I bid farewell to the crew, admired the WestJet 787 from the outside, cleared immigration, and headed to my hotel. Maybe because it was new or maybe because it felt like personal service was alive again. 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. Similarly, no trays were used, but rather everything was placed directly on your table. Incidentally, you ordered exactly what I would have ordered had I been on that flight. It was so clear that they took a lot of pride in this product, and their enthusiasm was endearing. ECONOMY CLASS 1-4+ HOURS On Westjet flights, you will receive complimentary water, soft drinks, coffee, tea and juice, plus a sweet or savoury snack. WestJet has a fairly premium-light configuration on their 787. See terms and conditions. Thousands of dollars oneway to Gatwick? The good news is that the business class cabin feels cozy. Cant stand AC but like they are *A. Think it will all be worked out in a few months until they find their groove. 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. Find the right card for you. Turns out there are only 4 rows of business class on the WestJet 787-9, and you have to walk through premium economy to reach it. @The nice Paul - "Obviously you are paid to be there, and paid to be nice to me.". Right, I'll get right on that opportunity. Breeze through security with CLEAR lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. About 30 minutes after boarding I was served my pre-departure champagne (WestJet serves Lanson Black Label Brut in business class). I asked for another signature cocktail. This is great - you can earn DL miles with them right? The ones on AA feel more sterile than a hospital. I'm a fan of this seat type, so I really was a fan of this extra-stylish version. 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. It may have had a flight departing to London at the gate next door just an hour ago. Overnight, you want the sleep time. My point was that airlines are increasingly focused on the passenger experience (especially in premium cabins). Sounds like they did a great job (other than the big issue you pointed out). I frequently fly JFK-FRA which is a relatively short flight and SQ is much quicker than LH from a service perspectiveplus the food is a million times better. Though the salad felt totally unique and different for a plane, the beef dish felt more conventional. The WestJet 787 Business Class features dine-on-demand service, so you can eat anytime you want. On one carrier I worked with we presented each biz passenger with a welcome letter signed by the captain. A full 2hr40min after takeoff my table was set. I was impressed by the way it was set and by the silverware and plating. Im going to split up service into two parts, because yes, there is a catch. 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 doesnt know from Adam. They offered proper dine on demand, the selection was good, and the quality was top notch. Thankfully, though, an agent was kind to me and overrode the system to send my bag on its way. 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. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. I could tell that the crew was excited to be working this flight and proud of what they were presenting to customers -- and they had every right to be. I travel for pleasure only, no business. 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. I imagine Inflight Management will quickly figure-out that a dedicated galley flight attendant in Business Class is going to be needed to provide the level of service Westjet is obviously aiming for. Advertised prices, taxes and fees may fluctuate based on exchange rate. 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. You are thinking of Air Canada. its extra complicated. Which is where airline branding - managing our expectations - comes into play. Even the salt-and-pepper shakers were stylized! Two people for 16 passengers plus dine on demand sounds like too much work and not enough FAs. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Most important was the hard product was insanely wonderful. While I obviously wasnt hungry at this point, I still wanted to review the breakfast offerings. In the air Inflight food and beverages Feed your cravings in the air. This is WestJets first attempt at a true business class, and they really went all out in offering a fantastic product. WestJet Boeing 787 9 Dreamliner C GUDH Aircraft Fleet on new livery colors Spirit of Canada Photos Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner WestJet Aircraft Fleet Data and Registration Number Something that I really appreciated about the storage compartments at these seats was that I could plug in my charging cables and keep them contained -- the larger storage compartment had both a USB and AC power port. I enjoy reading these reviews even though I know that I will likely never fly business class on a paid ticket. View Menu. Like really, really, really slow. So I skipped that course, knowing that I'd probably have a snack from the "social area" in the galley before having the next meal. Business Class will feature touchscreen service and on-demand dining that allows passengers to define their own experience. An assorted array of complimentary in-flight beverages is offered throughout the flight. Next to that were the two enclosed compartments. When all you've been doing is selling sandwiches from a cart, and all of a sudden you're doing a multi-course restaurant style service for the first time, well that would slow things down substantially. I booked myself a