Flying WestJet's 737-800 in PREMIUM! Calgary to Toronto

In February 2020, I flew from Calgary to Toronto with WestJet, ahead of my one and only flight on Air Transat's Airbus A310 from Toronto to Manchester! I grabbed a relatively inexpensive upgrade at check-in to a Premium seat, and here's how it went!
And yes, this is a bit of an older video, but it's still an interesting experience, and one that I knew I wanted to get out there at some point. Hope you all enjoy!
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: WestJet Airlines (WJA/WS)
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 (B738)
Flight Number: WS656
Seat: 3A (Premium)
Livery: Old
Engines: 2x CFMI CFM56-7B27E
Registration: C-FUSM
Route: Calgary (YYC) - Toronto-Pearson (YYZ)
Callsign: WESTJET 656
Runway used: 35L (YYC) - 05 (YYZ)
Date filmed: February 2020
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Outro song - "Take Flight" by Nyhtian: • Nyhtian - Take Flight ...
© Alex Praglowski Aviation 2022
This video is the property of Alex Praglowski Aviation and may not be used for any purpose without prior permission. Contact me at the email in the "About" section of my channel for usage.

[@ethancampbell6076]

3:13 Gonna love that NG engines taking off

[@richardculbertson2618]

I enjoyed the video landing and arrivals as well as the detailed info regarding the crew, seating and benefits of premium seating......well done.

[@RayleighCriterion]

I flew WestJet Premium back in October 2016 from YVR-YYC-YHM as an upgrade with the older seats with the middle seat blocked off, and the price was only $150 extra.

[@Historically]

“Babe come to bed” “Not now dear I’m not done watching the latest Alex Praglowski trip report”

[@dixienormous3262]

Love the roar of those engines on take off! That was a long take off roll in that nice cold dense air, must have been a heavy loaded flight.

[@ottawaemergencyvideography]

Awesome video Alex!

[@JayJayAviation]

I’ve flown on this 737 from Toronto to Antigua in 2019! It’s also the registration of the WestJet 738 in infinite flight

[@lindyisgoated28]

I did this on the Dreamliner and it was awesome!

[@DeltaBravoTango]

WestJet Premium seems like a nice seat option. I remember their WestJet Plus back in the day, this looks a LOT different indeed

[@pta3407]

Haven't flown much since the pandemic started, so I haven't been able to try out WestJet's new Premium cabin yet - but for what its worth, the old Plus Cabin/seats were a steal on some sectors with a minimal upgrade fee based on their pricing policy - YLW or YVR-LAS was only a $50 charge which was well worth it, YYC or YEG to LAS, pushed the flying time in to the next price category which was $100 - that was a bit steep for what you got but it was still justifiable if your base fare was cheap. Rouge also had a pretty good premium product for a small (although higher) upgrade fee. Just glad that WS finally put ovens in their galleys on the NG 737s. When the MAX came on line, it was nice to have warm food options on longer flights like YVR-YYZ or YYC to YHZ. Their pizza was surprisingly not too bad. WestJets's cold food options, like the cheese plate, were adequate, but having warm food just makes the flying experience that much more enjoyable.

[@MastrChief]

Awesome video, great recording of the take-off. Love the sound of those CFM-56s on the 737 NG.

[@donnayhz3568]

I can't wait to fly again. I've never had the fortune of being able to fly anything other than economy, but flying is so much fun!

[@leezinke4351]

Great video!

[@smallmj2886]

Last time I flew Westjet I paid for the upgrade to the Euro-business seat on a YHZ-YYZ flight (this was 2019). The upgrade was worth every penny to get the elbow room, legroom, and a passable breakfast. IIRC the upgrade was only around $30 for a 2:20 flight.

[@KoopDoggggg]

Got a free upgrade to premium a couple years back from Orlando to Toronto then again from Toronto to Winnipeg and I really enjoyed that as well. Free food and drinks were offered I felt like a won the lottery on that flight.

[@joshofcywg8162]

I flew premium with Westjet twice and I really enjoyed it, not only for the better seats but because the crew was more caring about satisfaction, and they actually brought my guitar overhead despite not being company policy

[@MadeiraAirport]

Really cool report, so nice the landscape out there, so white :)

[@SnPSFan]

I take this flight often as I live in near Toronto and my parents live in Calgary. I must also point out the Premium seats on Westjet are usually cheaper than the Business seats on Air Canada between Calgary and Toronto, with essentially same level of service - only thing you are missing out is the screen in front of you and the lounge access at the airport.

[@azenx4110]

Love your videos!!

[@egpx]

I was due to fly in Premium on the short Transatlantic route from Glasgow to Halifax in the summer of 2020. It is nice to see what I missed.

[@davef9901]

Ah, the pre-Covid days. Getting on an Embraer 175 this afternoon from YYZ to YSJ. Haven't been on one of those before. Should be interesting.

[@JonathanWinton123]

WestJet (low-cost carrier) and 'Premium' always confuse me haha. I cannot believe this was nearly 2 years ago when we met up in Manchester! We need to organize a trip soon. 😀 The cost for your upgrade option $180 is roughly more than what I paid for my trip next week where I am flying 4hr 55 min on a 757 to Tenerife, staying overnight, and then returning back with RYR on their B738. That includes all of my meals/flights/hotels. Amazing the price difference. Excellent video mate. Well put together, can never beat the spool up of the CFM56 on departure. LIked ✈

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

Absolutely we should! I'm hoping to head back to Europe this summer :)

[@shanewalker5015]

Westjet (Hasn't been a low cost carrier in over a decade)

[@brianhackett1024]

Really enjoyed this video we are flying westjet premium to Mexico July 25th and yes its alot more money lol ..from Toronto

[@lucastravelscanada2248]

I love flying vibes

[@kenbarthSimAV8tor]

I have flown that red eye a few times; starting in Comox and ending at YUL; a long day!

