Understanding the WestJet Companion Voucher

While booking flights through WestJet, you may have noticed the option for a companion voucher. This feature allows you to purchase one regular fare ticket and bring along a second person for a significantly reduced fee, typically set at $119, $199, or $399 CAD, depending on the specific route, in addition to applicable taxes and fees.

In order to utilize this voucher, you need to buy a ticket on a flight operated by WestJet, after which the companion fare will apply to the additional traveller on the same booking. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with how to obtain the voucher and review relevant terms, including eligibility, route restrictions, and booking guidelines, before embarking on your journey.

How to Obtain a WestJet Companion Voucher

Getting a WestJet companion voucher is straightforward. If you hold a WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, you will receive one each year, although there have been recent updates to the rules surrounding this benefit.

The initial companion voucher typically appears in your account a few weeks after making your first purchase. For subsequent years, you will need to charge at least $5,000 annually to your WestJet Card in order to qualify for the next voucher. Your progress towards earning the next voucher is visible in your WestJet account.

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

In addition to the companion voucher, cardholders are entitled to one free checked bag for up to eight people on the same itinerary. As checking a bag on WestJet typically costs between $30 and $50 each way, a family of four could save anywhere from $240 to $400 on their overall trip. Additionally, the included Boingo Wi-Fi might appear insignificant, but it allows you to access the Internet for free during flights when many airlines charge for Wi-Fi access. For complete details, check out my review of the myWestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

If you opt for the lower-tier option, the WestJet RBC Mastercard, you can also receive a companion voucher, although it differs slightly in its offerings. This card allows a round-trip companion flight only within Canada for an additional fee of $199 plus taxes and other fees. Despite being less expansive than the World Elite Card, it’s still a good option given its modest annual fee of $39. Let’s summarize the welcome bonus and earning rate associated with this card.

WestJet RBC Mastercard

It’s important to note this card does not offer free checked bags, which is to be expected given its status as a lower-tier card compared to the World Elite version. Nonetheless, the WestJet RBC Mastercard has a more accessible income requirement, making it suitable for those who wish to take advantage of a companion voucher without needing a high salary.

Cost of the WestJet Companion Voucher

The WestJet companion voucher is issued free of charge every year for holders of either the WestJet RBC Mastercard or the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard, but you must also cover a few fees in addition to the paid fare for the primary ticket.

• Round-trip travel within Canada and the continental U.S. costs $119.
• For round-trip travel within Canada (WestJet RBC Mastercard), the cost is $199.
• Round-trip travel to/from other locations in the WestJet network is $399.
• Taxes, fees, and other charges apply.

Companion Voucher Regulations for WestJet Cardholders

Upon understanding the fees associated with the voucher, several other stipulations and restrictions come into play:

• One round-trip or one-way fare only: The voucher is valid for a round-trip for the primary cardholder and their companion on the same booking. While one-way tickets are acceptable, the primary fee applies to both passengers.
• New bookings exclusively: It can only be applied to new reservations made before the voucher’s expiration date. Travel can occur after this date, but it cannot be used for existing reservations.
• Eligible fares: The voucher can be used for Basic, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, and PremiumFlex fares that are fully operated by WestJet, including promotional fares. Both passengers need to be booked under the same fare classification.
• Ineligible fares: The voucher cannot be used for WestJet Vacations packages, Business Class fares, or Member Exclusive fares, and it cannot be applied for bookings made through third-party agents or websites.
• Non-transferability and account conditions: The voucher is non-transferable and only valid if your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard account is active. If the account is closed, all unused vouchers will be void. Authorized users cannot redeem the voucher independently from the primary cardholder.
• How to apply during booking: You can opt to use the voucher at the beginning of your flight search, and it will be automatically applied during the checkout process once you select your flights.
• Non-cash value and occasional alternatives: The voucher does not hold cash value. Occasionally, WestJet may offer a one-time exchange for lounge access instead of travel use.
• Fees and blackout dates: There are no blackout dates for eligible flights, yet standard taxes, fees, and charges must be covered by the purchaser at the time of booking.

It’s important to note that the companion voucher can only be utilized when the primary cardholder is traveling. Authorized users cannot use the voucher independently.

One-way trips are permitted with the voucher, but the full fare applies.

You can select to use your voucher during the booking process right before searching for current flight pricing. After selecting desired flights, the voucher will be applied automatically, streamlining the process.

WestJet also permits you to exchange your voucher for two lounge passes, but there is no cash value associated with the voucher.

Potential Savings with a WestJet Companion Voucher

The savings derived from the voucher will vary based on the base fare or Air Transportation Charges (ATC). While you are still responsible for taxes, fees, and surcharges, the companion benefit only reduces the ATC component of the fare.

Consider a typical summer round-trip to Florida, where the ATC can be significant. The primary cardholder pays the full ticket price, while the companion incurs a lowered fee for the ATC along with taxes and mandatory charges, resulting in substantial savings as compared to two regular-priced tickets. Higher ATC amounts result in more significant savings for the companion passenger, while lower ATC fares may diminish the voucher’s value.

When using the voucher, consider the following:

• Utilize the voucher when the ATC exceeds the companion-ticket fee for maximum savings.
• Assess the total out-of-pocket expense for a companion ticket versus two standard tickets before redeeming.
• For long-haul or international flights, where the companion fee can be high, consider redeeming for premium cabins to enhance value.

For those keeping track of points and vacation credits, prioritize using the voucher on routes and dates with high ATC or premium inventory. The online booking tool typically highlights when standard purchases are less expensive, allowing you to review the total out-of-pocket cost (companion fee plus taxes) prior to finalizing your booking.