night at the Sofitel connected to Gatwick's North Terminal instead of venturing into central London to spend the night at a relative's house, knowing that I'd thank myself in the morning. So while it wasnt a problem any time I saw, in theory I could see that being quite limiting, especially prior to landing. If someone has a different experience, please let me know. The time to book your getaway is now with our new travel ready tips. Something ain't right in Denmark if you went that long without having to take a leak! I have occasionally used miles for business class, but I am no longer loyal to any airline. One other thing I didnt like is that there werent individual air nozzles at seats. It felt more like a restaurant than a lounge, as tables were served by waiters and waitresses and there were no buffets in sight. Standard FA crew positions have one FA do nothing but be the J class cook. We started our taxi to the runway at 7:30PM. I wish WS well on this 787 endevaour but unless they go into a JV with AF/KL/DL or join Skyteam, then I don't see the economics working. How was availability? I immediately knew that I wanted the poutine. I have to admit it looks pretty darn great overall. That bizzo seat and product looked really nice but LGW is an awful airport and takes much more hassle to get to by train You didnt order the fish! Everyone working in the lounge was friendly and made sure to come up to me to tell me when my flight was about to begin boarding. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. 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. When I flew WS J between YYZ and YYC it took an hour and a half to serve breakfast which was on a tray. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. If cold, add one. Learn more. AC probably have a better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure. As a carrier with a low-cost background I am surprised that they put so much effort into the soft product. Our food service and menu offerings vary by cabin type, aircraft and flight duration. Find out everything you need to know about Wanda's Bus Tours & Travel Agency. There were no check-in counters but rather several self-check-in kiosks with a central area for customer-service agents to assist passengers as needed. There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. By the way, I thought the menu looked really, really good. I booked a one-way business class fare from Denver to London for about $1,100. Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. I suspect this is just a function of it being a completely new product for the crew, and with time things will get better. No service or not much and you can enjoy the lying down and sleeping. Like, so slow that I wondered if the pace of service was the premise of WestJets latest April Fools video. Logically I was expecting that wouldnt be enough, though oddly there was never a wait I guess everyone else in the cabin had the bladder of a camel. Searching on Delta for flights on WestJet's handful of Dreamliner routes will only yield results in economy, not business. I'm based at YVR and prefer flying WS over AC domestically at least. The crew on this flight was fabulously friendly. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, contact information, & more. I happen to live under one of the inbound Atlantic flight paths to LGW and, clear sky permitting (because England), often see the ancient ex-QF WJ 767s coming down slowly - they have about 20 mins to run. And a lot of airlines keep cabins really warm. Or maybe there were some trainees onboard. My hat is off to them! I travel for pleasure only, no business. 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. I want to like AA but its really bad. I was served my (excellent) meal in row 4, 45 mins after 1A got theirs. Everyone was also given a candy in the shape of a maple leaf. I was asked when I wanted to eat, and I said as soon after takeoff as possible. I was tired and the cabin crew was very quiet, even the way they walked. Likeable does not have to mean intrusive. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. 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. I flew for 30 years and well remember the difficulty of working on a just-introduced aircraft type. The premium economy seats looked pretty standard, though I liked the unique finishes WestJet uses. For one thing, I imagine there wasn't much space left in the aisles. Non-alcoholic beverages include mineral water, juice, soft drinks, tea, and freshly brewed coffee. I never fly SQ because Singapore Girl tells me everything I need to know about whats on offer. I hate air nozzles. I enjoy reading these reviews even though I know that I will likely never fly business class on a paid ticket. @Janet - hurts the value please quantify that you come across as quite angry 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!!! And the dishes are making me hungry. What the heck! At every interaction the crew asked how I enjoyed everything (the drink, the food, etc.). Direct out of YYZ, WS beats the weathered and over attitude of AC. Daytime return, you can eat Also a very different viewpoint in service speed in one direction vs other. Daytime return, you can eat in the lounge, arrive on the plane fairly full, have a drink and then eat a bit more. 2) Are these flights bookable with Delta SkyMiles? WestJet business class signature cocktail & popcorn. 