Planning a trip with WestJet and want to stretch your travel budget further? Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time flyer, there’s no need to pay the total price when you can unlock secret savings and perks with just a few smart moves. From finding hidden discounts to earning extra rewards, we’ve compiled 11 expert hacks that will transform how you book with WestJet, saving you time, money, and stress. 

Ready to fly more innovative and cheaper? Let’s dive into these insider tips that will have you traveling like a pro in no time!

In this post, you’ll learn:

  • Uncovering hidden discounts and determining the best times to book WestJet flights.
  • About the tools like WestJet’s Low Fare Finder to secure the lowest fares.
  • How to earn and maximize WestJet Dollars and Rewards for extra savings.
  • Insider tips for avoiding fees and securing upgrades on your flights.
  • Why booking round trips and vacation packages can help you save even more.

1. Book Flights on Tuesdays for the Lowest Prices

Book Flights on Tuesdays for the Lowest Prices

One of the best-kept travel secrets is that Tuesdays offer the lowest fares. Why? Airlines, including WestJet, often release new flight deals on Monday evenings, which means that by Tuesday morning, competitors are matching prices. This price-matching usually results in the cheapest fares of the week.

Why Tuesday?

  • Market Competition: Airlines scramble to offer the best deals, and by Tuesday, prices stabilize to the lowest point.
  • Midweek Slump: Fewer people search for flights during the middle of the week, keeping demand low and prices competitive.

Pro Tip: Create a price alert or sign up for WestJet’s newsletter to receive instant notifications about the best flight deals. Stay ahead and never miss out on savings again.

2. Use WestJet’s Low Fare Finder

WestJet’s Low Fare Finder tool is a goldmine for spotting discounted flights. Instead of manually checking dates, this tool automatically shows you the cheapest flights across a range of dates to plan around the best fares.

How to Use the Low Fare Finder Effectively

  • Flexibility: If you’re flexible with your travel dates, use the tool to scan for the lowest possible fares across weeks or months.
  • Seasonal Variations: Some months, like January or September, may offer lower fares due to lower travel demand.

Pro Tip: Use the Low Fare Finder for popular routes and consider booking far in advance for peak travel seasons.

3. Join WestJet Rewards for Extra Perks

Join WestJet Rewards for Extra Perks

WestJet Rewards offers exclusive discounts, free flights, and upgrades based on the tier level you achieve. Whether you’re an occasional flyer or a frequent traveler, being a member of WestJet Rewards ensures you get more value for your money. You can earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages, and even on non-travel purchases through WestJet partners.

Maximizing WestJet Rewards

  • Tiers and Benefits: As you accumulate WestJet dollars, you’ll move through tiers like Teal, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering increased benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and free seat selection.
  • Earning Through Partners: Even if you’re not flying, WestJet’s retail and travel partners allow you to earn WestJet dollars on purchases like hotel stays, car rentals, and dining.

Pro Tip: Watch for promotions from WestJet Rewards partners, where you can earn bonus dollars for specific purchases.

4. Earn WestJet Dollars with a WestJet RBC Mastercard

Using the WestJet RBC Mastercard is a no-brainer if you frequently fly with WestJet. Not only do you earn WestJet dollars on every purchase, but you also get perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and companion vouchers.

Key Perks of the WestJet RBC Mastercard

  • Free Checked Bag: You can save up to $30 per person per flight. For a family, this can add up to hundreds in savings.
  • Companion Vouchers: Travel with a companion for just $119 (plus taxes and fees) on any WestJet-operated flight within Canada and the continental US.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Avoid the standard 2.5% fee most cards charge on foreign transactions, which is ideal for international travelers.

Pro Tip: Use the card for everyday purchases and rack up WestJet dollars to spend on future flights, upgrades, or vacation packages.

5. Book a Round-Trip Instead of One-Way

Book a Round-Trip Instead of One-Way

You might assume booking a one-way ticket gives you flexibility, but booking a round trip is often much cheaper for international flights. WestJet’s pricing model usually favors round-trip bookings with lower overall fares than piecing together multiple one-way flights.

