Flight Number: WS655
Date: February 20, 2019
Seat: 1A
I thought I would share my experience on WestJet's inaugural commercial flight for the 787. I didn't have time to take many pictures, but I'm sure there will be a flood of photos in the coming days.
Check-in:
I checked in via the app and was hand baggage only so I didn't interact with any people or machines.
Lounge:
It was still unclear to me whether a business class ticket on a domestic flight included lounge access. I didn't get to find out, anyway, due to a delay on the Union Pearson Express causing me to be later on arrival than I would have preferred.
Gate / Boarding:
There were a number of cheerful WestJet employees surrounding the gate area, C35, when I arrived 1 hour before scheduled departure, and boarding had already commenced some time ago; there were hardly any pax lingering in the waiting area. However, there was a special area cordoned off for premium and status pax at the gate, with complimentary refreshments and snacks on offer. There was a scale model of the plane, C-GUDH on the counter. Upon entering the hallway to the bridge, there were more WestJet employees offering cupcakes to all passengers.
Gate C35
On-board cabin seat, service, and cabin:
I was seated in 1A, a Super Diamond seat. I didn't find anything physically different about this window seat compared to other airlines' Super Diamond pods, except for the fact that it had been sat in only a handful of times previous to myself. The colour scheme is quite pleasant. The inboard seat pairs have a movable divider making them very suitable for couples and individual travelers alike. At my seat, there was a reasonably thick blanket (maybe even a duvet, I didn't open it), a pillow, noise cancelling headphones, and a bottle of water. No amenity kit was provided on this flight.
Intimate business class cabin
Super Diamond in WestJet colours
At my seat, the FA greeted me by name and offered to show me the features of the Super Diamond seat pod. Not that I needed it, but I welcomed it. This is a first for me. I don't think I've ever had a CC member offer to show me how this stuff works, which in some cases could be quite helpful (like not too long ago when I was fumbling around for what seemed like hours trying to find the headphone jack on an AA 77W while my daughter was impatiently waiting for cartoons...). I also partook of a visit to the flight deck before departure, where the WestJet captain and the Boeing First Officer were very enthusiastic to speak about the aircraft and the overall experience.
Welcome aboard!
WestJet now has a safety video. I personally think that safety videos aren't far behind the cabin crew in introducing people to the flavour and feel of an airline. I think it's perfect for WestJet's target market (or what I think is their target market). I understand this video will be available on YouTube shortly.
One of the stars of the new safety video
I selected the omelette for breakfast, which came with a croissant, yogurt, granola, and a berry bowl. It was all actually quite tasty. I think I received the first WestJet business class meal ever as a revenue customer! Breakfast was served 1 hour after takeoff, which I think is a bit long, but this is the first time they were doing it, so I do not fault them at all. The table was cleared nearly immediately after I finished eating, with a smile.
Breakfast - Omelette
The IFE system seemed to be reasonably extensive and high quality, but I didn't poke around too much as I generally only watch 1 movie per long haul flight and bring my own entertainment for the rest. I'm unsure of the brand of the supplied noise cancelling headphones, but they were as sufficient as any other headphones I've tried in other airlines' J cabins. A snack basket came around mid-flight, which had the same contents as the Plus snack basket on 737s. It is my impression overall that on this flight, Business Class and Premium Economy had the same inflight food and beverage selection.
Interactive map
I thought it was a nice touch that the lavatory products were from Rocky Mountain Soap, a Canmore based company.
Business Class lavatory stocked with Rocky Mountain Soap products
I received this scale model of C-GUDH from WestJet's social media team onboard. I love it!
A wonderful souvenir from WestJet's social media team
Waiting for us in Calgary was another large crew of excited WestJet personnel. The CEO, Ed Sims, was waiting inside the terminal building personally thanking all of the passengers as they exited the bridge. I could see another display of cakes (?) in the shape of the numbers 7-8-7 and more refreshements beside the gate, but unfortunately at this point I needed to skedaddle back to work.
In summary, I think that if WestJet keeps up these small touches they will be noticed and they will make passengers very happy with the inflight experience. There were a few minor things that I'd provide for areas of improvement, but they are so minor that I won't mention them here but rather provide them on a survey if I get one...The enthusiasm, courtesy, and professionalism of the crew was second to none. Did I feel like a valuable customer on this flight? Yes!