Quick verdict
Ultimately, the choice between WestJet and easyJet hinges on individual travel priorities and geographical considerations. For North American travelers seeking a balance of affordability and a more comprehensive service offering, particularly for domestic Canadian flights or sun destinations, WestJet often presents a compelling option. Its hybrid model, offering some amenities typically associated with full-service carriers while maintaining competitive pricing, might appeal to those who value a bit more comfort and service without breaking the bank. For those traveling within Canada, its broader domestic network is a clear advantage. Conversely, easyJet is the clear frontrunner for budget-conscious travelers navigating the vast European landscape. Its extensive point-to-point network and unbundled fare structure are ideal for short-haul journeys where the primary goal is to get from A to B as cheaply and efficiently as possible. Travelers who prioritize the lowest possible fare and are comfortable with paying for extras will find easyJet to be a highly effective and widespread option for intra-European travel.
At a glance
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In the competitive world of low-cost carriers, WestJet and easyJet stand out as prominent players in their respective regions. WestJet, originating from Canada, has grown from a regional upstart to a major international airline, serving numerous destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. easyJet, a British airline, has similarly carved out a significant niche as one of Europe's largest airlines, connecting hundreds of cities primarily within Europe and North Africa. While both airlines operate with a focus on affordability, their operational models, customer propositions, and service offerings have evolved to cater to distinct market needs and consumer expectations in their primary operating bases. This comparison will delve into the nuances of what each airline offers, helping travelers decide which carrier might be a better fit for their next journey. We'll examine their approach to pricing, ancillary services, network breadth, and overall passenger experience to provide a balanced view of their strengths and weaknesses.
About WestJet Read more
Overview
WestJet is a Canadian airline that began flying in 1996 with three Boeing 737-200s. According to Simple Flying, it is Canada's second-largest airline and carried around 22.6 million passengers on more than 215,000 flights in 2025. Alliance membership, ownership details and other corporate facts have not been verified for this profile; check the airline's official website for current information.
Network and hubs
Its largest hub is Calgary International Airport (YYC). As its name suggests, it serves as the primary airline for Western Canada, according to the same source. Detailed route information has not been verified here.
Fleet
As of May 2026, WestJet's mainline fleet numbered 159 aircraft, all Boeing: 35 Boeing 737-700s, 54 737-800s, 63 737 MAX 8s and 7 Boeing 787-9s. The average age of the mainline fleet was 11.0 years. The regional subsidiary WestJet Encore operates 35 De Havilland Q400s, which brings the combined fleet to 194 aircraft (Simple Flying, 2026). Fleet numbers change as aircraft are delivered and retired.
On board
Cabin layouts, seat pitch, meals, entertainment and Wi-Fi vary by aircraft type and fare. They were not confirmed from sources for this profile, so travellers should check the airline's official cabin pages before booking.
Good to know
- Baggage allowances, change fees and lounge access depend on the fare bought. Check the current rules on the WestJet website before travelling.
- No published on-time performance figure has been verified for this profile.
About easyJet Read more
Overview
easyJet is a British low-cost airline and package holiday group. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in 1995 by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and is headquartered at Luton Airport. The parent company, easyJet plc, is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a FTSE 250 constituent. It operates flights through affiliates easyJet UK, easyJet Europe and easyJet Switzerland, and sells package holidays through easyJet Holidays. It is not a member of any of the three major airline alliances.
Network and hubs
The easyJet corporate site reports 1,273 routes to 165 airports in 37 countries as at 31 March 2026. Operating bases listed by Wikipedia include London Gatwick (the largest), London Luton, London Southend, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Birmingham, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin Brandenburg, Geneva, Lisbon, Milan Malpensa, Nice, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Orly and Rome Fiumicino. The network is mainly short-haul Europe, with services to North Africa.
Fleet
The airline reported 356 aircraft as at 31 March 2026 (source):
- Airbus A319: 79 (156 seats)
- Airbus A320ceo: 180 (180 or 186 seats)
- Airbus A320neo: 75 (186 seats)
- Airbus A321neo: 22 (235 seats)
The average aircraft has 182 seats.
On board
easyJet operates a single-class, low-cost model. This profile does not yet include verified details of seat pitch, meals, entertainment or Wi-Fi. Check the easyJet website for current information.
Good to know
- The frequent-flyer scheme is called easyJet Plus, according to Wikipedia.
- Baggage allowances, change fees and lounge access vary by fare and route. Confirm them on easyjet.com before booking.
- The Wikipedia article gives a figure of 321 aircraft in one section and 356 in its infobox, so the airline's own March 2026 figure is used here.
Ranking
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