Why Round-Trips Save Money

  • Airline Algorithms: WestJet, like most airlines, often prices round-trip fares more competitively than two separate one-way bookings, as it helps them fill seats more predictably.
  • Discounted Return Flights: When booking a round-trip, airlines frequently discount the return leg, especially on longer flights.

Pro Tip: If you need clarification on your return date, book a round-trip fare with a flexible return policy to lock in lower prices.

6. Set Price Alerts for WestJet Flights

Like many other airlines, WestJet flights fluctuate in price depending on demand, competition, and seasonality. Setting price alerts helps you monitor these changes and book your flights when fares are at their lowest.

How to Set Price Alerts

  • Use Price Comparison Tools: Websites like Google Flights and Hopper allow you to set alerts for specific routes. You’ll get notified when prices drop.
  • WestJet App: Use the WestJet app to track your preferred flights. The app often notifies users of sales and promotions on flights they’ve previously searched.

Pro Tip: Once you get an alert for a lower fare, don’t wait too long to book. WestJet deals can disappear quickly, especially on popular routes.

7. Book at Least 3 Weeks in Advance

Book at Least 3 Weeks in Advance

Booking early can be one of the most effective ways to score a deal on WestJet flights. Research shows that booking 3-4 weeks in advance offers the best fares, mainly for domestic flights within Canada.

Why Advance Booking Works

  • Avoid Last-Minute Price Hikes: Airlines like WestJet raise prices as the departure date approaches to capitalize on last-minute bookings.
  • More Availability: Booking early gives you access to more seat options and discounted fare classes that might sell out closer to the travel date.

Pro Tip: For peak travel seasons like Christmas or summer vacations, aim to book even further advance, ideally 2-3 months before departure.

8. Use Flexible Date Search for the Cheapest Options

Use WestJet’s Flexible Date Search tool if your travel dates aren’t set in stone. It lets you see fare prices across various dates, helping you find the lowest possible fare.

How Flexible Date Search Works

  • Calendar View: View an entire month’s prices to identify the cheapest departure and return dates.
  • Weekday vs. Weekend: Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are cheaper than weekend flights, which you’ll notice when using this tool.

Pro Tip: Pair Flexible Date Search with WestJet’s Low Fare Finder for maximum savings and a broader picture of available discounts.

9. Take Advantage of WestJet Vacation Packages

Take Advantage of WestJet Vacation Packages

If you’re planning a vacation rather than just a flight, consider booking one of WestJet’s vacation packages. These packages combine flights, hotels, and rental cars, often at a discounted rate when bundled together.

Why Vacation Packages Save You Money

  • Bundled Discounts: Booking a flight, hotel, and car rental through WestJet Vacations typically offers a lower total price than booking each separately.
  • Earn More Rewards: When you book a package, you’ll earn WestJet dollars on the entire vacation, maximizing your rewards.

Pro Tip: Look for seasonal package deals during off-peak travel times for even more substantial discounts.

10. Check for Promo Codes Before Booking

WestJet occasionally releases promo codes that offer discounts on flights, vacation packages, and add-ons like baggage or seat selection. Checking for these promo codes before booking can lead to immediate savings.

Where to Find Promo Codes

  • WestJet Website: WestJet often runs limited-time promotions directly on its website, especially around holidays or during special sales events like Black Friday or Boxing Day.
  • Deal Websites: Sites like Dealhack or RetailMeNot frequently list available WestJet promo codes, helping you find additional discounts that might not be listed on the airline’s site.

Pro Tip: Combine a promo code with your WestJet Rewards or RBC Mastercard for even more significant savings.

11. Use WestJet Gift Cards for Flexible Savings

Use WestJet Gift Cards for Flexible Savings

WestJet gift cards offer a convenient way to save on travel. Whether for flights, vacation packages, or additional services, they provide flexibility and never expire.

Benefits of WestJet Gift Cards

  • No Expiration: WestJet gift cards never expire, allowing you to use them whenever you’re ready to travel without any time restrictions.
  • Versatile Usage: WestJet gift cards can be applied to flights, vacation packages, hotels, and more, offering flexibility across your travel plans.
  • Perfect Gift: These gift cards make an ideal present for travel enthusiasts, providing the freedom to choose their destination and timing.

