Program news and updates
Our WestJet Rewards program is continually evolving, and there is always something new to share. Whether it’s a new feature for a portion of members, or a broader program change applicable to all, you’ll find all the latest program news below.
Tier status and qualifying period extensions to December 31, 2021
As of September 4, 2020, we are making the following changes to provide greater certainty and time for our members:
- We’re extending Platinum, Gold and Silver status and tier benefits to December 31, 2021
- includes lounge and seat selection vouchers issued with the tier
- changes will be reflected in your account by September 30, 2020
- We’re extending current qualifying periods for all members, including those in the Teal tier, to December 31, 2021 to align to the calendar year and provide more time to achieve or retain status
- all accounts to be updated by October 31, 2020
Learn more about what’s included in qualifying spend and the benefits you’ll receive at each tier at westjet.com/tiers.
Qualifying spend earned in your current period will stay with you so you’ll have a head start to build your spend over the next 16 months. Watch for opportunities to earn qualifying spend faster, including this one to register and book an eligible flight before September 30 to earn DOUBLE qualifying spend.
Have questions? We’ve got answers.
Temporary pause of Member Exclusive fares
Effective June 25, 2020, Member Exclusive fares will be temporarily unavailable for booking. The redemption process needs improvement and the current slowdown in travel worldwide presents us with a unique opportunity to temporarily pause these fares to enhance the experience. A new reward redemption product will be launched soon.
In the meantime, you can still use your WestJet dollars for full or partial redemption on any Economy, Premium or Business fare for any flight in our network, including code-share itineraries operated by Delta, Air France, Aeromexico and Qantas. You can also redeem on WestJet Vacations packages. Learn more about redeeming WestJet dollars.
Companion voucher extensions
To align with our flexible change and cancellation policy, introduced in response to COVID-19, the validity period on companion vouchers issued to cardholders of a WestJet RBC® credit card, or to Platinum, Gold and Silver members as a milestone award, has been extended:
- Unredeemed companion vouchers expiring between March 2020 and January 2021 have been extended to January 31, 2021.
- Companion vouchers that were redeemed for travel between March 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, where travel is cancelled, will be reinstated to your account and extended to January 31, 2021 (unless the original expiry date is later). Extensions will be processed within 14 days of cancellation.
Sign in to see your vouchers.
No fee to change or cancel Member Exclusive fare bookings
WestJet’s flexible change and cancellation policy, introduced in response to COVID-19, is applicable to all fare types, including Member Exclusive fares offered to WestJet Rewards members. These special redemption fares, which require the full payment of the base fare with WestJet dollars, must be changed or cancelled through our Contact Centre at 1-888-WESTJET (1-888-937-8538); they cannot be changed online.
Temporary closure of Chinook Lounge (YYC) and pause of lounge benefits
As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect our industry and operations, we have made the decision to temporarily close the Chinook Lounge in partnership with the Calgary Airport Authority, effective March 20, 2020.
In addition, we are also temporarily pausing lounge benefits for our Platinum, Gold and Silver WestJet Rewards members, effective Monday, March 23, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. MDT. This benefit pause also applies to guests travelling in Business on our Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. While some of our partner lounges may remain open with a reduced offering, lounge benefit access to all WestJet guests will be paused until further notice.
Safety is our top priority and we are taking all necessary steps to adapt to the situation resulting from COVID-19. We understand that this may come as disappointing news to guests with current and upcoming travel plans, and we do not take the pausing of member benefits lightly. Thank you to our guests, WestJet Rewards members, and our partners for your understanding and patience. We are committed to providing an update on the re-opening of the Chinook Lounge and resumption of lounge benefits as soon as possible.
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