Can you change your flight time on WestJet? from John Robert's blog

WestJet, one of Canada's premier airlines, offers its customers flexibility when it comes to changing flight details, including flight times. If you’re wondering whether you can change your flight time on WestJet, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the policies, processes, fees, and tips for successfully changing your flight.

WestJet Change Flight Policy Overview

WestJet flight change Policy understands that travel plans can change, which is why it provides options for passengers to modify their bookings, including changing flight times. However, the availability of these changes depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of fare you purchased, the time left before your departure, and whether or not you’re flying domestically or internationally.


1. Fare Types and Flexibility

WestJet has several fare classes, and your ability to change your flight time will largely depend on which class you booked:

  • Basic Fare: No changes or cancellations are allowed.
  • Econo and EconoFlex Fares: Changes are allowed, but there may be fees associated with the change.
  • Premium and PremiumFlex Fares: More flexibility, with fewer or no fees for changes.
  • Business and BusinessFlex Fares: Typically allow flight time changes without any fees.

Understanding the fare rules at the time of booking is key, as cheaper fares tend to have more restrictions.

2. Can You Change Your Flight Time for Free?

WestJet allows changes to flight times, but whether or not you can do it for free depends on your fare class and how early you request the change. If you purchased a flexible fare, such as PremiumFlex or BusinessFlex, you might be able to change your flight time at no additional cost. For other fare types, especially Econo or EconoFlex, a change fee will likely apply.

Here’s a breakdown of typical fees:

  • Econo: Moderate change fees, plus any difference in fare.
  • EconoFlex: Reduced change fees, with possible fare difference.
  • PremiumFlex and BusinessFlex: No change fees; only fare differences apply.
3. Time Restrictions on Changes

WestJet allows passengers to modify their flight times up to 2 hours before departure. However, the earlier you request a change, the better, as seat availability and fare differences can impact your options. Changes made last minute may result in higher fees or limited seat availability.

How to Change Your WestJet Flight Time

There are multiple ways to change your flight time on WestJet, each designed for ease of access, whether you prefer to manage your booking online or seek assistance through customer support.

4. Changing Flight Time Online

The simplest way to modify your flight time is through WestJet’s website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Log in to your WestJet account or retrieve your booking using the reservation code and last name.
  • Select the flight you wish to modify.
  • Click on ‘Change flight’ and choose a new time from the available options.
  • Confirm the changes and pay any applicable fees or fare differences.
  • You will receive a new confirmation email with your updated flight details.
5. WestJet App

If you’re on the go, you can also change your flight using the WestJet app:

  • Open the app and log in to your account.
  • Go to the ‘Trips’ section and select the booking you want to modify.
  • Follow the steps to change your flight time.
  • Confirm the changes and finalise any payments.
6. Contacting WestJet Support

For those who prefer human assistance, contacting WestJet’s customer service via phone is another option. Be prepared with your reservation details, and keep in mind that wait times may vary, especially during peak travel seasons.

Fees Associated with WestJet Change Flight

WestJet’s fees for changing a flight depend on multiple factors, such as fare class and destination. Here’s an overview of the potential fees involved:

7. Domestic Flights

For domestic routes, the change fees generally start at around $100 CAD for basic fares like Econo, but for Premium and Business classes, these fees are typically waived. If there’s a fare difference between your original and new flight, you’ll need to pay that as well.

8. International Flights

International routes tend to have higher change fees, starting from $150 CAD for the lower fare classes. Once again, Business and PremiumFlex fares offer more flexibility with no fees, provided you make the changes within the allowable time window.

Avoiding Change Fees: Tips and Tricks

While some flight changes are unavoidable, there are ways to avoid hefty change fees if you’re strategic about your booking and manage your travel plans well in advance.

9. Book Flexible Fares

One of the simplest ways to avoid change fees is to book a more flexible fare type. While these fares may be slightly more expensive, the ability to modify your booking without penalty can save you money in the long run.

10. Change Within 24 Hours

WestJet allows customers to cancel or change their booking within 24 hours of purchase without incurring any fees, regardless of the fare type. This is useful if you’ve made a booking error or your plans change quickly after purchasing.

11. Monitor Price Drops

If you notice that the price of your desired flight has dropped significantly, WestJet may allow you to change your booking to a cheaper flight time for just the fare difference. Use flight tracking tools to monitor price changes.

Flight Time Changes Due to WestJet Schedule Modifications

Sometimes, WestJet may change your flight time due to operational needs or schedule shifts. In these cases, passengers are usually offered options to rebook on a different flight at no additional cost.

12. What to Do if WestJet Changes Your Flight Time

If WestJet changes your flight time significantly (usually more than 90 minutes), you are entitled to rebook onto another WestJet flight for free, or in some cases, request a refund if the new timing doesn’t suit your plans.

13. How to Handle Involuntary Changes

When WestJet modifies your flight time, you should receive a notification via email or text. Follow the instructions in the message to rebook or reach out to customer service for further assistance.

Refunds and Cancellations: What You Should Know

Flight time changes may also lead to questions about refunds or cancellations. WestJet has specific policies depending on the nature of the change.

14. Refund Eligibility

If WestJet changes your flight time and the new schedule doesn’t work for you, you might be eligible for a refund, especially if the change is significant. Be sure to check your fare rules to confirm your eligibility.

15. Cancelling Your Flight Instead of Changing

If you’d rather cancel your flight rather than change the time, WestJet’s cancellation policies will apply. Keep in mind that non-refundable fares, like Econo, may only provide you with a travel credit instead of a full refund.

Conclusion

Changing your flight time on WestJet is a fairly straightforward process, but it requires attention to fare type, timing, and potential fees. Understanding the airline’s policies can help you navigate these changes smoothly, saving you both time and money. Always check the fare rules and stay updated with any notifications from WestJet to ensure your travel plans remain flexible and convenient.1-860-516-6375


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By John Robert
Added Sep 20 '24

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