. You are thinking of Air Canada. Hub order is Calgary > Toronto > Vancouver.

  38. criced Guest

    So let the cost cutting start haha

  39. mallthus Gold

    I'm surprised that the wine list only had one Canadian wine. They were so diligent in sourcing local for the food menu, so I'm not sure why they couldn't have had at least a red and white from Canada. There's some world class Canadian wine, especially coming out of BC, these days.

  40. Anthony Diamond

    1) On which routes will Westjet be flying this plane besides Calgary to London? Are Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal on the schedule?

    2) Are these flights bookable with Delta SkyMiles?

    1. Ben (Lucky) OMAAT

      @ Anthony -- See this post for all of their current route plans:
      https://onemileatatime.com/westjet-787-routes/

      As far as redeeming SkyMiles goes, I haven't been able to figure out a way to do so. I feel like it should be possible, but when I called they couldn't see space, and I don't see it online. If someone has a different experience, please let me know.

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Zoey C Guest

Was not impressed at all... I have experienced better. The decor of the cabin looks economy, no PJ to offer? Oh well, it is truly West Jet.

0
Doron Horowitz Guest

Four hours to complete a dinner service (as elegant and personalized as it is) is ridiculous! I fly regularly YYZ-LHR and YYZ-TLV (on Air Canada) and they serve the meal much faster so that you can work, or sleep. Air Canada's Signature (business) class is excellent. The J class cabin on the 787-9 runs from door 1 to door 2, has a total of 3 washrooms (some shared with Premium Economy) and has never disappointed me. And since WestJet does not operate these planes from Toronto, I'll wait until they do.

0
Christopher McMahon Guest

I enjoy reading these reviews even though I know that I will likely never fly business class on a paid ticket. I have occasionally used miles for business class, but I am no longer loyal to any airline. I travel for pleasure only, no business. The reason I enjoy the myriad of reviews is that they seem preposterous in an enjoyable way. Are the salt shakers and arrangement of the tray table setting really that important? Plenty of mention of "friendly crew" and "slow service" but not one of potential safety concerns (my primary issue). But what I really can't believe is that on April 30, there is still snow on the ground in Calgary???!!! What the heck!

0
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