WestJet (WestJet Rewards)

WestJet Rewards is currently allowing Air Canada (Altitude) and Porter Airlines (VIPorter) members to status match with its rewards program. 

Looks like WestJet is aggressively trying to challenge Air Canada ahead of their full integration with Aeroplan in June 2020. 

WestJet members can now achieve either Silver or Gold with WestJet Rewards that runs will March 31, 2020. You can extend the benefit period by completing additional challenges. Below are the details of the challenges.

It has been almost a year since we last updated the WestJet Rewards rundown post. One of my family member has been using WestJet more extensively, which means I did a little more deeper research about their rewards program. Furthermore, several changes were made (mostly positive) to its elite status program, so this is a good a time as any to provide an updated post.

Also note the RBC WestJet World Elite MasterCard is offering a higher ($350 instead of $250) sign up bonus that expires on January 6, 2020, which I will provide more details below.

In celebration of the newly added Platinum status to WestJet Rewards, I thought this post was due for proper overhaul to include more details regarding its rewards program overall.

There is actually a lot of value to be had with WestJet Rewards. However, my hope is that they will either expand more towards the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program or eventually join a major airline alliance. 

According to a few news reports (CBC, Huffington Post), RBC and WestJet have teamed up to offer a new loyalty program called Ampli. They say they have teamed up, but they are already teamed up as RBC is the only credit card company to offer a co-branded WestJet Rewards card. 

Anyway, seems like WestJet is looking to revamp its frequent flyer program to compete more directly with Aeroplan, as they are being phased out of Air Canada. 

With all the negativity surrounding Aeroplan, Canada’s current largest frequent flyer program, it may be time to take a closer look at Canada’s second largest frequent flyer program, WestJet Rewards. Let’s do a quick rundown of the highlights of the program.

Expiry Policy

Expiry policies are always a hot topic, as it is often a deal breaker for someone deciding whether to bother becoming a member.

This is essentially a follow up to WestJet’s plan to buy Boeing 787 Dreamliners so that they can offer more international flights. WestJet has decided to take the next step by asking for approval from Transport Canada to offer direct flights to China.

It looks like WestJet is planning on stepping up its game by buying twenty 787 Boeing Dreamliners to increase their international routes. Expect to see more direct routes from Canada to Asia, Europe and South America.

The news has been out for a while now, but the first delivery of 10 planes only arrive between the first quarter of 2019 and the end of 2021. There is an option for the additional 10 Dreamliners that would be delivered between 2020 and 2024.