Has anyone taken Westjet to Orlando?

[Torontogal]

Has anyone taken a direct flight Toronto to Orlando on Westjet? We are thinking of booking a March break flight. What are your thoughts on this airline? Also, how long is the flight? Thanks.

[grover]

I havn't used them to MCO but within Canada...love em...would pick them over any other airline..great service,great prices :)
Vanessa

[mom_rules]

I hear westjet is quite nice. usually 2 to 2-1/2 hours for direct flight from YYZ to MCO

[Debbie]

...with satellite t.v. while you are in the air. :)

[EvilQueen]

I flew on WestJet from Toronto to Calgary for my Disney World interview and absolutely loved them. When I found out that I was coming down to WDW to work, I first thought of WJ to get me down here. I flew with them in June to Orlando and again, the service was awesome. All the flight attendants really seem like they love their jobs. And, yes, the on board satellite tv on the back of each seat is great. I definately recommend them!!!

Sandra :)

[wenabre]

I have flown twice with Westjet and just love them. It is a very well run airline and the staff treat you like you are a paying customer.....which you are with other airlines, but are some how not treated as such.
The seats are comfortable and its nice to have the mini TV's with several channels to watch. I would recommend them highly. :cool1:
wenabre

[iluvwesties]

I flew WestJet in February to Orlando and must say that they are a great airline. If you are considering using Air Miles to purchase your tickets, I would urge you to call a.s.a.p. as the amount of Air Miles required to buy a round trip ticket are going up on October 1st. Also, flights seem to be selling out very quickly. I was lucky to be able to book 2 tickets for my upcoming trip in February 2006 but really had to juggle dates to get them.

If they are cash tickets, I just noticed today that the Web Price has gone down for the dates I was looking at (which is good, because we still have to buy 1 more ticket)

Either way, West Jet is a friendly, comfortable airline.

Good Luck!!

iluvwesties (aka Carol) :paw:

[OnMedic]

I hear nothing but good things about WestJet. However, how do you abandon Aeroplan when they have rewards everywhere.... Hotels, Bell, Car Rentals, etc. etc. etc...

I earn 100K+ Aeroplan points a year with Air Canada/Star Alliance travel, CIBC Aerogold, hotel stays, car rentals etc.

However, if they joined a major alliance such as Skyteam, One World, Star Alliance. Then it would be worth traveling with them!

We should all petition them to join SkyTeam or One World! :earseek:

[MaryannF]

In February DH and I flew West Jet from Toronto to Orlando. The flight left right on time 9:45 am and was supposed to land at 12:25 pm. We landed at 12:05 pm and had picked up our luggage and found the Limo driver before 12:25. It was the most pleasant flying experience we have ever had. DD, DS and I are going to WDW in December flying West Jet. The flight leaves at 10:15 am and lands at 12:55 pm.

[wee-haggis]

Just returned last Sunday from Orlando where weused Westjet. The flight down was great and the flight back was very good too. Lots of leg room and friendly crew.
Beter than AC,AT or Skyservice...hands down.

[DreamsComingTrue]

We used them on our trip in July from Toronto to MCO and I was very pleased.The flight crew was very friendly and funny too.The kids loved watching the flight on the TV showing where we were. No complaints here. :goodvibes

[calgarygary]

I hear nothing but good things about WestJet. However, how do you abandon Aeroplan when they have rewards everywhere.... Hotels, Bell, Car Rentals, etc. etc. etc...

I earn 100K+ Aeroplan points a year with Air Canada/Star Alliance travel, CIBC Aerogold, hotel stays, car rentals etc.

However, if they joined a major alliance such as Skyteam, One World, Star Alliance. Then it would be worth traveling with them!

We should all petition them to join SkyTeam or One World! :earseek:

To earn 100k on aeroplan, you are doing some major flying/spending. Westjet is part of the airmiles program and if you have the gold Mosaik card with the Westjet option, you will collect enough points for two flights a year just by doing regular shopping at safeway, rona, etc. So I'm quite happy with Westjet staying right where they are and not driving up their costs by joining a major alliance.

