BRUTALLY HONEST | Trans-Atlantic Economy Class on WESTJET's Boeing 787-9 to London Gatwick!

WestJet only started flying transatlantic a couple of years ago, but has quickly grown its network to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, Barcelona and more. But is it a good choice?
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FLIGHT INFORMATION
Airline: WestJet
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800 / Boeing 787-9
Registration: C-GWBU / C-GKKN
Flight Time: 3h 00min / 7h 50min
Seat: 5F / 28K
From: Phoenix Sky Harbor
Via: Calgary International
To: London Gatwick
Date: February 2022
EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
Cameras used: Canon R6 (Canon 15-35mm F2.6 and Canon 35mm F2.0), Canon G7X Mark III, GoPro Hero 8 Black, DJI Osmo Pocket
Additional equipment used: GoPro Suction Cup, Rode VideoMic Pro+, Rode smartLav+, Rode Wireless Go 2, Blue Yeti Podcast Microphone
PRICE BREAKDOWN
Total Price: CAD 510.94
Total Routing: PHX-YYC-LGW
Booked through: WestJet Website
Cost includes: Economy Class Ticket including two checked bags and free seat reservations
Booking made: December 2021
VIDEO BREAKDOWN
00:00 - Introduction
01:05 - Phoenix Sky Harbor
01:28 - Flight to Calgary
04:15 - Transiting in Calgary
05:13 - Boarding
05:38 - Cabin and Seat
07:09 - Taxi and Take Off
08:10 - Dinner Service
09:29 - Breakfast Service
10:08 - Conclusion
11:25 - Gatwick Airport
11:45 - Outro
ANIMATED MAP
Created with: GeoLayers 3 for Adobe After Effects - aescripts.com/geolayers/
Map Data by: OpenStreetMap
Compiled with: Map Tiler - www.maptiler.com/cloud/geolay...
Created: March 2022
COLLABORATION DISCLAIMER
This video does not contain product placements. The airline was neither involved nor informed about the production of this Tripreport. The ticket fare was paid by ourselves.
CONTACT US
info(at)simply-aviation.com
COPYRIGHT 2022
www.simply-aviation.com
#brutallyhonest #westjet #dreamliner

[@jasminejohnston6393]

WestJet started out as a budget airline for Canadians who wanted to fly but couldn’t afford to fly with Air Canada. Now, WestJet is the second largest Canadian airline after Air Canada!

[@rajnirvan3336]

I even remember other Canadian carriers from past. CP AIR and Pacific Western Airlines formed Canadian Airlines International that was the 2nd biggest in Canada. Wardair Canada was later merged into Canadian Airlines. Also Nationair a very short lived company that tried going up against the big 2 but badly managed. Air Club International was another. And of course Air Transat. Canadian Airlines was eventually absorbed into Air Canada

[@kett7761]

and still cheaper

[@kett7761]

@@rajnirvan3336 wow. even though I've only flown WestJet planes, I've heard that its better than air Canada. I'm not saying that WestJet is better for sure, but this is just what ive heard

[@CH2005]

But they aren't avilable at Montreal it's a problem

[@thecaynuck]

Now Flair is only Canada's true main budget airline now that Lynx went out of business. And then there's Jetlines Canada, but they're new so we can't really tell yet.

[@anthonywalsh2164]

Great review. Interesting similarities between Westjet and Virgin Australia being the underdogs in their respective markets against the behemoths of “flag carriers”. Yet some strange differences since VA is leaving Delta for United and going into partnership with Air Canada.

[@dagoose.]

They also have different international and domestic products

[@anthonywalsh2164]

@@dagoose. VA has no international product since it went into receivership and was bought out by private equity firm Bain Equity. In the immediate future international travel will be through use of 737s to NZ and Bali. There is talk of 787s at some point in the future.

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Especially Virgin Australia. Virgin is a huge brand nowadays but the story of its origin is really sweet. A teenage Richard Branson was having emotional troubles when his mom found a necklace on the ground. She took it to the police station, but no one claimed it so she decided to sell it and got a hefty sum of money which she gave to Richard. He used the money to found his dream record company Virgin Records. Today, Virgin is one of the most valuable brands in the world!

[@JayJayAviation]

The chocolate cake isn’t actually a chocolate cake. It’s a Nanaimo Bar, a Canadian desert. (From what I can see)

[@RAWhyte]

It’s a Millionaire shortbread the Best 👌❤️

[@carrisasteveinnes1596]

Thought it was a brownie.

