In late Might 2024, WestJet introduced its plans to quickly introduce a brand new ultra-low choice to its lineup of fares, which got here on the heels of the debut of Prolonged Consolation.
The time has come, and WestJet passengers are actually in a position to decide on an UltraBasic fare when making a reserving. UltraBasic fares have changed Fundamental fares, and include a variety of incremental restrictions.
WestJet Introduces UltraBasic Fares
WestJet has launched UltraBasic fares – a brand new, unbundled fare – to the choices it presents to passengers. This new fare is the bottom in WestJet’s household of fares, changing the previous Fundamental fare, and it additionally comes with probably the most exclusions and restrictions within the lineup.
UltraBasic fares provide the bottom worth to passengers, and WestJet describes them as “no-frills fares” on its web site.
Particularly, in the event you e book an UltraBasic fare, you’ll be topic to the next restrictions:
- No carry-on luggage for flights in North America and Central America (except Prolonged Consolation has been bought for all flights per route of journey)
- No modifications, cancellations, or refunds (except made inside 24 hours of reserving)
- No seat modifications or seat choice on the time of reserving or at check-in with out a further charge
- No incomes WestJet Rewards or qualifying spend
- No Platinum and Gold advantages (no same-day flight modifications, no free seat modifications, no free seat choice at check-in, no complimentary upgrades)
- No Silver advantages (no free seat modifications, no free seat choice at check-in, no complimentary upgrades)
In different phrases, an UltraBasic fare will get you a seat on the airplane, however not a lot else.
Actually, WestJet additionally notes that you simply’ll be assigned a seat behind the plane, and that in the event you’re travelling with one other passenger, you will not be seated collectively. (This doesn’t apply to households with youngsters, who should be seated collectively as per Canada’s Air Passenger Safety Laws.)
UltraBasic fares have formally changed Fundamental fares; nonetheless, in the event you booked a Fundamental fare previous to the launch of UltraBasic fares, you’ll nonetheless have the entire inclusions that have been in impact on the time of reserving.
Are WestJet UltraBasic Fares a Good Deal?
With the introduction of UltraBasic fares, WestJet is providing passengers the flexibility to decide on the bottom attainable worth for a flight.
It seems that UltraBasic fares are a stripped-down model of the earlier Fundamental fares – the one variations are that you may’t convey a carry-on bag (on many routes) and that you simply’ll be the final to board the airplane.
UltraBasic fares are much like probably the most primary fares provided by ultra-low-cost carriers, in that it solely features a seat on the airplane and a private merchandise that should match beneath your seat, however nothing else.
For those who discover an UltraBasic fare that’s akin to an identical fare provided by an ultra-low-cost provider, one benefit of reserving with WestJet is that you simply’d probably be higher off within the case of flight delays or cancellations, provided that WestJet has a stronger community.
For those who’re contemplating an UltraBasic fare, be certain you’re comfy with any added prices that can come in the event you want anything. Within the overwhelming majority of circumstances, you’re probably higher off paying for a better fare to start with, quite than paying for every extra merchandise on an à la carte foundation.
Welcome Bonus
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Annual Charge
$119
First-12 months Worth
$417
As at all times, you may get a free checked bag as a cardholder of the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard, which is a card that we advocate for anybody who flies WestJet with any frequency.
On one hand, some passengers like having the selection to purchase a very unbundled fare, because it affords the bottom attainable worth. That is particularly so in the event that they’re by no means involved about incomes WestJet Rewards, and so they’re be comfy sitting behind the airplane and travelling gentle.
However, some passengers dislike unbundled fares as they really feel like they’re lured in with a low worth that winds up being rather more as they add extra companies.
Conclusion
WestJet has changed Fundamental fares with UltraBasic fares, which supply passengers a low worth in trade for a “no-frills” fare.
You’ll must pay additional for all the pieces apart out of your seat and a private merchandise, so make sure you think about any added prices you may incur in the event you e book an UltraBasic fare.
For extra details about UltraBasic fares, you possibly can seek the advice of the WestJet web site.