Air Canada vs. WestJet: An Honest Comparison for 2026

These are the two dominant carriers in Canada. Between them, they cover the vast majority of domestic routes and a large share of international flying from Canadian cities. If you are booking a flight in Canada, one of them is likely on the shortlist. Here is how they actually compare.

Network and Route Coverage

Air Canada is the larger network. It operates non-stop transatlantic and transpacific routes to over 50 international destinations, maintains code-sharing agreements with Star Alliance partners (Lufthansa, United, Singapore Airlines, among others), and serves more domestic cities including small regional routes through Air Canada Express (operated by Jazz, PAL, and others).

WestJet has grown substantially and now operates transatlantic flights to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Edinburgh from Calgary and Toronto. Within Canada, it covers all major cities and a solid set of secondary markets. WestJet has an LCC subsidiary (Swoop) and a partnership with Delta for transborder routing.

Verdict on network: Air Canada has the edge internationally and for Alliance connectivity. WestJet is competitive within Canada and on select transatlantic routes.

Fare Structure

Both airlines use tiered fare classes. The names confuse people, so here is the breakdown for 2026:

Air Canada domestic fares:

WestJet domestic fares:

Key difference: WestJet previously included carry-on on base Econo fares — that has changed as the airline moves towards fee-based ancillaries. Always check what is included before assuming.

Baggage Fees (Domestic, 2026 approximate)

Fees vary by route, advance purchase, and date. Check at booking.

In-Flight Experience

Mainline Aircraft:

Air Canada’s narrowbody domestic fleet (Boeing 737-8, Airbus A320-family) features seatback screens on most aircraft and a standard 3-3 layout. Seat pitch is 30–32 inches in economy.

WestJet’s Boeing 737-800 and MAX fleet also has seatback screens on newer aircraft. Many aircraft have been retrofitted. Seat pitch is similar at 30–31 inches.

Long-haul (Transatlantic/Transpacific):

Air Canada operates the Boeing 777, 787 Dreamliner, and Airbus A330 on international routes. Business class (Signature) uses fully flat beds on Dreamliners and 777s. Economy has seatback screens, USB charging, and decent pitch (30-31 inches standard).

WestJet operates the 787-9 on transatlantic routes. Its business class (Business Cabin) features fully flat pods comparable to Air Canada. Economy is competitive.

Verdict on in-flight experience: Roughly equal on mainline jets. Air Canada’s international fleet is larger and more varied. WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner experience is genuinely strong on transatlantic routes.

Loyalty Programs

Aeroplan (Air Canada): Relaunched in 2020 as a standalone program. Earns points on Air Canada and 45+ airline partners. Points are redeemable for flights, upgrades, hotels, merchandise. Value-per-point varies significantly depending on how you redeem — flights through Aeroplan at “market fare” value are best. Elite tiers: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, Super Elite 100K based on Status Qualifying Miles.

WestJet Rewards: Dollar-based program — you earn WestJet dollars (effectively 1.5–5% back on spend) rather than points. Simple and transparent but not as aspirational for premium cabin redemptions. Elite tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum based on annual segment and spend thresholds.

Verdict on loyalty: Aeroplan offers more premium aspiration and partner breadth. WestJet Rewards is simpler. Travellers who fly primarily WestJet and want straightforward cash-back value may prefer it. Frequent international travellers gain more from Aeroplan and the Star Alliance.

On-Time Performance

Both airlines are subject to the same Canadian airspace system and similar weather challenges. Historically, Air Canada and WestJet have had similar on-time records, with Air Canada occasionally leading in published DOT-equivalent statistics for transborder routes.

Neither airline has a consistent and significant edge. Choosing the more direct routing often matters more than the airline name.

When to Choose Air Canada

• International itinerary with Star Alliance connections
• Premium cabin on transpacific routes (ANZ, Singapore routing)
• Small regional city connections that only Air Canada Express serves
• Aeroplan holder approaching elite status
• You need full Flex/Latitude changeable fare

When to Choose WestJet

• Calgary is your home airport (WestJet’s primary hub)
• You want a simpler loyalty program
• Good WestJet sale fares to sun destinations (they frequently run these)
• You prefer the WestJet premium transatlantic 787 product
• The WestJet price is meaningfully lower and the itinerary is equivalent

Compare fares on both airlines for your route. Browse flight deals from Canada →