We've flown Westjet from Alberta using air miles, but I do know that Westjet very often has a half price sale, but generally when they post a sale, it seems to be for only a couple of months in the future, which is too bad. When they post a half off sale, a person can keep checking days on their website to find the day that has the lowest price. For example, you might check out from a Fri. to a Fri. and find out that only on the way there would you receive 50% off. But if you click on more days, you might see that a Thurs. - Thurs. would be 50% off both ways. I also know that when Westjet offers a 50% off sale, that Air Canada follows suit. I personally prefer Westjet over Air Canada. The seatback TVs are a nice added bonus!! Good luck!! I hope someone else will be able to post more details for you. Did the Alaskan Airlines price include taxes? I find it is the taxes that really make the flights $$$!