WestJet is a popular Canadian airline known for its friendly service and affordable flights. Like many airlines, WestJet offers a cancellation policy that helps passengers manage their travel plans if they need to cancel their flights. Understanding WestJet’s cancellation rules is important to avoid extra charges and to know what kind of refund or credit you may receive.

If you booked your flight directly with WestJet, you can cancel your reservation easily through the WestJet website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service. When you cancel online, just go to the “Manage Trips” section, enter your booking details, and select the option to cancel. If you booked through a travel agent or third-party website, you need to contact them directly to request a cancellation.

WestJet allows passengers to cancel their flight without any cancellation fee within 24 hours of booking, as long as the booking was made at least seven days before the scheduled departure. During this 24-hour period, you can get a full refund of the ticket price if you cancel. This policy is very helpful if you need to change your mind shortly after purchasing your ticket.

After the 24-hour cancellation window, the cancellation policy depends on the type of ticket you purchased. WestJet offers several fare types, including Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class, each with different rules. Refundable tickets allow you to cancel your flight and receive a full refund to your original form of payment at any time before departure. These tickets usually cost more but offer greater flexibility.

Non-refundable tickets, such as many Economy fares, have stricter rules. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, you may not receive a cash refund. Instead, you will get a travel credit equal to the value of your ticket, minus a cancellation fee. This travel credit can be used for future WestJet flights but usually expires within one year from the date of issue. If you don’t use the credit before it expires, you will lose the remaining balance.

WestJet also offers options for passengers who booked using WestJet Dollars or other rewards. If you cancel a flight booked with these rewards, the points or rewards are usually returned to your account, but specific rules may apply.

If WestJet cancels your flight for reasons beyond your control, such as bad weather or operational issues, you have the right to a full refund or free rebooking. In this case, the airline will notify you by email or phone and offer you choices to either change your flight or get a refund. WestJet tries to accommodate passengers as best as possible during these situations and may provide additional support depending on the circumstances.

Refund requests are typically processed within a few weeks after cancellation. If you paid by credit card, the refund will be returned to the same card. For other payment methods, processing times may vary.

In conclusion, WestJet’s cancellation policy provides flexibility with refundable tickets and reasonable options for non-refundable fares through travel credits. It is important to know the fare rules before booking and to cancel as early as possible to avoid losing money. Using the 24-hour risk-free cancellation window can help if you change your mind shortly after purchase. WestJet’s customer service team is available to help with cancellations, refunds, and travel credits, ensuring the process is as smooth as possible for passengers.