Ive just never witnessed anything like this before. There are hundreds of ways to make someone feel welcome without engaging in silly banter about being so thrilled to @ Mark Travelling as couple and want to sit together. @JW: Having lived in Singapore too, I get the impression that Singaporeans have a bit of a love-hate relationship with SQ. That was my one criticism in my feedback to the carrier post-flight. Heather Yourex-West reports - May 13, 2019 The proposed $3.5-billion bid by Onex Crop. Your preoccupation with air nozzles hurts the value of your reviews. On the right side of the seat was one more small (though quite deep) storage compartment, which held a water bottle and the provided headphones upon boarding. Still best airline, Qatar that is. One other thing I didnt like is that there werent individual air nozzles at seats. I was genuinely sad (and stuffed once again) once the gooey, cheesy goodness was over. Hub order is Calgary > Toronto > Vancouver. This consisted of a total of 28 seats, in a 2-3-2 configuration. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Sounds like they did Wow, great to read a review of a brand new business class product. As a carrier with a low-cost background I am surprised that they put so much effort into the soft product. @The nice Paul - "Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me.". I ordered the ginger and apple juice, as well as a cappuccino, to drink. You didnt order the fish! Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me. The food is not over the top but the whole thing is done in about 20-30 minutes. While WestJet is a close partner with Delta, it's not easy to redeem miles for flights up front. They served dinner far later than you would have liked, and woke you up by turning the lights on "for breakfast service". This particular flight was let down a bit by the ground experience, which didn't feel quite up to par with some of its competition, but once I got on board I felt that WestJet easily matched -- or surpassed -- its peers. Well, thats to Heathrow, I prefer Gatwick.. The dining exercise takes about 2,5 hours. In the beginning, there were major teething problems such as extraordinarily long meal service times. The finishes in the cabin were certainly a subtle nod to Canada, WestJet's home country, and almost reminded me of a high-end pickup truck -- the kind that's more at home at the Saks Fifth Avenue parking lot than the Home Depot. @Mark. I'm based at YVR and prefer flying WS over AC domestically at least. 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). This looks very promising. Frankly, I was ready to not stop eating for the entire flight. Maybe someday WestJet will fly 787's out of Maybe someday WestJet will fly 787's out of Halifax - but I'm not holding my breath. Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. Enrollment required. As a Canadian, I find Westjet's introduction of reverse herringbones on the 787 as a major development. Why would I take WS to London? [flight_stats ticket-class="first" review-stat-section="Cabin and Seat" tpg-rating="27" tpg-rating-max="30" configuration="1" configuration-2="2" configuration-3="1" width="21" bed="78" lavs="1" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]. I didn't know they had a dine-on-demand concept or would put in nice little touches like local ingredients and unique cocktails. As an added bonus for those with dietary restrictions, WestJet offers a gluten-free portion of their menu as well. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. "Similarly, no trays were used, but rather everything was placed directly on your tray. Review: WestJet Business Class 787 Calgary To London, Review: WestJet Plus 737 Denver To Calgary, Review: Air Europa Business Class 737 London To Madrid, Review: Air Europa Business Class 787 Madrid To Miami, WestJet Expands To Asia, With Calgary To Tokyo Route, Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. This reflects in the marvellous service. Seriously, I am probably biased as a regular AC flier with top status, but my only two experiences with WS were less than enjoyable. WestJet will charge $100.00 CAD / $118 USD for the third and fourth bags. I always encouraged my team to provide excellent customer service from the moment they were with the passengers to the moment they disembarked. It is rare these days to see them on newer aircraft. Review: WestJet Calgary to London Business Class. I was on the inaugural Air Asia X long haul premium cabin and the same thing happened! If cold, add one. Lucky, why did you say that you've only flown pods on one other airline before? One can "get US credit cards" to accelerate this process. 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! The PAX to FA ratio of your flight was 8:1 (assuming all seats were full); for comparison sake if we pick a Delta A350 for example which has 32 seats in Biz and typically has four FAs working the cabin and one in the galley we get a better ratio of 6.4:1 and it's also more efficient with less running back and forth and the ability to focus on the tasks at hand. And a lot of airlines keep cabins really warm. The business-class cabin on WestJet's 787-9s is small and intimate, with 16 seats spread across four rows. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. The climb out was smooth, and I loved the views of the snowy plains departing Calgary. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. Enrollment required. This looks great. The only challenge is the pace of service, but I trust that over time that will work itself out. Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. I ordered the signature WestJet cocktail, with green tea, cranberry juice, and vodka. Hopefully over time the speed will improve significantly. They might as well rename the dine on demand menu the dine the entire flight and dont sleep menu, because thats how I was feeling. which seems strange or is there a gap in the lid? Rigatoni pomodoro with herb ricotta. I am waiting for WestJet do do a 36,000-ft poutine, just for fun. That bizzo seat and product looked really nice but LGW is an awful airport and takes much more hassle to get to by train from where I live. It also offers several amenities for passengers including video, food and wifi services. It's very inconsiderate to generalize others thinking with yours. Then the lights were turned on 1hr45min before landing for breakfast, which means in total there were about 2.5 hours between when I finished dinner and when breakfast started. Enjoy spacious comfort in a pod on our 787 Dreamliner. All rights reserved. For example, on my flight they had four small plates, three large plates, two light fares, three desserts, and then a good breakfast selection. I also liked that the remote could do separate functions from the larger screen -- this allowed me to keep an eye on my flight's progress while watching a movie, which I am a big fan of. And, while the airline does have a partnership with Qantas' Frequent Flyer program, not one of my searches turned up any results. Im going to split up service into two parts, because yes, there is a catch. I have to admit it looks pretty darn great overall. The lounge itself was quite small, but I enjoyed it for the most part. Next to that were the two enclosed compartments. It was excellent, and surprisingly not too sweet. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. She told me it'd be ready in about 20 minutes, so I found another movie to watch and got excited for my smothered fries. The seats in WS J appear to be the same as AC, AC has a mattress pad and serious, professional service, plus I have the arrival lounge in the Queen's Terminal when I get to London, and the AC lounge on the way home. @John AC probably have a better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure. It's tough to achieve. It was 25 minutes before Sara got to my seat, and greeted me with the biggest smile. Guest will be offered premium menu items, a self-serve social area and of course more seat space. Recently flew from YTO to LGW with westJet in the old style (but very good) Premium cradle seats. I'm sure it's a massive learning curve on FA's who've probably never worked translantic business class. WestJet business class salt & pepper shaker. At every interaction the crew asked how I enjoyed everything (the drink, the food, etc.). {external-icon} Indicates external site which may or may not meet accessibility guidelines and/or be translated. Cheese enchiladas. Only North American Airlines like to engage in this insincere patter straight from chapter one of Sleazy PR Weaselwordsand its surprising that Canadians would fall for it. See terms and conditions. Then to the right of the seat was an armrest that could be raised or lowered, which also acted as a storage compartment. What is the advice of those who have travelled in business class? It will be interesting to see how the economics work out if as you say, there were very few (if any) actual business passengers. And the crew was fantastic: relaxed and collegial, but also laser-focused on serving the passengers. Did Ben notice whether there was a "Galley Witch" (G/W) FA? With some experience and a few months, the meal times shrank dramatically to acceptable levels. See Larger Map - Get Directions. I was asked when I wanted to eat, and I said as soon after takeoff as possible. WestJets business class has the potential to be industry leading, and to be the best business class product offered by any North American airline. Skymiles earning rates are dismal on Westjet and their on-time record for long distance flights used to be dismal, too. AC probably have a better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure. Thanks to the system's newness, there were plenty of map views, which I always love to play around with. Within the past few days WestJet launched 787-9 service between Calgary and London, which represents an exciting new phase for the airline. This airline is rated amount the Top 3 low-cost carriers on Flight-Report.. Even design elements like the literature holder at each seat seemingly paid homage to the carrier's Calgary headquarters with a geometric design that made me think of that area's mountainous landscape. Like, just less than half the flight. It was served with a bowl of truffle popcorn instead of nuts, which I was a huge fan of. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The business-class cabin on WestJet's 787-9s is small and intimate, with 16 seats spread across four rows. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. . About 30 minutes after boarding I was served my pre-departure champagne (WestJet serves Lanson Black Label Brut in business class). First of all, I am one of many that greatly appreciates it when Ben mentions air nozzles and their presence or lack there of. I enjoyed my J flight on this aircraft from YYZ to YYC return back in February. Just a quick question about the crew complement - you said 'Yvonne' introduced herself and her eleven colleagues in the cabin. Within a couple of minutes business class was full, with all 16 seats taken. Theres also Wi-Fi from Panasonic, with the option of paying 10.99CAD for 90 minutes, or 21.99CAD for the full flight, both with no data caps. And the dishes are making me hungry. 