WestJet Premium Economy Review: Honest Flight Experience from Calgary to Seoul

Booking and Cost

Our one-way tickets from Calgary to Guangzhou (via Seoul) originally cost $600 CAD per ticket. We decided to bid for an upgrade and placed $1,000 CAD each for Premium Economy. We ended up winning the upgrade, which turned out to be a great deal since the cabin was completely full.

We also tried bidding for business class at $1,400 CAD each, but got outbid. In the end, we didn’t regret it. The premium cabin already offered a big step up in comfort and service.

First Impressions

Premium economy passengers boarded in Zone 1, just like business class. At our seats, we found a thick blanket, pillow, and the option of orange juice or sparkling wine for take-off. Meal choices were chicken, fish, or vegetarian.

Amenity Kit

We were also given a Herschel amenity bag, which was a pleasant surprise. Inside were an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, lip balm, face and body lotion, a refreshing towelette, and a dental kit.

It wasn’t over the top, but it had everything needed for a long-haul flight. Practical, minimal, and nicely packaged.

Dinner Service

After takeoff, our pre-ordered drinks arrived along with Krispy Kernels pretzels and Celebration cookies. The cabin crew laid tablecloths on our tray tables and served each meal individually, rather than using trolleys, which added a more premium feel.

The carrot purée on my plate was the standout: smooth, buttery, and comforting. The main dish was fine but slightly over-seasoned and dry. Dessert was a strawberry cheesecake, which tasted a bit artificial to me, though Ian enjoyed his.

Entertainment

The inflight entertainment had a solid lineup of new releases, including Mission Impossible, Ballerina (the John Wick spinoff), and The Sinners. You can browse their latest selection on WestJet’s entertainment page.

My only disappointment was the limited Korean movie selection, especially for a flight connecting through Seoul. Years ago, airlines often tailored menus or movie options to match their destination, but that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.

Cabin Comfort & Sleep

The Premium Economy cabin has 32 seats and two washrooms, which meant fewer queues and a much calmer atmosphere. The footrest was a nice touch, but the seat recline felt more upright which wasn’t ideal for sleeping.

One detail that stood out was the Rocky Mountain Soap Co. amenities stocked in the washrooms; from lemongrass foaming wash to hand cream and wellness spray. It gave the space a clean, refreshing scent and felt like a small but meaningful upgrade from standard economy washrooms.

The only downside was the power outlet placement. It was positioned awkwardly beside the seat, and my bag pressed against it, causing my headphone jack to disconnect a few times until I moved it.

Mid-Flight Snacks

Between meals, the self-serve snack bar offered Mars bars, Kit Kats, Kind granola bars, and cashews. There was a nice variety but all the options were sweet which isn’t great when you’re feeling hungry. In the future I hope they decide to add in some savory options.

Breakfast

Despite seeing three breakfast options on the menu, everyone received the same meal: risotto with cucumber salad and carrot cake. It was heavier than expected for breakfast, and the salad didn’t taste particularly fresh.

How It Compares

Here’s how WestJet Premium Economy stacks up against its closest competitors — Air Canada and EVA Air.

Compared to Air Canada and EVA Air, WestJet’s service felt the most personal and attentive, but its seat comfort and food quality lagged slightly behind. The recline was solid for the price point, yet the overall space felt a bit more compact — especially when fully reclined.

Who This Upgrade Is Good For

WestJet Premium Economy is ideal for travelers who value great service and comfort at a reasonable price. While airlines like Air Canada and EVA Air offer slightly wider seats and softer reclines that make overnight flights more comfortable, WestJet makes up for it with attentive staff, a cozy cabin size, and thoughtful amenities that feel personal.

This upgrade is perfect for:

• Long-haul travelers who want extra space without the steep business class price.
• Couples or solo travelers who appreciate calm, friendly service over luxury finishes.
• Anyone who values practical touches like Herschel amenity kits, Rocky Mountain washroom products, and priority boarding for a smoother journey.

If sleep is your top priority, EVA Air’s plush recline or Air Canada’s wider seats may suit you better. But if service and value matter most, WestJet Premium Economy strikes a good balance — especially when you can bid for an upgrade instead of paying full fare.

What could be better?

• Seats could recline deeper for better sleep.
• Breakfast options and food quality could use improvement.
• More destination-inspired entertainment and meal choices.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

Our original economy tickets were about $600 each, and we paid $1,000 each for the upgrade — more than double. Still, for the 11-hour flight, it was worth it.

The service and small premium touches like the Rocky Mountain washroom products, Herschel amenity kit, and attentive crew made a noticeable difference. If we had paid full fare, we might have felt differently, but for the bid-upgrade price, WestJet Premium Economy was absolutely worth it.

Keywords for SEO

WestJet Premium Economy review, WestJet Premium Economy experience, WestJet seat comfort, WestJet Premium Economy amenities, WestJet Premium Economy upgrade bid, Calgary to Seoul flight review, WestJet Premium Economy food review, Air Canada Premium Economy comparison, EVA Air Premium Economy seat size, Rocky Mountain Soap inflight amenities, Herschel amenity kit WestJet