I guess this only confirms that WestJet will be joining OneWorld by 2009. There is no way to be in an alliance when the company offers no Frequent Flyer Program.

Worstjet web site sucks....... so lets hope they fix that before they waste time on a westjet program.

What exactly do you think is in desperate need of fixing? Not that I use it much, but their website has always been useful for whatever purpose I needed at the moment.

I think that a link to Continental's One Pass programme looks better, as Continental has history with Copa, as a dependant One Pass airline.

Hmmm, seems WS has decided to stick with Air Miles after all, so must think them enough of an advantage to draw customers in to retain 'em:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/a.../02/c9903.html

TORONTO, April 2 /CNW/ - The AIR MILES(R) Reward Program and WestJet
Airlines today announced a multi-year renewal agreement, reaffirming WestJet's
Reward partnership with the AIR MILES Reward Program, and thus continuing to
provide Collectors with the ability to redeem for WestJet flights.
"An AIR MILES reward supplier for eight years, WestJet remains an
important partner in our extensive domestic, transborder and international
roster of airline reward suppliers," says Jill Morison, Vice President,
Rewards, AIR MILES Reward Program. "This agreement provides our Collectors
with significant access to seats on WestJet's extensive network of domestic
and U.S. destinations."
With AIR MILES Collectors booked on more than 1.2 million WestJet flights
since the airline became a Reward supplier in 2000, both the loyalty program
and airline are excited about the opportunities this long-term agreement
presents for Canadian travelers.
"AIR MILES has been, and will continue to be, an important partner for
WestJet, and provides us with a sustainable and predictable source of
revenue," says WestJet Vice-President Marketing, Lauri Feser.
"With the renewal of WestJet, we're demonstrating to our Collectors that
we will continue to provide them with the access to airline seats and great
service they have come to expect from both WestJet and the AIR MILES Program,"
says Morison. "We've seen WestJet grow to become a leading airline serving
major markets throughout Canada and elsewhere. We're proud to continue to be a
part of WestJet's success story."
AIR MILES Collectors can redeem their reward miles for flights simply by
calling 1-888-AIR MILES.

This is very disappointing!!! I was really hoping to have a new primary carrier and leave AC!

Oh well, I guess an AP supporter I will remain due to lack of any choice of a FF program!

This press release says nothing about collecting Air Miles, only redeeming them. You can redeem Air Miles on several different airlines, including AC, AA, and NW. There's nothing here to stop WS from starting their own FF programme.

You're correct and I'd misread the updated as posted. Here's a little more on the topic:

http://www.reuters.com/article/AIRDE...38254420080402

CALGARY, Alberta, April 2 (Reuters) - WestJet Airlines Ltd (WJA.TO: Quote, Profile, Research) has renewed its partnership with the Air Miles rewards program, but remains intent on starting up its own frequent flier plan, Canada's No. 2 airline said on Wednesday.

The two organizations said their agreement means Air Miles points collectors will still be able to redeem miles for WestJet flights, something called into question in recent months as the airline weighed its options.

WestJet has been an Air Miles rewards supplier since 2000.

One can also earn Air Miles on NW. A great benefit for WorldPerks members - "double dipping"!

Only on transborder, but I did that in January. I also made sure I linked my AM number to my wife's worldperks number. Got 100 AM's for our return flights.

It appears that BMO has changed it Gold Mastercard program:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/a.../03/c2249.html

Now instead of being able to redeem any Westjet flight for a maximum of 1600AM, you can redeem any flight (on any eligible airline) for 20% less airmiles. Otherwise, the rest of the program seems to be the same. There is no mention of whether you still get double airmiles for booking Westjet flights using the Gold MC, or the free companion ticket for spending $3,000 in a calendar year on Westjet.

The loss of the 1600 AM with Westjet seems to be a significant loss, although I've heard availability was severely restricted anyway. Neither the Airmiles or BMO websites make any mention of Westjet doublemiles or companion ticket but the Westjet site does (double miles is on Silver as well).

All WestJet specific benefits will end with the BMO Mastercard effective June 30th (I think)

There are retention offers that for some will be provided proactively and others reactively....

I think BMO has lost interest in Air Miles when it stopped awarding AM based on account balance last year.

The difficulty in redeeming AM travel reward is probably another deterrent; at least this has been my personal experience during the past year or so. It definitely has become increasing difficult when comparing to a few years ago. AM is still insisting on a Saturday night layover and advance booking requirements in most booking situations. For car rental, usually only 100 free km per day are allowed. Redemption at Delta Hotels does not include taxes. Many hotels in the Starwood franchise do not participate, just to name a few issues that I have encountered.

AM may be suffering from the same fate as Aeroplan with too many Miles now chasing after too few reward availability. The "contract pricing" demanded by AM may no longer be attractive to many of the reward providers.

This morning, I attempted to book a hotel room with my Air Mile points for 2 upcoming trips without success.

The first one was for a room for 1 night in Richmond BC in early September 2008 with Starwood. No room available.

The second one was for a room for 2 nights in Santiago, Chile in mid January 2009, also with Starwood. No room available.

I am a Gold level collector. It just reaffirmed my plan to abandon collecting Air Mile because for other than toasters and kettles, it is near impossible to find any travel reward availability. I hope to able to find some worthwhile way to spend my AM already collected!

It probably helps to understand why WS wants its own programme.