Westjet future B787 flights to LHR over LGW
Apr 14, 2019, 11:08 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,444
The economic case for making that move would probably see the business traveller shoulder all that cost. As about 90% of people on WestJet flights are not business orientated or price insensitive, they are shopping mainly on price, so whether the destination is LGW or LHR, the ticket price will need to be the same to remain competitive. This means the amortized slot costs of about $80 per return ticket will be need to be borne by the 10%, likely to the tune of about $1000 higher business class ticket price for LHR vs LGW and $200 per premium economy ticket, keeping the Econo and Basic tickets at the same price.
Apr 14, 2019, 11:20 am
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 669
The economic case for making that move would probably see the business traveller shoulder all that cost. As about 90% of people on WestJet flights are not business orientated or price insensitive, they are shopping mainly on price, so whether the destination is LGW or LHR, the ticket price will need to be the same to remain competitive. This means the amortized slot costs of about $80 per return ticket will be need to be borne by the 10%, likely to the tune of about $1000 higher business class ticket price for LHR vs LGW and $200 per premium economy ticket, keeping the Econo and Basic tickets at the same price.
Dec 3, 2019, 5:04 pm
#23
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Vancouver
Programs: Aeroplan, Mileage Plus, WestJet Gold, AMEX Plat
Posts: 2,026
In the case of London both airports are equally good for getting into downtown London. The fact Heathrow has some special status symbol among airlines executives is irreverent to most business passengers.
Heathrow has been talking about a third runway for a long time. That would be the time to do the shift if ever. At that time they may be able to get slots for free or close to free.
Dec 4, 2019, 11:56 am
#24
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: YYJ
Programs: Air Canada 75K, WestJet Platinum, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 119
- Both airports have good train service
- I've used the Gatwick Express and I would recommend it
- I find the immigration lines generally shorter at Gatwick, but both airports can be brutal at times
- If you qualify for the Heathrow Arrivals Lounge then that is definitely a huge plus
- Heathrow is a newer and nicer airport so the lounges and dining options are better
Dec 4, 2019, 12:57 pm
#25
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: YYZ / LHR
Programs: AC SE100k
Posts: 262
When you're talking about getting to LHR & LGW by public transit, each has its advantages/disadvantages, depending on where in London you're coming from or trying to get to. Everyone's going to have a different view on that. However, if you need to get to/from the airport by car/cab/mini-cab, LGW is a complete disaster from most parts of Central London. When I used to live in London and had young kids (and all the baggage that accompanies long-haul travel with young kids), I avoided LGW like the plague. Sometimes you just need to drive to an airport. Also, the Gatwick Express sucks big time if you need to take large luggage with you, and sucks even more if you're travelling with one or more strollers. Heathrow Express train doors are level with the platforms, and have significantly more space dedicated to luggage storage.
LGW is fine for business travel and weekend getaways. It's grungy and tacky but if you're travelling on business or for the weekend you're trying to minimize your time at the airport anyways. If you need to bring more than 1 piece of luggage and/or more than 1 kid, LHR is the way to go, though, and in my mind worth every penny in terms of the typically higher fares. When we moved to Canada I very begrudgingly shifted my flying from BA to AC -- I would have much preferred switching to WS, and their choice of LGW was the main reason that I didn't.
LGW is fine for business travel and weekend getaways. It's grungy and tacky but if you're travelling on business or for the weekend you're trying to minimize your time at the airport anyways. If you need to bring more than 1 piece of luggage and/or more than 1 kid, LHR is the way to go, though, and in my mind worth every penny in terms of the typically higher fares. When we moved to Canada I very begrudgingly shifted my flying from BA to AC -- I would have much preferred switching to WS, and their choice of LGW was the main reason that I didn't.
Dec 4, 2019, 7:01 pm
#26
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: YYJ
Programs: Air Canada 75K, WestJet Platinum, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 119
Also, the Gatwick Express sucks big time if you need to take large luggage with you, and sucks even more if you're travelling with one or more strollers. Heathrow Express train doors are level with the platforms, and have significantly more space dedicated to luggage storage.
Spoken like a pro.
Dec 4, 2019, 7:13 pm
#27
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: WS Nothing, AC Something, AS Gold. Too big for 737Max washrooms
Posts: 893
When you're talking about getting to LHR & LGW by public transit, each has its advantages/disadvantages, depending on where in London you're coming from or trying to get to. Everyone's going to have a different view on that. However, if you need to get to/from the airport by car/cab/mini-cab, LGW is a complete disaster from most parts of Central London. When I used to live in London and had young kids (and all the baggage that accompanies long-haul travel with young kids), I avoided LGW like the plague. Sometimes you just need to drive to an airport. Also, the Gatwick Express sucks big time if you need to take large luggage with you, and sucks even more if you're travelling with one or more strollers. Heathrow Express train doors are level with the platforms, and have significantly more space dedicated to luggage storage.
LGW is fine for business travel and weekend getaways. It's grungy and tacky but if you're travelling on business or for the weekend you're trying to minimize your time at the airport anyways. If you need to bring more than 1 piece of luggage and/or more than 1 kid, LHR is the way to go, though, and in my mind worth every penny in terms of the typically higher fares. When we moved to Canada I very begrudgingly shifted my flying from BA to AC -- I would have much preferred switching to WS, and their choice of LGW was the main reason that I didn't.
LGW is fine for business travel and weekend getaways. It's grungy and tacky but if you're travelling on business or for the weekend you're trying to minimize your time at the airport anyways. If you need to bring more than 1 piece of luggage and/or more than 1 kid, LHR is the way to go, though, and in my mind worth every penny in terms of the typically higher fares. When we moved to Canada I very begrudgingly shifted my flying from BA to AC -- I would have much preferred switching to WS, and their choice of LGW was the main reason that I didn't.
The Horror!
Dec 5, 2019, 4:08 pm
#28
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: YYG
Programs: airlines and hotels and rental cars - oh my!
Posts: 2,995
Now you're speaking my language. I have a standard rollaboard, a briefcase, my raincoat and that's it baby - no checked bags, no load of kids, don't care about lounges or duty free or airport dining options. When I arrive in London I just want to get to the hotel and on the return, I just want to get home.