Is WestJet or Air Canada better?

Which airline is better suited for flying with comes down to what you want to get out of the experience. WestJet seems to offer more opportunities for lounge access, as well as exclusive perks like companion vouchers. However, Air Canada has more destinations, which could be a make-or-break factor for your trip.



Choosing between Canada's "Big Two" in 2026 depends on your destination and desired level of service. Air Canada, as the flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, is generally "better" for international reach and premium service. They offer a true three-cabin experience on long-haul flights, including the "Signature Class" lie-flat pods. WestJet, while traditionally a low-cost carrier, has moved upmarket but remains centered on its Western Canadian hubs (Calgary and Vancouver). WestJet is often praised for a friendlier "guest-focused" culture and recently integrated Starlink Wi-Fi on many 737 MAX aircraft, which is a significant win for connectivity. However, Air Canada’s loyalty program (Aeroplan) is more versatile for global redemptions. If you are flying a domestic "hop," WestJet's "UltraBasic" fares might be cheaper, but Air Canada offers better flight frequency and connectivity for business travelers. In 2026, both airlines have faced scrutiny over reliability, making the "best" choice often the one that offers the only direct flight for your specific route.

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This airline is rated amount the Top 10 low-cost carriers on Flight-Report. Frequent travelers give the airline an average rating of 7.2/10. This is slightly above the general average .

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Air Canada is proud to have been named Best Airline in North America once again by Skytrax.

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Most Canadian airlines are not flying high in a 2023 ranking of the safest carriers in the world. Safety monitor AirlineRatings.com reviewed 385 companies, selecting the top 20 safest major and low-cost airlines. Neither Air Canada nor Air Transat made it into this year's list. Westjet did, however, make the cut.

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Some weekends in June and July of 2022 saw Air Canada top the global chart for delays, repeatedly hitting two-thirds and far outpacing other carriers as complaints of hours-long hold-ups or cancellations littered social media.

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Based in Calgary, Alberta, WestJet is a Canadian airline that specializes in providing low-cost fares, generally on routes that involve at least one Canadian airport. The company was founded in 1994 and is owned by the Onex investment group.

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MONTREAL, June 20, 2023 /CNW/ - Air Canada has been recognized as the world's most family friendly airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards presented at the Paris Air Show.

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Air Canada gives passengers the most legroom in North America. The airline gives 29–34 inches of legroom on all flights in Economy Class. On short-haul flights, the airline gives 37–39 inches of legroom in Business Class.

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