WestJet Overhauls Rewards Program

WestJet is rolling out changes to its loyalty program, effective January 2025.

WestJet Rewards is a tiered loyalty program with four levels: teal, silver, gold, and platinum. Currently, the minimum spends for silver, gold, and platinum are $3,000, $5,000, and $8,000 respectively.

One of the biggest changes coming to the program is increase spend thresholds. As of Jan. 1, the new qualifying spends will be $4,000, $6,000, and $10,000.

The WestJet Rewards website indicates that those who reach a tier at the previous spend levels by Dec. 31, 2024 will be able to enjoy the reward benefits for the remainder of 2025.

Another major change is coming to priority boarding. As of Jan. 15, Zone 1 will be reserved exclusively for Platinum members. Zone 2 will be reserved for Gold and Silver members, as well as those who purchased extended comfort seats.

The complimentary cabin upgrade benefit is also being expanded. Starting January 15, a top tier member and a companion will both be eligible for a Premium cabin upgrade. Previously, only one guest on a reservation could take advantage of this benefit.

Finally, WestJet is adjusting the loyalty program’s milestone rewards and voucher rules. As of Jan. 1, customers will reach a milestone spend at $2,000 (currently the lowest is $4,000), and be given the choice of 20 WestJet dollars, $200 in “tier qualifying spend” for the current year, or a $25 giftcard from Skip. At $8,000, guests will receive either a companion-voucher, six guest advance seat selection vouchers, or four guest lounge vouchers.

Effective immediately, all companion vouchers offered issued as milestone rewards will have a two-year expiry date. Any vouchers issued in 2024 will automatically have an additional 12 months added from the original expiry date.

Gold and Platinum members will also now have the option to combine two companion vouchers on the same booking

As reported by OpenJaw, WestJet said the changes are to make the program work harder for existing members while still being relevant to new Canadian customers.

Most changes are set for Jan. 1, with some coming into effect on Jan. 15. Officials say more alterations will roll out in the new year.

“We tested all concepts over months and month to make sure we’re making the right changes to the program,” Hannah Fairweather, senior manager, loyalty, told Open Jaw. “As we grow and we expand and we look at the loyalty landscape and how it’s changing we’re starting to get into a position where we can be more innovative and more consistent in that regard.”