Flight Review: WestJet Boeing 737-8 MAX Premium Economy – TPA-YYZ

I flew from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on WestJet. I have flown the airline before on this route (see here) and was quite surprised today to find that we had been assigned an aircraft without Wi-Fi, in-seat power, or premium seats. The first row of the plane that I had booked was just three seats with the middle empty (European Business Class). This was far different than my experience last year and quite disappointing. I’m also trying to figure out what type of aircraft I was on. The safety card said Boeing 737-8 MAX, but there are no planes that match this configuration on WestJet’s site or SeatGuru.

Anthony’s Take: I was unable to check-in online and quite surprised by such a mediocre aircraft. For a flight that is around three hours long, there is no reason why WestJet should fly an aircraft lacking amenities. Both meal choices were also cold on this flight while they were hot on my flights last year. I’m wondering if this was an anomaly or has WestJet really declined? Delta marketed the flight as Business Class, but WestJet calls it Premium Economy.

Booking

This flight was booked as one-way paid, Business Class ticket through Delta Air Lines. We flew Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) nonstop. The tickets cost around $550 each and in my opinion were not worth the premium upcharge.

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

My winter home airport is one of my favorites. While there is no lounge access for WestJet passengers here (the Admirals Club is for oneworld® and the other lounge that seems to handle international flights was not open), there is a food court and lots of space by the gates in Concourse F. Café Mis en Place used to be a Priority Pass restaurant, but that has stopped. It was pretty bad, so no real loss. We were departing from Gate F87.

Boarding

Boarding was split up into separate lanes for the different groups. Boarding began early as there were nine wheelchairs needed for the flight. We boarded immediately after the passengers that needed extra time or assistance. We used the self-serve lanes and they worked fine.

On-Board

When I booked this flight in January, I selected seats 1A and 1C. The seat map did not show that these were Economy seats with the middle left empty.

Here are the seats I flew in last year on this route operated by WestJet.

Individual air vents and reading lights were overhead. There were no blankets or headphones provided (there was no entertainment, so that made sense).

Seat Features

The seats were comfortable and offered a decent amount of room. They did recline, but that was the only feature. There were no outlets at these seats.

A bottle of water was in each seatback pocket when we boarded.

The first row had tons of legroom.

Food

Predeparture beverages were not offered, but we were brought a choice of drink shortly after takeoff. We had a choice of two cold main dishes. There was a oven, but nothing was served warm.

Along with the drinks, we were given a bag of pretzels and a cookie. I ordered a ginger ale.

The tray tables were set with a placemat and silverware.

The entire meal was served on one tray. The bread was not warmed. I enjoyed the Marinated Beef Strips on a Soba Noodle Salad.

My husband also liked his Roasted Balsamic Vegetable Penne Pasta Salad. The Black Forest Cake served with both meals was quite tasty.

A snack basket was brought out around one hour before landing. It had several sweet and savory options.

Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi was not offered on this flight. For a newer aircraft, it’s shocking that there is no Wi-Fi for passengers.

Entertainment

There was no entertainment offered on this flight.

Service

The service was rather lackluster. The flight attendant offered a beverage and meal choice, but did not come back to offer refills. She spent most of her time in the galley.

Lavatory

The lavatory was standard for what you can expect on a Boeing 737-8 MAX.

It was in good working condition and relatively clean.

Overall Impression:

We departed on time and arrived early. The lack of true premium seats, Wi-Fi, entertainment, and power outlets made this feel like we were flying a low-cost carrier. It was very different from our experience on the same route last year.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: I love the lounges where The Platinum Card® from American Express grants me access. It has had a prominent place in my wallet for many years now. While it does have an annual fee of $695, it provides many travel benefits and will always be my go-to for lounge access (both Delta Sky Clubs® and Centurion® Lounges) and booking airfare from the airlines to earn 5x points (up to $500,000 per calendar year booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel). Learn more. Rates & Fees. Terms apply.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.