WestJet Rewards - WS does overbook!

This morning I arrived in YYZ from YEG.
A flight to YUL (472) was calling for volunteers and they were offering $200 or a free flight to YOW/YUL return.
So much for 'not overbooking'.
(I had to go to the US departures section, so I didn't see too much....)

Although I wasn't there, one of two things may have happened: the aircraft may have been downsized from a -700 to a -600 at the last minute, resulting in less seats available; or a flight attendant may have called in sick and a replacement could not be found, therefore reducing the number of guests allowed on board (flight attendant to guest ratio, as prescribed by Transport Canada is 1:40). Westjet does not normally overbook, this would have been the only option given the circumstances.

Although I wasn't there, one of two things may have happened: the aircraft may have been downsized from a -700 to a -600 at the last minute, resulting in less seats available; or a flight attendant may have called in sick and a replacement could not be found, therefore reducing the number of guests allowed on board (flight attendant to guest ratio, as prescribed by Transport Canada is 1:40). Westjet does not normally overbook, this would have been the only option given the circumstances.

At least I presume they were actually sick, unlike the competition.

Westjet does not normally overbook

+1

I always am curious how often the downguage of equip. actually happens with WS.

+1

I always am curious how often the downguage of equip. actually happens with WS.
Typically less then once a week, with an average of over 3,000 flights a week, I would say about one chance in 5,000 is the right ballpark.

Typically less then once a week, with an average of over 3,000 flights a week, I would say about one chance in 5,000 is the right ballpark.

Interesting and I like those odds. ^

I've taken 13 flights with WestJet and none of them were overbooked.
Two flights with Air Canada and one of them was overbooked.

Typically less then once a week, with an average of over 3,000 flights a week, I would say about one chance in 5,000 is the right ballpark.

It happens more frequently than that; mostly done for OTP and often done for maintenance.

It happens more frequently than that; mostly done for OTP and often done for maintenance.
I only see a down-gauge in the daily reports that would cause a guest recovery need on a less than weekly basis, with the exception of weather IROP situations, of course.

Gotcha. I was thinking more in general terms not necessarily a situation that would or did result in overbookings.