WestJet Overbooked Flight Compensation: Your Ultimate Guide
WestJet states that they do not overbook flights, but that doesn’t mean they won’t occasionally deny boarding to some passengers. Sometimes the airline will have to refuse boarding for safety reasons or because of other situations beyond their control. In other cases, passengers may be bumped because of a controllable situation.
Either way, WestJet passengers have certain rights that protect them from denied boarding incidents, and we’ll explain them all to you here in this guide.
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Denied Boarding with WestJet? Here’s What To Do
First, it’s important to know exactly what to do if you’re bumped, or involuntarily denied boarding from a WestJet flight. If you run into this situation, take the following steps.
Get an alternate flight to your destination
WestJet must offer you a rebooking if you're denied boarding, but if they don’t, look for flights that suit your travel plans, and ask the airline to help you with the rebooking. You are entitled to a seat on the next available flight free of charge.
Get assistance at the airport
Request care and assistance. WestJet passengers are legally entitled to meals, refreshments, access to communication, and even overnight lodging in the wake of a denied boarding incident. If you are not offered these, ask for them.
Get compensated for the inconvenience
Passengers who are involuntarily denied boarding are entitled to cash compensation as soon as they are notified, but if this isn’t possible, WestJet must give you written confirmation of the compensation amount that will be paid within 48 hours.
If you make any essential purchases at the airport while you wait for your replacement flight, you should also keep your receipts for these so you can include them in a compensation claim.
Denied Boarding with WestJet: Regulations and Passenger Rights
Voluntary Denied Boarding
When WestJet is faced with preventing some passengers from boarding, they will first ask passengers to consider volunteering their seat in exchange for an agreed-upon compensation package. These offerings can be substantial with some travelers saying they were offered up to $1,770 USD or $2,400 (CAD) to give up their seats.
Usually, the package will be a combination of a rebooking to your destination and cash or travel vouchers, but it’s always best to go for the cash. Also, if you choose to surrender your seat, you will not be able to claim airline compensation for denied boarding later.
Involuntary Denied Boarding
Sometimes, too few volunteers accept the initial offering from WestJet, in which case the airline will begin to bump passengers. When this happens, the airline will typically select the passengers who checked-in for their flight and showed up to the gate last. From there, they will begin selecting passengers in the lowest seating class.
Unaccompanied minors, first class passengers, and those with disability not be chosen for involuntary denied boarding.
What You’re Entitled to if You’re Bumped from a WestJet Flight
No matter where your airport is located, you are entitled to the following if you’re bumped from a WestJet flight.
- An alternate WestJet flight to your destination OR a flight with a WestJet partner.
- If the alternate flight departs from a nearby airport, WestJet will provide transport to that airport.
- A full refund of their ticket if your travel plans no longer serve a purpose (like if you missed a meeting because of the overbooking incident), plus a flight to your original departure point.
- Meals in proportion to the amount of time you must wait at the airport.
- Free access to communication like 2 free calls, wi-fi, etc.
- Complimentary lodging and related transport if the new booking departs the next morning.
- Financial compensation up to $2,400 CAD based on how late you arrive at your destination.
How Much Compensation Can You Get from WestJet?
In addition to a rebooking, WestJet also offers flight compensation for those who have been subjected to involuntary denied boarding. For flights in Canada, the amount you receive is based on how late you arrive at your final destination, as you can see below.
Arrival Time | Compensation Offered |
Less than 6 hours from scheduled arrival time | $625 USD ($900 CAD) |
Within 6-9 hours scheduled arrival time | $1,250 USD ($1,800 CAD) |
More than 9 hours past scheduled arrival time | $1,700 USD ($2,400 CAD) |
Financial Compensation on Flights from the US
Even though WestJet is a Canadian airline, they do fly to the United States. So, if you’re denied boarding from a flight departing from there, you’ll be compensated based on the number of hours you’re delayed at your final destination.
Flights from the US to Canada | ||
Delay of 0-1 hours | Delay of 1-4 hours | Delay of 4+ hours |
No compensation | 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination (max. $775) | 400% of your one-way fare to your final destination (max. $1,550) |
If you’re not sure how much you’re eligible for, feel free to use our compensation calculator to see how much financial compensation you could be entitled to.
If you need expert guidance throughout the claims process, you can enlist the help of us at AirAdvisor.
When You’re Not Entitled to Compensation
While most cases of denied boarding are caused by overbooked flights, you could be bumped for other reasons which would not qualify for financial compensation. These include any uncontrollable situation caused by extraordinary circumstances, like aircraft safety and balance issues.
Similarly, you will not be eligible for compensation if you were denied boarding because of unruly behavior, a failure to check-in and arrive at the boarding gate on time, and if you posed a security threat.
Why Do Airlines Overbook Flights?
Overbooking, or overselling, is a common, legal practice that airlines use to ensure that every flight is full. This is important because flights operating under capacity are not as profitable.
So, carriers use complex software and analysis systems to help determine the likelihood of last minute cancellations and no shows. Using this information, airlines can oversell flights to help guarantee a full and profitable flight. The trouble starts when all ticketed passengers arrive to board their flight, only to find that there are more travelers than available seats, meaning that some passengers must be bumped.
AirAdvisor Gets Your the Compensation You Deserve
If you need any help or assistance with your claim, you can reach out to one of our legal experts, and we’ll help you through the process step-by-step. Our team works on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you don’t need to worry about incurring any extra expenses! With our help, we can make sure that you’re paid the compensation you deserve.
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