WestJet Airlines, a Canadian low-cost carrier, offers a flexible flight change policy with rules and fees varying by fare type, route, and timing. Below is an overview of the flight change policy based on available information.
Passengers who booked directly through the WestJet website or app can modify bookings via the "Manage Trips" section by entering their reservation code and last name. Changes include flight date, time, or destination, and can be made up to two hours before departure, provided the passenger has not checked in. Changes to extras like seat selection or baggage must be rebooked separately. Online changes are not available for group bookings, WestJet Vacations, or flights operated by partner airlines.
For tickets purchased through travel agents, third-party platforms like Expedia, or partners like AIR MILES, passengers must contact the issuing agent to request changes, as direct modifications through WestJet are not permitted. Additional handling fees may apply when processed through agents.
WestJet offers fare types such as UltraBasic, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business, BusinessFlex, and Member Exclusive, each with distinct change policies:
Changes for codeshare or partner-operated flights follow the operating carrier’s policies.
Changes made within a day of booking are free for flights departing at least a week later, provided the booking was made directly with WestJet. Beyond this period, UltraBasic fares do not allow changes. Econo, Premium, Business, and Member Exclusive fares incur a fee per person per direction, with higher fees for Business fares or international routes to Asia. Changes to flights to or from Europe are charged per transaction rather than per segment. Fees are higher at the Contact Centre, ticket offices, or airport counters compared to online changes. No-show passengers forfeit the ticket unless eligible for a Travel Bank credit under fare rules.
If the new flight is more expensive, passengers must pay the fare difference for all fare types except UltraBasic, which does not allow changes. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower, unless specified by fare rules. For Flex fares, only the fare difference applies without additional change fees.
Changes are permitted up to two hours before departure for eligible fares, subject to availability. Tickets are valid for one year from issuance, and changes must occur within this period. No changes are allowed for UltraBasic fares after a day, partially used tickets, or after departure. Same-day changes are available for EconoFlex, PremiumFlex, and BusinessFlex fares, subject to availability in the same cabin class, and may incur a fee for non-Flex fares.
Route changes are allowed for Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business, BusinessFlex, and Member Exclusive fares, subject to availability, a change fee (if applicable), and fare differences. UltraBasic fares do not permit route changes. Changes must be processed through the Contact Centre for complex itineraries or partner-operated flights. For travel advisories, route changes to nearby airports may be fee-free.
Name changes are permitted for eligible fares up to a couple of weeks before departure for a fee per booking, plus any fare difference. Single-occupancy bookings and WestJet Vacations packages, including Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort bookings, do not allow name changes. Minor spelling corrections may require contacting the Contact Centre with documentation like a passport or marriage certificate.
If WestJet cancels or significantly delays a flight by more than a couple of hours, passengers can rebook on another WestJet flight without fees, subject to availability in the same cabin, or request a refund, including for non-refundable tickets. Travel credits issued are valid for one year and non-transferable. For travel advisories due to events like hurricanes or airport closures, WestJet waives change fees and fare differences for rebooking to the same or nearby destinations. Notifications are sent via email or text if contact details are provided, or through third-party agents for non-direct bookings. EU or Canadian regulations may entitle passengers to compensation for cancellations with less than a couple of weeks’ notice, unless due to extraordinary circumstances.
Passengers can modify bookings through the following methods: