Originally Posted by
V1213
There is a difference between the number of Premium fares available and the number of Premium seats available for selection.
There are 10 "Premium" seats on the DH4, so WestJet sells 10 Premium fares on those flights. However, 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B are automatically blocked by the system, so there are only 6 available for selection in advance. These usually open by check-in, so I'll often plan to move up to Row 1 at that time. I'm surprised that the system doesn't free any of them up when it has more than 6 people booked in Premium to avoid the situation you now find yourself in.
It is an odd situation for sure, especially given that it is a DH4 where there is not much difference between the two sections of the aircraft.
I suppose, then, when I’ve looked at flights and could not find a premium fare out of YQR (PE or business class to LGW via YYC), but did see availability on the TATL leg from YYC it was because all the premium fares were sold out on the YQR leg. That is probably something they should sort out as I ended up booking AC in business for my London flights even though Westjet’s schedule was preferable. I’m sure I’m not the only one who runs into this issue. I believe AC will book the segment into Y in such circumstances.
Anyhow, thanks for the clarification. I shall keep an eye out for the front rows opening up closer to flight time.