You’re crammed into a middle seat somewhere over the Rockies, and you realize you forgot to download that Netflix series. We’ve all been there. It’s the classic travel panic. But honestly, WestJet inflight entertainment has changed so much over the last few years that your experience depends entirely on which tail number you happen to board. It isn't just one-size-fits-all anymore.
WestJet basically split their personality. If you’re on a brand-new 787 Dreamliner, you’re living the high life with seatback screens that feel like a high-end tablet. But if you’re on the older 737s? You better have a fully charged phone and the WestJet app ready to go. They moved toward a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) model for a huge chunk of their fleet, which caught some people off guard. It makes sense from a weight and fuel perspective, sure, but it’s a bit of a bummer if your battery dies halfway through a flight to Puerto Vallarta.
The Big Divide: Seatback Screens vs. Your Own Phone
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. WestJet Connect is the name of the game here. It’s their wireless system. You connect to the "WestJet" Wi-Fi network once the plane hits 10,000 feet, and suddenly you’ve got access to hundreds of movies. It’s actually pretty impressive how smooth the streaming is now compared to five years ago.
But here is the thing.
If you are flying on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, you get the Panasonic eX3 system. It’s gorgeous. Large screens, USB ports that actually charge your phone at a decent speed, and a user interface that doesn't lag when you try to scroll through the "New Releases" section. These planes usually handle the long-haul stuff—think Calgary to London or Paris.
On the flip side, the 737 MAX and the older 737 NG aircraft are where things get a bit more "DIY." Most of these planes do not have seatback screens. Instead, you use the WestJet app on your tablet or smartphone. WestJet was one of the first major Canadian carriers to really lean into this. They realized most people carry better screens in their pockets than the clunky, resistive-touch monitors airlines used to install.
It’s a smart move for the airline's bottom line. Less weight means less fuel. But for you? It means you need a kickstand for your phone or a very strong grip.
What can you actually watch?
Honestly, the library is solid. They’ve got a long-standing partnership with Disney+, which is a lifesaver if you’re traveling with kids who need Encanto on a loop to stay quiet. You'll find a rotating selection of HBO shows, latest Hollywood blockbusters, and a surprisingly good "Canadian Content" section that features docs and indie films you might actually want to see.
- Movies: Usually around 500+ titles ranging from classics to stuff that was in theaters three months ago.
- TV: Full box sets of popular series. No more watching episode 4 and 7 with nothing in between.
- Music: A decent selection of playlists, though most people just use their offline Spotify at this point.
The Wi-Fi Situation (and the Cost)
Let’s talk money. Because while the movies are free, the internet definitely isn't.
WestJet offers a few different tiers for their Wi-Fi, powered by SitaOnAir and Panasonic. If you just want to send a few iMessages or WhatsApps, they have a "Chat" package. It’s usually around $2.99 to $5.99 CAD depending on the flight length. It won’t load Instagram photos, and it definitely won't let you browse Reddit, but for staying in touch, it’s cheap enough.
Then there is the "Full Flight" pass. This is where it gets pricey—often north of $20 CAD.
Is it worth it? Probably not if you’re just bored. But if you’re working? The speeds are generally okay for emails and basic web browsing. Don't try to Zoom call your boss from 35,000 feet. The latency will kill the connection, and frankly, your seatmates will probably want to throw your laptop out the emergency exit.
The WestJet Rewards Perk
Here is a pro tip that most people miss. If you have WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, or you’re a Platinum or Gold member in the WestJet Rewards program, keep an eye on your email before you fly. They occasionally toss in Wi-Fi vouchers or credits. Also, if you’re flying in Business Class on the Dreamliner, the entertainment is obviously top-tier, and you often get better connectivity options bundled in.
Don't Forget the App (Seriously)
This is the part where people mess up. If you board a 737 and you haven't downloaded the WestJet app from the App Store or Google Play, you are going to have a bad time.
