The ultimate guide to economy class: a business travel staple 

First, let’s set the scene. In Canada, we have only a handful of national carriers, but today, we’ll compare Air Canada and Westjet and their various economy classes. Each airline labels the tiers of economy class differently, but if you’re looking at Air Canada, you’re probably seeing Basic, Economy Standard, Economy Flex, and Comfort Economy.

If you’re travelling in economy class, aren’t you getting the same seats? Sure. The seat might be the same among the various rate categories, but you’re paying for convenience, freedom, and flexibility. Each tier has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Basic: the budget option

If you’re looking for savings above all, then a basic economy fare is for you. Be warned, you usually get just the seat, and flexibility is low. Refunds, changes, baggage allowance and even earning miles will likely be off the table, although some can be bought for a higher fee than normal. 

Still interested? When you’re comparing Basic Economy, the details for Air Canada and Westjet look very much the same.

*SQM = Status Qualifying Miles

Honestly? Only book a basic fare if there’s no other choice. If you’re looking for ways to trim your travel budget, we’re happy to help with a variety of ways to save on corporate flights.

Standard is a good start

Things look a little brighter on the Standard Economy side. You might be eligible for credits, higher change fees, and some loyalty point eligibility, but you’ll still be missing out on flexibility and included perks. Let’s compare Standard Economy for Air Canada and Westjet:

But you might be wondering, isn’t there something a bit nicer?

The difference between Standard Economy vs. Economy Flex?

Air Canada’s Economy Standard class is their second most restrictive fare. Economy Standard is non-refundable, has the highest change fee, and you’ll pay extra for baggage and seat selection. If you collect Aeroplan miles, you’ll only benefit from 25% of status-qualifying miles. Economy Flex delivers a more flexible class of service with included seat selection, one free checked bag, and lower change fees; however, Economy Flex is still non-refundable.

That sounds better, doesn’t it?

Flexibility front and center

If Basic Economy is all about cost savings, then flex fares are all about comfort and getting maximum value. With seat selection included in your fare, you can forget the dreaded middle seat, which isn’t great for working on a flight anyway. 

Changes often have a reduced fee, and standby is usually free. You’ll still have to pay for checked bags but most seasoned business travellers only use carry-ons. Flexible economy fares are ideal for business trips that might have last-minute changes, like client meetings.

You’ll also score big with 100% frequent flyer miles. If you’re looking to hit that next tier through business travel, economy flex fare is worth the money.

Let’s compare flexible Economy fares for Air Canada vs Westjet:

Pumped up perks with Premium

Most economy classes have a top-tier offering for business travellers who are okay to pay. Premium Economy is the hassle-free fare that delivers all the amenities and little extras that make corporate travel a breeze. From the airport experience to walking off the airplane, you’ll feel that VIP spring in your step.

Premium Economy isn’t quite that Business Class experience, but it gives you a little more comfort and more convenience than your standard economy fares.

With Air Canada’s Premium Economy fares, you can expect two rate levels - Premium Economy and Premium Economy Flex. Both fares include:

• A larger seat with more recline and extra legroom
• Priority services for an expedited airport process
• Premium cuisine, wine, and spirits
• Your personal entertainment system with touch-screen TV
• Two free checked bags
• Seat selection
• 125% Aeroplan/SQM

What are the differences between Air Canada’s Premium Economy vs Premium Economy Flex?

With standard Premium Economy, the fare is non-refundable but credit-eligible, and changes are subject to a fee and difference in fare. With Premium Economy Flex, you’ll enjoy full refundability and only pay a fare difference if you make any changes.

What does Westjet’s Premium Economy experience include?

Similar to Air Canada, Westjet’s Premium Economy fares have two rate levels – Premium and PremiumFlex.

Both fares include:

• A premium seat
• Food and beverages (incl. wine, beer & spirits)
• 2 free checked bags
• Priority screening
• Priority boarding
• Priority baggage
• WestJet Rewards earn

What are the differences between Westjet's Premium and PremiumFlex?

Westjet’s Premium fare is non-refundable but credit-eligible, while changes are subject to a fee and fare difference. PremiumFlex is totally refundable, and you’ll simply pay the fare difference for changes.

Take it from the experts of economy-class airfare

Sandy Pineau, a Travel Consultant for Corporate Traveller based in Vancouver, Canada, offered some sage advice on booking economy:

"I avoid Basic fares at all costs...in fact, I never put my clients on a Basic fare because they're just too restrictive. Most travellers are booked in Standard, but I also have a lot of clients who I book in Flex or above. Certain travellers have a higher need for last-minute changes, so Flex fares make more sense. Plus, Flex fares also help to keep a passenger's airline status which is crucial. The sooner they get to a higher level of airline status, the more comfortable they'll be on their future flights."