How to Get Westjet Internet

Ah, the dream of having stable internet while soaring through the skies! WestJet, one of Canada’s premier airlines, isn’t just about transporting you from Point A to Point B. It’s about keeping you connected while doing so.

As someone who’s spent an ungodly amount of time in the air (trust me, my frequent flyer miles can vouch for that!), I’ve had my fair share of experiences with in-flight internet services. So, let’s dive deep into the realm of WestJet’s internet offerings, shall we?

Is WestJet Internet Worth Your Bucks?

To answer this age-old question (or at least as old as in-flight Wi-Fi itself), we need to delve into the nitty-gritty details: price, speed, data allowance, and their significance in real-world scenarios.

• Price: Compared to other airlines, WestJet offers internet packages at a mid-range price point. You can choose from hourly rates or opt for the entire duration of the flight. I recommend the latter for those long-haul flights, especially if you plan to stay connected throughout.
• Speed: It’s not going to match your fiber-optic connection at home, but for in-flight internet? It does the job. Emails, social media browsing, and even some light video streaming are feasible.
• Data Allowance: Here’s where the catch often lies. While WestJet provides a reasonable data allowance, it’s not unlimited. This means binge-watching your favorite Netflix series might not be the best idea.

Real-World Use Analysis

• For Work: If you’re hoping to tackle that looming work presentation or respond to crucial emails, WestJet’s internet will serve you well. Just keep an eye on those large file downloads or uploads.
• For Entertainment: Light browsing, reading, and music streaming? Check! But, and it’s a big BUT, data-intensive tasks like HD movie streaming can eat into your allowance quickly.

Pros & Cons: A Balanced View

Pros:

• Affordable Options: WestJet offers both short-term and long-term packages, catering to different user needs.
• Decent Speed: For basic tasks, you won’t find yourself frustrated.
• Coverage: Coverage remains consistent on most international and domestic flights.

Cons:

• Limited Data: Heavy internet users might find the data caps a tad restrictive.
• Not for Gamers: Sorry folks, but live online gaming might be a stretch too far.

Note: It’s always wise to check the specifics of the Wi-Fi package on your particular flight, as there can be variations.

Steps to Make the Most of WestJet Internet

1. Understand Your Needs: If you just want to check emails, you might not need the full-flight package.
2. Download Before Flight: For movies or large files, download them before boarding to save on data.
3. Stay Aware of Data Usage: Keep an eye on your consumption, especially if streaming or downloading.
4. Optimize Your Devices: Turn off background apps or updates which might use data without your knowledge.

The Nuances of WestJet Internet: Going Beyond the Basics

So, you’ve got a taste of what WestJet Internet feels like from the skies. But as with all things, the devil is in the details.

Let’s dig deeper into aspects that might not be immediately apparent but can make all the difference in your in-flight browsing experience.

The Technical Backbone: What Powers WestJet Internet?

Understanding the backbone of WestJet’s in-flight internet can help manage expectations. Airlines, including WestJet, typically rely on two main types of systems:

• Air-to-Ground (ATG): This system works similarly to mobile broadband. The plane connects to ground-based cell towers. While ATG is generally faster, its major limitation is over water bodies, where there are no towers.
• Satellite: Using satellites, the connection is beamed directly to the aircraft from space. This provides a more consistent global coverage, including over oceans, but may occasionally suffer from slower speeds.

From what I’ve gathered, WestJet primarily uses satellite systems for its in-flight internet, ensuring broader coverage but also implying occasional hiccups in speed, especially when the aircraft is over challenging terrains or during turbulent weather.

The Entertainment Factor

One key aspect of WestJet’s in-flight experience is their entertainment system. While you might be inclined to use your data for streaming, WestJet provides an entertainment system loaded with movies, TV shows, and more.

This is a savvy move to ensure passengers have entertainment options without draining their Wi-Fi data. I recommend diving into their media library before tapping into your internet data, especially for entertainment purposes.

Comparing WestJet Internet with Competitors

To truly gauge the value WestJet offers, it’s essential to juxtapose it against what other airlines bring to the table:

• Pricing: While prices for in-flight internet can be similar across various airlines, WestJet usually edges out with slightly more affordable packages, especially on longer flights.
• Speed & Data Allowance: This is a mixed bag. Some airlines may offer faster speeds but with restrictive data caps. WestJet strikes a middle ground, providing reasonable speeds with a relatively generous data allowance, though not the highest in the industry.
• Coverage: Due to its reliance on satellite systems, WestJet has a more consistent global coverage than some airlines that still depend heavily on ATG.

Note: Always compare the specific routes and aircraft models when comparing in-flight internet, as these factors can influence the experience.

Optimizing Your In-Flight Internet Experience

For those looking to extract every ounce of performance from WestJet’s in-flight internet, here are some additional pointers:

• Limit Background Processes: Especially on laptops, numerous processes can run in the background, silently eating away at your data. Ensure you close unnecessary apps and pause any cloud syncs.
• Use Mobile Devices: Generally, mobile devices consume less data than laptops. If you’re just browsing or reading, switch to your phone or tablet.
• Enable Data Saving Modes: Many browsers and apps offer a ‘data-saving’ or ‘lite’ mode, reducing the amount of data consumed.

Understanding Data Caps & Overages

One crucial aspect users must be aware of is the data cap. Once you hit this limit, you might either be cut off, experience drastically reduced speeds, or in some cases, be charged extra. With WestJet, once you hit your cap, the speed is typically throttled, making it cumbersome for anything beyond basic text-based browsing.

I recommend keeping a mental note of high-data activities. If you’ve streamed a short video, for instance, balance it out by sticking to text-based tasks afterward.

Conclusion

In-flight internet has always been a touch-and-go experience, regardless of the airline. WestJet, in my experience, offers a commendable balance between price and performance. Is it perfect? No. Is it one of the better options out there? Definitely!

For the occasional traveler looking to stay connected, it’s a good deal. For digital nomads or those with heavy internet needs, some planning and optimization can make it work. So, the next time you’re soaring above the clouds with WestJet, you’ll at least know what kind of internet experience awaits you.

FAQ

Is streaming allowed on WestJet’s internet?

Yes, but be cautious as it can quickly consume your data allowance.

Can I purchase the internet package in advance?

Typically, you purchase the package onboard, but it’s always good to check WestJet’s official website or app for any changes.

Does the speed vary depending on the flight?

While WestJet strives to maintain consistency, factors like flight route and altitude can affect the connection speed.