What to do if your WestJet flight is disrupted by a strike or lockout

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Passengers should watch the airline’s website to determine if it has implemented a policy for ticket holders.

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You can also check your travel or credit card insurance to see if it covers refunds for flights disruptions caused by labour disruptions.

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Finally, passengers with flexible travel dates could contact the airline to ask if it will reschedule a trip. Airlines are not obligated to do so, says the CTA, but sometimes in advance of potential labour disruptions, they will waive rebooking or cancellation fees.

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What is WestJet saying it will do?

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The airline says on its website that if flight delays or cancellations occur, affected customers “will be refunded or accommodated, as applicable. Guests who booked directly with WestJet will be directly communicated via the email address provided at the time of booking for any changes to their travel.”

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Flexible flight changes include a one‑time $0 change fee and the difference in fare price is waived, unless changing fare type, cabin or destination. Travel must be completed within 60 days of the original departure. WestJet asks passengers to note that changes must be made more than two hours before the flight departure time.

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Passengers whose flight is part of a WestJet Vacations, Sunwing Vacations, or Vacances WestJet Quebec package are asked to contact those services directly to make changes or to cancel your trip. WestJet provides direct links to them on its website.

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A customer who has booked through a travel agent, third-party (such as Expedia or Air Miles), a corporate travel arranger, or another airline, is asked to contact those providers directly.

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What about refunds?

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WestJet advises customers to review the fare rules as they apply to the fare paid to see if they will receive a refund for the original form of payment, or as a travel bank credit, adding that WestJet points, Travel Bank credits, and companion vouchers are returned when applicable. Cancellations must be made more than two hours before flight departure time.

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Are other airlines doing anything for WestJet customers?

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Air Canada says it is working with WestJet to accommodate affected travellers. In an update on its website, Air Canada says it is collaborating with WestJet to provide seats on Air Canada flights for customers whose travel plans may be disrupted.

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Air Canada says travellers who have not been rebooked by WestJet must contact WestJet directly to discuss their options. They also have the option of purchasing a new Air Canada ticket.

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Otherwise, customers who have already been rebooked by WestJet onto an Air Canada flight will find dedicated check-in counters at the airport. Those passengers can also manage their reservation online, including selecting seats and checking in within 24 hours of departure.

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