Replacing WestJet’s Basic fare offering, UltraBasic is the airline’s lowest-priced option, but also comes without many of the inclusions that travellers may expect when flying.
The new fare includes a personal item and a pre-assigned seat at the back of the aircraft. Travellers have the option of adding checked baggage to their flight as well as seat selection for additional fees, WestJet says.
Katherine Caspersz
Writer
Jun 07, 2024, 7:02 PM
Jun 05, 2024, 2:04 PM
WestJet announced that it has introduced a new frills-free fare option, and if you’re someone who enjoys having a carry-on, choosing their seat and earning rewards points, you probably won’t like it.
On Tuesday, WestJet introduced its new UltraBasic fare, a “no frills fare bundle option” that the airline says gives travellers the choice of adding certain extras like seat choice or checked luggage to their flight.
Many WestJet customers, however, are lamenting the news, with some calling it a “backwards” move for air travel.
Replacing WestJet’s Basic fare offering, UltraBasic is the airline’s lowest-priced option, but also comes without many of the inclusions that travellers may expect when flying.
The new fare includes a personal item and a pre-assigned seat at the back of the aircraft. Travellers have the option of adding checked baggage to their flight as well as seat selection for additional fees, WestJet says.
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They also have the option of purchasing Extended Comfort, which includes perks like extra legroom, early access to overhead bin space and priority boarding, to their flight.
The new UltraBasic fare differs from the former (and now defunct) Basic fare, as anyone travelling in UltraBasic will be last to board, and will not be permitted to bring a carry-on bag, unless they’re flying on transpacific and transatlantic routes or have purchased Extended Comfort.
This means that travellers who bring a carry-on that doesn’t fit under their seat while flying in UltraBaisc will have to check it at the gate, and will be charged a checked bag fee as well as a service fee.
With UltraBasic, guests can tailor a travel experience that meets their needs, without paying for additional services they don’t value,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer in a press release.
“We are delivering on our low-fare promise and believe UltraBasic will give more Canadians the opportunity to fly.”
Travellers not happy
WestJet customers and travellers have taken to social media to air their frustrations over the fare change.
“So basically you’ll offer seats at the same price as the ‘Basic’ fare now, but with fewer features?” asked one person on X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to the news.