WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina Flight Review
The Last Turboprop Standing at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
In October 2025, I got to experience something that very few travelers out of Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) ever do: I booked WestJet Encore’s Dash 8 Q400 from Minneapolis to Regina, Saskatchewan—the only scheduled passenger turboprop flight still serving MSP. The flight typically departs in the mid-afternoon (around 3 PM) and connects two cities that rarely appear together on airline route maps.
Twenty years ago, turboprops were a common sight at MSP. Aircraft such as the Saab 340, Dash 8-100/200, Beechcraft 1900D, and Fairchild Dornier 328 connected Minneapolis to smaller regional airports through carriers like Mesaba Airlines, Northwest Airlink, and Great Lakes Aviation. Over time, these propeller planes were replaced by faster, more modern regional jets—including the CRJ-200, ERJ-145, and Embraer E-Jets—and the familiar buzz of propellers slowly disappeared from MSP’s runways.
Today, only one turboprop route remains: WestJet Encore’s daily MSP–Regina service, a rare throwback in an era dominated by jets. (The route launched April 28 2024, operated by the Dash 8-Q400.)
WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina Flight Review - Table of Contents
- The Last Turboprop Standing at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
- What Happened to Turboprop Flights in the United States?
- Booking My WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina Flight
- WestJet Check-In Counters at MSP
- At the Gate: Boarding the Only Turboprop Flight from MSP
- Boarding the WestJet Encore Q400
- In the Air: Flying on WestJet Encore’s Dash 8 Q400
- Arrival in Regina, Saskatchewan (YQR): Clearing Canadian Customs
- Final Thoughts: The Last Turboprop Route from Minneapolis
- FAQs
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- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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What Happened to Turboprop Flights in the United States?
For me, turboprops aren’t unusual. I used to fly on Alaska Airlines’ Q400s when I lived in Las Vegas, hopping between Western U.S. and Canadian cities. Abroad, I’ve flown ATR-72s in Taiwan, Romania, and Mexico, a Q400 in Croatia, and a Cessna 208B Caravan in Costa Rica.
Do any U.S. airlines still fly turboprops?
But that kind of flying is becoming increasingly rare in North America. As of this writing, no major U.S. airlines operate turboprops, and the smaller commuter carriers that remain often use piston-powered twins or single-engine turboprops instead. Examples include Cape Air (Cessna 402 and Tecnam P2012, both piston-powered) and Southern Airways Express (Cessna 208 Caravan, a turboprop).
In the continental U.S., turboprop flights like this have nearly vanished from scheduled passenger service. For travelers who enjoy the Dash 8 Q400 experience, the WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina flight stands out as one of the few remaining ways to do it.
No major U.S. carriers do. Southern Airways Express operates single-engine turboprops, and Cape Air uses piston aircraft, but large airlines have completely retired turboprops.
Booking My WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina Flight
I had been eyeing this route for over a year, and in October 2025, I finally had the chance to fly from Minneapolis to Regina on WestJet Encore’s Q400. I’d flown WestJet before—on a 737 from MSP to Edmonton—but this was my first time aboard a WestJet Encore Dash 8 Q400 and my first visit to Saskatchewan.
As an airline, WestJet has given me mixed experiences. I’ve had multiple issues with their mobile app, including the seat map disappearing and an error message reading:
“Seat selection is not available — We were unable to process your request at this time. If you would like to try again, please return to My Trips.”
WestJet Check-In Counters at MSP
At MSP, WestJet uses Delta Air Lines agents at the check-in counter. When the agent checked my passport, she repeatedly asked where I was headed. I replied, “Regina, Saskatchewan,” pronouncing it correctly as Rah-GYE-nah. She kept insisting, “You mean Rah-GEE-nah,” pronouncing it completely wrong.
At the Gate: Boarding the Only Turboprop Flight from MSP
Security at MSP is always a breeze—especially with TSA PreCheck—and within minutes, I was waiting at Gate C10, where WestJet Encore currently operates. As I settled into the waiting area, a WestJet 737 was boarding nearby, preparing to depart for Edmonton. Not long after it pushed back and left the gate, the Dash 8 Q400 from Regina arrived to operate the return flight north.
Watching one aircraft depart and the other arrive felt like a hand-off between two eras of regional aviation—the jet-powered present and the propeller-driven past. The WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina flight might not turn heads in the terminal, but for aviation enthusiasts it represents one of the last true turboprop experiences still available in the continental U.S.
