Travel plans can shift for all sorts of reasons—unexpected work commitments, family events, flight disruptions, or simply a change of heart. If you’re booked with WestJet and wondering “How can I change my WestJet flight?”, this blog will walk you through the process, what fees to expect, and how to handle seat selection. We’ll cover key points like WestJet’s flight change policy, WestJet seat selection, and the practical steps to make a change.
- Understanding WestJet’s Flight Change Policy
The basics
WestJet’s flight change allows changes to booked flights—but exactly how much flexibility you have depends on your fare type and when you request the change. Here are the main things to know:
- Within 24 hours of booking, many bookings can be changed free of a change fee (provided the flight is at least 24 hours away).
- Some fare types (e.g., Basic or “UltraBasic”) may not allow changes after that window—or may incur substantial fees.
- Same‐day changes (changing to an earlier or later flight on the same calendar day) are possible under certain fare categories but subject to availability and the rules of the fare.
Fare types and change costs
Here’s a breakdown to help you understand which fare you booked and what it means for changing:
- Basic / UltraBasic fares: Often the most restrictive. Changes may not be allowed after 24 hours.
- Econo / Standard Economy fares: These usually allow changes, but you’ll pay a change fee plus any fare difference.
- EconoFlex / PremiumFlex / BusinessFlex fares: More flexible—often no change fee, just pay the fare difference.
For example:
- For changes within 60 days of departure on Econo fares, the fee can be CAD 100–118 for domestic Canada routes, more for trans‐Atlantic.
- Same‐day change fees (for certain fares) can be CAD 50–59 domestically.
Key rules to watch
- Changes must be before the original departure time (or in some cases, within 2 hours of departure) for the request to be valid.
- If you booked a Basic/UltraBasic fare, you might be locked out of changes. For example: “Basic fares are not permitted changes” for some domestic tariffs.
- If WestJet changes your schedule (for example due to aircraft swap, major delay or cancellation), you may be eligible for a free change or a refund of the difference—under the airline’s schedule‐change policy.
How to initiate the change
You can change your flight by:
- Logging into the WestJet website or app, going to “Manage Trips” (or My Trips) and selecting the flight you want to change.
- Calling WestJet’s customer service if you prefer speaking to an agent.
- At the airport (though this often incurs higher fees or limited availability).
If you need help, you can call: +1-877-658-0930 (for North America) or +44-203-376-3406 (international support) to speak with WestJet support.
Practical tips
- If you anticipate needing flexibility, booking a Flex fare (EconoFlex, PremiumFlex) is often worth the extra cost.
- Make the change as early as possible—waiting until close to departure often means fewer seats and potentially higher fare difference.
- Keep in mind differences in fare and taxes will apply when moving to a higher priced flight.
- If you booked via a third‐party (travel agent or aggregator), policy may differ—sometimes you’ll need to go through them.
- Changing the Flight Step‐by‐Step
Here’s a straightforward guide to how you can actually change your flight with WestJet:
- Log in or access your booking
Go to WestJet.com or open the WestJet app. Sign in or use your booking code + last name to “Manage trips”/“My trips”. - Select the flight you want to change
Identify the segment (or full itinerary) you want to modify. - Check fare rules and change eligibility
Confirm your fare type (Basic, Econo, EconoFlex, etc.). Check if your fare allows changes and what fees apply. Refer to WestJet’s flight change policy. - Choose new flight/date/time
Select an alternative flight. Ensure you are staying under eligible conditions (same origin–destination, same cabin, etc., if required for same‐day change). - Pay the change fee + fare difference (if any)
If your fare incurs a fee or if the new flight cost is higher, you’ll pay the difference. - Confirm and review updated itinerary
Make sure you receive a new confirmation with updated flight details, seat assignment (if changed), and an updated receipt. - Select/Change Seat (if desired)
After the flight change, you can review or update your seat selection under “Manage Trips” (see next section). - Check arrival and departure times
Double check new flight times and departure airport; changes sometimes trigger new itinerary conditions, connections, etc. - More than one segment?