[@FlyingAsia]

Lovely video of Westjet David! Looking forward to the Air France one next week, always thought they have a decent economy class product.

[@deandre1972]

I really hope westjet expands. They offer a really good hard product and terrific service. Hopefully they can see destinations from Toronto and Calgary to South Africa, Lisbon, Switzerland, Sydney ect

[@coyotelong4349]

Yeah, honestly it would be great to see Canada have 2 major airlines again

[@RE-df2mi]

@@kingwest700 same as aircanada

[@marcuskeulertz5852]

@@coyotelong4349 what about Transat??

[@Hoovie9596]

@@kingwest700 take the bus

[@_AstroStyx]

@@Hoovie9596 Ok taking the bus across the Atlantic Ocean

[@evakatrinaa]

8:45 That's a Nanaimo bar. Very Canadian and insanely sweet. That's too bad about the forgotten breakfast! Otherwise the flight seems ok even in Economy. Great, thorough review!

[@bigmike3540]

I’m a Calgary based FA, thank u for saying our airport is one of the nicest in North America!! I agree :) but think it’s only second to YVR; as Vancouver’s airport is absolutely gorgeous and so clean !!

[@andrewhosfeld]

If at all possible, it would be awesome to maybe have a ‘brutally honest’ review of airports.

[@narabdela]

I've flown that Westjet route in both directions. Cheap and 'adequate' in my experience. You get what you pay for.

[@phillipmaguire4671]

The scenery from Phoenix to Calgary was absolutely stunning. I personally prefer Westjet to Air Canada, as I found Air Canada a little underwhelming. The crew on Westjet were always cheerful and friendly, as I flew with them 2 times from Toronto to Holguin in Cuba. During those times, I purchased their sandwhich on board, which both times were a little stale. So, I think there is room to improve their catering. Air Canada is also a little mediocre with their catering as well. I don't know which supposed to be the lower cost carrier or the premium one, because both Air Canada and Westjet offer the same level of service in my experience, but Westjet has very friendly cabin crew, and this is why I always prefer them over Air Canada.

[@WeMuckAround]

A 3 month old WestJet 787 was my escape pod back from Canada to my native England as the pandemic was kicking off in 2020. Superb flight. Great IFE, pleasant flight attendants and had the entire row to myself!

[@Andrew-Wong]

Amazing BRUTALLY HONEST video, keep it up @Simply Aviation!

[@RubenThomas]

I still remember taking this flight back in August 2019. A great experience on their (at the time) new 787-9 product.

[@bruh-qu1ww]

As having just flown on air Canada business class on a 15 hr flight, I can definitely say westjet offers the better service and overall flight

[@Canadian76]

Being Canadian myself I love Westjet. Very friendly staff

[@Ananth8193]

Awesome video David...I am also planning to travel in WestJet from Amsterdam to Calgary next year...... Really excited to see your videos

[@phillipmaguire4671]

David, with the Brutally Honest series, I really like how you give an introduction to the journey your are about to do, covering what your expectations are with the given airline you are flying on and other pertinent information.

[@deanmartin9014]

Thanks for the great review! Calgary is also a hub for Air Canada, although not the same level of options as WestJet. Personally I am not a fan of WJ as I have had a number of less than positive experiences. While Air Canada is far from perfect I choose AC over WJ whenever possible.

[@WeeRowRows]

Thanks for the video. We are looking at EDI to Calgary on WJ 787 so good to see the experience

[@constantinh3187]

early!!!! I love your brutally honest videos!!! I hope swiss will come once soon

[@tylerjames3029]

Flew WJ from Calgary in sept 2019 to Dublin on the Dreamliner. Imo the plane makes WJ look better than they are, the service was very comparable to yours and imo it feels like amateur hour for a trans-Atlantic flight compared to AC in my experience. Service and the food is more like a domestic quality flight than AC has provided on their long hauls I’ve had in the past. If I had the choice id go AC but would try to opt for any euro carrier going across the pond.

[@ChrisZoomER]

That was brilliant as always!

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Fantastic trip report David, I remember the IG stories for this flight!😸😸

[@luisstransport]

Great trip report

[@michaelfisher6354]

I just did this flight to/from Gatwick although I buckled and upgraded to Business Class for the return to Canada. I received all expected meals - which were adequate. Noteworthy that in Steerage Class you get plastic cutlery whereas Business gets metal cutlery and real glass. The flights were completely full whereas the airports were only working at half capacity. Arriving back at Toronto - passengers were held on the plane because the passport and immigration people were overwhelmed. All in all - Westjet did a decent job of getting me there and back. What I did find interesting was that passport control in the UK now expedites those with Biometric passports - so passport control was incredibly fast and I never spoke to anyone. Luggage delivery was very slow.

