Updated refund information.
We have an important update for our guests holding transborder (U.S) itineraries, as we are now processing refunds to original form of payment for COVID-19 cancelled flights starting with bookings for travel commencing March 1st to March 28th, 2020. You have already been provided a full refund to Travel Bank credits, which can be redeemed at any time in the next 24 months.
However, if you would rather have a refund to your original form of payment, please call us at 1-888-937-8538 and have the booking confirmation number below on hand to discuss your refund options.
Eligible booking confirmation number: XXXXXX
If you have another flight outside of this date range, you will be contacted via email at a later date.
If you booked through a Travel Agent (online or directly), Corporate Travel arranger, or another airline, please contact them directly to discuss refund options.
The situation around COVID-19 has and continues to be fluid and we thank you for your support and patience as we navigate through these unprecedented times.
Was started a quite some time ago.
Not yet. The EU has also seemingly been standing firm, but it is more difficult to submit complaints (and the number of passengers affected are just far less), so enforcement action/pressure has likely been less on airlines like WestJet. Anyone affected should begin pursuing action using EU 261 though should their chargebacks be unsuccessful, as seemingly it has worked for transborder flights.
Hmmph, refunds for U.S. trips but not Canadian. To the average consumer, what’s the difference? Obviously, there is none so it’s obvious that WJ is getting pressure from somewhere. Seriously, the circumstances are all the same so what is so unique about a US destination?Phonophoresis wrote: ↑ This is only apparently for trips to/from the USA.
WestJet had e-mailed a poster on FT that they had been auto-issued a 24-month travel credit, but could call some 18xx number to discuss a refund option that was now available. The e-mail indicated it was only for those who had trips to/from the USA. The DOT has been quite rigid in their stance, and perhaps they're beginning to put a bit of pressure on WestJet. No mention of this on WestJet's website yet, nor have they made any blog/social media announcements.
Nevertheless, good news for those with transborder flights on any carrier. I would expect the other airlines to follow suit very shortly for similar itineraries, as there's no chance WestJet is doing this because they've suddenly realized they are bound by the DOT rules.
Here is the alleged e-mail, posted on FT:
Nothing other than they have better regulation. Justin rolled out our passenger bill of rights to great fanfare but Covid has demonstrated just how lame it really is. It doesn't help that the Liberal government is siding with their corporate friends and party donors in the airline industry rather than Canadian citizens.starchoice wrote: ↑ Seriously, the circumstances are all the same so what is so unique about a US destination?
Realistically, given that it’s a Canadian airline subject to Canadian law and that the majority of flights would originate in Canada, providing selective benefits for this customer still makes no sense.dirtmover wrote: ↑ Nothing other than they have better regulation. Justin rolled out our passenger bill of rights to great fanfare but Covid has demonstrated just how lame it really is. It doesn't help that the Liberal government is siding with their corporate friends and party donors in the airline industry rather than Canadian citizens.
I don't know the exact details of the US legislation but why would an airline flying into or out of the US expect to be exempted from US laws just because their home country's laws have no teeth? No one is forcing Canadian airlines to fly into the US if they don't like the fact that they have to abide by their laws.starchoice wrote: ↑ Realistically, given that it’s a Canadian airline subject to Canadian law and that the majority of flights would originate in Canada, providing selective benefits for this customer still makes no sense.
Airlines have to agree to the regulations of the country/airspace they are flying into, much like how you have to obey laws when you enter another country. They are not providing this refund under CTA regulations, and the airline's flag and domestic origin point certainly has no bearing on this decision.starchoice wrote: ↑ Realistically, given that it’s a Canadian airline subject to Canadian law and that the majority of flights would originate in Canada, providing selective benefits for this customer still makes no sense.
Source?! Or do you have details of what exactly they say in this email to call in to request a refund?ballashotcaller wrote: ↑ Looks like Westjet is now in the process of providing refunds for trips cancelled due to Covid. They are starting with flights cancelled in March. If you had a flight in March that was cancelled you should be receiving an email telling you to call in to request a refund instead of keeping your travel credit. I guess once they get through the March flights they’ll proceed with the next batch in April
