WestJet just got a new frills-free fare with no carry-on bags and travellers aren't happy

WestJet announced that it has introduced a new frills-free fare option, and if you're someone who enjoys having a carry-on, choosing their seat and earning rewards points, you probably won't like it.

On Tuesday, WestJet introduced its new UltraBasic fare, a "no frills fare bundle option" that the airline says gives travellers the choice of adding certain extras like seat choice or checked luggage to their flight.

Many WestJet customers, however, are lamenting the news, with some calling it a "backwards" move for air travel.

Replacing WestJet's Basic fare offering, UltraBasic is the airline's lowest-priced option, but also comes without many of the inclusions that travellers may expect when flying.

The new fare includes a personal item and a pre-assigned seat at the back of the aircraft. Travellers have the option of adding checked baggage to their flight as well as seat selection for additional fees, WestJet says.

They also have the option of purchasing Extended Comfort, which includes perks like extra legroom, early access to overhead bin space and priority boarding, to their flight.

The new UltraBasic fare differs from the former (and now defunct) Basic fare, as anyone travelling in UltraBasic will be last to board, and will not be permitted to bring a carry-on bag, unless they're flying on transpacific and transatlantic routes or have purchased Extended Comfort.

This means that travellers who bring a carry-on that doesn't fit under their seat while flying in UltraBaisc will have to check it at the gate, and will be charged a checked bag fee as well as a service fee.

Travellers in UltraBasic are also unable to make any changes or cancellations, and cannot earn WestJet Rewards on their flight.

“With UltraBasic, guests can tailor a travel experience that meets their needs, without paying for additional services they don’t value," said John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer in a press release.

"We are delivering on our low-fare promise and believe UltraBasic will give more Canadians the opportunity to fly."

Travellers not happy

WestJet customers and travellers have taken to social media to air their frustrations over the fare change.

"So basically you'll offer seats at the same price as the 'Basic' fare now, but with fewer features?" asked one person on X, formerly known as Twitter, in response to the news.

"This is sad to see... every day our aviation sector is going backwards!! Hopefully AirCanada won’t follow the same," wrote another.

"Wow for the same price I usually paid for a nonstop flight to Calgary, I now get no carry-on bag, can't cancel & no WestJet Rewards," said another user on X.

Narcity reached out to WestJet for comment but did not hear back at the time of publishing.

Some travellers were concerned about their purchased Basic fare no longer including a carry-on bag. According to WestJet, travellers who purchased a Basic fare prior to the June 4, 2024, launch of UltraBasic will still be permitted a carry-on bag on all flights.

This article's right-hand cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.