Arthurrs

"Soon, we will be unveiling a new tier above Gold, along with new and enhanced benefits for our Silver and Gold members. This growth represents some outstanding opportunities— especially for those looking for more exclusive premium experiences."

Let the speculation begin....

Frequentlander

I'll speculate that there will be more (and who knows, maybe better) integration with the DL program and there will be some changes to how you can use your companion cert. Maybe another type of companion cert for longer haul routes?
If they want to integrate with Skyteam, I think that they (WS) are going to have to give some recognition for miles flown, and not just spend.

Arthurrs

So I wonder where the bar will be set for this new tier above Gold? $10K? $12K $15K? Integration with a mileage based program like Delta may be challenging, and if it does finally happen, hopefully the value transfers well between the programs, but I'm not holding my breath, the trend continues to be going towards spend based FF programs and Skyteam is no exception. Nevertheless, I like how straight forward Westjet's FF program is for earning status and redeeming Westjet dollars, I got tired of the mileage games, limited availability, and moving targets of the other airline programs.

It certainly would be nice to get a bit more flexibility on how a companion fare is used (would be nice to break it up into one way tickets). Also some upgrade certs that could be used up to 48 hours in advance of the flight would certainly be handy, though I do appreciate the random "bump" up to plus with a higher priced flex fare that I've experienced over the past year.

Frequentlander

I'm actually quite intrigued about the new lounges. I expect YVR, YYC and YYZ, which I suspect will be the 787 stations.

aerobod

There will be 9 new lounges: domestic, trans-border and international for YYC, YYZ and YVR.

YYCguy

aerobod

Not sure of terminal locations, the "9 lounges" is from the investor day info (slide 39): https://www.westjet.com/assets/wj-we...vestor-day.pdf
The fact they are in YYC, YYZ and YVR is based on the released info to the public, before I retired from WestJet.

JetFuelBlood

I wonder if YEG might get a joint domestic/international lounge.

keitherson

FlyerJ

It'll be interesting to see what they do with lounge access. Keep in mind that Air Canada is the outlier when it comes to lounges -- and I have a hunch that WestJet will approach this conservatively rather than matching what AC already does. My hunch is that they're more likely to mirror what U.S. carriers do: sell lounge memberships, with discounts increasing as your status level increases. And keep complimentary lounge access only for paid J cabin passengers and highest-tier elite members ... on international (but not domestic) flights.

My hunch is that this won't happen. Just like AC, upselling fares and having passengers pay for seats are absolutely critical sources of revenue. They're not going to give that up -- like Air Canada hasn't given it up. If you buy an Econo (or, gasp, an Econo Lowest) fare, I think you'll still have to pay. It might be a reduced fee, or might open up better seating choices than others have access to, but I think you'll still pay for seats.

I think this will happen . . . there will definitely be new upgrade options available to highest-tier members. This will be a big change for WS passengers, as one of the big draws to current-day WestJet is the typically very easy availability of cheap paid upgrades to Plus at check-in. IMHO, that will largely disappear.

calgaryhhr

Regarding lounges, I would be very surprised if Westjet has a lounge open by the end of 2019. I know it is in previous timeline but I don't think it will happen.

ShaunEDM

Agree with Westjet and the FF program is simple, straightforward and the dollars to use are better than most other programs IMO.

Love the tease, but really let's get on with it already!

james dean

Fine tuning the mileage/benefit program will be the key draw to the "big spenders" FFers, the more enticing it is; the more defections from AC you'll see

Calgary661

Very surprised WestJet would tease gold members and not just announce what is going on. Very poor customer practice and if the program is strong then I would expect announcing it full scale would help retain that elite level of flyer.

Arthurrs

While I'm sure they are still working on the details, it would be kinda nice to know where the goalposts are for this higher tier. I'm planning my travel for the rest of the year! 10K? 12K? 15K?