The door is open - will Westjet jump at the chance
#47
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
#48
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Having flights count towards status miles would go a long way for me! ^ I'm just not sure how much that would factor in to the operating costs for WS.
As for premium economy, I have always made my purchase at the check in kiosk and always say *a lot* of open seats, in many cases I was the only person seated in the premium economy section. So I'm not sure where the business incentive is to offer something that people aren't paying for.
Only time will tell I guess.
As for premium economy, I have always made my purchase at the check in kiosk and always say *a lot* of open seats, in many cases I was the only person seated in the premium economy section. So I'm not sure where the business incentive is to offer something that people aren't paying for.
Only time will tell I guess.
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
While I sympathize with AC SEs who now want in at WS, your demands for status matches and benefits that don't even exist for long time WS fliers are pretty audacious! WS doesn't have lounges (though offers a deal with Plaza Premium) so if you want lounge access for every trip, buy a Priority Pass or get the regular AmexPlatinum card for the Plaza Premium and Chinook lounges. As for upgrades, it's not like the seats in front on WS are anywhere close to the product AC offers in J...forget about meals and decent wines. Not to knock WS's product...it is what it is and what it is intended to be: a more roomy seat with a couple of free drinks to keep the premium CX, AF, BA feeder traffic happy.
When it comes to a FF program, the "enhancements" you'd want would cost WS too much money and undermine their business plan in this realm. You're not going to get F seats on AF or BA from a WS FF program.
WS has a good product for what it is, and it appeals to a large portion of the Canadian public. But I am not sure it will satisfy many SEs.
When it comes to a FF program, the "enhancements" you'd want would cost WS too much money and undermine their business plan in this realm. You're not going to get F seats on AF or BA from a WS FF program.
WS has a good product for what it is, and it appeals to a large portion of the Canadian public. But I am not sure it will satisfy many SEs.
#50
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
#51
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,578
FWIW, I do not find the WS seat particularly comfortable. My impression is that compared to AC's 320's, the seat is narrower and the seat cushion is shorter.
#52
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Calgary
Programs: SE, SPG Plat & Lifetime Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 12
I don't disagree with anything that you said. I am not trying to be "Elitist"
I am truly considering leaving AC and just trying to do some diligence before I do. I certainly don't expect J class and not particularly concerned, especially since upgrades on AC are pretty much a thing of the past. So I am focused on some of the remaining big things for me, which would include a quiet area to work in the lounge, and legroom.
I like the idea of the simplified rewards program based on cash rather than the mysteries of points that periodically get devalued.
I realize that Westjet can't handle my international travel, so I am trying to get a picture of what travel to Canada and US would be like wrt connections, price.
The other thing I am looking into is replacing my Aeroplan card. So I looked at the Westjet MC, but that doesn't give me the lounge access, which is why I made the comment. I'll check into Amex Platinum, but it means that my rewards are split into yet another program. If there was an Amex card for Westjet, that would be sweet.
I am truly considering leaving AC and just trying to do some diligence before I do. I certainly don't expect J class and not particularly concerned, especially since upgrades on AC are pretty much a thing of the past. So I am focused on some of the remaining big things for me, which would include a quiet area to work in the lounge, and legroom.
I like the idea of the simplified rewards program based on cash rather than the mysteries of points that periodically get devalued.
I realize that Westjet can't handle my international travel, so I am trying to get a picture of what travel to Canada and US would be like wrt connections, price.
The other thing I am looking into is replacing my Aeroplan card. So I looked at the Westjet MC, but that doesn't give me the lounge access, which is why I made the comment. I'll check into Amex Platinum, but it means that my rewards are split into yet another program. If there was an Amex card for Westjet, that would be sweet.
#53
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Why? Why? Zed! / Why? You? Elle! / Gee! Are You!
Programs: Irrelevant
Posts: 3,543
My WS flights have been the result of AC equipment delays that forced me to make last a last minute purchase at the WS gate.
A couple of times I had to make the mad dash from T1 to T3 and make my purchase while on the link train.
Last edited by jaysona; Oct 27, 2014 at 7:47 pm
#54
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Why? Why? Zed! / Why? You? Elle! / Gee! Are You!
Programs: Irrelevant
Posts: 3,543
I have to agree, I find the WS seat cushion feels a little shorter than the AC economy class seat. No idea about the width though - I've never had anyone sitting next me to on a WS flight.
#55
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Why? Why? Zed! / Why? You? Elle! / Gee! Are You!
