Air Canada or Westjet

[wannabaff]

Hi
Travelling to Canada in July. Travelling QF MEL-BRIS-LAX (FF points) and then need connections LAX-CAL on the way there, and YVR-SFO on the way back. Seems as though it's Air Canada or Westjet with no options to earn/use QF points. Travelling with golf clubs so probably extra luggage charge. Need 100% reliability on LAX-CAL connection. Both airlines seem comparable on price unless I'm missing something? So who's better to fly with/more reliable etc.
Views/experiences would be appreciated.
Thanks K

 

[dfcatch]

Air Canada has personal IFE in all seats on almost all of their planes.

If price is close, connections are suitable, then I would choose Air Canada.

FWIW, if you want QF partners, you can fly Alaska between SFO or LAX and YVR. You could also take AA from LAX to/from YYC or YVR via DFW.

 

[flychrisfly]

Never flown on Air Canada, but Canadian colleagues don't seem to rate them highly. Flew WestJet once LAS-YYJ and had a big comfy seat in whY and a pleasant experience. Can't recall the inflight entertainment but my overall impression was good.

 

[mella2007]

Flown Air Canada twice from Boston to Toronto. Pleasant flight, can't remember the food (think it was just a snack), but was on time and clean

 

[drron]

The thread is a year old.but for interest AA now codeshares with Westjet on some routes though that wont earn you QFF points.
I am keeping an eye on things as we will be in Canada in august next year.

 

[serfty]

The thread is a year old.but for interest AA now codeshares with Westjet on some routes though that wont earn you QFF points.
I am keeping an eye on things as we will be in Canada in august next year.

Travel on AA flight numbers in eligible booking classes do earn QFF points/SC's, irrespective of the Metal.

 

[pm3207]

I've flown both airlines from YYZ-YUL on a couple of occasions, and found Westjet to be much better. That said it's only a one hour'ish flight.

 

[pshepvic]

My experience on WestJet was better than Air Canada. They even provided food and one free checked bag, whereas Air Canada really seem to be on the LCC path where you have to pay for everything.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[Carfield]

Go with Westjet... Just flew them from LAX to YVR, YXY to YVR, and YQQ to YEG! They are all on time, if not early! The Boeing 737 fleet is nice and most domestic flights have complimentary LIVE TV function (but must bring your own headsets or you have to pay CAD$3.25 for a basic pair). Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary and there is even a choice of savory snack or cookie (Air Canada is all Buy On Board now in terms of snacks, but AC still has complimentary non-alcoholic beverage).

Westjet staffs are friendly - check-in agents, gate agents, and F/As! They are proud of the airline and everyone has a smile.

The best part - I need to call WS twice and both calls were answered within five minutes. (AC needs you to pay $25 to get expedited service - regular line has an one hour or longer wait).

Seat assignment - Westjet allows seat assignment for a fee, in which Air Canada is complimentary except the cheapest fare class. Both airlines offer bulkhead rows and exit rows for a fee, which is cool.

Westjet is definitely the preferred airline to and within Canada!

Carfield

 

[WA flyer]

Go with Westjet... Just flew them from LAX to YVR, YXY to YVR, and YQQ to YEG! They are all on time, if not early! The Boeing 737 fleet is nice and most domestic flights have complimentary LIVE TV function (but must bring your own headsets or you have to pay CAD$3.25 for a basic pair). Non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary and there is even a choice of savory snack or cookie (Air Canada is all Buy On Board now in terms of snacks, but AC still has complimentary non-alcoholic beverage).

Westjet staffs are friendly - check-in agents, gate agents, and F/As! They are proud of the airline and everyone has a smile.

The best part - I need to call WS twice and both calls were answered within five minutes. (AC needs you to pay $25 to get expedited service - regular line has an one hour or longer wait).

Seat assignment - Westjet allows seat assignment for a fee, in which Air Canada is complimentary except the cheapest fare class. Both airlines offer bulkhead rows and exit rows for a fee, which is cool.

Westjet is definitely the preferred airline to and within Canada!

Carfield

I'm convinced.
Cheap fares and AA points too!

 

[drron]

Absolutely.When i want to fly YWG-YYC AC is $270 for Y,$500 for J on a CRJ whilst Westjet is $150 on a 737.and I can book it on aa.com.