Cheap Westjet Flights

WestJet Airlines Ltd., headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, is Canada's second-largest airline. Founded in 1996, it began as a low-cost carrier and has since expanded its operations to serve over 100 destinations across North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. The airline operates a fleet of 181 aircraft, including Boeing 737s and 787 Dreamliners, and employs approximately 14,000 people as of May 2024. WestJet's main hub is Calgary International Airport, with additional focus cities in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Halifax, and Winnipeg. The airline also offers vacation packages through WestJet Vacations, providing travelers with bundled options for flights, accommodations, and more.

In recent years, WestJet has focused on expanding its international reach, particularly in Europe, with direct flights from cities like Halifax and St. John's to destinations such as Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, and London. The airline has also made adjustments to its baggage policies to align with international standards, aiming to improve the travel experience for passengers. Despite challenges in the aviation industry, WestJet continues to emphasize affordable travel options, introducing fare categories like "UltraBasic" to cater to budget-conscious travelers. The airline remains committed to providing reliable service while adapting to the evolving needs of its passengers.

WestJet offers several convenient check-in options for travelers. Passengers can check in online or via the WestJet app starting 24 hours before departure, allowing them to select seats, add checked baggage, and obtain boarding passes. Alternatively, check-in can be completed at the airport with a WestJet agent up to three hours before departure. It's important to note that airport kiosks are no longer available for check-in. For international flights, especially to the U.S., passengers should ensure they have the necessary travel documents, such as a passport or NEXUS card, and provide destination details like hotel name and address. Online check-in may not be available for certain international airports, so it's advisable to check in at the airport in such cases.

WestJet has specific check-in and boarding time requirements to ensure timely departures. For domestic flights within Canada, passengers are recommended to arrive at the airport 120 minutes before departure, with baggage drop-off at least 90 minutes prior. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure, and passengers should be at the boarding gate at least 40 minutes before departure, with boarding closing 10 minutes prior. For flights to the United States, it's recommended to arrive 120 minutes before departure, drop off baggage at least 90 minutes prior, complete check-in 60 minutes before departure, be at the gate 45 minutes before, and boarding closes 10 minutes prior. For international flights, passengers should arrive 180 minutes before departure, drop off baggage at least 120 minutes prior, complete check-in 60 minutes before departure, be at the gate 45 minutes before, and boarding closes 10 minutes prior.

Hand Luggage

Passengers are permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag must not exceed dimensions of 56 cm x 23 cm x 36 cm (22 in. x 9 in. x 14 in.) and should be light enough to be placed in the overhead bin without assistance. Personal items, such as a purse or laptop bag, must fit under the seat in front and not exceed 41 cm x 14 cm x 33 cm (16 in. x 6 in. x 13 in.) . Notably, the UltraBasic fare does not include a carry-on bag allowance; only a personal item is permitted.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage allowances and fees vary based on fare type and destination. For instance, passengers with an Econo fare traveling within Canada and the U.S. are charged approximately $35–$55 CAD for the first checked bag and $55–$75 CAD for the second when prepaid online . EconoFlex fares typically include one checked bag at no additional cost. Each checked bag must not exceed 157 cm (62 in.) in total dimensions and 23 kg (50 lb.) in weight . Overweight or oversized bags may incur additional fees, and a maximum of four checked bags is allowed per passenger.

Special Luggage

WestJet accommodates various special items, including sports equipment and musical instruments. For example, bicycles can be checked in with a maximum weight of 45 kg (100 lb.) and dimensions not exceeding 292 cm (115 in.), subject to a handling fee of $50 CAD . Musical instruments may count as part of the checked baggage allowance and should be packed appropriately to prevent damage . Additionally, duty-free items must be consolidated within the carry-on and personal item allowances and are not considered additional baggage.

WestJet offers flexibility when it comes to seat selection. Passengers with UltraBasic and Econo fares can choose their seats for an additional fee, while those with EconoFlex, Premium, or Business fares enjoy complimentary seat selection. If UltraBasic passengers do not select a seat, one will be randomly assigned at the back of the aircraft during check-in, and any changes to this seat will incur a fee.

