UltraBasic is WestJet's cheapest and most limited fare option. It doesn't include access to overhead bins, so UltraBasic travellers are only entitled to board with a personal item that fits under the seat in front of them – unless you book with the right airline credit card.
In 2024, WestJet eliminated its Basic fare class in favour this new, more limited option. The Ultrabasic fare restrictions essentially puts it on par with low-cost carriers.
Here, we dig into the UltraBasic WestJet details and offer quick reviews of the best WestJet credit cards that can help you make the best of any fare.
Key Takeaways
- If you want the most basic fare, WestJet's UltraBasic is an inexpensive option that's on par with discount airlines.
- UltraBasic doesn't allow overhead bin access, so your personal item must be stored under the seat.
- You can purchase Extended Comfort for more legroom, priority boarding and security, plus a free alcoholic drink.
- WestJet offers a few branded Mastercards that can help you earn points and access travel perks.
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What WestJet's UltraBasic fare offers
WestJet's UltraBasic fare is taking the place of its Basic fare. As the name implies, it doesn't offer much beyond a seat, but UltraBasic does offer the lowest price of any WestJet fare.
Over the past few years, WestJet has faced competition from other low-cost carriers like Flair, Porter, and Air Transat. This move to an UltraBasic fare is an attempt to offer the absolute lowest fares.
Here are the fare details:
- No overhead bin access: Anything you bring on board must fit under the seat in front of you. However, if your itinerary takes you across the Atlantic or Pacific, you will get bin access.
- No rewards: You won't earn any WestJet dollars with these fares.
- No seat selection: You can't select your seat at check-in, and you'll automatically be assigned a seat at the back of the plane.
- You'll be the last to board the aircraft: Unless you bought an Extended Comfort seat or are a top-tier WestJet Rewards member, you'll be the last on board.
You'll still be able to purchase checked bags and pay a fee to select seats in advance of your trip, and you'll still enjoy onboard food and drink options, as well as in-flight entertainment.
If you're hoping to earn points as part of the WestJet Rewards loyalty program by booking UltraBasic fares, think again. This fare class doesn't give any rewards at all for your booking.
WestJet Rewards calculator
If you want to see for yourself how much value you'll be missing out on by booking UltraBasic and not earning WestJet rewards, try using our handy points calculator:
| Redemption Option | Point Value | Total Value |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | 1 cent | $100 |
| Vacation packages | 1 cent | $100 |
| eStore merchandise | 0.64 cents | $64 |
How UltraBasic compares to its other fares
WestJet UltraBasic fares are the cheapest fare option, but offer far fewer conveniences than Econo, Premium, or other fare tiers. It definitely helps to understand what perks and benefits you're looking for before choosing a preferred fare.
Here are the features that define each WestJet non-business fare level:
| Benefit | UltraBasic | Econo | EconoFlex | Premium | Premium Flex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carry-on bag (flights to Europe or Asia) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Checked bags | Extra cost | Extra cost | 1 included | 2 included | 2 included |
| Changes | No | Extra cost | Included | Extra cost | Included |
| Cancellations | Yes (non-refundable) | Yes, extra cost | Yes | Extra cost | Yes |
| Seat selection | Extra cost | Extra cost | Included | Included | Included |
| Priority screening and boarding | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Priority baggage | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
WestJet credit cards
Even though WestJet's UltraBasic tickets don't earn you rewards as part of the airline's rewards program, booking the fare with the right co-branded credit card does.
This table compares the top credit card options for flying with WestJet:
| Card name | Annual fee | Rewards | Welcome bonus | Points you earn for booking a WestJet fare | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WestJet RBC Mastercard | $39 | * 1.5 WestJet points per $1 spent on WestJet or WestJet Vacations purchases * 1.5 WestJet points per $1 spent on restaurants, food delivery, digital subscriptions, streaming services, and digital games * 1 WestJet point per $1 spent on all other everyday purchases | 10,000 WestJet points (terms) | * 1.5 points per $1 spent | Learn more |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard | $139 | * 2 WestJet points per $1 spent on WestJet or WestJet Vacations purchases * 2 WestJet points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, EV charging, public transit and rideshare * 1.5 WestJet point per $1 spent on all other everyday purchases | 45,000 WestJet points (terms) | * 2 points per $1 spent | Learn more |
| WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for Business | $175 | * 3 WestJet points per $1 spent on WestJet or WestJet Vacations purchases * 3 WestJet points per $1 spent on telecommunications, * shipping and electronics purchases * 1.5 WestJet point per $1 spent on all other everyday purchases | Up to 35,000 45,000 bonus points (terms) | * 6 points per $1 spent | Learn more |
WestJet RBC Mastercard
The WestJet RBC Mastercard may be the basic co-branded card, but it still has a lot going for it. For a very low annual fee, you'll get an annual companion voucher for travel within Canada and the U.S., plus a surprisingly comprehensive insurance package. The insurance alone can more than balance out the low annual fee, never mind the generous companion pass.
Cardholders also earn 1.5 points per $1 on WestJet flights and travel, along with restaurant, streaming services, and several other spending categories. Outside of these categories, purchases earn a flat 1 point per $1 spent.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard
If you don't mind paying a bigger annual fee for a better travel credit card, the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard offers excellent value. You'll get 2 points per $1 spent on WestJet flights, groceries, gas, and other common spending categories. Other spending earn you a base 1.5 points per $1 spent.
While it's harder to qualify for this World Elite Mastercard, you'll be rewarded with a larger travel insurance package, free checked bags (with WestJet), and a valuable welcome bonus. Perhaps the biggest benefits, though, are the exclusive World Elite Mastercard perks, such as Priceless Cities and a Mastercard Airport Experiences membership – which comes with a Dragonpass lounge membership.
WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for Business
If you're primarily flying for business, check out the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for Business. The most rewards you can earn from spending come from making purchases with WestJet: up to 6 points per $1 spent. You'll also get 3 points per $1 spent on telecommunications, shipping, and electronics purchases. After this, the base rate is 1.5 points per $1 spent.
WestJet also rewards you with instant Silver status with this card, and you'll get some sweet extras, like a Petro-Canada fuel discount, bonus Rexall BeWell points, and unlimited delivery fees with DoorDash.
FAQ
What is an UltraBasic flight?
The UltraBasic fare for WestJet is the airline's cheapest and most basic fare. Passengers with this fare are seated last and at the back of the aircraft. You'll be able to bring an item to put under a seat, but that's the extent of the fare's inclusions.
Can I upgrade from UltraBasic WestJet?
Yes, you do have the opportunity to upgrade to a seat with Extended Comfort. This gives more legroom, priority boarding, priority security, quicker exit at arrival, and a complimentary alcoholic beverage. The fee for Extended Comfort varies, but you can add it when buying your UltraBasic fare.
Can you take a carry-on on WestJet UltraBasic?
WestJet passengers with an UltraBasic fare can only take a carry-on bag if they're travelling to Europe or Asia. Otherwise, you'll need to pay for an Extended Comfort seat upgrade, which includes a carry-on item. However, you can always choose to pay for a checked bag.
Does UltraBasic WestJet give 2 checked bags free?
No, the UltraBasic fare doesn't include any luggage at all, though you can choose to pay for a checked bag if you like. If you're hoping to get 2 checked bags for free with WestJet, you should book a Premium, Premium Flex, Business, or Business Flex fare.
Does WestJet UltraBasic include meals?
No, the UltraBasic fare doesn't include any meals. You can still enjoy food and drink service during the flight, with the opportunity to purchase snacks and alcoholic beverages, but there are only a few WestJet fares that include meals.
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