[@cynthiahellsten5362]

love your vids

[@karlossargeant3872]

I Love Flying with Westjet I hope to fly on there Boeing 737-800's & there Max 8's as well.

[@djejnyc]

Nice review! Are the bulkhead seats tighter (less legroom) than the one you were in? Flying this plane in August

[@Juamarques]

And yet again another fantastic video Alex , in your opinion, is WestJet or Air Canada better. I’ve only flown Air Canada, but I’ve never flown WestJet. So which is better

[@RobEJC]

I'm thinking inflight magazines might also be a thing of the past due to weight savings to reduce the fuel burn, not to mention the ongoing cost to produce and distribute. Another good review!

[@richardculbertson2618]

Agreed.

[@Rusty945]

My favorite upgrade with this flight. Just before boarding ask if they have any premium seats left and it'll cost $100

[@CaptravelsAviation]

Hey Alex, I heard that you met with David from Simply Aviation. How was it?

[@ropshubop]

I need your opening theme music to be my morning alarm sound.

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

Hahaha, I think it's on Spotify and iTunes if you really want it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHS3haqHlJdpb8U

[@davisbyer4791]

As a small update, on my last few flights on WS they have actually closed the curtain during flight.

[@thearsenalmisfit2414]

Its been years since I flew their premium cabin but I did fly a B737 800 in Economy back in November from YEG to YYZ. It had the new seats and boy was I surprised at the lack of recline. I got 3% if that. Throw in the aircraft internet not working again for the 3rd time in 4 flights I was quite disappointed.West jet maintenance standards seem to be slipping which is not good. When I compare it to a Swoop flight I did to Hamilron there really didn't see much difference for the extra money Westjet charges for the same comfort level. To me it seems that every time there is a new seat design introduced the comfort level drops. And its not only at Westjet or aviation either. I just hope I'm dead before they intoducd the Premium wooden benches .

[@nil_shawn6107]

Flying the -8 from Calgary down to Houston on Friday!

[@stevesun6953]

Thank you for this wonderful journey....Everyone please leave Alex a like & subscribe, he always makes great videos!!!

[@stevemclean9411]

Delta sells WestJet premium as first class with class of service bonus miles.

[@ronparrish6666]

Alex if you get a chance find out for us in Toronto and Montreal why we get rouge flights to Vegas and Florida but western Canada gets air Canada flights down there

[@toptens631]

I mostly fly on air Canada but I cant wait to fly WestJet premium next time!

[@Lord.Kiltridge]

Looking for suggestions on mounting a tablet as an infotainment screen.

[@nstreet_photography]

What equipment do you use for your recording?

[@Blank00]

As of 2022, are there any Westjet 737s that remain with the older Eurobusiness seats?

[@y.l3472]

May I know do you get faster security check with Premium class?

[@reikasdad]

how would you go about asking for a paid upgrade from economy? Do you do it when you are checking in at the counter?

[@lucastravelscanada2248]

I think I have seen you on WestJet recently... a few months ago...

[@Patrickair4444]

Make more Westjet trip report

[@sharondwyer8513]

Ah yes! Before the anxiety of flying any Boeing aircraft aftet Boeing "Clintonized" the whistle-blower

[@brucecanmore3788]

Great upgrade baseline Alex. We just did YYC/YOW return, upgrade Dec 2022, $56/hr each way, advance upgrade bid. Hoping for success on ANZ Premium to Biz in Feb YVR/AKL. Is $60/hr industry standard for PE? Anyone with ANZ one up PE to Business data?

[@brianocean5756]

Do they fly the Max 8 Calgary to Toronto

[@aspenarbour]

Fun fact: That little plastic divider above your head between premium and economy costs about $15,000 😂 (I may or may not have broke one as an aircraft tech while taking out those heavy ass seats 😭)

[@jd2plus2]

My question as not a frequent flyer , do you upgrade at the airport or simply after first purchasing economy. Thank You . Obviously you love flying

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

During check-in, so on WestJet's website or app up to 24 hours prior to departure.

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Ah....pre-covid meals and magazines ......we can dream 😉

[@camileshakakeesic4421]

I flew 737 700 premium from Toronto to Edmonton 2017 January

[@a176]

So weird to not see screens on the seats, even in the Max. #firstworldproblems

[@crash3x]

Does WJ offer Premium guests tablets is they don't own one to watch entertainment?

[@RafaySaleemVlogs]

What's the price?

[@stanleovart]

Absurdly early 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@realemonful]

I would fly with west jet even if air canada was a third of the price

[@KevinGWhittaker]

Great video as always. Was nice to see maskless people inside the airport and aircraft!

[@thebutterman2997]

164th view according to my youtube

[@justininvestor]

Alex I hope they bowed down to your mega superstar status and comped the flight, hotel ,meals and most importantly some female pleasure.

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Disappointing that WestJet doesn’t separate the premium cabin from economy. Takes away from the premium concept and doesn’t make you feel different.

[@LiamMcK1969]

All 737 aircraft now have a curtain separating the Premium cabin from the Economy cabin.

[@patrickpick3091]

IF WS didn't pack em in like cattle. They could have IFE. Hideous airline. AC all the way even if they are Eastern based. Uggh. Guess that's our choice although Flair is quickly gaining ground on WS. I pray they don't get bought out by WS. They are aggressive but foul.