Air Transat or WestJet?

theonenonly

I haven't travelled in years, so wondering which of these is the best airline to travel to Toronto from London with? Unfortunately Air Canada is out of our budget (£50 more per person). Will be going with 6 adults, I think we require just one luggage, and the rest of us are OK with carry on.

I think the main thing is food, I hear some airlines charge extra for food. 

Has anyone travelled with either of these airlines, any recommendations?

Westin

Both airline websites will tell you if inflight meals are included or need to be ordered and paid for separately.

AirTransit is predominately a holiday airline but gets fairly good feedback reviews.

Westjet, particularly their U.K. - Canada services also are well regarded. 

Many will consider both better than Air Canada, or at least Air Canada Rouge. 

I would probably lean more towards Westjet.

If you go on to YouTube you can find a number of video reviews for both carriers.

jamesbrownontheroad

It might come down to your preference or aircraft. Air Transat fly Airbus A330 and A321LR aircraft across the Atlantic, and WestJet fly Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Bit of background...

Air Transat is slightly older (1986) and originates as a holiday and charter airline in the province of Québec. They are particularly well known in eastern Canada and amongst French-speaking Canadians. They fly a lot of trans-Atlantic routes to France. Air Canada tried to purchase Air Transat a couple of years ago.

WestJet is younger (1996) and originates on the opposite side of the country, in Alberta. Therefore they are historically better known in the western and English speaking parts of Canada. They have an extensive network of domestic and trans-border (Canada-USA) flights. They might be useful if you wanted to connect to somewhere beyond Toronto.

As @Westin notes, Air Canada Rouge is AC's low cost leisure airline... might be worth checking them as well.

Both Air Transat and WestJet are equally good, in my mind. Have a wonderful trip!