Yesterday evening WestJet pilots gave a 72 hour strike notice as their union and the airline have not been able to come to a contract agreement. Today WestJet itself countered the strike notice with their own lockout notice to the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) which is the union that represents WestJet and Swoop pilots. If no agreement is reached we could see the pilots begin to strike (and be locked out) as of 3am MT on Friday May 19.
Although negotiations are ongoing should the strike commence it can be expected that WestJet will need to cancel or delay flights. To prepare for this WestJet is providing additional flexibility to their customer for re-booking or cancelling flights. If you are scheduled to fly with WestJet (including WestJet Vacations packages) or Swoop here is what they are offering:
WestJet
- A $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations. A difference in fare may apply.
- If you change your destination, the difference in fare applies. If you cancel your booking, the funds will be refunded to the original form of payment.
- Any portion paid with WestJet dollars or Travel Bank credit will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
- Change or cancellation must be requested more than 2 hours prior to departure.
- If you booked through a travel agent or online booking agency, corporate travel arranger, or another airline, please contact them directly.
WestJet Vacations
For all WestJet Vacations bookings for travel between May 15 – 21, 2023, valid on all fare packages:
- A $0 one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations.
- If you cancel your booking, the funds will be issued to original form of payment.
- If you change your booking, the difference in package price applies.
- Any portion paid with WestJet dollars will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
- If you booked through a travel agent or online booking agency, please contact them directly.
Swoop
Flexible Changes for Swoop flights between May 19 and May 21, 2023:
- Travellers with eligible flights can make a one-time change to their flight for a $0 change fee and no difference in fare price.
- Changes can be made online through Manage Bookings.
- New flights can be selected between May 19 to June 21, 2023 (subject to availability).