WestJet just announced today that Member Exclusive fares will be temporarily unavailable for new bookings after June 24, 2020. This was quite sudden and without much lead time.
WestJet goes on to say that while they recognise Member Exclusive fares provide great value, the redemption process needs improvement, and the current slowdown in travel worldwide has presented them with a unique opportunity to temporarily pause these fares to enhance the experience. They commit to returning with a new reward redemption product, one that will include the ability to use your WestJet dollars to access seats in Premium and Business. In the meantime, as an appreciated member of WestJet Rewards, you can expect to receive more WestJet flight offers with enhanced value to thank you for your continued support.
So, if you are contemplating booking one of the Member Exclusive fares and are short on WestJet dollars, you can always purchase a top up online. Bookings made any time prior to June 25, 2020 will continue to be eligible for change or cancellation through the Contact Centre only.
Meanwhile, you can still use your WSD for full or partial redemption on any Economy, Premium or Business fare for any flight in the network, including code-share itineraries operated by Delta, Air France, Aeromexico and Qantas. Remember, the last day to book Member Exclusive fares is June 24, 2020 ay 9:59pm MT.
I am worried that this will devalue the program as historically whenever any changes occur they are usually not in the favour of the traveller. I envision that yes, we will be able to book seats in Premium and Business – but it will come at a cost of higher WSD needed to snag those seats. And, we wont be smiling anymore as they are in the image of this article.
So, what are your thoughts on this development? Please do comment below.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
Photo Image courtesy of westjet.com