WestJet Waives Change & Cancellation Fees as Strike Deadline Looms

As the clock ticks down on a flight attendant strike deadline, WestJet is giving passengers with flights scheduled from July 30 to August 4 the opportunity to make a free one-time change or cancellation to their bookings.  

Earlier this month, WestJet flight attendants voted 99.4% in favour of a strike. About 4,400 union members could legally walk off the job on August 2.

The Calgary-based airline says policy waiver is meant to “provide guests with greater flexibility and confidence in their upcoming travel plans” as the labour dispute with flight attendants continues.

“We believe that an agreement can be reached while avoiding guest disruption. However, we understand that uncertainty around travel plans can be concerning,” WestJet said in an email to WestJet Rewards members.

CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain told CBC News the airline’s move is encouraging.

“I’m sure [the labour dispute] has introduced a lot of uncertainty for [passengers], and I think it’s the responsibility of the organization to allow for flexible changes to the people who pay my mortgage,” she said.

Hussain said WestJet’s decision doesn’t necessarily mean a strike is happening, but called it something “any responsible business would do.”

“What I do know is that they’ve been at the bargaining table with us and both sides are committed to reaching a deal,” she said.

WestJet’s most recent labour dispute took place in the summer of 2024, when airline mechanics went on strike over the Canada Day long weekend, affecting tens of thousands of travellers.

“Our team remains actively engaged in negotiations and is fully prepared to make meaningful improvements that work for cabin crew while balancing the future sustainability of WestJet,” the airline said in a statement.