WestJet vs Air Canada: which is better for domestic flights?
Air Canada and WestJet are the two largest airlines for domestic travel in Canada, and most travellers choose between them on any given route. Air Canada has the larger network and the most frequencies, while WestJet is strong in the west and often competitive on price. The best choice depends on your route, budget and what you value most.
Which is the best airline to fly within Canada?
It depends on the route, and the honest answer is that no single carrier wins everywhere. Air Canada has the broadest domestic network and is often the only option on thinner regional routes. WestJet is strongest out of Calgary and across the West. Porter has become the interesting third choice on busy eastern and transcontinental routes, and Flair is the budget option if you can travel with hand baggage only. The four now compete in two rough pairings — Air Canada against Porter on service, WestJet against Flair on price.
| Airline | Strongest on | What you get | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | The widest domestic network, including smaller regional airports | Most frequencies, Aeroplan, lounge access on higher fares, widebodies on some transcon routes | Rarely the cheapest; basic fares are heavily restricted |
| WestJet | Western Canada, especially out of Calgary | Strong western network, WestJet Rewards, a full range of fare bundles | Thinner network in the east than Air Canada |
| Porter | Busy eastern and transcontinental routes | All-economy cabin with no middle seat on its Embraer jets, complimentary wifi and beer or wine | A smaller network, so it may not serve your city pair at all |
| Flair | Price, on the routes it flies | The lowest headline fares in the market | Everything is unbundled — bags, seat selection and changes all cost extra, and there are fewer daily departures if something goes wrong |
A practical rule: on a short trip with only a carry-on, the ultra-low-cost fare usually does win once you have checked what a bag costs. On anything where a delay would be expensive — a connection to an international flight, a same-day meeting, travel with children — the carrier with the most departures a day on that route is worth paying for, because it is the one that can re-book you within hours instead of the next day.
Network and routes
Air Canada operates the largest domestic network, reaching the most cities with the most daily departures, and is usually the stronger choice for regional destinations and connections. WestJet has a particularly strong presence in Western Canada, built around its Calgary hub, and covers all the major cities. On busy trunk routes such as Toronto to Calgary, the two compete head to head.
Price and fare types
Both airlines sell tiered fares, from a basic no-frills option up to flexible and premium fares. Basic fares are the cheapest but restrict bags, seat selection and changes. WestJet is often a little cheaper on western routes, while prices are usually close on competitive trunk routes — always compare the all-in fare for the cabin you need.
Baggage and seating
Carry-on is included on most fare types with both airlines, but checked-bag allowances depend on the fare tier. Air Canada offers a wide range of cabins from Economy to Business, while WestJet offers Economy, Premium and a Business cabin on many routes. Seat selection is a paid extra on the lowest fares with both carriers.
Loyalty programs
Air Canada uses the Aeroplan program, which has a large network of partners and redemption options. WestJet has WestJet Rewards, which earns and redeems credits on flights and vacation packages. Frequent flyers should pick the program that best matches the routes they fly most.
Which should you choose?
Choose Air Canada for the widest network, the most frequencies and stronger connections, especially to smaller cities. Choose WestJet for travel within Western Canada and for often-lower fares on those routes. On competitive routes, compare both for the specific dates and cabin you need.
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Compare fares and explore more routes in our guide to domestic flights in Canada, or contact Metairfare to book.
Complete guide: For the full picture on this topic, explore our Canada domestic flights guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WestJet or Air Canada cheaper?
Prices are often close on competitive routes; WestJet is frequently a little cheaper within Western Canada.
Which airline has the bigger domestic network?
Air Canada has the larger domestic network with more cities and frequencies.
Do both airlines charge for checked bags?
Checked-bag allowances depend on the fare tier; the lowest basic fares on both airlines charge extra for bags.
Which is better for domestic flights in Canada?
Air Canada suits wide-network and connecting travel; WestJet suits western Canada and value fares.
Looking for the bigger picture? Browse our all flights within Canada for routes, fares, and booking tips.