[CanadianPaco]

We did in July! Fabulous!! Satelite TV - bring your headphones from home or pay a loonie per - still not bad. Airmiles. Wish our travel agent had told us about that one! We'd fly it again - no second thought! :wave2:

[wee-haggis]

We did in July! Fabulous!! Satelite TV - bring your headphones from home or pay a loonie per - still not bad. Airmiles. Wish our travel agent had told us about that one! We'd fly it again - no second thought! :wave2:
Although I found it strange, after I booked with Westjet (for my last August trip) I (just because I'm nosey)called Sears Travel. They don't really advertise it but they do book Westjet flights. The amazing was that they were $10 cheaper than the Westjet website !

[Amberle3]

On the Westjet vs Aeroplan tickets: I earn enough Aeroplan points for a few tickets a year. I would still rather pay to fly with Westjet than take a free flight with Air Canada. The service and the attitude alone are worth it, hands down. The only time I fly Air Canada is if I have to go somewhere that Westjet doesnt't fly.

[Mickey&JoshNut]

I'm so glad to hear all the fave reviews for WestJet. I'm using them in a couple of weeks for a trip to WDW to meet up with some friends from the cruise. I too used airmiles and was hoping it would be okay, but after reading this thread it has taken a lot of my concerns away.

Thanks everyone

[mom_rules]

Can someone please tell me where to check and how to book using airmiles?

[grover]

You can check on www.airmiles.ca for flight info.
But to book you have to call airmiles...call in a off time as sometimes you can be on hold a bit. The 1-800 is on the back of your airmiles card!
HTH
G in W

[mom_rules]

Thanks Grover-any idea of how many airmiles from YYZ to MCO?

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Thanks Grover-any idea of how many airmiles from YYZ to MCO?

I'm going October 6 - 11, 2005 and I was 2,600 air miles. You do still have to pay the taxes on the ticket(s).

[mom_rules]

Can you use airmiles and combine with aeroplan for AC flights?

[OnMedic]

You can use Air Miles, Aeroplan, American Express Miles etc. for tickets on the smae flight, but you cannot comnine them to purchase an individual ticket.

So, get the flight number or available flights for each reward channel and try and match them all up so you can travel together. :teacher:

I hope that is what you were asking.

Thanks

[OnMedic]

Someone had earlier mentioned that Air Miles would get you there faster...

Lets do some math:

Aeroplan = 25,000 pts. for a R/T Reward ticket
Credit Card, Hotel Stays, Car Rentals, Bell Canada etc. all count.
25,000 pts = $23,000 spending plus other rewards for the average person.

Air Miles = 2,600 for a R/T Reward Ticket
2,600 pts = $48,000 - $51,000 spending plus rewards for the average person @ 20/1 on the Mosaik MC.

Does this make sense?

When it comes to FF Miles, I think they both work out to be similar... about 24 one way trips (using my travelled routes, which they both fly), roughly, to one reqrd ticket strictly on flight miles.

Any other thoughts?

[iluvwesties]

Someone had earlier mentioned that Air Miles would get you there faster...

Lets do some math:

Aeroplan = 25,000 pts. for a R/T Reward ticket
Credit Card, Hotel Stays, Car Rentals, Bell Canada etc. all count.
25,000 pts = $23,000 spending plus other rewards for the average person.

Air Miles = 2,600 for a R/T Reward Ticket
2,600 pts = $48,000 - $51,000 spending plus rewards for the average person @ 20/1 on the Mosaik MC.

Does this make sense?

When it comes to FF Miles, I think they both work out to be similar... about 24 one way trips (using my travelled routes, which they both fly), roughly, to one reqrd ticket strictly on flight miles.

Any other thoughts?

I save Airmiles to fly to FLorida and have managed to do at least 6 roundtrip tickets to MCO for a family of 4.