[@Raisunrelbed]

WOW! David So Cool It Was Very Cool Keep it Up!.

[@ddiamondr1]

Thank you for this. When I see videos of first hand flying experiences, I can't help thinking about the Wright brothers and what they would think of these machines.

[@benjaminzeev3272]

I've flown westjet transatlantic many times and I can assure you missing breakfast is not the norm , it has never happened to me flying to Paris, London and Amsterdam on westjet

[@WJA1509]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to Rome this year in July

[@michaeldunne7139]

Very good report

[@colinjewell5838]

We flew from Calgary to London Heathrow in November 2022, it was a very good flight however we never had any breakfast service at all. This is very unusual as they normally serve breakfast before arrival.

[@dylanrhymerthecomedian8023]

Thanks for this. I am making my mind up today on whether to fly Westjet to London and I think I will. This appears to be a perfectly pleasant flight and less expensive than Air Canada.

[@yuzezhang726]

I've been flying with both Air Canada (between Vancouver and Beijing) and Westjet's (between Calgary and Amsterdam) Intercontinental flights. In general they are quite similar (both flight duration and services with two meals). Personally, I prefer the flight from Amsterdam to Calgary cuz it was on the brand new 787-9. I also heard Canadians leaning towards Westjet cuz it usually offers decent deals and discounts.

[@OnboardG1]

Just flew Westjet from Edinburgh to Calgary and back and it was excellent. Good service, nice aircraft and they held the flight for us when the Edmonton flight was delayed on the way back (I've never seen a plane loaded so quickly and efficiently as the dash 8 at YEG). The only small complaint I'd have is I booked the exit aisle seat on the return journey, which had 6 feet of legroom. The issue was that the seat arms are fixed in place and solid to accomodate the tray table and entertainment system. I found the legroom in the standard seat on the way out to be fine, but the solid armrests on the way back reduced the width of the seat to the point where I was a little uncomfortable, and I kept getting pins and needles in my arms from the immovable rests. That's probably why I'm still feeling a bit jetlagged four days later. I think if you're 6ft + you might benefit from it, but for little 5ft 7 inch me it wasn't worth it.

[@maxsaviation9512]

Thanks for coming to Phoenix simply aviation

[@gerardacronin334]

It’s challenging to keep updated on Covid-19 regulations. I see you flew in February. As of March 1, 2022, the requirement for the PCR test was downgraded to an Antigen test. As of April 1, 2022, no preflight test is required. However, only vaccinated passengers can board. For details, check the website of the Public Health Agency of Canada. It is not surprising that service was not at its best on this flight. During the worst of the pandemic, airline travel was severely restricted in Canada, and WestJet had to let go many thousands of staff. There was no aviation bailout. They are now building up their staffing again, but it’s not easy as many people have moved on to other careers. I flew four flights on WestJet in March 2022 and had an excellent experience. I do hope you will give them another chance when the aviation industry has had a chance to get back on its feet.

[@jeyaseelipeter1408]

David's smile make my day. ❤️

[@robc8082]

I just flew WJ to London out of YYC and the service was similar as described except we had a breakfast meal served before arrival. Next trip will be WJ. Refuse to fly AC.

[@avgaskoolaid4572]

I do genuinely wonder how a caterer can "forget" to load something onto the plane. Isn't there some sort of delivery manifest or invoice that gets checked off an signed, either by the caterer itself or by the crew? Everything regarding airline travel, especially loading the plane, is so systematized and governed by procedure that it's kind of baffling that part of the catering wouldn't be loaded barring some kind of unique circumstance like a delivery of raw products being delayed or the racks holding the food falling over or something.

[@maccarr9923]

Lol I was gonna say, somebody's getting either fired or absolutely verbally destroyed in Calgary for that, pretty unforgivable mistake on a transatlantic route

[@alluresoftheseas2999]

Those things happen all the time and not only food. Flew LH over the Atlantic once and they "forgot" to load enough water so half of the toilets were shot down, no Water for washing hands only wet towels. Next time they forgot to load enough fuel :-)

[@unchisa_jantharinthufon9097]

Amazing! Have a good day.

[@gamingdreamleague6863]

Very nice

[@usamasandhu2412]

Good job

[@AlexPraglowskiAviation]

I recognize that thumbnail ;)

[@BinkBricks]

Found you!