In premium cabins, the voucher often proves to be its most beneficial since premium ATCs tend to be notably larger. Conversely, for lower-fare economy tickets or routes with moderate ATC, holding the voucher for future flights may yield better savings.

Voucher Expiration Details

Your companion voucher officially expires one year after issuance, but you can still book travel for up to an additional year from that expiry date, including one-way flights.

Keep both the formal expiration and the extended booking window in mind to avoid losing travel credit.

Pros and Cons of the WestJet Companion Voucher

While the WestJet companion voucher is undeniably advantageous as a complimentary benefit, it’s worthwhile to consider potential downsides if you haven’t yet acquired a WestJet credit card. Below is a summary of the voucher’s pros and cons.

Advantages

• Annual benefit: You receive a companion voucher every year while maintaining a qualifying WestJet credit card, including in the year you join.
• Easy to obtain: Any qualifying WestJet Mastercard awards the voucher, with no additional spending requirements post-signup.
• No blackout dates: You can redeem the voucher on any available seats on WestJet flights, regardless of travel timing.
• Covers the WestJet network: The voucher can be utilized for travel to any destinations served by WestJet, including Mexico.
• Predictable second-fare savings: The companion fare or fixed discount applies when booking, enhancing financial planning.

Disadvantages

• High fees for certain routes: Traveling outside Canada and the U.S. can incur significant fees, reducing the overall value of the benefit.
• Limited to WestJet flights: The voucher cannot be used on codeshares or partner flights, limiting broader routing options.
• Reduced routing options: If your trip requires connections or departs from locations with limited WestJet service, the voucher’s usefulness may be lower than with competitors.
• Additional expenses: Taxes and carrier charges still apply for the companion ticket, which may bring total costs higher than promotional claims suggest.

Comparative Analysis of the WestJet Companion Voucher

When comparing companion offers, it’s crucial to consider factors such as airline coverage, frequency, and route usability. The WestJet companion benefit is valid only for WestJet flights, while comparable offers are typically limited to their issuing airlines, underscoring the importance of selecting an airline that aligns with your travel habits.

WestJet grants a voucher upon your first purchase and establishes a reasonable annual spending requirement, making it easy to maintain benefits without reapplying for new credit cards each year. This is particularly advantageous compared to competing offers that often necessitate expenditures exceeding $10,000.

Regarding costs, competitors may only charge taxes and fees for the companion seat, whereas WestJet’s structure includes a base fee. This could make rival passes appear more budget-friendly on paper, although the actual value will depend on chosen routes and fare levels.

Route eligibility can significantly influence overall value. Some competing passes focus travel on North America, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, whereas WestJet’s companion voucher occasionally allows for use on longer flights, including trips to Europe. If your travels frequently involve transatlantic routes, the flexibility offered by WestJet enhances the voucher’s effectiveness.

Maximizing Savings with the WestJet Credit Card

Holding the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard allows you to significantly reduce various travel costs. This includes free checked bags on WestJet flights within North America, leading to savings of approximately $30 per bag per way, with this benefit applicable to each cardholder in your group.

The card also often comes with a companion or similar voucher that decreases fares for an additional traveller. If both partners carry this card, you can effectively double your savings through voucher use. Cumulatively, the fare reductions can yield substantial savings on family vacations.

When you aggregate savings from baggage, companion vouchers, and the card’s welcome bonus, the overall value becomes compelling. For instance, multiple checked bags, two vouchers, and a signup bonus can offset the card’s annual fee numerous times over. This maximizes your budget while maintaining your travel plans.

It’s clear why the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard ranks among the top travel credit cards in Canada. The benefits are exceptional, making it an essential card for frequent WestJet travelers.

Conclusion

You can begin utilizing the companion voucher after your first statement, as long as you’ve made at least one charge. Be sure to check fares early to ascertain how much your voucher can reduce the ticket cost.

Consider the welcome bonus and the free checked bag feature when contemplating an application for the card. If you typically fly WestJet, whether it’s once a year or more frequently, the perks offered often outweigh the costs.

With the added benefits of the welcome bonus and free checked bags, applying can be a wise decision. WestJet Rewards remains one of the top travel loyalty programs, and obtaining their credit card can be exceptionally advantageous for regular travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for a WestJet companion voucher?

Usually, you must hold a qualifying WestJet co-branded credit card and fulfill either an annual spending or account renewal requirement. For precise criteria, consult the cardholder agreement or promotional documentation.

What conditions must be met to use a WestJet companion voucher?

The voucher generally covers the companion’s base fare, but additional taxes or fees may still be applicable. It’s vital to book both passengers on the same reservation and fly on the same flights. Other stipulations often include limited booking periods, class restrictions (economy class unless specified otherwise), and the inability to combine with other discounts.

Can a WestJet companion voucher be used for international travel?

In many cases, the voucher can apply to international segments operated by WestJet, yet covered expenses can differ by route. Some transborder or transatlantic flights may be eligible, whereas others may not. Always check the terms associated with the voucher for eligible destinations before planning your trip.

How do you redeem a WestJet companion voucher?

To redeem a voucher, log into your WestJet Rewards or credit card account to follow the redemption process, or contact WestJet reservations by providing the voucher code when making your booking. Ensure you have passenger details and travel dates ready, as immediate ticketing may be required alongside compliance with advance-purchase regulations.

Can you transfer your WestJet companion voucher to someone else?

Vouchers cannot be transferred and must be utilized by the named cardholder along with a companion booked on the same flight.