When WestJet Rewards unveiled changes to the loyalty program in November, members were quick to voice their anger about the watered-down offerings.
But on Thursday, WestJet changed tack and released further details of the program’s overhaul that will certainly appease its members, including allowing them to pay for their entire flight with points, making it easier to redeem points and providing more ways to earn rewards.
The most recent updates will benefit business travellers and those in Western Canada who rely on WestJet the most. They are, however, unlikely to cause anyone living in Eastern Canada, where WestJet has a significantly smaller footprint, to change airlines.
WestJet dollars becoming WestJet points
Starting April 30, WestJet Rewards members will see their WestJet dollars (WSD) converted to WestJet points (WSP) at a ratio of one to 100. Dollars have no devaluation, and points will never expire.
Under the current system, WSD can only be redeemed for the base fare. This annoyed many passengers, as the base fare was often considerably less than the taxes, fees and additional charges, so it meant you could only use a limited number of WSD toward your flight.
With the new program, you can use your WSP on the base fare, flight extras (seat selection, checked baggage, etc.) and WestJet Vacations packages at a rate of 100 WSP for $1 off. For taxes and fees, you can redeem 105 to 110 WSP for $1 off at 50-per-cent or 100-per-cent increments. That means you can cover the entire cost of the flight with your WestJet points without paying out of pocket. Note that if you redeem your WSP for flight extras after your initial booking, the redemption ratio is 105 to 110 points for $1 savings.
If a seat is available for sale on WestJet.com, you can apply any accumulated points – a minimum of 2,500 points is required – with no restrictions or blackout dates. This is a significant change that makes it much easier to redeem your rewards.
More ways to earn rewards and qualifying spend for status
The latest update has raised the tier qualifying spend requirements for status, a move that many passengers found disappointing despite the thresholds remaining unchanged since 2018.
However, the upcoming changes bring a silver lining: All ticket components – seats, baggage, upgrades and more (excluding government taxes and fees) – will now count toward status. You’ll earn $200 in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 charged to a WestJet RBC credit card, with no limits. This means you could potentially achieve WestJet Rewards Platinum status without ever stepping on a plane, by charging $250,000 to your WestJet credit card.
What’s more, the ability to earn rewards is significantly enhanced. Teal members will see their earn rate on base fares double, and a new eStore will be introduced, allowing you to earn WestJet points at more than a hundred merchants. There will also be linked loyalty offers from partners such as Telus and Skip.
More options for Milestone Awards
The changes to milestones awards, where you now need to spend $2,000, $8,000, $12,000, $16,000, $20,000, $30,000, $40,000 and $50,000 to get a gift, was arguably the biggest devaluation for WestJet Rewards members. Previously, the thresholds were $4,000, $6,000, $8,000 and every $2,000 increment thereafter.
With that said, some new awards are being introduced that may pique your interest. The Gift of Gold status can now be earned at spending levels of $12,000 and $30,000, granting another member a full year of Gold status. For a spending level of $16,000, you can enjoy a 40-per-cent discount on any premium fare for as many as two guests. A $500 WestJet or Sunwing Vacations future travel credit is available at the $30,000 level.
If you spend $40,000, you can choose a 40-per-cent discount on any business fare for as many as two people. Finally, the first person to spend $50,000 will be able to use WestJet’s suite for a Blue Jays home game, accommodating yourself and as many as 17 friends. Anyone else reaching the $50,000 spend can choose a $1,000 Fairmont Hotels gift card.
What it all means
Despite the initial dismay regarding previous changes, the newly announced updates make the overall adjustments to WestJet Rewards far more palatable. While casual travellers may find it harder to earn status, the program now offers more value.
For instance, if you’re a WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard holder who regularly uses the card, you can take advantage of the annual companion voucher to slash the fare for a guest travelling on the same itinerary. Then, you can sweeten the deal by applying your WestJet points to cover the remaining balance, making your travel even more affordable.
Barry Choi is a personal finance and travel expert at moneywehave.com. He was previously affiliated with RBC and WestJet but currently has no relationship.
