WestJet adds temporary Premium option to former Swoop planes

WestJet is adding temporary enhancements to Boeing 737 aircraft that were once operated by ultra-low-cost-carrier Swoop to provide guests with a Premium option on board.

The changes were implemented Oct. 27 and include upgrades like preferred seating, more elbow room, priority boarding, exclusive snacks and beverages, and a future travel credit, the airline said Monday (Oct. 28). 

Enhancements will also be made to newly-acquired leased Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, and in 2025, Sunwing’s planes, which are also set to be integrated into WestJet’s mainline.

“To keep up with increasing demand, the airline is continuing to leverage a growing number of aircraft that are currently configured differently to the rest of its fleet,” a WestJet-issued press release stated. 

The airline says the addition of the aircraft are “greatly enhancing” its ability to serve more guests throughout its network.

“This expansion not only boosts overall capacity but also improves aircraft availability for rebooking guests affected by irregular operations,” the airline said. “As a result, disruptions to travel plans are minimized, helping ensure that travellers reach their desired destinations smoothly and on time.”

"We’ve listened to our guests and understand that these aircraft that are configured differently don’t yet deliver the experience they expect when travelling with us, especially for our Premium guests, “said Colleen Tynan, VP of guest experience at WestJet, in a statement. “Updating and refreshing the interior cabins of our new-to-WestJet 737s is essential for our integration efforts and overall guest satisfaction. While we are working diligently, these upgrades will take time. In the meantime, we are committed to making temporary improvements wherever possible and keeping our guests informed about our progress."

Interim improvements

To bridge the gap for Premium guests during the transition, WestJet is unrolling temporary enhancements to aircraft that currently lack a dedicated Premium cabin.

These interim improvements will include:

• Preferred seating: Seats located at the front of the aircraft.
• More elbow room: A digital block on middle seats for the first three rows to ensure more comfort.
• Priority boarding: Guests will enjoy priority access when boarding.
• Early access to overhead bin: Offering ample space for carry-on luggage.
• Exclusive snacks and beverages: Including wine, beer, and spirits.
• Chilled and fresh meal: Available on flights over 2.5 hours.
• Future travel credit: Automatically issued to guests who have purchased a Premium seat, recognizing their loyalty and the difference in amenities.

When booking a seat on an aircraft reflecting a temporary Premium cabin, guests will recognize a “Cabin transformation” indicator reflected during the booking process on WestJet.com.

Guests completing a booking via a travel agent, corporate travel arranger or online travel agency are asked to consult them to confirm if the flight will be on an aircraft undergoing a cabin transformation, the airline says.

WestJet to densify cabins

Swoop, a WestJet subsidiary that entered the ULCC market in 2018, operated its last flight on Oct. 28, 2023.

Instead of serving the ultra-low-cost market on just 16 aircraft, WestJet’s fleet will transition to offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience on each of its aircraft.

As PAX previously reported, WestJet's plan includes densifying the rear section of its 737 aircraft, while retaining a premium cabin up front, enabling them to provide a range of in-flight offerings, from ultra-low-cost to premium, on every plane in its fleet.

The integrations (which, next year, will include Sunwing's planes) will result in denser cabins that distribute costs across more seats.

As PAX first reported, WestJet’s 737-800s and MAX 8s, including legacy WestJet, Sunwing and Swoop planes, will be reworked to feature 180 seats – up six seats from the current configuration – including 12 Premium seats.

WestJet's Max 10s – there are 70 on order for the next five years – will also add 13 seats, totalling 212.

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