Boarding the WestJet Encore Q400
Our Q400 turboprop made a simple entrance, towed to the gate with its propellers still. Shortly after the pilots and crew boarded, the gate agents began general boarding. I overheard them mention that to have the flight counted as “on time,” they needed to get everyone at least onto the jet bridge quickly.
This was my first time boarding a turboprop via a jet bridge—in the past, I’d always boarded via stairs. I was in Zone 2, but knowing the Q400’s limited overhead space, I made sure to be one of the first passengers to board. Despite that, we ended up delayed about an hour, waiting for two passengers and their luggage.
I found my seat, 16C, stowed my small bag in the tight overhead bin, and placed my backpack under the seat. The flight was completely full, which meant a cramped ride. WestJet Encore lists a 30″ seat pitch (31″ in some front rows), so at 6′5″ there wasn’t much room to move. On Encore, Premium is the same seat shell as economy—so don’t expect true extra-legroom rows.
Still, as the plane pushed back and the turboprop engines roared to life, I felt like I was stepping back into the golden age of regional air travel.
In the Air: Flying on WestJet Encore’s Dash 8 Q400
The plane took a short taxi to the runway and, with surprising power, climbed confidently into the sky. I’m always amazed at how little runway the Q400 needs to take off. If you sit near the middle or rear, you’ll get a great view of the landing gear retracting into the wing just after takeoff—and again during landing.
Turboprops cruise lower and slower than jets, so my flight from Minneapolis to Regina took about 2 hours 15 minutes gate-to-gate—typically 20–30 minutes longer than a jet on the same route. That slower pace is part of the Q400’s charm: you hear the hum of the engines and feel more connected to the journey.
Throughout the flight, there was a steady hum and vibration from the propeller engines. I find the sound relaxing—it’s rhythmic, almost nostalgic—but if you’re sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones are a must.
During the flight, WestJet Encore offered complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. I went with a Diet Coke and was pleasantly surprised to receive both pretzels and cookies. The flight attendants were friendly and professional, though their constant presence in the narrow aisle made it difficult to get any work done without being bumped.
The Q400 has just one lavatory near the front. On my aircraft there was no sink—just hand sanitizer—a small detail that emphasizes how utilitarian these regional planes are.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Regina?
The WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina flight averages about 2 hours 15 minutes gate-to-gate, while a jet typically makes the trip in around 1 hour 40 minutes.
Arrival in Regina, Saskatchewan (YQR): Clearing Canadian Customs
About 45 minutes before landing, the crew handed out Canadian declaration cards—something I hadn’t seen since before COVID-19. Some airports, including Regina (YQR), still require paper cards for non-Canadian citizens if electronic kiosks aren’t used.
Our landing was routine, though gusty winds made the small Q400 sway a bit on approach. At passport control, it took about 20 minutes to clear the line. I’m always surprised by how many questions Canadian border officers ask—it often feels like I’m quizzed more thoroughly entering Canada than anywhere else I’ve visited.
Overall, it was a pleasant flight on WestJet Encore, and I was genuinely happy to finally experience the only turboprop flight serving MSP. For aviation enthusiasts and nostalgic travelers alike, the WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina flight is a small but memorable reminder of how air travel used to feel.
Do you need a landing card when flying to Canada?
Some Canadian airports—including Regina—still require physical declaration cards for non-Canadian citizens if electronic kiosks or the Advance CBSA Declaration app aren’t available.
Final Thoughts: The Last Turboprop Route from Minneapolis
Flying the WestJet Encore Q400 MSP to Regina flight felt like stepping back into a different era of aviation. While it’s slower and smaller than today’s jets, the Q400 delivers a rare, intimate connection to the mechanics of flight—complete with the hum of the props and the feel of the engines beneath your feet. If you’re an aviation fan, this route is worth experiencing before turboprops disappear entirely from the continental U.S.
FAQs
Q: Does WestJet fly from Minneapolis to Regina?
A: Yes. WestJet Encore operates a daily Dash 8 Q400 flight between MSP and Regina (YQR).
Q: Are there any turboprop flights left in the U.S.?
A: Only a few remain—mostly small commuter operations like Southern Airways Express. The MSP–Regina route is one of the only turboprop flights touching the lower 48.
Q: What is it like to fly on a Dash 8 Q400?
A: It’s a slower, louder but smooth ride with a distinct vibration and low-altitude view—beloved by aviation enthusiasts for its old-school feel.
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