WestJet Realigns Fare Bundles But Maintains Commission Rates
by Michele McDonaldWestJet, the Canadian low-cost carrier, is revamping its fare bundles and change fees effective Jan. 17.
In announcing the changes, WestJet emphasized that it is not changing travel agent commission rates. “Our travel agent partners contribute greatly to WestJet’s success, and we will continue to reward agents for their hard work by offering the same base commission,” said Lyell Farquharson, vice-president of sales and sales incentive programs.
WestJet added that it wants to focus on fare values rather than fare bundles in compensating agents.
The carrier said its Econo bundle will include more fare classes; change fees will be based on origin and destination, and Flex fares will offer added value:
- WestJet’s L and Q fare classes will move from the Flex fare bundle to the Econo fare bundle. Base commission rates will not change due to L and Q moving from Flex to Econo.
- Commission rates will now be based on fare class and will not be associated with a fare bundle. Bookings made for L and Q fares will continue to earn 4% base commission for domestic or transborder fares or 7% base commission for Caribbean, Mexico, Central America or Europe fares. The B, V and Y fare classes in the Flex bundle also will continue to earn the 4%/7% base rate
- Passengers traveling on L and Q fares will be subject to checked bag fees.
- Tickets booked on a Flex fare bundle will be eligible for reserved seating for regular seats at no charge. (The Travelport and Amadeus systems require a $0 EMD-A to be issued for Flex and Plus seats. Sabre does not.) Exit row seats will be available for a fee. The first checked bag will continue to be included in Flex fares.
- Change fees will be based on region. Fees will still be charged per person, per transaction for all regions.
There will be no change to Plus, WestJet’s Premium Economy seating that includes extra leg and elbow room, two checked bags and other perks.
