The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with its advanced composite materials, enhanced cabin pressure, and larger windows, has long been synonymous with a more comfortable flying experience. When this cutting-edge airframe meets a premium cabin product like WestJet’s Business Class, the expectation is for something truly special. However, the reality of the westjet 787 business class experience can be nuanced, often surpassing expectations in some areas while presenting opportunities for refinement in others. It’s not just about the aircraft; it’s about how WestJet leverages its capabilities to craft a distinct premium journey.
Setting the Stage: What is WestJet’s 787 Business Class Really About?
For many seasoned travelers, particularly those accustomed to the established legacy carriers, WestJet’s offering on the Dreamliner might initially seem like a simpler proposition. Yet, delving deeper reveals a product designed to offer a significant upgrade over economy, focusing on essential comforts and efficient service. It’s about bridging the gap between a standard long-haul flight and the ultra-luxury suites that dominate niche markets. The core promise of WestJet’s 787 Business Class is a restful, productive, and noticeably more pleasant journey, particularly on their international routes.
#### The Cabin Configuration: A Smart Approach to Space
WestJet has opted for a 1-2-1 staggered configuration in their 787 Business Class. This is a crucial detail, as it ensures that every passenger has direct aisle access – a non-negotiable feature for many premium travelers. You won’t find yourself playing footsie with a stranger or needing to climb over someone to disembark. This intelligent layout maximizes passenger comfort and privacy, a significant step up from older configurations that might cram more seats together.
Privacy: The staggered design inherently offers a degree of privacy, with most seats angled away from the aisle.
Accessibility: Direct aisle access is a game-changer for overnight flights.
Space: While not offering the expansive space of some ultra-premium suites, the seats provide ample room to recline and stretch.
#### The Seat: More Than Just a Recliner
WestJet’s Business Class seat on the 787 is a product of Collins Aerospace, often referred to as the ‘Super Diamond’ seat. This is a familiar and generally well-regarded seat type in the industry. It transforms into a fully lie-flat bed, a critical amenity for any serious long-haul travel.
The seat’s functionality includes:
Lie-Flat Bed: A true 180-degree recline, essential for arriving refreshed.
Adjustability: A good range of electronic adjustments to find your perfect position, whether working or resting.
Storage: Decent, though not overwhelming, personal storage compartments for essentials.
In-flight Entertainment: A responsive touchscreen with a selection of movies, TV shows, and music.
In my experience, the lie-flat capability is where this seat truly shines. While the width might feel a tad snug for some larger individuals, the overall length and the ability to achieve a genuine horizontal sleeping surface are paramount. It’s a solid, dependable product that prioritizes function for the demanding long-haul traveler.
The Service Ensemble: Expectations vs. Reality
The service component of any business class offering is often as critical as the physical product. WestJet aims for a friendly, efficient, and attentive service model on their westjet 787 business class flights. This typically involves a dedicated cabin crew for the premium cabin, meal service with choices, and a generally more personalized interaction than in economy.
#### Dining: A Canadian Flair in the Sky?
Meal service in WestJet’s Business Class on the 787 typically features regionally inspired dishes, often showcasing Canadian ingredients. While the quality can vary, the intention is to provide a more elevated culinary experience than what’s found in the back of the plane. Expect multi-course meals with appetizer, main course, and dessert options.
Menu Variety: Menus are usually printed and offer a choice of protein and often a vegetarian option.
Presentation: While not Michelin-star level, the plating is generally appealing.
Beverage Selection: A curated list of wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic options complements the meal.
One aspect to keep in mind is that WestJet’s service philosophy tends to be warm and approachable, which can sometimes be perceived as less formal than the highly polished, almost stoic service found on some other international carriers. This isn’t necessarily a drawback; it simply presents a different style of premium hospitality.
#### Amenities: The Little Touches That Matter
WestJet provides a business class amenity kit, typically containing items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask, earplugs, and lip balm. The quality of these kits can vary, and they are not usually branded with high-end luxury labels. However, they are functional and address the basic needs of a long flight. Plush duvets and pillows are standard, contributing significantly to the comfort of the lie-flat bed.
Navigating the Nuances: Strengths and Areas for Growth
When evaluating the westjet 787 business class, it’s important to consider both its impressive aspects and the areas where it might not compete with the absolute top-tier offerings.
Strengths:
Lie-Flat Seats: The Collins Super Diamond seats offer a comfortable and fully horizontal sleeping surface, crucial for long flights.
Direct Aisle Access: The 1-2-1 configuration ensures convenience and privacy for every passenger.
Modern Aircraft: The 787 Dreamliner itself provides a superior cabin environment with better air quality and lower cabin altitude.
Friendly Service: WestJet’s crew often provide a warm and welcoming service.
Areas for Potential Enhancement:
Seat Width: While comfortable, the seat width might feel a bit narrow for some larger passengers.
Amenity Kits: The contents and branding of amenity kits could be upgraded to align more closely with premium expectations.
* Dining Sophistication: While good, the dining experience could benefit from more refined options or a greater emphasis on premium ingredients to truly rival the best.
Beyond the Seat: The Dreamliner Advantage
It’s easy to get fixated on the seat itself, but the Boeing 787 Dreamliner platform offers inherent advantages that elevate the entire westjet 787 business class experience. The advanced air filtration system and the ability to maintain a lower cabin altitude (equivalent to around 6,000 feet instead of the traditional 8,000 feet) significantly reduce the effects of jet lag and dehydration. The larger windows, with their electronic dimming capabilities, also contribute to a more pleasant ambiance. These are subtle yet impactful improvements that enhance overall well-being during a flight, regardless of the specific cabin product.
Is WestJet’s 787 Business Class Worth It?
Ultimately, the value proposition of westjet 787 business class hinges on your priorities and expectations. If you are looking for a comfortable, lie-flat bed on a long-haul flight with direct aisle access and a generally pleasant service experience at a price point that can be competitive, then it certainly delivers. It’s a solid, well-executed product that effectively meets the needs of most travelers seeking a premium journey without venturing into the stratospherically priced ultra-premium suites.
For those who prioritize an all-encompassing, ultra-luxurious experience with designer amenity kits, perhaps a wider array of gourmet dining options, and the most personalized service imaginable, other carriers might offer a more opulent alternative. However, for a significant upgrade from economy that ensures a restful sleep and a more civilized journey across continents, WestJet’s Dreamliner Business Class provides a compelling and capable option. It’s a testament to how a well-designed cabin product on a modern aircraft can significantly redefine long-haul travel.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Contender in the Premium Leisure Space
WestJet’s investment in the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for its international routes has paid dividends, particularly when it comes to its Business Class offering. The combination of the reliable Collins Super Diamond seat, ensuring a true lie-flat experience, and the inherent benefits of the Dreamliner airframe creates a foundation for a superior travel product. While it may not boast the extravagant suites or the most exclusive dining found on some ultra-premium carriers, the westjet 787 business class strikes an excellent balance between comfort, practicality, and service. It’s a journey designed for rest and rejuvenation, making those transoceanic flights considerably less arduous. For discerning travelers seeking a significant step up from economy without necessarily breaking the bank, WestJet’s premium cabin on the Dreamliner remains a highly commendable and practical choice.