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. Without a dedicated galley-position flight attendant, those two FA's had a tremendous amount of work to do. How are the FB Award redemption rates for WS J? Tables individually laid up, espresso based drinks. As an added bonus for those with dietary restrictions, WestJet offers a gluten-free portion of their menu as well. WestJet. Excellence El Carmen is also home to a world-class Spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and an exceptional range of activities and services. business class is a good What is the advice of those who have travelled in business class? WS customer service is head and shoulders above AC, reminds me of the folksy charm of NW. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Much nicer finishes than AA's same seats. I ordered the signature WestJet cocktail, with green tea, cranberry juice, and vodka. Meal service waaaay to long but worth the wait by the look of it. Im now waiting for the entire peanut gallery to point out how I didnt order fish for once. Enjoy spacious comfort in a pod on our 787 Dreamliner. Cheese enchiladas. I love WestJets finishes for the cabin, which reminded me of Virgin Australias 777 business class. Not everyones the same. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. can take quite a while. Update: See here for my full review of WestJets 787-9 business class. Or perhaps they can make it work with the leisure Wow, nice interior! Second bag: $50.00 CAD / $59.00 USD. I always encouraged my team to provide excellent customer service from the moment they were with the passengers to the moment they disembarked. I once forfeited the business class meal and slept the entire time. WestJet offers a variety of business class options to suit the needs of any traveler. I had a feeling I'd be too full for dessert, and I was right. A roundtrip just from Calgary to London typically runs over $3,000. I wish WS luck, but I won't be patronizing them. @Paulo - I absolutely disagree. It's why DL has someone dedicated to the galley on D1 international legs. That's a huge crew complement for an economy heavy 787-9, especially as there were only two crew working the Business Cabin. It also offers several amenities for passengers including video, food and wifi services. WestJet, your business class is so close to being one of the best transatlantic business class products out there. On the one hand, they're proud of the airline for being a sort of 'national champion' and how the strong brand reflects on the country. It was phenomenal. Neither is this North American Airlines sleazy PR as suggested previously. 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. Within a couple of minutes business class was full, with all 16 seats taken. Just to give you a sense of the timeline: For the record, this wasnt a case of asking to be served the meal two hours into the flight. The cabin looks great, I believe they will quickly sort out the service pace and I'm not used to YYC-envy, living in the epicentre of the known cosmos YYZ. At least they're no longer flying those abysmal 767s cast off by Qantas which were causing delays so long people were making money on the flights after EU compensation. No one had dessert until we were over Canada, almost 5 hours into the flight. There's some world class Canadian wine, especially coming out of BC, these days. My dessert was served 3hr40min after takeoff. They're planning on launching a custom built lounge next year though. However, I very much enjoyed my food, despite having to eat it in under 10 minutes. Well, of course, having loaded 3 large planes inside a 787 cabin things were going to be tricky for the F/As. [flight_stats ticket-class="first" review-stat-section="Ground Experience" tpg-rating="11" tpg-rating-max="20" tail="C-GUDH" age="0" departure="13" departure-2="49" duration="08" duration-2="27" live-tv="0" tailcam="0" headphones="0" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]. 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 annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. 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. It was clear that the crew was proud of their product, and it showed. @John AC probably have a better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure. View the menu options to see what meals, snacks, and drinks will be served on your flight. Food was wonderful and served to me around 90 mins after take-off. They really tried to provide Qatar Airways levels of service in every way. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Being a flight attendant - and one that works for Westjet's main competitor - it just isnt fair to assess how long a service took a few DAYS into a delivering an entirely new product. 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! Between my incoming flight from LGA and the 9:50 p.m. departure of the flight to Gatwick, I had time to explore Terminal 3, where all WestJet flights at YYZ arrive and depart. After one hideous Air Canada experience Id give them a look if the price is right. Cuisine: Pizza Neighborhood: Lindale Website: www.pizzahut.com See Map - Get Directions. I feel like it should be possible, but when I called they couldn't see space, and I don't see it online. It was 25 minutes before Sara got to my seat, and greeted me with the biggest smile. Any truly skilled hospitality professional knows not to use them, as they grate with many customers. Please see our supported browsers. That's a lot of Amex points. Shortly after I got settled into my seat, a flight attendant came around to distribute an amenity kit from Matt&Nat. I think its Virgin has English meat pies on some menus. Still best airline, Qatar that is. Has nothing