WestJet Flights Canceled Today: Impacts on Travel to Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver travelers whose WestJet flights were canceled due to the strike will be refunded, but they should stay tuned for updates.

The WestJet group has canceled around forty flights in anticipation of a possible strike by aircraft maintenance workers on Thursday, June 20.

The airline says about 6,500 travelers were affected by the decision to cover flights on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The airline says it is doing everything possible to accommodate affected guests while awaiting a response from the Canada Industrial Relations Board to intervene under the Canada Labor Code. If accepted, this action would send WestJet and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association to arbitration for a first collective agreement and prevent industrial action by either party.

WestJet wrote in a post on “.

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

What to do if your WestJet flight wasn’t canceled

Customers with WestJet flights scheduled between June 18 and 20 in all fare classes are eligible for a one-time, free change or cancellation fee waiver.

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

• If you change destination, the fare difference applies. All remaining funds are refunded.
• If you change plane cabins, the fare difference applies. All remaining funds are refunded.
• Changes to WestJet Rewards Companion Voucher bookings (including expired Companion Voucher reservations) 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 reservation, funds will be refunded or credited depending 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 Rewards companion 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 WestJet’s Manage Flights Online portal.

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

• A one-time free fee waiver will be offered in the event of changes or cancellations (hotel penalties apply).
• If you change your reservation, 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 has been canceled

WestJet claims to have sent an email to its customers announcing canceled flights. The email subject line should read: “Essential or Crucial Details for Your Upcoming Flight” and include self-service or live chat options.

Customers whose WestJet Vacations packages have been canceled should also check their email for the subject “Essential or crucial details for your next flight” for self-service or live chat options.

Travelers can view or change their preferred email address with WestJet to ensure they receive strike updates.

What to do if WestJet flights are disrupted

WestJet must make every effort to get guests to their final destination and may transfer guests to other airlines in certain circumstances.

WestJet’s Flight Delays and Cancellations page offers advice for travelers experiencing unexpected schedule changes.

WestJet pilots went on strike over the May 2023 long weekend, leading to thousands of flight cancellations and devastation across the country.

With files from the Canadian Press

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