tcook052

https://www.newswire.ca/news-release...701869152.html

CALGARY, Dec. 4, 2018 /CNW/ – WestJet today announced it has expanded its codeshare relationship with Qantas by placing its WS code and flight numbers on Qantas-operated flights between Los Angeles and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

“Canada’s favourite airline, WestJet, welcomes this deepened relationship with Qantas,” said Brian Znotins, WestJet Vice-President, Network Planning and Alliances. “Expanding our partnership with Qantas provides our guests greater global travel options and aligns with the new premium products and services WestJet is developing as we continue our evolution to a global network airline.”

Itineraries connecting the growing WestJet network to these Australian destinations are available today for purchase on all WestJet sales channels for flights starting December 6, 2018.

“The expansion of our codeshare relationship with WestJet will give Canadian travellers more options to visit Australia than ever before,” said Stephen Thompson, Senior Executive Vice-President, The Americas, Qantas. “We offer more non-stop flights between North America and Australia than any other airline and have Australia’s largest domestic network with connecting services to more than 60 destinations across Australia and New Zealand. Our customers tell us they feel their Australian holiday starts the moment they step onboard a Qantas flight, with our award-winning Australian food and wine selection and the warm Aussie hospitality our crew provide.”

WestJet and Qantas have been codeshare partners since 2014 and the airlines have offered Qantas Frequent Flyer and WestJet Rewards members the ability to earn and redeem loyalty rewards since 2017. Travellers will also continue to enjoy one-stop check-in and baggage transfers to their final destination.

WestJet operates flights from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto to Los Angeles. The WS code will be added on Qantas’ daily flights between Los Angelesand Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane and its seasonal service between Vancouver and Sydney.

PHXflier

So much for the Westjet-inching-toward-Skyteam speculation....

mxqisit

Can anybody help me find details on the YVR-SYD direct flights on Qantas? I'm not seeing any available right now which tells me it may be a seasonal route and dates for 2019 haven't been announced yet.... or am I missing something here?

Heffeh41

Seasonal route it is. Usually 3 flights a week if i recall correctly.

Ace Cdn

Flights only operate during the peak Australian Summer. Flights are only till the end of January

Fiordland

In past years they have also operated during the peak Canadian Summer season. In years past it has been operated with a 747-400. The airline has in the past had the problem that the only aircraft in their fleet that can operate the flight is the 747 or A380. I think that is changing.

Fiordland

Australia will always be an exception. There is no domestic skyteam operator in that market.

Mwenenzi

Nor an Australian domestic Star Alliance airline (RIP Ansett)

PHXflier

There's Virgin Australia, which is not a SkyTeam member per se, but which codeshares with DL and other Skyteam members...

Fiordland

Virgin Australia and Air Canada are already in bed. I don't think they would be partnered with both WestJet and Air Canada.

Heffeh41

AC has an agreement with QF and VA. Not sure to what extent each are but I've flown both Australian carriers on tickets purchased from AC.

Fiordland

I believe QF is an interline and VA is a codeshare. AC probably has interline agreements with most major airlines in the world.

WestJet is still catching up on the interline agreements.

shuuy

If I book a WestJet award with Qantas points... do I get advanced seat selection?

V1213

I don't think so - your QF award ticket should behave like a WestJet Econo fare, so no free seats or bags.