WestJet Eyes California With Flights To San Francisco & Orange Country

WestJet is reintroducing nonstop flights between Calgary and Orange County/Anaheim and going year-round on the Calgary – San Francisco route. The move beefs up WestJet’s presence in California and helps restore the airline’s transborder network.

WestJet is increasing its presence in California & restoring its transborder network. Photo: Getty Images

“We are excited to increase connectivity between the Golden State and Alberta,” says WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer John Weatherill. “These routes will provide more affordable and convenient travel options for business and leisure travel.”

WestJet goes year-round between Calgary & San Francisco

WestJet already operates seasonal summer services between Calgary (YYC) and San Francisco (SFO). However, the airline is locking in twice-weekly permanent flights from October 31. According to WestJet’s online booking portal, WS1508 pushes back from Calgary at 10:45 on Monday and Thursday. After two hours and 44 minutes in the air, the Boeing 737-700 will land in SFO at exactly 12:29.

If you are heading in the other direction, WestJet’s Boeing 737-700 departs San Francisco at 13:30 on Sunday and Thursday. WS1509 will touch down in Calgary at 17:15.

At SFO, WestJet passengers can harness the airline’s codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines. Delta flies to multiple destinations from San Francisco. In particular, the partnership benefits WestJet Rewards passengers. They can use many top-tier member benefits on Delta such as preferred seating, access to priority services like priority boarding and check-in, and complimentary baggage allowance.

WestJet Platinum and Gold members and guests flying in business class can access Delta Sky Club on itineraries that include a segment between Canada and the US.

WestJet will operate Boeing 737s between Calgary and SFO and SNA. Photo: Getty Images

WestJet resumes flights to Orange County

Meanwhile, after suspending flights, WestJet is resuming flights between Calgary and Orange County/Anaheim (SNA). Located in the wider Los Angeles metropolitan area, WestJet will start flying twice weekly to SNA on November 4 before ramping up to thrice weekly on December 7.

WestJet flight WS1580 will depart from Calgary at 10:20 on Thursday and Sunday. Also operated by a Boeing 737-800, the flight will land at Orange County/Anaheim Airport at 12:20 after three hours and ten minutes in the air.

The return flight, WS1581, pushes back from SNA at 13:20 on the same days before touching down in Calgary at 17:28 – such precise scheduling at WestJet! From December 7, WestJet will add an additional Tuesday service in both directions.

“These added US routes strengthen our role as WestJet’s hub and provide more Albertans with the ability to visit sunny California. We also say ‘hello/bonjour’ to Californians visiting Calgary given the eased restrictions for US travelers,” says a spokesperson for Calgary Airport.

As Canada starts to re-open, WestJet is rebuilding its former network. Photo: Getty Images

WestJet works on restoring its former network

With Canada’s border restrictions easing earlier this month, Canada’s airlines are showing fresh interest in flights to destinations across the United States. WestJet recently announced a new service between Calgary and Seattle (SEA) to also begin in November.

In addition, WestJet made a splash this week by resuming Boeing 787 flights between Calgary and Paris (CDG). The twice-weekly flights supplement WestJet’s existing flights between Calgary and Amsterdam (AMS) and Calgary and London Gatwick (LGW).

The new and resuming flights mark somewhat of a renaissance for Canada’s number two airline. Like most airlines, the last 18 months have put the squeeze on WestJet. Canada’s strict border policies did not help matters.  But with Canada cautiously reopening its borders, WestJet can start rebuilding its network and restoring its fortunes.

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