WestJet Debuts New Ultra-Low Fare & Adds Yearly Flight

Changes are coming to WestJet. 

Speaking in Calgary last week, WestJet’s CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech outlined the problems facing the industry as a whole, and what the Canadian airline is doing to stay competitive. This includes WestJet unveiling a new “ultra-low” fare tier for customers willing to travel without a carry-on bag. 

At the event, von Hoensbroech called on the federal government to address policy measures impacting affordability, including mandatory fees and airport rent collection. 

“We operate in a very expensive and user-paid infrastructure environment that significantly drives up ticket prices for the everyday Canadian and hinders competition,” said von Hoensbroech. “Air travellers are paying too much in government fees and charges on their plane ticket compared to other nations and other modes of travel. These changes would increase competition, lower ticket prices, and foster greater transparency for our guests.” 

Lower fares for customers
According to the Canadian Press, WestJet is launching a new ultra-low fare “in coming weeks.” 

This new tier is for those who are willing to travel without carry-on luggage (a personal item that fits under the seat is fine). The move aims to draw in budget-conscious travellers while also freeing up space in the overhead bins. 

“Those guests will not be allowed to bring a carry-on bag. We expect this will significantly reduce the amount of carry-on bags,” von Hoensbroech said.

Such “unbundled” fares have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to low-cost airlines that allow customers to pay for extras they want. Under this model, everything from food and beverage service, to seat selection, and checked luggage can be added for a fee.      
 
Currently, Flair Airlines is Canada’s only low-cost carrier, following the closure of Lynx Air, which filed for bankruptcy last February. WestJet looks to be closing the gap with its new fare tier. According to Soaring Together, a recent report from The WestJet Group, guests purchased more than 2.5 million tickets below $100 (CAD) in 2023, and almost half of all tickets purchased that year were below $200. 

Year-round flights connecting Calgary to Tokyo 
In other WestJet news, the airline announced Friday (May 24) that its seasonal Calgary-Tokyo service will now be offered year-round. 

The new schedule, which launches Oct 27, 2024, includes three weekly flights. 

“Following the success of the seasonal service that began last year, Westjet has announced the introduction of year-round flights from Calgary (YYC) to Tokyo (NRT), its first-ever year-round service to an Asian destination,”  the Japan National Tourism Organization stated in a release.

WestJet’s codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines will give Canadian customers access to seven further destinations in Japan.