Hi all,
First-time poster, long-time reader. I'm a huge aviation fan and typically fly WestJet out of Saskatoon when needing to travel. Was in Europe for a few months this summer (13 flights with different airlines - yippee!) and decided to take the opportunity to fly back home through Paris via WestJet's new 787 on August 2nd. I booked in Premium, then upgraded to Business (J), seat 1K.

My experience:
I echo very close to what Adam Smith has said - especially being in the same seat. The galley was incredibly loud, and I could not get time to sleep either (not that I really had planned to, but the seat was comfortable enough to want to). Mealtime took about 2 hours - much better than what I have been seeing on this thread over the past couple of weeks. I believe I fully clocked in at 2 hours and 15 minutes, but that's negligible. The food was absolutely amazing, huge props to WestJet for that service. I think I had 6 WestJet Signature Cocktails, along with a few other drinks and some tea (not a huge drinker, I swear, but the WSC was just too good to pass up).

Although the food was good, I was very confused by the whole process - I've flown "Dine on Demand" before, and typically the FAs ask when I'd like to eat - what I thought WestJet's service was. However, the FA did not ask, and they simply served everyone as soon as they could. Absolutely okay with me, but that part of the service confused me.

The service was... weird? Like I felt as if I was flying on a brand new airline with some rumblings of WestJet here and there. The experience was good, but even when the FA lead got on the PA system, it honestly seemed as if it was their first time making announcements (lots of uh, um, etc.), however getting back to the old WestJet of trying to add some personal flair into the announcements - it just felt off.

The Seat
The seat is amazing - if I could fly this seat every time I travel, I would. The finishes are elegant, there is plenty of storage room, and you do feel like you're the only one aboard the plane. I flew over to LGW from YYZ in a 767 with WestJet, sitting in Premium, and I would definitely take the longer flight (YYC>LGW) next time if I got to enjoy the seats again. The Premium and Economy seats didn't look half bad either (my parents actually flew the inaugural LGW>YYC home from Europe a few months ago, and raved about the experience - the seats, the food, the staff - and I got some sweet WestJet socks out of the deal).

Improvements
My biggest complaint was the check-in area at CDG. I arrived from my hotel about 3.5 hours prior to my flight (14:10, arrived around 11) - and the check-in is in area 5, on a corner. I don't know if it was the Canadian politeness or what, but it seemed as if the entirety of the economy section was there 5 hours in advance waiting in line (mind you, they don't open the waiting area until 3 hours prior, meaning everyone was stretched throughout the hallways), and there was one (8.5"x11") sign marking the other line for guests in Premium, Business, or of status - which I figured there would be, but once I stood there, about 15 others realized that they were standing in the wrong line - just a weird set up. Also, I mentioned to about 20 different people that they needed to get their bag tags printed off - that the baggage area they were waiting in line for was only to drop off baggage - some got it, some held up the line when the crew at the counter told them they needed to go back and start over. I know the staff is undoubtedly contracted at CDG, but at least have one person telling people in line that they can speed up the process by printing off their tags at the machine.

That was the first flight I checked a bag on during my travels, and honestly it was smooth, was the first one off back home (YXE) and in good shape. No complaints, but it was a carry-on size so I definitely will just bring it on next time (I wanted to experience that Priority Baggage).

The lounge. The lounge needs to be changed at CDG. Such a weird set up at CDG having to go through passport control, then to the lounge, then go through security - never experienced that before, but that's not my complaint. The Icare lounge was... mediocre for the level of service WestJet wants to be perceived as providing (I'd think) - minimal hot food, a moderate selection of drinks (6 different spirits, 3 different kinds of pop, a coffee/hot beverage machine), and then cold cuts, pastries, and some bread for food. Having spent time in the KLM lounge at Amsterdam, Swiss Lounge in Zurich, and the Austrian Lounge in Vienna, I was not impressed. I understand those other locations are the main hub for each respective airline, but WestJet, you have to do better. Or create an alliance with KLM/Delta/Virgin Atlantic/Emirates so you all can pitch in together for better lounges (that's the dream).

Summary
All said and done, I was pretty impressed with WestJet's service on board - in the airport, not as much. I'd definitely fly the J class again if time & money permits (am actually a student here!). If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know.

Also - definitely not the right place to plug this but I am searching for a business (airline/aviation/hospitality) to do a Co-op Work term from January - August 2020. If anyone has any connections (and not just to their next flight) or can point me in a direction, that would be great!

Cheers,
justabusinessstudent