[Bobblehead]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

I posted this in the aviation thread, but I really don't buy the "1 in 5" argument from WestJet on this one. I've never booked anything other than coach/economy, and one of the things I loved about WestJet was knowing the level of service I was getting was going to remain the same regardless of what I paid.

Let's face it, WestJet really made their mark in the industry by doing away with a lot of the industry doublespeak around "first/business/economy" amenities. They basically sold you a seat on a plane and little else, it was great.

Maybe business travellers are different, but I don't think the average Canadian booking a trip home or a vacation is typically ponying up a few extra $100's for "flex" or "plus" seating. The "1 in 5" travellers thing just doesn't hold a lot of water.

Looking forward to competing for space in the over head bins when it's -40 and everyone's got 10 pounds of coats/hats with them as well.

I think the 1 in 5 thing may be valid, simply because they are only making 20% of their seats available for econo.

I used to think there was a choice - with the higher priced fares you could change your schedule, etc; but when I booked my flight to visit family at Christmas there were no econo seats available. So they are limiting availability. That lets them say 1 in 5.