I know I do not spend anywhere close to the amounts you mentioned!

I use my airmiles card to buy groceries (have to buy them anyway) use the credit card to pay for them (extra airmiles) shop and buy "bonus" products in the grocery store (i.e. buy 2 get 10 airmiles) which I would have to buy anyway. I buy my hubby and I Gas at participating gas stations such as Shell, use an easypay tag and usually spend over $30. This gives us 3+ airmiles each time.
We pay for major items on the Mosaik Mastercard (Westjet) and I get 1 a/m per $15. plus for signing up with this option Westjet gave me (150 i think) bonus airmiles. It usually takes me 2 years to save for 4 round trip tickets, but sometimes less. (such as this year, only 3 of us are going not 4)

Now, the good thing is that if you have a Mosaik Westjet card, you can buy your ticket for 1400 roundtrip (of season) or 1600 roundtrip (peak season).

I did have an aeroplan card and only ever managed to get up to 6000 airmiles and then they "dropped off" my account (expired).

Airmiles do NOT expire.

So, I'm sticking with Airmiles, For me they work.

iluvwesties (aka Carol) :dog:

[OnMedic]

WOW... I did not realize there was such a Miles discount as a MC holder. That cuts the miles needed by 1/3 the previous post. This thread is showing that Aeroplan is really for the business person, and Airmiles may be better suited for the average traveller and needs buyer.

Do any business travellers/users have the Airmiles cards?

[calgarygary]

Let's not forget that Safeway offers bonus miles almost every month. Spending $200 in groceries for a family of 6 isn't exactly hard to do and during the bonus periods, I will get 250 bonus airmiles. There is no need to spend $48,000 for a free trip. Rather, regular shopping, fuel purchases, and nominal credit card use gives us a couple of free trips every year.

This year it is 5 trips from Calgary to Orlando because we signed up for the gold MC with westjet option.

[AndyMcV]

I and my family flew down this past June (I had a conference to go to) and we flew Air Canada. A work colleague going to the same confernce flew WestJet. He was really happy with the flight and said the crew was excellent. They had little televisions in each seat (he flew economy) too. On our flight back from Orlando using Air Canada the air conditioning in the plane wasn't working and the flight attendant was much less than nice. I'd seriously consider WestJet from YYZ to MCO.

[robsawatsky]

I collect both Airmiles and Aeroplan miles. I have credit cards that generate points for both. BUT, almost all my Airmiles are generated from sponsor/shopping points and most of those are Safeway bonus points, perhaps 10 percent come direct from the Mastercard. It is pretty much the opposite for Aeroplan, most come from the Credit Card and the rest from flying AC.

[DIS~n~JAN]

Has anyone taken a direct flight Toronto to Orlando on Westjet? We are thinking of booking a March break flight. What are your thoughts on this airline? Also, how long is the flight? Thanks.
:wave2: Hi,
As I've only flown once, I have nothing to compare too. However we flew to WDW and the whole experience was awesome! The kids thought it was cool when "Pilot Trevor" was visiting while 35000 ft in the air. The T.V was great for me as I was alittle :scared1: :scared:. Going again with Westjet.

[grover]

I use airmiles...almost all of my airmiles comes from items I would have to buy and they are bonus points..if had to spend 23,000 it wouldn't be happening!
Like previous posters most airmiles come from grocery shopping! My family needs food so it works for us-lol! Since the spring I have earned enough for almost 2 plane tickets by using my AM and my westjet gold mastercard. My mom fly's westjet all the time so I put her flights on my card and she pays me--gets us a few extra miles.
Also when we book our flights it will only be 1600 airmiles each during the busy season as we have the westjet mc...

[OnMedic]

Wow... with so many people having so much luck w/Air Miles.... maube worth more investigation.

Do you give AM for Car Rentals, Hotel Stays and any cell and landline communications carriers?

Cheers!

