FlyerJ

Surprising that there's so much availability in the short term, but it might be due to the Omni aircraft sub-in. Was looking at some dates for YYC-OGG in March, and Plus seems to be selling pretty briskly on the flights I was looking at.

On AC's Hawaii flights out of YYC and YVR in previous years, the J seats all tend to sell out. I've tried to do Altitude eUps (never successful) and I've waited to see if a t-24 paid upgrade would be available (never).

As far as leisure routes go, my hunch is that Hawaii is high demand for premium product. It's a looong flight.

Given the relatively low cost of WS Plus (ie when purchased at time of booking), I'd expect it to sell well. If you really want Plus, consider buying it up front. Otherwise, you might need luck on your side.

And given what a bargain Westjet's last minute upgrade is on Hawaii routes (really an incredible value for this length of flight) expect a lot of folks trying to snag cheap upgrades at exactly t-24!

Good luck!

FlyerJ

Does anyone know (or Westjet Darren, feel free to chime in!)...

1. If the flight originates in a foreign country (rather than in Canada), is the last minute Plus upgrade fee charged in the foreign currency, or are upgrades always charged in Canadian dollars?

2. Are the upgrade fees subject to GST, HST, or any other taxes? Or are the upgrade fees mentioned previously in this thread "all in"? (Does origin or destination make any difference on whether its taxed, or how much any taxes are?)

Thanks!

YYCCL3

In my experience:

1 - the upgrade fee is charged in the foreign currency of the point of departure at an amount to make it the equivalent from the fee schedule in CAD: Eg 4 USD for a 50 CAD upgrade

2 - the upgrade fees are all inclusive

Canuckmma

I was charged only GST on my upgrade fee yesterday, originating from YYC, flying to a location with PST. As such I would say tax allocation based on departure location.

FlyerJ

Sounds like CANUCKMMA and YYCCL3 have seen different totals -- one "all in", one with taxes added.

Darren, can you clarify?

What dictates currency and added taxes on a last minute upgrade fee (cross border or intl)?

WestJet

For domestic flights, the taxes that apply are those of the flight's origin city's provincial taxes. i.e. for Alberta only the G.S.T. applies, for Nova Scotia, H.S.T. applies and in B.C., P.S.T. & G.S.T applies.

Now stick with me here:
On international flights, no tax applies.

For flights from international cities TO Canada, here's how it works:

For departures from the U.S.: Fees are based in CAD. (i.e. the $25 is CAD$25, but will be converted and collected in USD on the day's exchange rate.

For departures from international stations (excluding Europe): Fees are based in CAD, but converted to USD.

For departures from Dublin: Fees are based in EUR and collected in EUR.

For departures from the United Kingdom: Fees are based in GBP and collected in GBP.

Clear as mud?
Darren

MapleLeafss

I'm flying YYC-JFK in a couple months and have $105 in WestJet Dollars I need to spend; I don't fly WestJet a ton and most of those dollars are going to expire before I have another chance to use them. Can I use WestJet Dollars for a Plus upgrade either at or before check-in? if not, can I use them for normal seat selection or baggage fees?

tcook052

It wouldn't seem they may be used toward Plus upgrades but the FAQ does rule out using them toward "fees" so assume that means advance seat selction and/or baggage fees:

WestJet dollars can be used like cash to pay for all or part of a published fare of a WestJet-marketed flight or a WestJet Vacations package. WestJet dollars cannot be applied against taxes, fees or charges

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/help...-program.shtml

sokolov

You'll probably have to find someone else who may want to book WestJet within your time window.

tcook052

I accepted Plus upgrade this morning for CAD$150 one way. Seemed a good deal for YEG-OGG nonstop 7-hour flight.

mahasamatman

This table is out of date. According to https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel...rvice-fees#1.5, the range is now $20-$236. Does anyone have the new fee table?

Symmetre

I'm not sure the table is out of date, mahasmatman. Its consistent to what I've been seeing over the past several weeks.

Shareholder

Agree, YYZ-YVR still $120 for about 2080 mile distance.

mahasamatman

I am. First update: YVR-YLW (179 miles) is $20, up from $15.

Symmetre

Not what I've been seeing ... guess I've just been lucky so far? Hey, I'll take any break I cam get!