Premium worth it on short flights in Canada?
 

Hi folks. Am thinking of upgrading to premium on a weekend getaway YHZ-YUL. Unfortunately there's only one nonstop a day so we'd be going through YYZ. The schedule says the planes are Boeing 737 MAX 8, De Havilland Dash8 Q400. I'm thinking Premium on the Dash 8 is a warmer smile and advance boarding? What about that Max 8 (2.5 hrs on the YHZ-YYZ leg)? Are all the Max 8s now proper 2x2 seating in premium? SeatGuru is still showing 3x3 with the middle seat blocked.

Thanks for your input! I tried reaching out to WJ on FB but can't crack the code to talk to a human.

Separate cabin yes
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c21203c99.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...38d6c5c57.jpeg
seating in premium class
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8a04e9a1a.jpeg
-700/800 NG
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2c77df1c7.jpeg
-8 Max

Thanks. Looks like the same exterior we saw on YHZ-CDG last month, wasn't sure if they were keeping the "nice" ones for TATL!

The fleet interior configuration was completely overhauled during the pandemic shutdown and completed in 2020-2021

Now incoming max deliveries have a new interior design as well
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c1c8a6c72.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...92017921a.jpeg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f48190dd9.jpeg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...668b9f0a5.jpeg

This is correct, plus free checked bags, a free beverage beyond water, and a snack box if the flight is long enough.

I've frequently seen WS charge the same for Premium on the DH4 and 737s on routes where they're running both, and I would answer a resounding "no" to your question re the DH4. I have paid for "business class" on DH4s in Europe where they block the seat next to you so you at least have a bit of extra room, but with WestJet, unless the difference from an economy fare to premium is less than what you're going to pay for baggage fees, seat selection, or whatever, I would say it's really not worth spending anything extra for Premium on the DH4.

The 737s, on the other hand, offer service pretty comparable to business/first on the other major North American carriers' narrowbody aircraft.

free checked bags only apply if you purchase a Premium fare; not for upgrades after booking is confirmed - to be clear.