[calgarygary]

airmiles has a large selection of sponsors from travel, dept. stores, grocery stores, all the way to liquor stores. Check them out at airmiles.ca

[grover]

you have to be signed up with am to view the website

[jazzyjess]

Westjet was great to and from Orlando!!!!

Tip - take your own earphones (single jack) best to use the ones that go right into your ears - on our flight down and back (just today!) had a screamer (2 year old boy - cute but could he ever scream!!!) and they drowned him out perfectly - love the satellite TV!

[grover]

you have to be signed up with am to view the website
I was wrong..you can sign up on the homepage of thier website..

[KerriMc]

Just a quick question ... for those of you travelling as more than a singleton, did you all get seated together??? Since you can't book your seats ahead of time, my biggest worry is getting us together (six of us ... four adults and two kiddos) ... I heard they assign groups together the night before ... is this true??

Thanks so much
Kerri

[grover]

We have always been seated together...

[MaryannF]

Westjet was great to and from Orlando!!!!

Tip - take your own earphones (single jack) best to use the ones that go right into your ears - on our flight down and back (just today!) had a screamer (2 year old boy - cute but could he ever scream!!!) and they drowned him out perfectly - love the satellite TV!
When we flew WestJet to Orlando in Feb. they handed us earphones as we boarded the plane. Someone told me you have to pay for them now. Is this true? Flying in Dec. and will take some if we have to pay for them.

[grover]

Yes they charge 1.00 for a set...you can bring your own though...

[calgarygary]

Just a quick question ... for those of you travelling as more than a singleton, did you all get seated together??? Since you can't book your seats ahead of time, my biggest worry is getting us together (six of us ... four adults and two kiddos) ... I heard they assign groups together the night before ... is this true??

Thanks so much
Kerri
I don't know if they assign groups together - the 6 of us are flying down from YYC to MCO on Oct. 2. With any luck, the 4 girls will not be anywhere near my DW and I. :rotfl:

[Torontogal]

Thanks to everyone who answered my post.
We just booked our flight to Orlando for March. I feel so good about the flight after reading your posts. I am travelling with the 2 kids both under two.
One question I have is we are travelling with a 2 year old and I am concerned about possible temper tantrums, not wanting to stay in his seat, air sickness, etc. He is wonderful in a car (we drove from Toronto to Orlando and both kids were angels).
I want to know what I can do to make things easier for him. I was thinking of bringing his car seat since he is used to that - and it will also give him the message that he cannot run down the aisles. Are you allowed to bring a car seat?
I would love your thoughts! :flower:

[OnMedic]

OK, a bit of a late response...

In the Waterloo area we do not have grocery stores that do Airmiles :confused3

I have found the perfect airline partner program for WestJet, Alaska Airline and their Milage Plan. It is a proprietary program that is not part of Sky Team, Star Alliance or One World, however you can earn Milage Plan miles by flying on any of:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Big Sky Airlines
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
Continental Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Era Aviation
Hawaiian Airlines
Horizon Air
LAN
Northwest Airlines
PenAir
Qantas

No big programs for WestJet to join, just a two way credit/debit with Alaska Airlines and the Milage Plan. This way anyone flying WestJet can earn miles into their Alaska account and then use them to fly on any of the above partners or back into WestJet... or you could fly any of the above partners earning miles into your alaska account, and then use them to fly as well on WestJet.

Would be GREAT!

P.S. - Safeway is also a partner of Alaska Airlines Milage Plan...!

[wee-haggis]

Just wanted to mention that you should not count on the seatback TV as they are not yet installed on all planes. We have flown 4 return flights from Toronto to Orlando and only had TV on two of the six legs of our flights. If there is no TV there is NO entertainment not even music so take something for the kids and yourself to pass two hours just in case.
Although we have enjoyed the flights, leg room is good and staff are excellent it is disappointing for the kids not to have the seatback TV.

Here's hoping your flight has entertainment and is great going down and coming home.

We have flown down in 2 hours and 15 minutes however we have also flown down with a time of 2 hours 50 minutes so it varies.
Have a great trip.