[@simply_aviation]

Oh yesss! Our trip yielded a first class thumbnail! 👌😍

[@CaptravelsAviation]

Hi Alex, I love your videos!!!!

[@rajnirvan3336]

Imagine if Canadian Airlines and Wardair still flew. Wonder how Westjet would compete

[@ekoansah]

Thanks David for this BH review. Loved today's content 👍

[@funtasticadventures6359]

Great video Simply Aviation Keep it up What is the software you use to make that "Expectation met?" Pls also tell me how you put that top part saying " Brutally Honest" and the animated map with the intro. Pls also tell me the music used for the intro and map Thanks.

[@anthonywatts2033]

As a former resident of Canada I have flown both AC and Westjet many times. As you imply both airlines get you to fromA to B adequately. Where I found Westjet far superior is when things go wrong. Again you alluded to this in your video. Westjet staff will help and try and resolve the issue, even apologise, AC staff will shrug their shoulders and give a "not my fault" response.

[@aviation_aaron9966]

The food guy did the same thing for us on WestJet from YYZ to MCO at 6am in the 737-800 business class.

[@TN-qs3ck]

keep it up

[@whyplanes2331]

Airline that you hasn't rewiev yet (as Simply Aviation) is Enter Air. If you want to review every airline, this is actually 2nd biggest airline of Poland (after LOT). It's a charter airline so it will be hard for you to review.

[@ricardosam8050]

Good viewing I never knew westjet offer flights from uk thanks

[@wizardgaming669]

As a regular user of both Air Canada and Westjet out of Toronto and Calgary to international and domestic destinations, I prefer Westjet. I hope that one day Westjet will offer flights to Tokyo or Manila out of Vancouver.

[@Raisunrelbed]

Wow Very Big Lights 7:49

[@PeterPan-jd9lu]

Still remember the times when AirTransat was flying from HAM with their A310s! 😊

[@ottawaemergencyvideography]

Yayyyy!!!!! A Canadian airline!!!!!

[@Jesuscatshockey]

The Air France meal even looked much much better. Bottle of wine!!

[@nenym5281]

If the caterer forgot to load, there is the pre-flight check by the crew! So both screwed up- even worse!

[@djm58sk]

It's my understanding that the catering problems out of YYC affect all airlines; apparently the main caterer shut down operations in mid-January without warning (I flew to Honolulu on Jan 17, which was the day the airlines found out about this, so it was chaos; Westjet reimbursed us for the cost of box lunches purchased at the airport). I've taken that flight to Gatwick several times (in premium economy): it's very convenient, well-priced, and the best way to avoid Air Canada.

[@zdefry]

What...? How can they forget to load the catering on the plane. It's a big mistake. Can you imagine the full service flight that you are flying with, don't give you something to eat in your long haul flight because they forgot to check the catering.. What a disappointing airline..!!

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

yup. Look at their website and you'll see that you now have to purchase food from Toronto to London. VERY sad.

[@LiamMcK1969]

@@yourtravelswithbruce On the Max aircraft, in economy, this is true, but on the Dreamliner, it is complimentary in all cabins. I don’t understand why, but it is.

[@rmwgroup3465]

Another great review. Always enjoy your style and details of the reviews. Total thumbs up! 👍👍👌👌

[@premjitc]

Fabulous video. Good job david and team

[@tkkchan]

Nice report and review...just a bit weird that catering company forgot to load breakfast box.

[@Bellman84]

180cm = 70.8667in or 5’10 7/8”

[@RayZahT]

West Jet not providing a meal seems to be a very common issue.

[@karlossargeant3872]

Westjet I hope to fly on them to London Gatwick from Toronto.

[@dazlebluefrogify]

nice report as always David if i get the chance to use westjet canada to europe i'll ask if the breakfast has been loaded lol

[@johnhaxby306]

French Bee airlines is doing $217 each way to Paris from SFO, I think a few more dollars from LAX. bought a ticket yesterday for $475 with tax and fees, then bumped myself up to a better seat in economy for $45 more. the flight from Pheonix to LA is an hour, you might want to give them a try! I opted for NO FOOD which was $17 extra each way but I'm just going to buy a couple sandwiches at the airport (probably for $17 also LOL) and get off cheap.

[@SunsetGreat]

Tbh I Think their both good if just depends On where your going Let say your going to Vancouver to lax it just almost the same

[@AirbusA380Forever]

Thanks for your excellent video!

[@redheads604]

Long haul flights just isn't a priority for WestJet when you look at their fleet, which consists mostly 737s. The breakfast snafu only further to highlight their inexperience at operating long hauls. It's pretty unforgivable when you consider they are trying to compete with Air canada, which doesn't have that high of standard tbh. Despite being based in Calgary, they don't even offer flights to Asia.