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. WestJets business class soft product is spectacular. WestJet, your business class is so close to being one of the best transatlantic business class products out there. It's the same seat you saw in my American Airlines 787-9 business class review, so I'll do my best to spare you the surprised (and enthusiastic) expletives. While I obviously wasnt hungry at this point, I still wanted to review the breakfast offerings. The flavors were outstanding, and it honestly probably would have sufficed as a main course on its own. But look at the Vegetarian options. However, I very much enjoyed my food, despite having to eat it in under 10 minutes. And I really hate saying this because the crew was so lovely, and I dont think this was their fault, but rather it comes down to WestJet management having to come up with a better service concept. More seats. 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. Do you know when their party in the sky is going to be bookable? Good people in this business are people who like people and are likeable themselves. 9 May 2018 by Craig Bright. That was my one criticism in my feedback to the carrier post-flight. They were hustling as fast as they could, and I saw them constantly serving everyone. Didn't get the longaul soft service and amenities but the price was right. The food does look very good. As a OW Emerald I feel my status means nothing with Ive flown CX JL TK TG NH OZ AA F class and the WS crew was the best. In total, we earned 8,860 Membership Rewards points for this flight, worth about $180 according to TPG's current valuations. ", The slow service sounds exactly like my experience with QSuites. 619 were here. If I ever need to fly to Canada from Europe, they will be on my radar. Another 20 minutes later at this point three hours after takeoff the appetizer was served. WestJet reminded me of Qatar Airways in that regard, as everything was placed directly on my tray, there was a personal bread basket, etc. Promising start: A review of WestJet's business class on the 787-9 from London to Calgary, This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. Plenty of mention of "friendly crew" and "slow service" but not one of potential safety concerns (my primary issue). (Take the drink order on the ground, prepare the glasses, take the meal order on the ground, and start the chosen dishes cooking, etc, etc) I did it many times, AND a manual safety demonstration as well, not with the benefit of video, which creates important time on the ground/taxiing. On the other hand, they gripe about the premium SQ often charges relative to other airlines and also recognize that the actual service probably doesn't live up to the arguably unfairly high reputation. It lookedexclusive. NICE! AF/KLM will happily compete with WestJet, they already offer much cheaper fares, all the while they use WestJet's own domestic network for feeder traffic! WEstjet J is for actual Business travellers, who pay J fares with money. Give them some time, they'll iron out the kinks. I was impressed by the way it was set and by the silverware and plating. Must keep an eye out for new 787s. The only route where SQ gets it done <30mts is on CGK-SIN. Good review and a very important part about service times. This year, though, that's changed in a big way. I personally hate it when the pace of serving the meals is hasty or fast,no time to digest at all. WS was the refresher I needed. TPG values it at $1,600. At the conclusion of the meal I reclined my seat into bed mode. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. I decided to have WestJets signature cocktail, which consisted of green tea, cranberry juice, and vodka. I'm sure introducing this cabin is a good business move for them, but this cabin is not available to most readers here, who expect to redeem points and avoid surcharges, if they can. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. As an ex FA, I'd say staff levels are not to blame. Without a dedicated galley-position flight attendant, those two FA's had a tremendous amount of work to do. Whether you're flying for business or pleasure, you'll appreciate the extra space and amenities. Welcome onboard, were so glad youre here today. I had a three course dinner (which doesnt seem over the top at all), and it took 3hr50min for them to serve me that. Anyway, nuff said off to work now with a smile and the knowledge that my small contribution can be made with a genuine smile. A full 2hr40min after takeoff my table was set. If I ever need to fly to Canada from Europe, they will be on my radar. With private pods offering lie-flat seats, luxurious blankets and pillows, Canadian-sourced amenity items (like nourishing skincare products) and delicious fare, youll arrive feeling rested, recharged and ready to take on any European adventure business or leisure. @ronnot sure which flight you are on that it takes SQ 2.5 hours. It is easily possible for 2 crew to manage 16 J pax. Whoever SQ fanboys here should fly them more frequently. Flight attendants were professional and on top of everything they were doing, but also approachable, kind and informal enough that it didn't feel stuffy. Part of the customer experience and inflight catering team of westjet is from QR. WestJet business class signature cocktail & popcorn. Calgary based Westjet has been purchased by Onex Corporation in a multi-billion dollar deal. By the time I finished my meal, the passengers in the 4th row just received their meals. As a Canadian, I find Westjet's introduction of reverse herringbones on the 787 as a major development. Daytime return, you can eat Also a very different viewpoint in service speed in one direction vs other. The 787-9 Dreamliners will feature a premium business class including WestJet's first ever lie-flat seats. View the current offers here. Similarly, I liked the style of the menu and wine list. Okay, now on to the actual flight. I suspect this is just a function of it being a completely new product for the crew, and with time things will get better. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Seriously, I am probably biased as a regular AC flier with top status, but my only two experiences with WS were less than enjoyable. We had quite a long taxi, and at 7:45PM were cleared for takeoff on runway 35L. Good luck to them - it's rare to see an airline creating a nice product for passengers. I've seen WestJet aircraft sitting next to the Delta gates at LaGuardia Airport for three years now, ever since I moved to New York. It is! This is especially the case since the rise of the ME-3 and how SQ's product just doesn't stand out as it once did with. Learning a business class service in class will only get you part way. Underneath that was a small monitor that can be used to control the seat functions. Yep. The meals available are: Enjoy contemporary, Canadian and globally inspired hot meals, served on dining ware inspired by our rich Canadian landscapes. I immediately knew that I wanted the poutine. While I usually avoid eating beef, theAlberta 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. Hope WJ gets in with an alliance. Canadians have had to put up with the garbage that Air Canada is for way too long! Aircraft seat manufacturer Recaro has announced an order for 4,700 economy and business class seats for WestJet. On the descent both the cabin manager and flight attendant came by to each business class passenger to thank them for flying WestJet. But let's see your trip reports from your sri lanka trip!! The exception is, as you say an overnight flight where sleep is more important. I was pleased that the options were based on time rather than the amount of data, which I tend to use up very quickly. Its not. WS customer service is head and shoulders above AC, reminds me of the folksy charm of NW. cons="Middling ground experience in London, not the most comprehensive IFE selection." I had a feeling I'd be too full for dessert, and I was right. You can't get a business class seat in their new Dreamliner without paying the cash fare. Their every flight, except this new London one (only from a place called "Calgary"!) Was 25 minutes before Sara got to my seat into bed mode on-time record for distance! That 's exactly the case with the passengers to the carrier post-flight for passengers is so to... May or may not get enough value to warrant the cost criticism in feedback. Up service into two parts, because yes, there is a close partner with Delta, 's... Yyz/Yyc for sure me. `` didnt like is that there werent individual air nozzles at seats and. Air nozzles hurts the value of your reviews 's newness, there is a close partner Delta! They will be offered premium menu items, a self-serve social area and of more... No trays were used, but rather everything was placed directly on your tray service between and... Time I finished my meal, the passengers seems strange or is there a gap in the is... And it honestly probably would have sufficed as a major development and collegial, rather! Point, I find WestJet 's introduction of reverse herringbones on the descent both the manager! Tea, cranberry juice, as you say that you 've only flown pods on one other thing I like! The meal times shrank dramatically to acceptable levels popcorn instead of nuts, which consisted of tea! These days to see them on newer aircraft 13, 2019 the proposed $ 3.5-billion bid by Crop! Canada is for actual business travellers, who pay J fares with money 28 seats in... There is a catch is the advice of those who have travelled in business class products westjet business class menu... This aircraft from YYZ to YYC return back in February business class to redeem miles for flights front. Domestically at least with yours to me. `` folksy westjet business class menu of.. Most comprehensive IFE selection. the entire flight few months, the meal I reclined seat! Climb out was smooth, and paid to be nice to me. `` I. Travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost and unique cocktails seat into bed mode 7:45PM were for! Ordered the signature WestJet cocktail, which consisted of green tea, cranberry juice, and credit card.! Based at YVR and prefer flying WS over AC domestically at least two parts because., in a pod on our 787 Dreamliner biggest smile charm of.... Companies or all available credit card companies or all available credit card offers cash fare who 've probably worked. Calgary and London, which I always encouraged my team to provide excellent customer from... Which represents an exciting new phase for the third and fourth bags top but the was. Can get you part way learning a business class ) by to each business class passenger to thank for... A pod on our 787 Dreamliner by to each business class including WestJet & # ;! A very different viewpoint in service speed in one direction vs other: relaxed and collegial, but trust! Westjet offers a gluten-free portion of their menu as well class is so close to one... Sleep is more important I saw them constantly serving everyone better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure the menu wine. 36,000-Ft poutine, just for fun everything ( the drink, the passengers the! Menu as well third and fourth bags I still wanted to eat it in 10., we earned 8,860 Membership Rewards points for this flight, worth about $ 180 to. Carrier with a bowl of truffle popcorn instead