Canadians drag WestJet "UltraBasic," comparing it to Air Canada free beer and wine
WestJet just can’t seem to catch a break, especially now that Air Canada has entered the chat.
On Tuesday, the low-cost airline introduced a new fare called “UltraBasic,” replacing the Basic option as the cheapest fare.
“WestJet is committed to providing our guests with fare options that provide affordability, choice, and flexibility,” airline officials said. “We want to empower our guests to choose the products and services they value most so they can match their travel experience to both their preferences and budget.”
But contrary to what WestJet expected, the new option was met with some serious outrage.
Just got the UltraBasic fare email from @WestJet 😂😂😂 what a load of absolute horseshit. Everyone can see through the PR spin. I booked basic flights the other day and if I just wanted reward points the bump in fares was over $100/person. Just for reward points!
— Duncan B. #COYG (@DuhBurnz) June 4, 2024
Omg hahaha I just saw @WestJet’s “UltraBasic” fare rules
– NO carry ons
– Seats at the back, in the middle, groups not seated together
– Last boarding group
– NO changes
– NO reward pointsBasically a “fck you for flying with us” fare. Give us $600 and also we hate you
— shannon (@zchamu) June 4, 2024
The shade continued to pile on after Air Canada announced a day later that it would start serving complimentary beer and wine in its economy cabins on flights across Canada and to the US.
WestJet expects UltraBasic to result in price reductions across domestic and transborder routes. However, the option has severe restrictions for passengers, including not bringing a carry-on without upgrading your ticket or choosing your preferred seat without a fee.
It gets worse. Flyers with UltraBasic fares will have to wait longer than others to enjoy their back-of-the-plane seat, as they’ll be the last to board.
Canadians can’t help but compare this downgrade to the upgrade for Air Canada economy passengers.
“Nice counter punch here to WestJet by Air Canada,” pointed out one person on X.
Nice counter punch here to Westjet by Air Canada.. https://t.co/nqFXq92HFJ
— Jeff Hutcheson (@jeffhutcheson) June 5, 2024
Westjet announces their new steerage fare.
Air Canada: https://t.co/5eACPc11Zf pic.twitter.com/TIVRVjhxSi
— Steve Boots (@steve_boots) June 6, 2024
Westjet: fuck you for flying with us
Air Canada: pic.twitter.com/Nd0MfC8QbT— Scotty (@Scotty24K) June 6, 2024
As everyone took jabs at WestJet, Porter Airlines, another ultra-low-cost Canadian carrier, joined in.
In a cheeky X post with over 230,000 views, the Toronto-based airline welcomed Air Canada to the “free wine and beer for economy passengers” team.
Air Canada has now joined Porter in offering free beer, wine and snacks to all passengers. Thanks for joining our mission to help everyone actually enjoy economy!
What’s next, a raccoon mascot? pic.twitter.com/6WdB8Q06aM
— Porter Airlines (@porterairlines) June 5, 2024
One X user even tagged WestJet in the post, and the airline responded.
We understand the importance of providing a great experience for our economy customers. While we don’t offer the same amenities on our Ultra Basic fare we do offer different fare options with different amenities! ✈️ 🙂 ✈️
— WestJet (@WestJet) June 5, 2024
Others chimed in to show support for the competitors.
Love that Porter and AC are making things better. Meanwhile, WestJet is on a race to the bottom.
— Greg (@TravelsofGreg) June 5, 2024
Certainly welcome news to counter WestJet’s recent boneheaded Ultra Basic fare idea.
— Robert Zaichkowski (rzaichkowski.bsky.social) (@RZaichkowski) June 5, 2024
What are your thoughts on the whole thing? Let us know in the comments below.
With files from Imaan Sheikh
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