Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines each provide distinct onboard experiences, particularly when it comes to legroom. As Canada’s largest airline, Air Canada operates a fleet exceeding 200 aircraft, followed closely by WestJet and Porter. This analysis leverages data from aeroLOPA to assess legroom across different aircraft types operated by these carriers, providing travelers with insights into their seating options.
Air Canada’s Fleet and Legroom
According to data from ch-aviation, Air Canada currently boasts a fleet of 265 aircraft, including models such as the Boeing 787-9, Airbus A220-300, and Boeing 737 MAX 8. The largest aircraft in Air Canada’s fleet is the Boeing 777-300ER, which accommodates up to 450 passengers in a three-class configuration: 28 in business class, 24 in premium economy, and 398 in economy class. In contrast, the Airbus A319 is the carrier’s smallest aircraft, with a capacity of just 136 passengers.
Economy class legroom on Air Canada varies by aircraft type. The Airbus A320 series offers the most generous legroom among narrowbody aircraft, typically featuring 31 to 33 inches of space. The A220-300 stands out with a seat width of 19 inches, offering passengers extra comfort. The following table summarizes the legroom and seat width across Air Canada’s fleet:
| Aircraft | Number In Fleet | Legroom (Economy Class) | Seat Width (Economy Class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A220-300 | 37 | 31 inches | 19 inches |
| A319 | 16 | 31 inches | 17.2 inches |
| A320 | 26 | 31 – 33 inches | 17.5 inches |
| A321 | 34 | 31 – 33 inches | 17.5 inches |
| A330-300 | 20 | 31 – 32 inches | 18 inches |
| 737 MAX 8 | 47 | 30 inches | 17 – 18 inches |
| 777-200LR | 6 | 31 inches | 17 inches |
| 777-300ER | 19 | 31 inches | 17 inches |
| 787-8 | 8 | 31 inches | 17.3 inches |
| 787-9 | 32 | 30 inches | 17.3 inches |
Interestingly, the economy class legroom on Air Canada’s widebody aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-8 and 787-9, does not exceed that of the A320 series, which offers up to 33 inches on some configurations.
WestJet’s Offerings
WestJet, the second-largest airline in Canada, operates over 160 mainline aircraft from major hubs including Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Calgary International Airport (YYC), and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The carrier’s economy class legroom is summarized below:
| Aircraft | Number In Fleet | Legroom (Economy Class) | Seat Width (Economy Class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 737-700 | 38 | 31 inches | 17 inches |
| 737-800 | 55 | 31 – 33 inches | 17 inches |
| 737 MAX 8 | 59 | 31 – 34 inches | 17 inches |
| 787-9 Dreamliner | 7 | 31 – 35 inches | 17.3 inches |
WestJet’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners provide enhanced comfort, with legroom extending to 35 inches in certain seats designated for extra legroom. The airline has developed a reputation for providing consistent legroom across its narrowbody fleet, though a previous attempt to introduce a high-density layout on its Boeing 737 fleet faced backlash, resulting in a return to its original configuration.
Porter Airlines’ Experience
Porter Airlines, established in 2006, operates a smaller fleet of 81 aircraft, focusing on business routes and leisure destinations like Las Vegas and Fort Lauderdale. The following table outlines the economy class legroom across Porter’s fleet:
| Aircraft | Number In Fleet | Legroom (Economy Class) | Seat Width (Economy Class) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dash 8-400 | 29 | 30 inches | 17 inches |
| Embraer E195-E2 | 52 | 30 inches | 18.3 inches |
Porter Airlines plans to expand its fleet of Embraer E195-E2 aircraft by acquiring an additional 28 units, enhancing passenger comfort with a seat width of 18.3 inches. However, passengers on the Dash 8-400 may find the seating arrangement somewhat constraining with a narrower width of 17 inches.
Business Class Comparisons
Comparing business class offerings reveals more variability. Air Canada and WestJet both provide lie-flat beds on long-haul services, ensuring a high level of comfort. Air Canada’s longest flight connects Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), spanning approximately 12,800 kilometers. WestJet’s longest route operates between Calgary International Airport (YYC) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), covering about 8,500 kilometers.
Porter Airlines, lacking widebody, long-haul services, offers limited business class seating on its Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a seat pitch of 36 inches. The airline’s longest route connects Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Legroom Summary and Industry Standards
After reviewing legroom across these three major Canadian airlines, Air Canada offers the most spacious economy class seating on its A320 and A321 aircraft, with up to 33 inches available. For long-haul services, WestJet leads with its 787-9 aircraft, providing up to 35 inches in select seats.
Overall, the legroom provided by Canada’s major airlines aligns closely with international industry standards, offering travelers a comfortable flying experience. Passengers are encouraged to consider their options carefully when booking flights to ensure they select the best seating for their needs.
