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WestJet recently announced the most significant changes to its rewards program in its 15-year history.
According to the airline, these changes will make it easier for Canadian travellers to earn and redeem points and level up their status on WestJet flights faster to get additional benefits like airport lounge access, priority boarding and free first-checked bags. The program changes will take effect on April 30, 2025, so we’ve outlined them to give you a preview of what’s ahead.
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What Changes Are Coming To the WestJet Rewards Program?
The overhaul includes six major changes, including the introduction of WestJet points, expanded earning opportunities and new brand partnerships. Here are more details about each change.
1. WestJet Dollars Are Now WestJet Points
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of WestJet points, which will replace WestJet dollars. For every 1 WestJet dollar, members will now receive 100 WestJet points. These points will never expire, making it easier to bank them. Starting April 30, 2025, members will see their balances reflected in points. So, if you had 500 WestJet dollars saved up, you’d see a balance of 50,000 WestJet points. These can be redeemed for flights, vacation packages or shopping.
2. Earn and Redeem Points on Extra Travel Costs
Rather than earning points only on the purchase of a base fare, collectors will now earn points on extras like seat selection, checked baggage and upgrades. Under this change, the only costs that won’t accrue points are government taxes and fees added to the flight.
WestJet’s entry-level status tier members (Teal members) will also benefit from a doubled earn rate on flights, earning 1 point per dollar spent. Additionally, members can now redeem points to cover their entire fare, including all extras and taxes, meaning your entire flight expense can be covered by points.
3. Status Made Easier
For WestJet Rewards members, there are four status tiers: Teal, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each tier offers increased benefits.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard cardholders can earn any tier status level—including Platinum—without flying.
The update includes a Status Lift feature, which allows cardholders to reach higher tiers by combining flight and credit card spending. When using the credit card to purchase flights, all ticket expenses, except for government taxes and fees, will count toward tier status.
4. New eStore
WestJet is expanding its rewards program beyond flights and vacations by launching a revamped eStore. The new eStore will allow members to earn points on their everyday online shopping, including with popular retailers like Amazon, Apple, Sephora and Sport Chek. Members can also redeem points on merchandise and gift cards, increasing the value of their WestJet Rewards membership.
5. New Partnerships
In addition to the revamped eStore, WestJet has forged new partnerships with major Canadian brands like TELUS and Skip, unlocking more opportunities for members to transfer points between accounts, earn points on services and redeem points for TELUS services or Skip orders.
6. Free Wi-Fi Onboard
As part of the upgrades, WestJet Rewards members will soon have free access to Wi-Fi onboard, presented by TELUS.
Featured Partner Offers
1
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
Welcome Bonus
Up to $3,000 in value† including up to 85,000 Aeroplan points†
Annual Fee
$599
Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)
20.99% / 22.99%
2
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Welcome Bonus
Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points
Annual Fee
$120
Regular APR
30% (charge card)
3
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Welcome Bonus
Up to $1,300 in value† including up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†
Annual Fee
$139 (rebated the first year)†
Regular APR (Purchases) / Regular APR (Cash Advances)
20.99% / 22.99%
Bottom Line
Changes to the WestJet Rewards program aim to make earning and redeeming points more rewarding and accessible for Canadians. Considering that travel has taken a backseat for many Canadians due to the current high cost of living, these changes could mean that a “free” trip is on the horizon sooner.