Programs: Irrelevant
Posts: 3,543
#56
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Whistler, BC
Programs: SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, WS Gold, Hertz PC, NationalEE, Hyatt Explorist, IHGGold, BW Diamond
Posts: 199
C
#57
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Calgary
Programs: Altitude E50K, WS Gold (status match)
Posts: 1,211
#58
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Calgary
Programs: Altitude E50K, WS Gold (status match)
Posts: 1,211
Load factors can't be that low that you've had no one sit next to you? Really? I'm not being sarcastic, I am just surprised.
#59
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Calgary
Programs: Altitude E50K, WS Gold (status match)
Posts: 1,211
We've been working on improving our schedule for a few years now. WestJet Encore has been helping with this (not only by offering more frequencies and O&D's, but by freeing up short-haul 737s to add additional service on longer routes).
Not quite *that* interesting, but it will address one of the most frequent wishes on this thread.
We're around! How can we help?
Have they? There's one more nice little addition that we have up our sleeve.
WestJet Rewards Gold members will have access to priority security (where available), and advance boarding on all flights.
Cheers,
Darren
Not quite *that* interesting, but it will address one of the most frequent wishes on this thread.
We're around! How can we help?
Have they? There's one more nice little addition that we have up our sleeve.
WestJet Rewards Gold members will have access to priority security (where available), and advance boarding on all flights.
Cheers,
Darren
Darren, thank you very much for the post. You definitely have me intrigued and I will be watching for the announcement on October 29.
Just some feedback for you, most of it I am sure your marketing research has long since told you:
1. It's hard to win over AC FF members, especially once they have a taste of Star Alliance elite benefits (you know that). If WS was to join an alliance that may help, but I know your business plan for now is simply partnerships/interline agreements. There's something though about having gold status across an alliance....the customer definitely feels more connected to the world especially if they travel outside domestic itineraries. It also makes the entire airport and airline experience considerably more comfortable.
2. AC is a reputable company, very professional and they usually treat me very well; however, there have been times when they have treated me horribly; almost with contempt. Funny, although I have not flown with WS since 2006, I can almost guarantee I would never be treated poorly by WS. Perhaps there's something for WS to exploit there with the proper mix of FF incentives. A lot of AC FFs would love to be presented with a good reason to leave.
3. It would be tough for me to contemplate switching to WS due to both the hard product and the schedule. I don't find the 737s in general or your leather/pleather seats in particular to be all that comfortable. Again, though, I have not flown with you guys since 2006 so I have not been exposed to any cabin changes you may have made. Also, WS simply does not have the same frequency and overall fleet size to go toe-to-toe with AC. This is a big drawback. I know Encore is helping with that (for example, I'm hoping YQY will be year round one day!) That said, I know WS cannot go back to the days when Canadians saw AC and Canadian have the same routes departing within minutes of each other...that is simply not sustainable in Canada.
I need throw all that out there just to get it off my chest. There is definitely a subset of frequent flyer such as myself who simply wants to be comfortable when I fly. That does not mean business class upgrades, so the fact that WS does not have a business class isnt too much of a concern (but hopefully you are still seriously contemplating it). Between personal and business flying, I probably would generate about $7000-$9,000 in fare revenue for an airline. It's not much, but it must be more than your average Canadian traveler. In return for that business, all I want is, again, comfort: priority everything (check in, security, boarding, baggage), some additional complimentary check baggage thrown in, access to a priority reservation line, easier or advance access to seats with a little more leg room than your standard 31 inch pitch (which I hate) and lounge access. Oh, and to be treated with respect and like my loyalty is recognized and appreciated. I am sure I represent a considerable number of AC Elites who aren't necessarily fixated on upgrades to J-class. Sure, upgrades are nice, but theyre going the way of the dodo bird. I am certain that I must represent a market niche that WS could somehow exploit.
#60
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Whistler, BC
Programs: SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, WS Gold, Hertz PC, NationalEE, Hyatt Explorist, IHGGold, BW Diamond
Posts: 199
October 29th "Extra"
Quote:
Originally Posted by airbus320 View Post
WestJet to join OW ?
Not quite *that* interesting, but it will address one of the most frequent wishes on this thread.
So that would be Upgrade to Plus for Gold Members or Status Matching, perhaps?
Originally Posted by airbus320 View Post
WestJet to join OW ?
Not quite *that* interesting, but it will address one of the most frequent wishes on this thread.
So that would be Upgrade to Plus for Gold Members or Status Matching, perhaps?