Westjet has announced their new Member Exclusive Fares today touting that it offers great value with exclusive discounts when you pay the full base fare with WestJet dollars where you can find savings on more seats and more flights with options to book in Economy, Premium and Business. It is new alright, but far from improved.
I always say when a program is being revamped, one should read that as being devalued (I am looking at you Air Canada) and its no surprise that its the case with West Jet too.
West Jet clearly missed their opportunity to outshine Air Canada and garner more members into their loyalty camp.
And no, the new Elevation lounge in Calgary alone is not enough to entice all travellers.
So whats changed?
1. Lets look at the positive changes being advertised….
To celebrate the launch of the new Member Exclusive fares, WS has an introductory offer for all WestJet Rewards members. Members will receive up to a 35% discount off the Econo base fare on Member Exclusive Economy fares within Domestic Canada when booked by December 31, 2020 with travel by June 27, 2021.
However if you read the fine print, it states that the Introductory, promotional Member Exclusive Economy fares will offer discounts up to 35% off the available Econo base fare within Domestic Canada only and are subject to inventory availability.
Wait, theres more….
There is a black out period and the following travel dates are excluded from the introductory promotional offer:
December 17-23 2020,
December 26, 2020 – January 3, 2021,
February 11-16 2021,
March 11-April 6 2021 and,
May 20-25, 2021.
2. Until November 11, 2020, you can gift your existing round-trip companion voucher(s) to not one, but two loved ones to travel together and there is no requirement for you to accompany them. In essence, you have one week to get in on the savings to use up the companion vouchers that expire on January 31, 2021.
So wheres the catch?
Lets look at some of these areas
- the base fare for all guests must be paid in full with WestJet dollars
Note: Members who wish to purchase a Member Exclusive fare but do not have enough WestJet dollars can continue to purchase WestJet dollars online or through our Contact Centre. Honestly I dont see tha value in purchasing these at an expensive price, unless they have regular bonus offers to allow 100% bonus dollars etc. - you will not earn WestJet dollars or qualifying spend on Member Exclusive fares
- Member Exclusive fares will show if they are available for your selected flight as they are not offered on all flights.
- There is no much difference between Basic fare and Member exclusive fare in Economy in terms of value – it would appear to be better to pay cash and save the WSD for redemptions for Member Exclusive fares in Premium.
- Redemptions are not yet available on Delta, Air France, KLM, and Qantas.
What would we have liked to see change or remain as is?
- Fixed price of 125 WSD on any transcontinental journey within Canada and the US.
- Ability to pay in a combination of WSD and Cash if you dont have the required WSD.
- Free checked bag on Member Exclusive fare in Economy
- Free advanced seat selection or Reduced fee on Member Exclusive fare in Economy
- At least 1 free snack or alcoholic beverage on Member Exclusive fare in Economy
So, to summarise, West Jet – not at all impressed.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
Image photo courtesy of Ethan McArthur on Unsplash