Key changes to WestJet Rewards
WestJet dollars converting to WestJet points
The biggest change to the program will be the switchover from WestJet dollars to WestJet points. Fortunately, existing WestJet Rewards members don’t need to worry: their WestJet dollars balance won’t be shrinking.
The conversion rate for WestJet dollars to WestJet points is set at 1 WestJet dollar to 100 WestJet points, ensuring that members' account balances retain their current value.
- For example, 100 WestJet points will still equate to $1 off flight base fares.
Enhanced redemption options
The new program will allow members to use their points for a wider range of purchases. Points can now cover the full cost of WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages, including taxes, fees and extras such as seat selection and checked bags.
Additionally, a new WestJet Rewards eStore will enable members to redeem points for merchandise and gift cards.
Improved Status Lift for World Elite cardholders
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard holders will benefit from an upgraded Status Lift feature:
- Cardholders can now earn $200 in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 in purchases, compared to the previous $500 for every $15,000.
- The maximum number of Status Lifts per year is increasing from three to 50, potentially allowing cardholders to reach Platinum status through card spending alone.
Changes to carry-on baggage allowances
Starting May 6, 2025, WestJet is updating its carry-on baggage size limits to match international standards used by other North American airlines. The new dimensions will be 22" x 14" x 9" (including wheels and handles), replacing the current 21" x 15" x 9" limit. The update also applies to Sunwing flights and WestJet partner Delta Air Lines.
The change aims to streamline check-in and boarding processes. Additionally, new baggage sizing devices will be available at airports by March 13, 2025 Fortunately, old and new sizes will be accepted until the official transition date.
This change is expected to improve the overall travel experience by ensuring more bags fit on flights and reducing inconsistencies between carriers. For Canadian travellers, this means potentially smoother airport experiences and less confusion when flying with different airlines.
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Get A QuoteProgram changes automatic, no member action required
If you’re a WestJet Rewards member or cardholder, there’s nothing for you to do, it’s all automatic. Members can check their updated point balances by logging into their WestJet Rewards account after April 30, 2025.
Reddit optimistic, but cautious of changes
While the changes have only just been announced, initial reaction from WestJet Rewards members and Reddit users is mixed, but many are highlighting the opportunities for earning even more WestJet points. The new system seems to offer more opportunities for members to accrue points out of the gate, with the ability to use points for taxes, surcharges and upgrades is seen as a significant improvement according to Redditor u/PauliaK.
Readers wary of point devaluations in the long-term
Other commenters note that the positive changes may reflect some nervousness by WestJet, as it faces competition from Porter Airlines, which announced its new BMO VIPorter credit card launching in the spring:
“Being able to build WestJet status via credit spend sounds too good to be true. I wonder if this bump in card value is to prepare for Porter's new credit card coming this spring?” u/Smittyleafs
Probably the biggest concern for WestJet Rewards members is the possibility of point devaluations down the line. The old Canadian dollar-based WestJet dollars made devaluation impossible, and while the carrier states that the conversion rate for WestJet dollars to WestJet points ensures that members won’t lose their rewards totals, that doesn't mean point devaluations won’t occur in time.
Reddit users are already questioning the long-term plans of WestJet, with u/Wandering_Canuck95 highlighting the short-term wins with the change, but also the long-term implications:
“The biggest issue with switching from a dollar amount to points system is they can more easily implement a dynamic pricing scheme. Today it says 1 Westjet dollar = 100pts, but tomorrow it may only be worth 90pts. I will be watching closely how this plays out.”
Those feelings were further echoed by u/ShardingHarding:
“Westjet wouldn't make this change if it wasn't financially beneficial to them. It's much harder to devalue a Westjet dollar vs a Westjet point. They can make it way easier to earn points but then at the same time make the cost of anything purchased with points higher. They will make the point system look good now so there is less complaining about the switchover but it's just a matter of time when they devalue the points which will happen repeatedly.”
Initial changes positive for members
It’s worth noting that there are no indications WestJet will devalue points in the future. Indeed, the initial changes are almost entirely positive for WestJet Rewards members, and especially so for WestJet credit cardholders. The new changes make the WestJet frequent flyer program one of the few that lets members earn top-tier elite levels without having to fly with the carrier.
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Find Your Card NowAbout WestJet Rewards
WestJet Rewards is the loyalty program of Canada's second-largest airline, offering travellers a straightforward way to earn and redeem rewards on flights and vacation packages. The program, one of Canada’s premier travel rewards programs, stands out with its easy-to-understand earning structure — members typically earn 2% back in WestJet dollars on WestJet flights and packages.
For frequent flyers, the program offers status tiers with increasing benefits, including priority services and higher earn rates.
Members earn WestJet dollars on WestJet flights, vacation packages, and everyday purchases with a WestJet RBC Mastercard. Currently, WestJet and RBC offer two cobranded airline cards:
These dollars can be redeemed anytime without blackout periods, providing flexibility for Canadian travellers.
Sources
1. Reddit: r/westjet
2. Reddit: r/westjet
3. Reddit: r/westjet
4. Reddit: r/westjet
5. Reddit: r/westjet
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