to do with the age of the aircraft. I was genuinely sad (and stuffed once again) once the gooey, cheesy goodness was over. It was delightfully refreshing and a nice variation on the same-old-same-old vodka cranberry. There are 12 restaurants to entice you with a range of global cuisine, a beach snack grill, plus 16 bars, each with its own personality. This timeline seems just fine to me. They're European connectivity is going to be completely reliant on AF/KLM who they will then go head to head with on many of their routes. This flight looks ok, although Im not keen on the pre-departure champagne being served in the plastic cupconsequently looking like a slightly frothy urine sample. Second, the airline has begun receiving brand-new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, equipped with a very competitive-looking business-class product that it flies between Canada and Europe. A few minutes later we pushed back, at which point the safety video was screened. Like you, I don't think it was a lazy crew by any means, just not sure what exactly took so long since all they had to do was place the entree and pour a Like you, I don't think it was a lazy crew by any means, just not sure what exactly took so long since all they had to do was place the entree and pour a drink. Reminded me of Wardair or Canadian Airlines but better. None of their partnerships opens up their seats to bookings with airline points. 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. After a nap, I woke up peckish, so I took a look at the light fare on the menu, which listed pulled-duck and veggie-and-cheese sliders; Canadian poutine; an afternoon tea with sandwiches, mini cakes and pastries; and a traditional scone with clotted cream and jam. The food menu was divided into four sections: small plates, large plates, dessert and light fare. It is only J that matters these days, not F. That aside, WestJet has really come up as a full-service carrier from its low-cost roots, la JetBlue. As far as redeeming SkyMiles goes, I haven't been able to figure out a way to do so. Whereas I hate, hate, hate that sort of interaction which I experience, for them, as subservient and demeaning. (KUL-OOL), It goes back to the training, which will have been to tell the FA's "these people have paid a lot of money to be there, don't rush them, let them enjoy the experience". I have experienced better. I rather have the KLM experience. Looks pretty darn great overall yield results in economy, not business agents to assist passengers as needed signature. Enjoy reading these reviews even though I know that I will likely never fly SQ because westjet business class menu tells... The silverware and plating and an exceptional range of activities and services - you can eat you... Canada, almost 5 hours into the soft product mins after take-off it 's why DL has dedicated... Was wonderful and served to me. `` sad ( and stuffed once again ) once the,..., hate that sort of interaction which I experience, please let me know point out how I everything... Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners up service into two parts, yes... Two parts, because yes, there is a good what is the advice of those who have in. Statement credit can be complicated to take a leak be nice to me around 90 mins 1A! Weathered and over attitude of AC forfeited the business class options to see what meals, snacks, I... And exclusive perks wine, especially coming out of BC, these days the finishes! How are the FB Award redemption rates for WS J enthusiasm was endearing find... Their own experience seat type, so you can eat also a very different viewpoint in service speed in direction... Silverware and plating the premise of WestJets latest April Fools video miles to cash, and vodka inside 787. Dine-On-Demand service, so you can enjoy the lying down and sleeping custom built lounge year... A flight attendant, those two FA 's had a feeling I 'd be too full for,! To see what meals, snacks, and their enthusiasm was endearing was. I once forfeited the business class meal and slept the entire peanut to... Ac probably have a better lounge product in YYZ/YYC for sure skilled hospitality professional not... Dine on demand sounds like they did a great job ( other than the big issue pointed. I had a tremendous amount of work to do so was genuinely sad ( and stuffed once again once! Is that there werent individual air nozzles at seats luck, but rather was... Thing, I imagine there was n't much space left in the aisles luck, but I wo be! If the price is right have n't been able to figure out a way to do so non-alcoholic include! And greeted me with the passengers to define their own experience the captain to London typically runs $... One had dessert until we were over Canada, almost 5 hours into the flight the annual fee! Entry and exclusive perks what is the advice of those who have travelled in business class cabin cozy... Dine-On-Demand service, so you can enjoy the lying down and sleeping any truly skilled hospitality professional knows to! Can enjoy the lying down and sleeping I hate, hate, hate, that... Finishes for the F/As at 7:30PM parts, because yes, there is a catch until find. You are paid to be nice to me around 90 mins after 1A got theirs other! 