If your booking has multiple flights or a return leg, make sure the change you make doesn’t break any key connections or rules (same calendar day, same routing, etc.). - If you face complications, call WestJet
If you can’t make the change online, or your fare is complex (award ticket, partner airline etc), call the number above for assistance.
- WestJet Seat Selection: What You Need to Know
While you’re changing your flight, it’s also a good time to think about seat selection. The way seats are chosen—and possibly changed—depends on your fare and the timing.
Seat selection overview
Per the airline:
- Seats can be selected when you book, or afterwards up until 24 hours before departure via “Manage Trips”.
- Some fares include seat selection; others charge a fee.
- For UltraBasic and Econo fares: standard seat selection may incur a fee.
- For EconoFlex, Premium, Business: standard seats included, additional upgrade seats (exit row, extra legroom) may cost extra.
- Exit Row / Extended Comfort seats come at additional fees (and eligibility rules). Recent changes and fees
- As of Nov 7 2023, for Econo or EconoFlex bookings: selecting a “Preferred” or “Exit Row” seat during check‐in will incur a fee. Standard seats remain no extra cost in many cases.
- For Basic/UltraBasic fares: seats are pre‐assigned at check-in; if you want to change, a fee may apply.
- Changing your seat
If you’ve changed your flight, you may need to revisit your seat selection:
- Once your itinerary is final, go to “Manage Trips” → Seat selection.
- If you’re changing to a different fare category (e.g., from Econo to Premium), you may need to pay the fare difference and then you’ll have access to more free seat options.
- Availability of preferred seats may diminish closer to departure—so lock in early if you have a strong preference (window/aisle, legroom).
- Seats & groups/families
- If you’re travelling with minors (<14) or in a group, you can indicate this in Manage Trips so you sit together (subject to availability).
- If you booked through a partner or third‐party booking, seat selection may be more complex or limited.
- Why Making the Change Early Helps
Here are some reasons to act fast when you know you’ll need to change:
- More flight options: Early changes mean better chances of finding a suitable alternative with seats available.
- Lower fees/fewer restrictions: Changes made further in advance tend to incur lower fare differences/fees.
- Better seat availability: The earlier you pick a seat (especially for a preferred one), the better choices you’ll have.
- Avoid no-show risk: If you don’t change or cancel in time and simply miss your flight, you may forfeit the entire ticket or suffer bigger penalties.
- Alignment with current rules: Policies (fees, flexibility windows) change over time—so don’t assume your fare stays the same if you wait.
- Quick Checklist Before You Call or Execute the Change
- Have your booking reference and last name ready.
- Know your original fare type (Basic, Econo, EconoFlex etc).
- Know your new desired flight (date/time/origin/destination).
- Confirm you are either within or outside the free-change window.
- Check seat selection status and whether you need to pay extra.
- Make sure you know the total cost (change fee + fare difference).
- If calling: use the numbers: +1-877-658-0930 (North America) or +44-203-376-3406 (international).
- After change is made: review your new itinerary, seat assignments, and receipt.
- Check if any other services (baggage, lounge access etc) change with your new flight.
Final Thoughts
Changing your flight with WestJet is entirely doable—provided you understand the rules, act in time, and know your fare. The steps themselves are straightforward, but the trick is paying attention to details: fare class, timing (24-hour window, same-day rules), change fees, and seat selection options.
If you’re facing a change, remember: call +1-877-658-0930 or +44-203-376-3406 if you prefer to speak with a WestJet agent rather than doing it online. Having your booking information in hand will speed things up.
By knowing WestJet’s flight change policy and understanding how WestJet seat selection works, you’ll be in a much stronger position to make the change smoothly and avoid nasty surprises.
Safe travels—and here’s to getting your itinerary just the way you need it!