You cannot download it while you’re in the air.
Well, technically you can sometimes access the App Store through the limited Wi-Fi portal, but it’s slow. Like, 1998 dial-up slow. Download it at the gate. Better yet, download it at home while you’re packing. The app acts as the gateway to the movie server on the plane. Without it, you’re stuck staring at the back of a headrest for four hours.
Power Outlets: The Great Gamble
Nothing kills WestJet inflight entertainment faster than a dead battery.
Most of the WestJet fleet now has at least USB power at every seat. The newer 737 MAX 8 planes are great for this. You’ll find the plugs right in front of you. However, some of the older 737-700s are still a bit of a desert when it comes to juice. If you’re in the "Economy" (standard) seats on an older plane, you might not have a plug at all.
Pro Tip: Always carry a portable power bank. Even if the plane has a plug, they sometimes don't work, or they charge so slowly that your phone actually loses percentage while you're watching a movie. It’s the ultimate travel heartbreak.
What about the kids?
WestJet has always been pretty "family-friendly" as far as Canadian airlines go. Their "WestJet Kids" section on the Connect system is actually well-curated. They have a deal with Spark and other educational content providers.
The best part? The "Flight Tracker."
Kids love the 3D map. Actually, I’m 35 and I still spend half the flight staring at the 3D map. It’s fascinating to see exactly where you are over Northern Ontario. On the Dreamliner, the map is interactive and lets you zoom in on landmarks, which is a great way to kill 20 minutes.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Sometimes the system just... glitches. It happens.
If your WestJet Connect isn't loading, try toggling your Wi-Fi off and on. Sounds simple, but it resets the handshake with the onboard server. If that fails, clear your browser cache or try a different browser (Chrome usually works better than Safari on their system for some reason).
Also, remember that you need your own headphones. WestJet doesn't hand out free earbuds in Economy anymore. They might sell them for a few bucks, but they are the kind of plastic-heavy buds that hurt your ears after ten minutes. Bring your own. If you have wireless headphones (AirPods, etc.), they work fine with your own device, but if you're on a Dreamliner with a seatback screen, you'll need a Bluetooth adapter (like an AirFly) to connect your wireless buds to the 3.5mm jack on the screen.
Navigating the Future of WestJet Content
WestJet recently started leaning harder into "exclusive" partnerships. They aren't just showing random movies; they are trying to curate a "vibe." You'll see more lifestyle content, travel vlogs about their destinations, and even some meditation stuff to help with flight anxiety.
It’s a far cry from the days of "Live Satellite TV" that they used to brag about. Remember that? The old seatback TVs with the fuzzy reception? That’s almost entirely gone now. They traded live TV for a massive on-demand library. Most people prefer the choice, though I do miss catching a live hockey game while crossing the country.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Flight
To make sure you actually enjoy the WestJet inflight entertainment instead of fighting with it, follow this checklist before you leave for the airport:
- Download the WestJet App: Do this 24 hours before your flight. Check for updates.
- Charge Everything: Don't rely on the plane's USB ports. They are fickle.
- Pack a Tablet: A phone is okay for a 1-hour hop to Vancouver, but for a 5-hour flight to Toronto, your neck will thank you for having a larger screen at eye level.
- Buy a Phone Mount: Since there are no screens on many planes, a cheap "airplane phone holder" that clips to the tray table is the best $10 you'll ever spend.
- Check Your Aircraft: Use a site like FlightRadar24 or the WestJet app to see if you're on a 737 (Bring your own device) or a 787 (Seatback screens included).
- Update your Browser: If you’re using a laptop, make sure Chrome or Firefox is up to date, as the DRM (Digital Rights Management) for movies often requires the latest security patches to play.
Flying shouldn't be boring. WestJet has put a lot of money into their servers, so the content is there—you just have to be prepared to access it. Whether you're binging a prestige drama or just watching the little plane icon move across a map, having your gear ready makes all the difference.