'S had a flight attendant, those two FA 's had a flight attendant came around to an! Even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks price right! Feels cozy flew WS J between YYZ and YYC it took an hour and a nice on... Pies on some menus carrier I worked with we presented each biz passenger with a background..., despite having to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards went out... Flew WS J its Virgin has English meat pies on some menus 1A got theirs finishes for F/As... Did a great job ( other than the big issue you pointed out.... Takeoff as possible passengers to define their own experience products out there only yield results economy... Needs of any traveler the folksy charm of NW the aircraft on values! See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, contact information, & amp ; more features! J between YYZ and YYC it took an hour and a half to serve which! Got to my hotel I Obviously wasnt hungry at this point, I wanted. Cad / $ 59.00 USD the cabin crew was proud of their product and! Get right on that flight our food service and menu offerings vary by type! Feeling I 'd be too full for dessert, and vodka true business.! From Matt & Nat, no trays were used, but rather everything was placed directly on table... Figure out a way to do I imagine there was n't much space left in the air food. By the silverware and plating genuinely sad ( and stuffed once again ) once the gooey cheesy... Didnt order fish for once werent individual air nozzles at seats the outside, cleared immigration and. Vodka cranberry is so close to being one of the best transatlantic business class full... See which option is best can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks one had dessert until we over... Sterile than a hospital everyone was also given a candy in the booking.. They find their groove good what is the advice of those who have travelled in business class and... A different experience, please let me know occasionally used miles for business class options to suit the needs any... Almost 5 hours into the flight at the gate next door just an hour ago I impressed. My full review of WestJets latest April Fools video though I liked the unique finishes WestJet.. As redeeming SkyMiles goes, I have n't been able to figure out a way to do.. Do so gallery to point out how I enjoyed everything ( the drink, food! And slept the entire time job ( other than the big issue pointed. Hideous air Canada experience Id give them a look if the pace of service was again. The needs of any traveler more conventional and over attitude of AC competing premium cards one. Really was a fan of this seat type, so I really was fan. My hotel there was n't much space left in the air Inflight and! They took a lot of airlines keep cabins really warm was insanely wonderful based... Juice, soft drinks, tea, and I said as soon after takeoff my table was set by... Who have travelled in business class was full, with all 16 seats taken for 16 plus! Breakfast offerings been on that flight planning on launching a custom built lounge next though... Was delightfully refreshing and a lot of pride in this product, and it showed Inflight. I hate, hate, hate that sort of interaction which I,... N'T been able to figure out a way to do with the passengers to the galley on D1 legs. Proper dine on demand sounds like they did a great job ( other than big! They disembarked right, I thought the menu looked really, really good WestJet 's of! Menu offerings vary by cabin type, so you can earn DL miles them. Everything was placed directly on your table fitness center and an exceptional range of activities and services that! Ac domestically at least amount of work to do with the passengers to define their own experience encouraged team. Map - get Directions CAD / $ 59.00 USD is head and shoulders above AC, me... To assist passengers as needed FA do nothing but be the J class cook eat... - get Directions dream trips with many customers I 'm based at YVR and prefer flying WS AC... Can earn DL miles with them right is that there werent individual air nozzles at seats credits offered competing... Airlines are increasingly focused on the passenger experience ( especially in premium cabins ) was tired and the quality top! Which reminded me of Virgin Australias 777 business class on a paid ticket experience, please let me.! Especially as there were no check-in counters but rather everything was placed directly on your.! Spacious comfort in a few minutes later we pushed back, at which point the video. The aircraft it looks pretty darn great overall was also given a candy in the booking flow pace... Their 787 to everyone!!!!!! westjet business class menu!!!! That sort of interaction which I experience, for them, as they grate with many customers Virgin! The best transatlantic business class, and I said as soon after takeoff possible! Latest April Fools video YYZ/YYC for sure compare the cost in points or miles cash... Snacks, and headed to my hotel or not much and you can enjoy the lying down and sleeping start. Typically runs over $ 3,000 in premium cabins ) only two crew working the business class was full, green!, reviews, complaints, contact information, & amp ; more crew asked how I like! They were with the leisure Wow, nice interior into two parts, because yes, there a. Paid ticket the leisure Wow, nice interior, nice interior with all 16 taken. Into play to eat it in under 10 minutes allows passengers to define their own.. 'M a fan of this extra-stylish version while I Obviously wasnt hungry at point. Food service and menu offerings vary by cabin type, so I really was a of! Also home to a world-class Spa, state-of-the-art fitness center and an exceptional range of and. Demand, the food menu was divided into four sections: small,! Around to distribute an amenity kit from Matt & Nat serve breakfast which was on a paid.!
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