Understanding the WestJet Companion Voucher

While booking flights within the WestJet network, you might have noticed the option for a companion voucher. This unique feature allows you to purchase one regular fare and add a second passenger at a significantly reduced rate, usually set at $119, $199, or $399 CAD plus applicable taxes and fees, which varies by route.

To utilize this voucher, it is necessary to book a fare on a flight operated by WestJet. The discounted companion fare can then be applied to the second traveler on the same booking. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the process to acquire the voucher and the associated terms regarding eligibility, route constraints, and reservation guidelines prior to your journey.

Obtaining a WestJet Companion Voucher

Acquiring a WestJet companion voucher is straightforward, especially if you hold a WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. However, recent changes have altered the rules a bit.

Typically, you will see your initial World Elite companion voucher in your account a few weeks after your first purchase. To qualify for your subsequent annual voucher, you must charge at least $5,000 to your WestJet Card each year. You can monitor your progress towards your next voucher directly from your WestJet account.

Here’s a brief overview of the current welcome bonus and earning potential associated with the card.

In addition to the companion voucher, the card offers the first checked bag free for up to eight people traveling on the same itinerary. Since checking a bag with WestJet typically incurs a fee of $30 – $50 one way, a family of four could save between $240 – $400 each time they fly. The included complimentary Boingo Wi-Fi may appear insignificant, but given that most airlines charge for Wi-Fi access, having free internet while flying is quite valuable. For more details, take a look at my WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard review.

If you opt for the WestJet RBC Mastercard instead, you can still get a companion voucher, although the terms are somewhat different. This entry-level card provides access to an annual round-trip companion voucher within Canada, costing $199 plus taxes and fees. While it is less generous compared to the World Elite Card’s offer, it remains an attractive option with a modest annual fee of $39. Below is a snapshot of any current welcome bonuses and earning potential.

WestJet RBC Mastercard

Bear in mind that this version of the card does not offer free checked bags, which is expected considering it is a more basic option compared to the World Elite variant. Nevertheless, the WestJet RBC Mastercard has a low income requirement, making it accessible for individuals wanting a companion voucher without needing a high salary.

Costs of the WestJet Companion Voucher

Cardholders of either the WestJet RBC Mastercard or the WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard receive the companion voucher at no additional cost each year. However, remember that additional fees apply based on the fare of the first ticket purchased:

• $119 for round-trip travel within Canada and the continental U.S.
• $199 for round-trip travel within Canada (for WestJet RBC Mastercard holders)
• $399 for round-trip travel to/from other regions in the WestJet network
• Taxes, fees, and additional charges

Companion Voucher Conditions for WestJet Cardholders

Understanding the associated fees is just the start; there are also several additional conditions and limitations tied to the WestJet companion voucher to keep in mind:

• Usage for one round-trip or one-way fare: The voucher can be applied for a round-trip flight for the primary cardholder and a companion within the same itinerary. While one-way bookings are allowed, both travelers must pay the full base fare.
• Limited to new reservations: The voucher is applicable only for new reservations made before the expiry date displayed on the voucher. Travel can occur post-expiration, but it cannot be applied to existing bookings.
• Eligible fare types: The voucher can be used on published Basic, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, and PremiumFlex fares that are fully marketed and operated by WestJet, including promotional fares. Both the primary cardholder and companion must book the same fare class.
• Exclusions: The voucher is not valid for WestJet Vacations packages, Business Class fares, or Member Exclusive fares. Additionally, it cannot be applied through travel agents or third-party booking sites.
• Account restrictions and non-transferability: The voucher is non-transferable and only valid while your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard account remains active. If the account is closed, any unused vouchers will become invalid. Authorized users on the account cannot use the voucher independently.
• Application during booking: You may opt to apply the voucher at the beginning of the booking process; it will automatically apply during checkout after selecting your flights.
• No cash value; a possible exchange: The voucher does not hold cash value. Occasionally, WestJet may allow a one-time exchange for lounge access instead of travel.
• No blackout dates; taxes still apply: Eligible flights do not have blackout dates, but you remain responsible for taxes, fees, and charges at the time of booking.

It’s essential to note that the companion voucher can only be redeemed when the primary cardholder is traveling. Even authorized users cannot utilize the voucher for other passengers.

While one-way trips are permitted, the full base fare is required for both passengers.

During the booking process, you can opt to use your voucher before checking real-time pricing and flight availability. Once you choose your preferred flights, the voucher will be automatically applied at checkout.

WestJet also permits you to exchange your voucher for two lounge access passes, but no cash equivalent is available for the voucher.

Estimating Savings with a WestJet Companion Voucher

The actual savings achieved with the companion voucher vary based on the base fare or Air Transportation Charges (ATC). Remember that taxes, fees, and other surcharges still apply, meaning the companion discount only impacts the ATC component of the ticket cost.

For instance, consider a typical summer round trip to Florida, where the ATC may represent a considerable amount. The main cardholder pays the complete fare while the companion pays a reduced ATC rate plus any taxes and mandatory charges, often resulting in significant savings versus purchasing two tickets at full price. As ATC amounts rise, the corresponding discount for the companion also increases; lower ATC fares diminish the voucher’s value.

When deciding whether to leverage the voucher, keep the following points in mind:

• Employ the voucher when the ATC is significantly higher than the companion-ticket fee to optimize savings.
• Before redeeming, compare the cost of a companion ticket with that of purchasing two full-price tickets.
• For longer or international flights, where companion fees can start elevated, the voucher may be less beneficial unless used for premium seating.

If you track points and vacation credits, prioritize using the voucher on routes with higher ATC or premium seating availability. The online booking system often highlights scenarios where standard tickets may offer better value, so check the total cost (companion fee plus taxes) before finalizing your purchase.

