WestJet has announced flexible flight change policies following a second strike notification from its aircraft maintenance engineers (AME).
The union issued its second strike notification in just over a week late Tuesday night.
If the strike moves forward, it will commence as early as Friday, June 28, at 5:30 p.m., and could affect more than 70,000 passengers over the Canada Day long weekend.
AMFA delivered its WestJet strike notice less than one day into the agreement with the airline to return to the bargaining table across four days.
After the previous strike announcement, the airline proactively cancelled 40 flights, affecting over 6,500 travellers.
WestJet says it will proactively manage changes and cancellations to communicate with guests before changes. Guests who wish to make alternative arrangements can also enjoy flexible chance policies.
Guests should check their flight status online before leaving for the airport. They should also visit WestJet's Guest Updates page for more information regarding flight status and travel changes.
What to do if your WestJet flight has not been cancelled
Customers with WestJet flights in all fare classes scheduled between June 26 and June 28 are entitled to a free one-time fee waiver for changes or cancellations.
Travellers should keep the following rules in mind when booking their new ticket:
- If you change your destination, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
- If you change to a different aircraft cabin, the difference in fare applies. Any residual funds are refunded.
- Changes to WestJet Rewards companion voucher booking (including expired companion voucher bookings) are permitted.
- Travel must be completed by July 24 to have the difference in fare waived. The difference in fare will apply to travel completed after July 25, 2024.
- If you cancel your booking, the funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked; Basic and UltraBasic will receive travel credit.
- If you cancel your booking, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
- Changes or cancellations must be requested more than two hours before the original departure.
To change an existing booking, visit WestJet's Manage Flights portal online.
Travellers who booked WestJet Vacations packages may also enjoy flexible re-booking policies for travel commencing during the same time.
- A free one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations (hotel penalties apply).
- If you change your booking, the difference in package price applies and is subject to availability.
- If you cancel your booking, the value of the package will be returned as WestJet dollars with a one-year expiry date, less a $200 per person hotel penalty.
To cancel an existing WestJet Vacations booking, visit Manage Vacation Packages.
What to do if your WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package has been cancelled
WestJet hasn't cancelled flights due to the proposed strike action yet. However, the airline recommends travellers with upcoming flights monitor their flight status and check their email for updates.
Emails about strike flight notifications will have the subject line “Essential or Crucial details for your upcoming flight” and will provide passengers with direct links to the airline’s self-serve or live chat options.
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