WestJet flight cancellations: tips for Vancouver travelers

WestJet canceled more than 200 more flights on Saturday, June 29, following the mechanics’ union’s surprise strike.

The airline has announced 235 flights have been cancelled for Saturday, affecting 33,000 travellers over the long Canada Day weekend. More cancellations are expected due to the WestJet strike.

WestJet reported 25 flight cancellations affecting 3,300 guests from Thursday, June 27, through Friday, June 28, and another 150 cancellations affecting 20,000 passengers on Friday.

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

Union members stopped work on Friday at 5:30 p.m. They said the strike was inevitable because of “WestJet’s unwillingness to negotiate with the union.”

In an email to WestJet senior manager of labor relations Virginia Swindall, posted on AMFA’s website, the union accused the employer of stalling negotiations, citing behaviors such as allegedly withholding a revised contract proposal and asking to exclude certain members of the bargaining committee.

The move came after the federal government issued a ministerial order for binding arbitration on Thursday, following two weeks of turbulent talks with the union over a new deal.

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

WestJet planned to fly more than 250,000 guests this long weekend, including many flights into and out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Guests 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 is not canceled

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

When booking their new ticket, travelers must take into account the following rules:

• If you change your destination, the difference in fare will be applied. Any remaining amounts will be refunded.
• If you transfer to another aircraft cabin, the fare difference applies. Any remaining amounts will be refunded.
• Changes to a WestJet Rewards companion voucher booking (including expired companion voucher bookings) are permitted.
• To waive the difference in fare, the trip must be completed by July 24. The fare difference applies to trips completed after July 25, 2024.
• If you cancel your booking, the money will be refunded or credited based on the fare class booked; Basic and UltraBasic receive travel credit.
• If you cancel your booking, the portion you paid with WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit or a WestJet rewards companion voucher will be refunded to your account. The original expiration date (if applicable) applies.
• Changes or cancellations must be requested more than two hours prior to original departure.

To change an existing booking, go online to WestJet’s Manage Flights portal.

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

• In case of changes or cancellations, you will receive a one-time free waiver of the costs (hotel penalties do apply).
• If you change your booking, the difference in package price will be charged. This depends on availability.
• If you cancel your booking, the value of the package will be refunded in WestJet dollars with a one-year expiration date, less a hotel penalty of $200 per person.

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

What to do if your WestJet flight or WestJet Vacations package is cancelled

Strike notification emails have the subject line “Essential or critical details for your upcoming flight” and provide passengers with direct links to the airline’s self-service or live chat options.

With files from the Canadian Press and Richmond News.

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