The WestJet vs Air Canada debate has been running in Alberta since WestJet launched out of Calgary in 1996. Thirty years later, both airlines fly from YEG and YYC to destinations across Canada and internationally. Here is an honest, no-nonsense comparison for Alberta travellers — when to choose each one, and when neither is actually your best option.
"I fly both. Anyone who tells you one is always better is either a loyalty program hostage or has not checked the actual prices lately. The right answer depends entirely on your route, your dates, and whether you are checking a bag."
| Category | WestJet | Air Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 — Calgary, Alberta | 1937 — Montreal, Quebec |
| Hub | Calgary (YYC) | Toronto (YYZ) |
| Alberta roots | Born in Alberta | Eastern-focused |
| International routes from YYC | More routes, more seasonal | Fewer but year-round |
| Base fare price | Often cheaper | Often pricier |
| Carry-on included | Econo and up ✅ | Standard and up ✅ |
| First checked bag | $35-$65 | $35-$75 |
| Loyalty program | WestJet Rewards | Aeroplan (more valuable) |
| Business class | WestJet Business | Stronger product |
| Transatlantic | More direct routes from YYC | Strong YYZ hub |
| On-time performance | Comparable | Comparable |
| Customer service | Historically friendlier | Improving |
WestJet's direct European routes from YYC are unmatched — Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Dublin, Edinburgh, Reykjavik. Air Canada does not offer most of these from Calgary. If you want to fly direct to Europe from YYC, WestJet is often your only option.
For flights to Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax and Sun destinations, WestJet frequently offers competitive prices with better cabin atmosphere. The service on domestic WestJet flights tends to feel warmer and less corporate.
WestJet Rewards dollars work like cash — simple, no blackout dates, no complex point valuations. If you fly WestJet regularly, the dollars add up and the redemption is genuinely easy.
Both Air Canada and WestJet fly direct YYC-LHR year-round. Having two airlines compete on this route is great for prices. When one is expensive, check the other.
Aeroplan is objectively a more valuable points currency than WestJet Rewards for international business class redemptions. If you fly often enough to accumulate significant points, Aeroplan's Star Alliance partnerships unlock business class to virtually anywhere in the world.
Air Canada's Pearson hub is vastly superior to connecting through Calgary on WestJet for international travel. If you are flying Edmonton to Tokyo, an Air Canada connection through Toronto with a single airline is smoother than a WestJet connection.
Porter Airlines now flies from Calgary and Edmonton to Toronto with a remarkably generous baggage allowance — carry-on and first checked bag included on most fares, plus complimentary snacks. For YEG or YYC to YYZ, Porter deserves a look.
Flair can undercut WestJet and Air Canada significantly on base fares but add baggage fees back in before comparing. A $99 Flair fare with a $60 checked bag may be $159 total versus a $139 WestJet fare with baggage included.
WestJet was founded in Calgary. Their headquarters are still in Calgary. Their pilots, flight attendants and staff are heavily Alberta-based. There is a genuine argument for supporting an Alberta-founded airline — especially one that offers more direct international routes from YYC than any other carrier.
That said, loyalty should not make you overpay. Always check both airlines for your specific route and date before booking. The $50-$100 you save by shopping around pays for more flights over time.
For most Alberta travellers, the answer is: check both every time. Neither airline is universally better. WestJet wins on direct European routes from Calgary and domestic service warmth. Air Canada wins on Aeroplan value and global connections through Toronto.
The best airline for your trip is whichever one flies the right route on the right date at the right price — with the baggage allowance that matches what you are actually bringing.
✈️ Aunt Tia checks both airlines every Monday and shows you the best deal regardless of carrier. Subscribe to get Alberta's best flight deals delivered weekly — WestJet, Air Canada and everyone else. Subscribe free →
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