How to Maximize Savings

  • Combine Discounts: Maximize savings by using WestJet gift cards alongside promo codes, WestJet Rewards, or the WestJet RBC Mastercard for added benefits.
  • Look for Promotions: Watch for special bonus card offers or sales events like Black Friday to get more value from your WestJet gift cards.
  • Apply to Vacation Packages: Use your gift card to cover both flights and accommodations in a single transaction, simplifying your travel planning and maximizing savings.

Pro Tip: Purchase gift cards during promotions for bonuses. Use them during WestJet sales to stack discounts and maximize savings.

Top 11 WestJet Hacks to Maximize Savings and Rewards

Best Booking HacksApproximate Savings/CostShort Description
Book Flights on Tuesdays5-10% off regular faresAirlines release deals on Monday evenings, making Tuesday the best day to find low fares.
Use WestJet’s Low Fare FinderVaries (up to 20% off)Easily find the cheapest flights over a range of dates using this tool.
Earn WestJet Dollars with RBC MastercardFree checked bags and up to $30 per flightEarn rewards and enjoy perks like free checked bags and companion vouchers.
Join WestJet RewardsVaries based on tier levelEarn WestJet Dollars and get benefits like priority boarding and seat selection.
Book Round-Trip Flights5-15% cheaper than one-wayRound-trip bookings typically offer lower fares compared to separate one-way flights.
Set Price AlertsVaries (up to 20% off)Monitor flight prices and receive alerts when fares drop to secure the best deal.
Book 3-4 Weeks in Advance10-20% cheaper than last-minute bookingsBooking early helps you get better fares, especially for domestic flights.
Use Flexible Date SearchVaries (up to 20% off)Explore the cheapest departure and return dates using this feature for added savings.
Check for Promo Codes5-20% off with promo codesLook for promo codes on WestJet’s site or deal websites like Dealhack to save even more.
Book WestJet Vacation Packages10-30% off bundled dealsBundle flights, hotels, and car rentals for better value and savings.
Use WestJet Gift CardsVaries (up to 20% off with promotions)WestJet gift cards can be used for future flights and vacation packages with no expiration.

Conclusion

Unlocking the best deals on WestJet flights is easy when you apply these 11 expert hacks. Whether you’re hunting for hidden discounts or looking to maximize rewards, these strategies will help you save big while making your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. From flexible date searches to earning valuable WestJet Dollars, these tips ensure you get the best value every time you book. Don’t miss out. Start using these hacks today and watch your savings soar with your next WestJet flight!

For even more insider tips and exclusive discounts, visit Dealhack before booking to ensure you always get the most out of your travel budget.

FAQ

When is the best time to book WestJet flights for the lowest prices?

Tuesdays are usually the best day to find the lowest fares because competitors match the price after Monday evening deal releases

How can I use WestJet’s Low Fare Finder to get cheaper flights?

The Low Fare Finder shows the lowest available fares across various dates, helping you identify the most affordable travel options.

What are the benefits of using the WestJet RBC Mastercard?

The WestJet RBC Mastercard offers free checked bags, companion vouchers, no foreign transaction fees, and the ability to earn WestJet Dollars on every purchase.

How do I earn and use WestJet Dollars for flight discounts?

You earn WestJet Dollars by booking flights and vacation packages through WestJet partners. These dollars can be redeemed for discounts on future WestJet bookings.

Is it cheaper to book round-trip flights with WestJet?

Yes, WestJet often offers lower fares for round-trip bookings than two one-way tickets, especially on international flights.

How can I set price alerts for WestJet flights?

You can set price alerts using tools like Google Flights or the WestJet app to monitor fare changes and be notified when prices drop.

Where can I find promo codes for WestJet flights?

Promo codes are available on WestJet’s website during promotions or on deal websites like Dealhack, where you can find the latest offers

What are the advantages of booking WestJet vacation packages?

WestJet vacation packages often provide discounts by bundling flights, hotels, and car rentals together, offering more savings than booking separately.

How can I avoid extra fees when flying with WestJet?

You can avoid fees like baggage charges by using the WestJet RBC Mastercard, which provides free checked bags, and watching for seat selection deals.

Do WestJet gift cards expire, and how can I use them?

WestJet gift cards do not expire and can be used for flights, vacation packages, and other services. They offer flexible payment options for future travel.