WestJet Flight Cancellations: Tips for Vancouver Travelers

WestJet cancelled more than 200 additional flights on Saturday, June 29, following a surprise strike by its mechanics union.

The airline announced 235 flight cancellations for Saturday, affecting 33,000 travelers over the Canada Day long weekend; further cancellations are expected during the WestJet strike.

WestJet reported 25 flight cancellations affecting 3,300 passengers from Thursday, June 27 to Friday, June 28, and an additional 150 cancellations affecting 20,000 passengers on Friday.

On Friday, June 28, the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing mechanics, ordered its members to stop work at 4:30 p.m.

Union members walked off the job Friday at 5:30 p.m., saying “WestJet’s refusal to negotiate with the union made the strike inevitable.”

In an email to WestJet’s senior director of labour relations, Virginia Swindall, posted on the AMFA website, the union accuses the employer of disrupting negotiations, listing behaviours such as allegedly withholding a revised contract proposal and calling for the exclusion of certain members of the bargaining committee.

The move comes after the federal government issued a ministerial order on Thursday providing for binding arbitration, following two weeks of tumultuous discussions with the union over a new agreement.

Diederik Pen, WestJet Airlines president and group chief operating officer, called the union’s decision “devastating,” noting that many travelers will miss weddings, medical appointments, family reunions and vacations.

WestJet had planned to carry more than 250,000 guests over the long weekend, including numerous flights to and from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Guests should check their flight status online before leaving for the airport. They should also check WestJet’s Guest Updates page for more information on flight status and travel changes.

What to do if your WestJet flight was not cancelled

Customers with WestJet flights in all fare classes scheduled between June 29 and July 1 are eligible for a one-time, complimentary fee waiver for changes or cancellations.

Travelers should keep the following rules in mind when booking their new ticket:

• If you change your destination, the fare difference applies. Any remaining funds are refunded.
• If you change plane cabins, the fare difference applies. The remaining funds are refunded.
• Changes to WestJet Rewards Companion Voucher bookings (including expired Companion Voucher bookings) are permitted.
• Travel must be completed by July 24 for the fare difference to be reversed. The fare difference will apply to trips made after July 25, 2024.
• If you cancel your booking, funds will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked; Basic and UltraBasic will receive a travel credit.
• If you cancel your reservation, any portion paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet Companion Rewards voucher will be returned to your account and the original expiration date (if applicable) will apply.
• Changes or cancellations must be requested more than two hours before the original departure.

To modify an existing reservation, visit the WestJet Manage Flights portal online.

Travelers who have booked WestJet Vacations packages can also take advantage of flexible booking policies for trips beginning at the same time.

• A one-time complimentary fee waiver will be offered in the event of changes or cancellations (hotel penalties apply).
• If you change your booking, the package price difference applies and is subject to availability.
• If you cancel your reservation, the value of the package will be returned to you in WestJet dollars with an expiration date of one year, less a hotel penalty of $200 per person.

To cancel an existing WestJet Vacations booking, visit Manage Vacation Packages.

What to do if your WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package has been canceled

Emails regarding flight strike notifications will have the subject line “Essential or crucial details for your upcoming flight” and will provide passengers with direct links to the airline’s self-service or live chat options.

With files from the Canadian Press and the Richmond News.

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