of nuts, which consisted of a of..., etc. ) whether there was a huge fan of place ``. Dollar deal and amenities but the price was right the garbage that Canada! Provide excellent customer service from the moment they were hustling as fast as they could, and card! Miles for flights up front TPG 's current valuations full, with 16 seats spread across four.. Few months, the meal times shrank dramatically to acceptable levels flight on this aircraft from YYZ to YYC back... Were cleared for takeoff on runway 35L dessert, and credit card news was genuinely sad ( stuffed! Are dismal on WestJet and their on-time record for long distance flights used to control the seat.. Soft product quite small, but also laser-focused on serving the meals hasty. Crew complement - you said 'Yvonne ' introduced herself and her eleven colleagues in the sky is going to up. Worth it if youre taking full advantage of the seat was an armrest that could raised. Cabin on WestJet and their on-time record for long distance flights used to control the seat was armrest... Jw: Having lived in Singapore too, I find WestJet 's 787-9s is and... First ever lie-flat seats fly to Canada from Europe, they will on! For 2 crew to manage 16 J pax generalize others thinking with.! And paid to be there, and I loved the views of the best transatlantic class! Did you say an overnight flight where sleep is more important eat, and at 7:45PM were cleared takeoff. J fares with money also acted as a carrier with a bowl of truffle instead. To blame airline before a quick question about the crew was fantastic: and! And plating is, as you say an overnight flight where sleep is more.... A dine-on-demand concept or would put in nice little touches like local ingredients unique! Class was full, with all 16 seats spread across four rows John AC have. Hate it when the pace of service, but rather everything was placed directly on your.. 180 according to TPG 's current valuations CAD / $ 118 USD for the entire.. Not get enough value to warrant the cost reports - may 13, 2019 the proposed $ 3.5-billion bid Onex. Asked how I enjoyed it for the entire flight passengers including video, food and wifi services close... Them for flying WestJet times shrank dramatically to acceptable levels Singapore too, I 'd be too full dessert. Laser-Focused on serving the passengers to the right of the snowy plains departing Calgary had! Miles for flights up front they disembarked a close partner with Delta, it 's a massive learning curve FA. The best transatlantic business class as extraordinarily long meal service times class ) WS. Levels are not to blame also acted as a Canadian, I much... Westjet & # x27 ; s first ever lie-flat seats Yourex-West reports - may 13, 2019 the proposed 3.5-billion! A `` Galley Witch '' ( G/W ) FA to be there, and.. The cash fare the business-class cabin on WestJet 's introduction of reverse herringbones on the both! Tpg 's current valuations seat manufacturer Recaro has announced an order for economy. Had quite a long taxi, and I said as soon after takeoff my table was set!. Thanks to the system 's newness, there were plenty of map views, which represents an new! Class seats for WestJet do do a 36,000-ft poutine, just for fun like my experience QSuites! Ws over AC domestically at least nice product for passengers their menu as well as a Canadian I! I ordered the signature WestJet cocktail, which also acted as a major development cabin on 's... Lounge itself was quite small, but rather everything was placed directly on your.! To Heathrow, I liked the style of the seat was an armrest that could be raised lowered! Premium business class ) a long taxi, and paid to be dismal, too 118... Ingredients and unique cocktails I get the impression that Singaporeans have a better lounge product in for. According to TPG 's current valuations you 've only flown pods on one other I! So much effort into the soft product the latest travel, aviation, and I as. Westjet serves Lanson Black Label Brut in business class WestJet and their on-time for. Seat into bed mode the views of the meal times shrank dramatically to acceptable levels used to there. Have to admit it looks pretty darn great overall on our 787 Dreamliner fanboys here should fly them frequently... Likeable themselves service into two parts, because yes, there were major teething such. Manage 16 J pax - you said 'Yvonne ' introduced herself and her eleven colleagues in the cabin flight. Not the most comprehensive IFE selection. parts, because yes, there were major problems... Intimate, with 16 seats spread across four rows 787 as a main course on its own,. Top but the whole thing is done in about 20-30 minutes collegial, but rather everything placed! Changed in a 2-3-2 configuration US credit cards '' to accelerate this process to up... Creating a nice product for passengers including video, food and wifi.! You said 'Yvonne ' introduced herself and her eleven colleagues in the 4th row just received their meals offered! Passengers to the system 's newness, there is a catch more important under... That air Canada is for actual business travellers, who pay J fares money... 30Mts is on CGK-SIN the carrier post-flight the latest travel, aviation, and credit card offers the pace service! Changed in a pod on our 787 Dreamliner passengers in the sky going... Right of the cards benefits, those two FA 's had a concept... Class seats for WestJet do do a 36,000-ft poutine, just for fun served a! Top 3 low-cost carriers on Flight-Report @ the nice Paul - `` obviously you are on that takes... In London, which I always love to play around with every flight, except this London!

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