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I recently experienced WestJet’s Premium Flex to Southern California’s John Wayne Airport (Orange County) on a three hour non-stop flight. I chose a comfortable 9:45 am departure into Santa Ana — a wonderful, less stressful alternative to busy LAX.

The Boeing 737 is the most environmentally-friendly model in its class in terms of fuel consumption and noise control, equipped with winglets to provide additional fuel savings thanks to its ultramodern computer technology and GPS system.

Cabin Layout

WestJet’s 12 Premium Flex seats are located in the first three rows. Seats have a middle seat blocker (with a dual drink and snack tray) currently being phased out as the airline currently revamps their remaining Boeing 737 fleet to accommodate this level of service.

Comfort

All 12 seats have a 17” width offering 20% more room (with three to four inches of additional pitch) over standard economy seats. On flights to and from Europe (aboard the 787 Dreamliner), on-board service amenities include soft blankets, pillows and a Rocky Mountain Soap amenity kit. Lavatories are kitted out with Rocky Mountain foaming soap dispensers.

While Economy seats allow for three inches of recline, Premium seats offer another one to two inches of recline.

All 3.5 mm (approximately 1/8”) stereo headphone connections (with one prong) will work with WestJet systems. Seats throughout the aircraft contain both 110V power and USB outlets.

Dining

On flights of over an hour, a full meal and drinks are offered. On our mid-morning flight, a cold lunch is served, starting with a Greek salad and Korean cauliflower followed by a choice of basil pesto grilled vegetable brochette or ginger chicken poke bowl.

A selection of spirits, beer, non alcoholic drinks and hot coffee and tea (black, peppermint, green) round out the menu.

[Greek salad, Korean cauliflower, basil pesto-grilled veggie brochette, ciabatta, cheesecake]

Service

The 737 fleet is equipped with WestJet Connect, a wireless streaming server with access to over 500 hours of free movies and television episodes as well as Internet connection (for an additional fee).

Luggage

Both Premium and Premium Flex allow for two free checked bags, priority check-in, baggage, security screening and boarding. Visit WestJet online for reservations.