Travelers may be entitled to rebook for free, but they need to act fast.
Vancouver travellers whose WestJet flights were cancelled due to the strike will be offered refunds, but should continue to check for updates.
WestJet Group has canceled approximately 40 flights in preparation for a possible strike by aircraft maintenance workers on Thursday, June 20.
The airline said about 6,500 travellers were affected by the decision to cancel flights on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The airline said it is doing all it can to accommodate affected passengers while it waits for the Canada Labour Relations Board to step in under the Canada Labour Code. If accepted, the measure would mean that WestJet and the Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association would be referred to arbitration over their original collective bargaining agreement, preventing a labour dispute between the two sides.
“Lockout notices are only part of the labor negotiation process and do not mean that work stoppages or travel disruptions will occur,” WestJet wrote in a post on its Twitter account.
You should check the status of your flight online before leaving for the airport, and you can also visit WestJet's guest updates page for more information about flight status and travel changes.
What to do if your WestJet flight hasn't been canceled
Customers traveling on WestJet flights between June 18 and June 20 in all fare classes will receive a one-time free change or cancellation fee waiver.
Travellers should keep the following rules in mind when booking new tickets:
If you change your destination, the fare difference applies. Any remaining balance will be refunded. If you change to a cabin on a different aircraft, the fare difference applies. Any remaining balance will be refunded. Changes to WestJet Rewards Companion Voucher bookings (including bookings with expired companion vouchers) are permitted. Travel must be completed by July 24th to waive the fare difference. Fare differences apply to travel completed on or after July 25th, 2024. If you cancel your booking, funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked. Basic and Ultra Basic will receive a travel credit. If you cancel your booking, any amounts paid in WestJet Dollars, Travel Bank Credits, or WestJet Rewards Companion Vouchers will be credited back to your account and will be subject to the original expiration date (if applicable). Changes or cancellations must be requested at least 2 hours prior to the original departure time.
To make changes to your existing booking, please visit WestJet's flight management portal online.
Travelers who have booked a WestJet Vacations package can also take advantage of a flexible rebooking policy for trips starting during the same period.
A one-time fee waiver will be offered for changes or cancellations (hotel penalties apply). If you change your reservation, the difference in package price will apply and is subject to availability. If you cancel your reservation, the package amount will be refunded in WestJet dollars with a one-year validity period, minus a hotel penalty of $200 per person.
To cancel an existing WestJet Vacations reservation, please visit Manage Vacation Packages.
What to do if your WestJet flight is canceled
WestJet said it has emailed customers whose flights were canceled, with the subject line “Important or critical details about your upcoming flight” and requiring them to include a self-service or live chat option.
Customers who canceled their WestJet Vacations packages should also check their email with the subject “Important details about your upcoming flight” for self-service or live chat options.
Travelers can confirm or edit their preferred email with WestJet to ensure they receive strike updates.
How WestJet will handle flight disruptions
WestJet must do everything in its power to get passengers to their final destinations, even diverting them to other airlines if circumstances require.
WestJet's “Flight Delays and Cancellations” page offers advice for travelers who experience unexpected schedule changes.
WestJet pilots went on strike over the May 2023 long weekend, cancelling thousands of flights and causing chaos across the country.
With files from The Canadian Press
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