Vaclav

Due to new entrant to the market (Flair), both AC and Westjet were offering never seen before low fares in basic economy. For my July/August returns, WS was as low as $97 for a nonstop red eye. AC had similar price but for a morning departure. That is less convenient due to flight duration and change of time zone - the whole day is gone travelling.

pokee

I'm booked WS YVR-YUL midweek in August. They had two non stop flights to choose from - a morning flight and a redeye. They also had a few connecting in YYC. I chose the direct morning flight (which was the most expensive- about $150 more).

What's the likelihood of them canceling my flight? I'd be extremely ticked if I got put on a connecting flight after paying more for a non stop. How does that work when you've paid extra for the non stop, and extra for good seat assignments that are no longer available?

Vaclav

Last summer, I was 'stuck' with the cancellation of WS YVR-YUL nonstop at least twice, and got less convenient schedule on YUL-YVR. One connection left me in YYZ for 6 hours with only one overpriced breakfast outlet open. I understood the 'corona' reason for cancellations. If they do it again this year, not very good since other airlines advertise nonstops.

For this July and August, I had 3 rock-bottom priced basic economy flights YVR-YUL then cancelled them all and booked on in Premium on special. The other two went to AC using Aeroplan points.

I enjoyed WS but those cancellations happen or happened too often.

pokee

I hope they don't cancel again this year. Do you recall how much notice you had?

Curious what your Premium fare was? Best I could do was around $500 each way... with a companion voucher and taxes it was around $700 each RT. We opted for Econo at $400 RT each and exit row seats.

newfbc

I booked YVR-YYT for last week of July in Premium for $962 return... which I think is decent. via YYZ going, YEG coming back. I'm expecting there will be some flight changes.

Ron.

On Time Reports

If your flight is before August 4, then you should be able to find out this weekend. If your flight is after Aug 4, then the Aug 5 to Sept 4 schedule update should be processed around the second Saturday of July.

Most likely WS will probably cancel at least one daily frequency, but with Flair also flying this route, they might retain one daily or at least a few weekly to compete with Flair.

Vaclav

For the notice, please see the post further down, it explains the timing. I had the same.

My YVR-YUL premium was $492 all in, on 'special' with 20% code. Both WS and AC advertised the same. The price is ok. However it is a night flight and I do not expect any gourmet dining. The most significant benefit is the larger seat on 737-800, free checked luggage (I have that already due to cc), WS dollars accrual (not important for me).

Vaclav

They should not cancel YUL/YVR/YUL summer nonstop - especially when AC will be offering more than 3 daily, there is also Flair and Air Transat - all advertising nonstops.

The cancellation of those nonstops a year ago was more understandable. This year, wit Canada reopening and government financial aid, it is another story. In other words - not acceptable, looking more like bait and switch.

Vaclav

And yes, sure, how predictable. Just found (not that WS would email me) that my YVR-YUL red eye nonstop on July 11 was cancelled. And again, I am re-routed via YYZ. A year later and the same 'strategy' is nothing but bait and switch. I am glad I have cancelled two more similar flights later, it would be the same result. We need competition, why is Westjet sending us to the arms of Air Canada? On that day, AC operates three YVR-YUL nonstops, a day later four.

Another thing, since my booking was changed, it is locked and I cannot even see/change seats online. I have cancelled and rebooked many AC flights and AC also had several schedule changes. I was promptly notified by email/app and in most case was given a choice to select a different flight and seat if I wanted to. I am saying this rather reluctantly but AC is by far clear winner.

newfbc

My flights YVR-YYT were both cancelled.. The flights were re-booked and like you I did not get an email, have no idea what my seats are (booked Premium) and cannot see/change them online. I don't care much about the return, but now the outgoing puts me there after all the car rental places close.. which leaves me with a return taxi from the airport and getting a car the next day. Thanks Westjet! If I didn't have so many WJD to burn, I'd be on AC in a flash.

Ron.

newfbc

Found some info on my new flights - if you choose 'Email Itinerary' under Manage Trips on the site, it will email you your current Itinerary with assigned seats listed (I think!). Still no email from Westjet about the changes.

Ron.

On Time Reports

I think the bug of viewing your changed flights before automated emails were sent was a issue before COVID. It was less noticeable before COVID because WS would do schedule changes more randomly/less predictable than the night of the second Saturday of each month. Therefore, it was less likely for people to catch the change before emails got sent. For some reason when you view the change before emails are sent out, you don't get emails. Almost as if the system is too smart in not having to annoy passengers with another email when they were already aware of their schedule change.

Case3

I've always picked the most basic fares on AC and Westjet and its never presented a problem. I've always been able to check in 24hrs before flights and pick my seat from what is available which is usually fine unless I left check-in until the last moment. Has this changed for Westjet basic fair or can I still pick my seat from the leftovers when I check in?

I recently got the RBC Westjet Elite MC for the companion voucher and I've been looking into their rewards program. I love rewards programs and good programs reward spending and loyalty. With Westjets program though it doesn't seem to make sense to pay the extra fares unless you are in platinum tier. Why are people paying $20-30 extra for $1-3 Westjet dollars rewards? Seems like a pretty crappy loyalty program for the general population unless I'm missing something, glad the perks with the Mastercard make sense!

Case3

So for the record I just booked Westjet basic fares to Hawaii for a family of 3.. I booked Westjet because I value my experience with them vs AC who I have sworn I would never fly with again multiple times! In this case Westjet had the most direct flights to Hawaii and prices were better or same around board so no brainer. I do love Westjet overall vs all North American airlines from my personal experiences flying for the last 30 years but I'm trying to figure out why I should pay more for their Westjet program dollars.

So again, why do people pay the extra $20-30 for econo fare vs basic when you book your Westjet ticket? Mathematically it doesn't make sense. This isn't a comparison to other programs just trying to figure out Westjets lack of a loyalty program.

Adam Smith

@Case3, with this being your first post, welcome to FT

Reports above (see this post) suggest that is not currently the case - you could be stuck with what you get auto-assigned at check-in.

Earning WSD is not the only reason to purchase Econo (over and above the previous point about seat selection):

• Those who wish to purchase a seat in advance will pay a lower fee from Econo than Basic, which may make up some or all of the difference in fare
• From a loyalty perspective, beyond earning WSD, basic fares do not qualify towards spend thresholds for earning status or companion vouchers, and a number of benefits available to Golds and Platinums on higher fares are not applicable
• Importantly for many people, Basic fares do not allow changes or refunds at all. If your plans change, you just have to forfeit your ticket. If you buy Econo, the fees can be sizeable, but at least you can make a change or get a Travel Bank credit
• For anyone looking to book via the call centre (e.g. my wife's 91 year old grandfather who has no computer or smart phone), there is a $15.75 per guest booking fee on Basic fares

WS does a decent job of detailing the differences between the fare types on the fare page and the fee page on their website.