Upcoming changes Canadian WestJet flyers should know about
WestJet Rewards members can expect some big changes coming to the airline’s loyalty program after a major revamp.
On Thursday, the carrier announced “the most significant improvement” to WestJet Rewards in the program’s 15-year history.
“We are improving WestJet Rewards to bring more value to all Canadians, whether that’s our frequent flyers, credit card holders or the casual traveler,” said Steve McClelland, vice president of loyalty at the airline.
“That’s why we’ve introduced changes to our program across both flights and everyday partnerships, that give members so many great ways to earn points and save for flights, vacations or enhanced travel experiences.”
Five changes will be implemented on April 30. The airline says these updates will make it easier for members to earn, redeem, and achieve status.
From WestJet dollars to points
The first change is the rewards program’s currency will change from dollars to points. This means one WestJet dollar converts to 100 points.
According to the airline, points will not expire, and members’ accounts will reflect a balance in points starting on April 30. It says WestJet points will allow members to do more, like integrate with everyday partners, while keeping the redemption process simple on any flight at any time.
Loyalty expert Patrick Sojka has one concern with dollars turning into points.
“When issuing dollars, a dollar is a dollar is a dollar. You can’t change that, sure the earn rates can be changed, but when you redeem a dollar, you get a dollar of value,” he explained in a blog post on Rewards Canada. “With points, not only can the earn rate be toyed with, but so can the redemption rate.”
Earn and redeem points on most of your ticket cost
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WestJet Rewards members will earn points and spend credit not just on base fare but also on carrier surcharges and extras like seat selection, checked bags and upgrades — only government taxes and fees will be excluded. So, hopefully, you can make back the money you spent on all of those extra fees.
Teal (entry level) members will also earn double the points on flights, to one point per dollar. The airline adds that members can now buy a ticket, including all extras and taxes, entirely with points.
Reach top-tier status without flying
If you use the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, the carrier says you can reach any level of tier status, including platinum, without having to travel.
You can also climb tiers with any combo of flight and credit card spending through the updated Status Lift feature. All components of the ticket, aside from government taxes and fees, will be counted towards status for members who buy a flight with the credit card.
“In the revamped program, the Status Lift benefit will provide $200 of tier qualifying spending for every $5,000 spent on the card,” Sojka wrote. “The Status Lift Benefit is capped at 50 per year per cardholder [$250,000 in spend]. That means you can earn elite status with WestJet Rewards solely with your credit card spend.”
WestJet Rewards eStore
The airline will also introduce a new eStore where members can earn more points through purchases. They can also redeem points on merchandise or gift cards with retailers like Amazon, Apple, Sephora, and Sport Chek on the eStore.
“Earning points via the new online shopping portal will range from one point per dollar spent and go up to five points per dollar spent depending on the brand and limited-time promotions,” explained Sojka.
New partnerships
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Members will soon be able to link their WestJet Rewards accounts to their Telus Rewards and Skip accounts. This will allow you to unlock benefits like point transfers and bonus offers.
The carrier says members can also earn and redeem WestJet points for Telus services and Skip orders.
Access to free Wi-Fi
Not an update to the loyalty program, but another perk WestJet Rewards members will start receiving as early as next month is access to free Wi-Fi.