For those seeking extra comfort, WestJet offers "Extended Comfort" seats. These seats provide additional legroom, priority boarding, and early access to overhead bin space. Passengers in any economy fare, including UltraBasic, can purchase these seats for an extra charge.

WestJet Rewards is a flexible loyalty program that allows members to earn and redeem WestJet points on flights, vacation packages, and everyday purchases. Points can be redeemed for discounts on base fares, taxes, fees, seat selection, baggage, and cabin upgrades, with redemptions starting at 2,500 points for a $25 CAD discount. Additionally, members can use points for gift cards, merchandise, and partner services through the WestJet Rewards eStore.

The program features four tiers: Teal (entry-level), Silver ($4,000–$5,999 in annual qualifying spend), Gold ($6,000–$9,999), and Platinum ($10,000+). Higher tiers offer enhanced benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary checked bags, lounge access, and free Wi-Fi. Members can also achieve status through the "Status Lift" benefit by using the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard, which awards $200 in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 spent, up to 50 times per year.

WestJet offers a variety of food and beverage options tailored to flight duration and cabin class. On flights over one hour, Economy passengers receive complimentary soft drinks and a sweet or savoury snack. For flights exceeding 2.5 hours, a buy-on-board menu includes items like veggie power bowls, turkey croissants, cheese trays, and hot meals such as penne pasta, with prices ranging from approximately $5.99 to $11.99 CAD. Alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits, are available for purchase, with combo deals starting at $12.49 CAD.

Premium and Business class passengers enjoy enhanced dining experiences. Premium guests receive complimentary snacks and beverages on all flights, and on flights over 2.5 hours, they are served Canadian or globally inspired meals. Business class passengers benefit from an elevated service featuring gourmet meals, a selection of fine wines, and dining ware inspired by Canadian landscapes.

WestJet offers a comprehensive in-flight entertainment experience through its WestJet Connect platform. Passengers can stream a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and documentaries directly to their personal devices by connecting to the "WestJetConnect" Wi-Fi network and accessing the content via the WestJet app or a web browser. Additionally, the platform includes access to wellness content from Calm and professional development courses from LinkedIn Learning. For those flying on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, seatback touchscreens provide an alternative way to enjoy the entertainment options.

While the entertainment content is complimentary, Wi-Fi access for internet browsing is available for purchase. However, WestJet Rewards members can enjoy free Wi-Fi on select flights, thanks to a partnership with TELUS. Passengers are encouraged to download the WestJet app before boarding to ensure seamless access to the in-flight entertainment system.

WestJet allows pets to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or via cargo service. Reservations for pets traveling in the cabin must be made by phone, and since there is a limited number of pets allowed per flight, it’s recommended to book at least 48 hours in advance. Cabin pet fees range from 50–59 CAD/USD for domestic flights within Canada and the U.S., and 100–118 CAD/USD for international routes. Pets must remain in a soft-sided, leak-proof, and well-ventilated carrier that fits under the seat in front, with maximum dimensions of 41 cm x 21.5 cm x 25.4 cm.

For pets traveling as checked baggage, the combined weight of the pet and the kennel must not exceed 45 kg. Checked baggage pet fees are 100–118 CAD/USD for Canada and U.S. flights, and 200–236 CAD/USD for international flights. The carrier must be hard-sided, leak-proof, ventilated, and spacious enough for the pet to stand and turn around comfortably. Some destinations do not accept pets or have seasonal restrictions, so travelers should verify pet entry requirements for their destination in advance.

WestJet provides lounge access through its flagship Elevation Lounge at Calgary International Airport (YYC) and partnerships with third-party lounges across Canada and select international locations. Complimentary lounge access is available to WestJet Rewards Platinum and Gold members, as well as Business Class passengers on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights. Silver and Teal members can access lounges using valid lounge vouchers. Additionally, WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard holders have the option to exchange their annual companion voucher for four lounge passes, which can be used at participating lounges when traveling on WestJet-marketed flights.

The Elevation Lounge offers amenities such as locally inspired cuisine, a full-service bar, dedicated family areas, business facilities, and spa-like showers. Access is granted up to three hours before departure, and guests must present a valid WestJet boarding pass. For those without complimentary access, walk-in rates are available, with discounts offered to WestJet passengers at select partner lounges.