Air Canada vs. Westjet (Domestic)

If you ever had to fly between Toronto and Vancouver, you don't have that many choices. You either go with Air Canada or Westjet. Having flown for more than 4 years back and forth every 4 months or less between these two cities, there are some fundamental differences between the two. Here are a few categories I think people care about.

1) Loyalty Programs: Air Canada

Hands down, Aeroplan rewards are 10 times better than Westjet dollars. For Westjet dollars, you get only 1% of your airfare back, whereas Air Canada....well....it depends. Maximum you only need to ride 25 times before you get your air ticket back. However, there are always promotions from other partners for you to accumulate lots of points. And you get to spend it on other stuff, besides air plane tickets. 

2) Service: Westjet

Hands down again, Westjet is famous for their friendly service. Sometimes it may seem unprofessional, but a laugh or a joke here and there definitely brightens your day. I always get a few laughs here and there during my flight. No one can beat Westjet here. 

3) Legroom: Air Canada

Tight race, but I have to go for Air Canada. Some people don't mind, but for people like me who is 6' every inch is welcomed. Air Canada gives me slightly more legroom which makes my ride a lot more comfortable. Westjet, well....my knees touch the seat :(

4) Complementary Stuff: Westjet

Drinks + Snacks! Yay....Air Canada...just drinks...aw...

5) Booking Flights: Westjet

Apparently Air Canada over books their flights, so sometimes you may have to wait for another flight. However, this has never happened to me before. Westjet guarantees your seat and is always a tiny bit cheaper than Air Canada. 

6) Punctuality: Both

Both are good at being on time. However, this is very weather dependent since Toronto usually gets the bad winters.

In conclusion: Air Canada. 

If I wasn't 6' tall, I would totally pick Westjet, but Air Canada is my choice of airlines for the Toronto-Vancouver line. I like my legroom :) and that's the most important thing for me....really !