In premium cabins, the voucher often provides the best financial advantage since the ATCs are generally much more substantial. For economical seats or routes with low ATC, it might be more advantageous to save the voucher for a future booking.

Expiry Details for Your Voucher

Your voucher officially expires one year after its initial issuance. However, you can still book travel up to an additional year beyond this expiration date, including one-way itineraries.

Be sure to monitor both the formal expiration date and the extended booking window to ensure you don’t lose out on your travel credit.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the WestJet Companion Voucher

When assessing the WestJet companion voucher, it is clear that it is a beneficial offering given its complimentary nature. However, for anyone considering applying for the WestJet credit card for the first time, weighing any potential drawbacks is essential. Below outlines the voucher’s pros and cons:

Advantages

• Yearly benefit: Every qualifying WestJet credit cardholder receives a companion voucher annually, including the year of enrollment.
• Easy to obtain: Any qualifying WestJet Mastercard offers a companion voucher without needing to meet additional spending thresholds after sign-up.
• No blackout dates: The voucher can be applied to any available seat on WestJet flights without restrictions on travel dates.
• Valid across the WestJet network: Utilize the voucher for travel to any destination served by WestJet, including Mexico.
• Calculable savings for a second ticket: The voucher provides a predictable discount or a covered fare for a companion, aiding in straightforward travel planning.

Drawbacks

• High fees for specific routes: Using the voucher for flights outside Canada and the continental U.S. may lead to hefty additional fees, diminishing the overall benefit.
• Restrictions to WestJet-operated flights: The voucher cannot be utilized for codeshare flights or travel with partner airlines, limiting routing options.
• Limited routing flexibility: If your travel requires connections or departs from areas with limited WestJet service, the effectiveness of the voucher might decrease due to the smaller network.
• Incidental costs: Taxes, charges, and other fees apply to the companion ticket purchase, meaning total expenses may exceed initial expectations.

Comparing the WestJet Companion Voucher to Other Options

When slicing through various companion offers, consider aspects like airline coverage, frequency, and available routes. The WestJet companion voucher applies strictly to flights operated by WestJet, whereas competing programs often limit redeemable flights to their respective airlines. Your choice should align with your travel preferences.

WestJet’s companion voucher activates after your first transaction and has a reasonable annual spending requirement to maintain eligibility, eliminating the need for repeated credit card applications to keep receiving the voucher. Competing offerings frequently require expenditures of $10,000 or more on an annual basis.

Difference in fee structures also exists. Some competing programs may allow travel companions to only pay taxes and fees, while WestJet’s starts with a nominal base fee. Hence, the rivals’ offerings could appear more economical on the surface, but the total value hinges on the specific routes and base fare levels for the flights selected.

Route suitability plays a significant role as well. Some competitors’ vouchers impose restrictions to travel within North America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, whereas WestJet allows for broader travel options, including some transatlantic services. This wide coverage increases the utility of the WestJet companion voucher for those flying to regions within its remit.

Enhance Savings with the WestJet Credit Card

Holding the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard provides numerous opportunities to save on travel expenses that can add up quickly. Among its benefits are free checked bags on flights within North America, which typically reduces costs by approximately $30 per bag per leg of travel, and this value extends to each cardholder in your reservation.

The card frequently includes a companion or similar voucher that lessens the fare for an additional traveler. If both parents possess the card, the overall savings from vouchers can significantly increase for family trips. Such fare reductions can accumulate to hundreds of dollars when traveling together.

The combination of baggage fee savings, companion voucher discounts, and the welcome bonus delivered upon credit card approval create a compelling financial picture. Consider instances where families have multiple bags, possess two vouchers, and benefit from the sign-up bonus; this can easily outweigh the annual fee many times over. This provides an easy route to leverage the advantages of your itinerary while retaining more funds.

It’s clear why the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard is recognized among the best travel credit cards available in Canada. The benefits are remarkable, making it an indispensable card for regular WestJet travelers.

Final Thoughts

As soon as you complete your first payment, you can start using the companion voucher; just ensure at least one transaction has been made. It’s wise to search for flight costs early in order to gauge the reduction the voucher facilitates.

Consider the welcome bonus alongside the free checked bag offer when weighing the decision to apply for the card. For those who frequently travel with WestJet or even just once annually, the advantages often surpass the associated costs.

With the appeal of the welcome bonus and free checked bag offer, applying for the WestJet credit card is advisable, particularly if you fly WestJet regularly or even once per year, making it well worth your while.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can receive a WestJet companion voucher?

Eligibility generally requires holding a qualifying WestJet co-branded credit card and meeting either an annual spending target or a renewal condition. Review the cardholder agreement or promotional materials for detailed criteria.

What regulations apply to using a WestJet companion voucher?

The companion voucher typically covers only the base fare for the companion, while various taxes and fees may still apply. Passengers must be booked on the same reservation and share the same flights. Additional stipulations often include a limited booking timeframe and class restrictions (only valid in economy class unless otherwise stated). The voucher also often cannot be combined with other discounts.

Can you use a WestJet companion voucher for trips outside of Canada?

It is frequently possible to use the voucher on international routes operated by WestJet. Availability and covered charges differ by itinerary, so some cross-border or transatlantic flights may qualify while others do not. Always check the eligibility terms associated with the voucher before making any travel plans.

What is the redemption process for a WestJet companion voucher?

To redeem, log into your WestJet Rewards or credit card account and follow the provided voucher redemption steps, or contact WestJet reservations and cite your voucher code at booking. Be prepared with passenger information and travel dates; immediate ticketing may be required and should follow any advance purchase conditions.

Is it possible to transfer your WestJet companion voucher to someone else?

The vouchers are non-transferable, intended solely for the primary cardholder or a companion on the same itinerary.