Despite being “only” in economy class, we had a fairly enjoyable experience thanks to all the benefits of being a Delta elite member. In fact, the process felt so seamless that it honestly felt like I was on a Delta flight.

View other posts in this series:

• Trip Introduction: Cruising the Last Frontier
• Review: WestJet 737-800MAX Economy Class LAX-YVR (this post)
• Superb Service and Surprisingly Good Food: The Hyatt Regency Vancouver
• Vancouver with Kids: Fun in the Great Outdoors
• Family Dining in Vancouver: The Best of What We Ate
• Review: Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise – Part 1 – Booking and Room
• Review: Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise – Part 2 – Dining
• Review: Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise – Part 3 – Onboard Entertainment
• Review: Celebrity Solstice Alaska Cruise – Part 4 – Ship Features
• Disappointing Wi-Fi on Celebrity Solstice
• PSA: Do Not Waste Money on Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages
• Pro Tip: Celebrity Cruises Gives Free Parking at MGM Resorts
• Icy Strait Point: A Simple Alaskan Port Town
• Skagway: A Small But Enjoyable Port
• A Brief Encounter at Dawes Glacier
• Juneau: Full of Outdoors Experiences
• Ketchikan: Home to Salmon and Lumberjacks
• Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge YVR (Transborder / US Flights)
• Review: Air Canada 737-800MAX Business Class YVR-LAX

Booking

I booked this flight in January 2024. One of the main reasons I chose this flight was because I wanted a non-stop between Los Angeles (LAX) and Vancouver (YVR), and I had some Delta flight credits that were due to expire (between $70 and $160 from rebooking prior flights to Maui). I was quite happy to find that Delta credits worked on flights marketed by Delta but operated by WestJet (in other words, a codeshare flight). While it is typical for each of the big three US airlines to offer this flexibility with travel credits, I hadn’t thought of this until it gave me the option to apply the credit at checkout.

Before you go out buying a Delta-marketed, WestJet-operated flight, do note that the same flight could be available directly from WestJet for a lower price. That route may be cheaper as Delta may sell the flight at a premium, but doing so means you couldn’t apply any Delta travel credits you might have and it also means you wouldn’t have Delta Sky Club access if you are trying to access with credit cards (like your American Express Platinum or Delta Reserve cards).

Delta Benefits on WestJet

Some airlines offer up some benefits to elite members as part of rules in an alliance. Delta is part of SkyTeam but WestJet is not, so alliance rules don’t apply here. Rather, Delta and WestJet are partners but have agreed to take care of each other’s elite members.

For Delta elite members, expect the following benefits when flying WestJet:

• Priority check-in
• Priority boarding — Zone 1 for Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond or Zone 2 for Delta Silver
• No seat fees for Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond (including extra legroom economy) for up to eight passengers in the same reservation
• Free checked bags (similar to typical limits when flying Delta)
• Lounge access for Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond members (plus one guest) when flying internationally through Calgary (YYC) airport at WestJet’s Elevation Lounge (admittedly, this isn’t much of a benefit because the lounge also participates in Priority Pass).

While you’re not eligible for complimentary first class upgrades flying WestJet, I’d still say the benefits closely mirror what you might expect flying Delta. In fact, it’s actually beneficial to fly WestJet considering up to eight passengers on the same reservation can geat access to the extra legroom seats for free while only the elite member plus a guest can get it for free when flying Delta.

Regarding Delta lounge access when using credit cards, it’s best to go to the terms from the Delta website.

For Delta Reserve cardholders:

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business Basic and Reserve Additional Card Holders (“Reserve Card Members”) receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.

For American Express Platinum cardholders:

Customers with select Platinum and Business Platinum Cards from American Express may access Delta Sky Club locations when traveling on a same-day ticket on a Delta-operated (Delta or Delta Connection) or a Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet (006 ticket number).

Flying a Delta-marketed WestJet flight (as simple as buying your WestJet flight through the Delta website or app) would still result in lounge access as though it were a typical Delta flight. However, note the difference in the terms where the Reserve is more flexible. If this were a Delta-marketed but Air France-operated flight, Delta Reserve cardholders would get in but American Express Platinum cardholders would not.

Lastly, if you do check a bag, I found that the Delta app actually tracked my bags at LAX and let me know when they boarded the plane. The tracking stopped after they were loaded on the plane (I wasn’t notified when they were offloaded at YVR), but it was nice to still get that notification. The integration with WestJet is a bit more than I expected.

Checking In

We arrived at the WestJet counter at LAX to find it pretty empty. The agents, though friendly, expect that everyone who shows up to be at the wrong counter (yes, I’ve seen a lot of customers think they’re Delta and the agents have to direct them to the right location). I’m not sure how so many people get confused as WestJet’s branding is fairly obvious and the counter is far away from all of Delta’s counters. The two airlines do share the same terminal (T2) at LAX.

While we did get access to the Priority lane, it wasn’t needed given how few flights they operate out of LAX. We checked our bags and promptly on our way.

Once we cleared security, we headed off to the wonderful Delta Sky Club at LAX. I had some guest passes to use up before they expired later in August, so it was a good excuse to bring the whole family into the club.

We weren’t expecting any food on the flight, so it was nice to start off with some freshly-made omelets and fresh fruit. Plus it’s awesome they have Mango Cart on tap here at no additional charge (no shame in having a beer with an omelet, right?).

The Seat

Our flight began boarding on time. As we had a party of six, I chose the first row of economy right behind premium class. This ended up being a wise decision. The seats in this row have extra legroom, well beyond what the typical extra legroom seats (Extended Comfort) provide. I found the seats comfortable enough for the three-hour journey.

There are no video screens at your seat, perhaps one giveaway you’re not on a Delta flight. But you are able to connect to their Wi-Fi to watch programming on your own device. Of course, these days you should always come prepared with your own entertainment as there is always a risk that what the airline provides doesn’t work for your journey.

Under each seat is a universal charger with USB power if you need it.

It’s not advertised too well, but WestJet’s Extended Comfort seats offer free alcohol inflight. Of course, the phrasing on their website says “a” complimentary beverage to emphasize just one drink. I was never offered a refill and I didn’t try my luck, so I can’t comment on whether the limit is enforced.

The choice of inflight snacks were either some pretzels or cookies with chocolate.

Entertainment

Connecting to the entertainment on your personal device is pretty straightforward. I saw hints onboard that suggested you needed to download the WestJet app, but that turned out to not be accurate and the app very much is not needed.

There is a decent variety of programming and the kids were satisfied.

There is no free inflight texting, but if you want to stay connected, the price is reasonably small. I didn’t purchase Wi-Fi so I can’t comment on the speeds. The airline does have plans to make Wi-Fi free for everyone, but full roll-out isn’t expected until the end of 2026.

Recommendation: Pretty good for Delta elites

I knew that Delta and WestJet were partners, but I didn’t expect this seamless of an experience. The entire process felt nearly identical to my typical Delta routine, including the unexpected bag notifications on my phone letting me know they’ve been loaded onto the plane. I also do appreciate that everyone in my party of six could take the extra legroom seats thanks to my Delta Platinum status rather than the usual two upgrades when flying Delta. The flight itself was comfortable enough with the legroom at the front of the economy cabin. I’d certainly be open to it again the next time I need to fly to Canada.

If I had no status with WestJet, I wouldn’t be opposed to flying them. The economy experience for the average customer isn’t going to be materially different from other airlines. But even still, the flight crew was friendly and the seats were comfortable, making it a reasonable choice.

Have you flown WestJet?