[@jasminejohnston6393]

Before the IFE systems were removed from WestJet’s 737s, I once watched two hours of Tom And Jerry on a flight from Vancouver to Kelowna. When the plane was getting de-iced, I watched some TV to pass the time until the plane could proceed to the runway and it ended up lasting the whole flight!

[@nafeekarim2780]

My favorite airline in Canada 🇨🇦

[@chickapey]

amazing the difference between this and wardair. That airline provided long haul flights where tourist class was treated like first class.

[@lrg3834]

You bet. Superior catering served on china with metal utensils!

[@markwoodley658]

Wardair was the real deal.

[@chickapey]

@@markwoodley658 absolutely.

[@jynjimmy]

Wait, I think they have international flight to NRT

[@chromebomb]

I like when David is in North America cuz he's always truckin' around

[@thomast6851]

Im so excited for next week's video! I've flown Air France's A350 from TLV-CDG-SCL and it was really good.

[@skylineXpert]

If I was westjet then I would focus on getting single aisle long distance fleet and use provincial towns

[@sheiladavidovich4549]

It will also be beneficial if West Jet lands at Heathrow Airport.

[@TheNighthawke502]

Myself, I've always preferred westjet over air canada for any flights within Canada since they maintain a relatively simple standard with a pretty steadfast service model that doesn't make you feel like your wallet has been exploited. 😊

[@davidcorcoran5463]

I didn't realize that WS gave free meals, alcohol and movies in economy class to England, they never used to and one had to prepay for meals. I have flown WS a couple of times in premier class to/from England and have done the same with AC. On my trips in premier class, AC were far superior.

[@jasminpabla5746]

You should go on the air transit to Birmingham they have a nice plane

[@SaifAli-tr8yo]

Hello David Sir please Try to Nepal Airlines Longest flight Review

[@baibhab6527]

It seems there is everything other than food and water. Food and safety are the most important things. Entertainment is not even on top.

[@Peacefulmusic200]

They now have direct flights to Tokyo narita in 2023

[@tete9146]

Thanks for mentioning how tall you are, that puts everything in the right perspective! 😉

[@alluresoftheseas2999]

Thats so true. When airlines advertise their cabin pictures always show slim, short women in the seats;-)

[@Starterpack8811]

Try easyjet or Ryan Air, it has been a longtime since you made a vid about them.

[@royalqueen3394]

Can you to singapore via san francisco with United Airlines B789 direct flight?

[@samarth2491]

🤩

[@pamelafrancis8131]

Yes I agree, a great review. But I had to chuckle and point out that since I am a Vancouverite I wanted to set the record straight and tell you that the "Chocolate Cake" was actually a "Nanaimo Bar" - completely different. 😉 and I am sorry you didn't get breakfast. And I also want WestJet to expand. I can't stand Air Canada and usually fly British Airways to Europe.

[@hugolindell2344]

please trip report nordic Regional airlines (norra)

[@AdventureJourney307]

good job i never been to west jet wait how about air canada anyway i only go to china southern work hard to do more

[@westhavenor9513]

I wonder if WestJet pilots have the same propensity to line up with taxiways when landing the way Air Canada does :)

[@JAM-65]

That would be disappointing not getting the small breakfast meal; however, everyone that I know who travels West Jet just LOVES them. Air Canada is another story. I too hope that West Jet starts to service airports in Germany., because I will definitely book with them. I have not traveled with them yet, but look forward to when I can. Right now my choices are limited and I don't really want to have Air Canada and/or Lufthansa as my only choices. There are not too many smaller airlines servicing the Canadian market for Germany. I have used Condor and Aer Lingus

[@johnwellington5754]

Must be from the west... Westjet is mediocre at best.

[@JAM-65]

@@johnwellington5754 NOPE I am not from the west. LOL

[@jiangmath777phoenix]

Hello, is Westjet a good airline?

[@Notjackpausner]

No way this is 1 year ago it feels like a second ago

[@oriadakora9848]

Please do a review of the new Uganda airlines a330 neo

[@jjc882011]

If there are any choices between Air Canada and other airlines. My first choice is Other Airlines.

[@daniellela6419]

Hmm good! 👍😼

[@mc8052]

Dessert is a Nanaimo Bar!!

[@winhtin3420]

Forgot to check if the breakfast stuff was delivered? Lame. At least they didn't forget to close the doors! :-)