WestJet is implementing a new $60 fee for companion voucher bookings due to the surge in fuel prices. The airline’s companion voucher program, a benefit of the WestJet RBC Mastercard, allows cardholders to bring a second passenger on a discounted round trip.
This surcharge, effective April 8, is temporary and will not impact bookings made before this date. WestJet stated that the fee will be in place until fuel prices stabilize following the Middle East conflict, which is driving the increase in fuel costs.
A spokesperson for WestJet explained that the surcharge aims to offset the significant rise in fuel expenses, as fuel is the largest cost for airlines. Unlike airfares that can be adjusted, the nature of companion vouchers limits flexibility in pricing.
In response to higher fuel expenses, WestJet is adjusting its flight schedule by consolidating flights on less popular routes and modifying seasonal offerings. The airline has reduced capacity by approximately one percent in April and three percent in May. Most affected passengers have been provided with alternative travel options on the same day as their original departure.
Wayne Smith, a professor specializing in hospitality and tourism at Toronto Metropolitan University, highlighted the challenges faced by Canadian airlines, including WestJet, in managing costs amid the fuel shortage. He emphasized the substantial fuel consumption of airplanes and the financial strain it imposes on airlines.
Smith mentioned the drastic increase in fuel costs for specific flights, such as a Boeing 787-9 trip from Vancouver to Hong Kong, which saw a surge from $71,485 in late February to $110,171 in mid-March. He suggested that additional surcharges may be introduced by airlines, and passengers should anticipate fuller flights due to WestJet’s consolidation efforts.
In light of the current circumstances, Smith emphasized the financial pressures on airlines and the necessity of surcharges and flight consolidations for survival in the industry. He also hinted at the potential rise in baggage fees in the future as airlines navigate the challenging economic environment.
