Air Canada vs Westjet vs Air Transat

[Lizziejane]

We will be flying from Winnipeg in January, and I'm just wondering how these three stack up against each other, in terms of add-on fees.

I know AC charge now for checked luggage, but Westjet does not. However, as far as I know, AC does not charge for seat selection, whereas Westjet does (I think).

Does anyone know how Air Transat typically compares to AC and WJ for price? They don't have their winter schedule loaded yet, so I have no idea what their prices will be like.

 

[badiggio]

I don't think air transat flies to orlando for the whole year,but seasonally,though i could be wrong and only once a week.I used them to fly to Ireland last year and they were great,though we did pay extra for our reserved seats.I find between WJ and AC they come out even depending on how much luggage you actually check in.I find WJ is usually a few dollars more than AC ,usually 10-15 dollars more.So 1 checked bag for every 2 people is a wash imo.We usually use carry-ons.
I'd go between AC or WJ ,whoever has the better departure times for your needs,if these are your choices.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Air Transit only flies on Fridays. Westjet does the direct flight on Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

I love the return direct flight with WJ as you get the whole day in the park.

United you sometimes have to pay to watch the tvs. We did on our flights last month.
West Jet transfers in Toronto which is a PIA as you have to collect your luggage and go through customs/security on your layover. I avoid transferring at a Canadian airport for that reason.

 

[Lizziejane]

Air Transit only flies on Fridays. Westjet does the direct flight on Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

I love the return direct flight with WJ as you get the whole day in the park.

United you sometimes have to pay to watch the tvs. We did on our flights last month.
West Jet transfers in Toronto which is a PIA as you have to collect your luggage and go through customs/security on your layover. I avoid transferring at a Canadian airport for that reason.

unfortunately out of Winnipeg, WJ arrives in MCO at 8 pm. With Air Canada, we'd need a connection in either Chicago or Toronto. And I guess Air Transat might be out of the question if their only direct flight is Friday, as we have to fly Saturday. Sometimes I really wish I lived somewhere like Toronto!!

 

[sherilaine]

unfortunately out of Winnipeg, WJ arrives in MCO at 8 pm. With Air Canada, we'd need a connection in either Chicago or Toronto. And I guess Air Transat might be out of the question if their only direct flight is Friday, as we have to fly Saturday. Sometimes I really wish I lived somewhere like Toronto!!

There was a conversation about how connecting in Toronto with Air Canada flying into the U.S. means you do not have to collect your baggage to go through customs - they are in a different terminal than WJ so it is easier for that reason.

So I'd look into that if I were you. Although I hate AC so would never pick them.

 

[clarkshel]

I find that Westjet is cheaper than AC. We usually always fly with Westjet because of this reason. Even though I prefer the entertainment system on AC than on Westjet. We have always had a good experience with Westjet.

 

[CdnCarrie]

unfortunately out of Winnipeg, WJ arrives in MCO at 8 pm. With Air Canada, we'd need a connection in either Chicago or Toronto. And I guess Air Transat might be out of the question if their only direct flight is Friday, as we have to fly Saturday. Sometimes I really wish I lived somewhere like Toronto!!

We have taken WJ from Winnipeg several times (direct flight) and arrived around 2 in the afternoon.

 

[Lizziejane]

There was a conversation about how connecting in Toronto with Air Canada flying into the U.S. means you do not have to collect your baggage to go through customs - they are in a different terminal than WJ so it is easier for that reason.

So I'd look into that if I were you. Although I hate AC so would never pick them.

Yes, last time we went through Chicago and customs was done here in Winnipeg, so clear sailing. I too hate AC though, and because this time we will have a 2 year old with us, we would love to try and get a direct flight (so that leaves WJ or Air Transat)

We have taken WJ from Winnipeg several times (direct flight) and arrived around 2 in the afternoon.

Yes, they have several options for timing if we're willing to connect in Toronto, however, the only direct flight leaves here at something like 4 pm. Can't help but scratch my head and wonder why they picked that time?! Was yours a direct flight or connected in Toronto?

 

[CdnCarrie]

Yes, last time we went through Chicago and customs was done here in Winnipeg, so clear sailing. I too hate AC though, and because this time we will have a 2 year old with us, we would love to try and get a direct flight (so that leaves WJ or Air Transat)



Yes, they have several options for timing if we're willing to connect in Toronto, however, the only direct flight leaves here at something like 4 pm. Can't help but scratch my head and wonder why they picked that time?! Was yours a direct flight or connected in Toronto?

Last two times I took the direct flight with WJ it was an early morning flight leaving Winnipeg and an evening flight back. Weird. Maybe they move it around.

 

[Lizziejane]

Last two times I took the direct flight with WJ it was an early morning flight leaving Winnipeg and an evening flight back. Weird. Maybe they move it around.

yeah, looks like they have changed it. And Air Transat just confirmed for me that they are not flying out of winnipeg at all this winter.

 

[KRFillion]

have you considered allegiant? We are also going to DW in January from Winnipeg. Flights from Grand Forks are now posted for January and leave on Mondays and Fridays.

 

[Lizziejane]

have you considered allegiant? We are also going to DW in January from Winnipeg. Flights from Grand Forks are now posted for January and leave on Mondays and Fridays.

I did check them out but we need to travel on Saturday. Plus with all the add on fees, their fare jumps to $500. Which would be a great fare from Winnipeg, but I'm hesitant to take the risk of having to drive down there

 

[alc571]

Air Canada does charge for bags, and also charges for advanced seat selection unless you buy the second fare choice (Flex, I think). Both Westjet and AC let you pick your seats when you do the online checkin 24 hours in advance. I believe AirTransat flies Sundays, via Canjet. At least that's what it was in October when we flew them.

We have flown with all three and they were all fine. The Canjet flight was the worst only for cramped space and the TVs were one every three or so rows. Westjet and AC have more room, better flight times, and a TV for every seat.

Should also mention. We got a free checked bag on Canjet too, but seats weren't assigned until you checked in. The part we loved about our trip in April on AC was that we do carryon only and with online checkin we just walked right to security. We didn't have to arrive so early, and it was so much faster. We passed this huge line of Sunwing passengers who were checking in for a flight that left about the same time as ours. It only took us 40 minutes from pulling into our parking spot, to sitting in the Gate area waiting to board. To be fair, it was a 6:30am flight so much less busy.

 

[kimber11]

We fly jetblue out of the states. We find Canadian flights are just way too expensive. We save lots of money by driving down and flying out of the states.

 

[CdnCarrie]

We fly jetblue out of the states. We find Canadian flights are just way too expensive. We save lots of money by driving down and flying out of the states.

How do you fly JetBlue if you live in Winnipeg? The OP is asking specifically about Winnipeg.