If you’re a Canadian traveler who’s been eyeing WestJet Rewards—or you’re already a member looking to get more out of your flights—there’s good news on the horizon. WestJet is rolling out a brand-new rewards currency and extra ways to earn and redeem points, aiming to make the program more flexible and valuable for flyers across the country. Below, we’ll break down what’s staying the same, what’s changing, and how you can take advantage of the updated WestJet Rewards program.
Introducing WestJet Points
One of the most significant changes is the move from WestJet dollars to WestJet points. Each WestJet dollar you currently hold will become 100 WestJet points—keeping the value of your account the same while unlocking new opportunities:
- No Expiry: Your WestJet points won’t expire, letting you save up as long as you need.
- Same Value: 1 WestJet dollar = 100 WestJet points, ensuring there’s no loss in balance.
- New Redemption Options: You can continue to redeem for base fares and vacation packages at a 1 CAD = 100 points rate, but new redemption categories—like full flight costs (including taxes/fees), seats, bags, cabin upgrades, and even an eStore—mean your points might stretch further or differently, depending on the product.
Comparison: Old vs. New Currency
| Factor | Old (WestJet Dollars) | New (WestJet Points) |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion Rate | 1 WJD = 1 CAD | 100 WJ points = 1 CAD |
| Expiry | No expiry | No expiry |
| Main Redemption | Base fares & vacation packages | Flights, fees, seats, eStore merchandise, more future partners |
| Redemption Value Variation | 1 WJD = 1 CAD off base fares only | Varies based on redemption type (may still be 1 CAD, but flexible)* |
* For new categories like products in the eStore or taxes/fees, the “value” per point can fluctuate.
More Ways to Earn & Redeem
WestJet is broadening how you earn and redeem points beyond just base fares and vacation packages. This includes:
- Carrier Surcharges: Earn points on surcharges, and redeem to cover them.
- Taxes & Fees: Earn tier qualifying spend and redeem points on taxes and fees for flights.
- Flight Extras: Seat selection, checked bags, and cabin upgrades now earn tier spend—and can be fully redeemed using points.
- eStore Merchandise: The new WestJet Rewards eStore will let you earn points on everyday purchases—and redeem them for products.
Chart: Earning vs. Redeeming
| Item | Old: Earning | New: Earning | Old: Redeeming | New: Redeeming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Carrier Surcharges | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Seat Selection | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Checked Bags | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Cabin Upgrades | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Taxes & Fees | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Vacation Packages | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| eStore Merchandise | Not Available | Yes | Not Available | Yes |
This chart highlights how significantly earning and redeeming options have expanded with the updated WestJet Rewards.
New Tier Qualifying Spend & Status Tiers
Another big update is how quickly you can reach higher status tiers (Teal, Silver, Gold, Platinum). If you’re aiming for better seat selection, lounge access, or other perks, these changes matter:
- Every Extra Counts: Taxes, fees, seat selection, checked bags, and cabin upgrades will now count toward your tier qualifying spend.
- Status Lift: WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard® holders can earn up to 50 Status Lifts per year (each worth $200 in tier qualifying spend for every $5,000 of everyday spend on the card), making it possible to reach Platinum faster—even without flying as frequently.
Old vs. New Tier Qualifying Spend
| Item | Old | New |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | Yes | Yes |
| Carrier Surcharges | No | Yes |
| Seat Selection | No | Yes |
| Checked Bags | No | Yes |
| Cabin Upgrades | No | Yes |
| Taxes & Fees | No | Yes |
| Vacation Packages | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday Spend on RBC Card (Status Lift) | Limited | Up to 50 lifts/year |
Westjet Rewards Milestone Awards & Expanded Benefits
Frequent flyers can also enjoy new milestone awards based on flying and tier spend:
- Up to 25,000 Bonus Points
- Travel Vouchers (potentially shareable)
- Discounted Premium & Business Cabin Fares
- Vacation Credits
- Gift of Gold (for a full year)
- WestJet Rewards eStore Merchandise
This opens more personalization for top spenders. If you’ve traditionally stuck to base fares, you might now earn better perks by occasionally paying for seat upgrades or additional bag fees, all counting toward your next milestone.
Spotlight on the WestJet Rewards eStore
The new WestJet Rewards eStore is an online platform featuring dozens of categories and leading brands. By linking your WestJet Rewards account, you earn points on every purchase. Plus, you can redeem points to save on items across the eStore. This shift effectively broadens WestJet from purely “airline travel rewards” to everyday shopping rewards—making your daily purchases work harder for you.
Old vs. New – Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Old Program | New Program |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | WestJet dollars | WestJet points (1 WJD = 100 points) |
| Redemption Options | Base fares, vacation packages | Flights (incl. taxes/fees), seat extras, eStore, more partners soon |
| Tier Qualifying Spend | Base fare, vacation packages | Base fare, surcharges, seats, bags, upgrades, taxes/fees, RBC Status Lift |
| Milestone Awards | Limited (no shared vouchers) | Up to 25K bonus points, discounted premiums, Gift of Gold, eStore merch |
| eStore | Not available | Yes (earn and redeem points on merchandise) |
| Partner Programs | RBC Mastercards, partial surcharges coverage | RBC Mastercards plus new partnerships (Skip, TELUS) and future expansions |
What This Means for You
- Casual Flyers: If you only fly WestJet once or twice a year, you’ll still benefit from the simplified currency (points) and the chance to redeem for full flights, including taxes and fees.
- Frequent Flyers: Your path to Silver, Gold, or Platinum is easier thanks to tier spend on seat upgrades, bag fees, and RBC Status Lifts. Milestone awards become more customizable, so you can pick the perks that matter most.
- Everyday Spenders: By using your WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for daily purchases, you can generate Status Lifts and earn points you can redeem on flights, seat selection, or eStore items.
Westjet Rewards Update Next Steps
1. Check Your Existing Balance
When the conversion goes live, each WestJet dollar becomes 100 points. Your total “value” remains the same, but keep an eye on announcements in case of bonus promotions.
2. Explore New Redemption Options
From paying off taxes and fees with points to shopping at the WestJet Rewards eStore, your points go further in more categories than ever before.
3. Plan Your Tier Strategy
If you’re aiming for Silver, Gold, or Platinum, consider strategically paying for flight extras or using your WestJet RBC Mastercard daily to rack up Status Lifts.
4. Look Out for Partnerships
Future collaborations with TELUS and Skip are in the works, potentially unlocking new ways to earn and redeem. Stay informed for updates.
Ready to Fly Higher with WestJet?
The updated WestJet Rewards program transforms how you earn, redeem, and progress through status tiers. Whether you’re an occasional flyer or a frequent traveler hunting for premium perks, there’s a lot to love—from points that never expire to the ability to pay for every aspect of your trip (including taxes and upgrades) with your new WestJet points.
Overview of WestJet Rewards Changes
| Category | Old Program | New Program |
|---|---|---|
| Reward Currency | WestJet dollars (1 = $1 CAD) | WestJet points (1 WJD = 100 points) |
| Expiry | None | None |
| Redemption | Base fares, vacation packages only | Full flights (taxes/fees), seat upgrades, eStore, etc. |
| Tier Spend | Base fare, vacations | All flight extras, RBC Status Lifts |
| Milestones | Limited awards | Bonus points, discount fares, Gift of Gold, more |
| Everyday Shopping | Not available | WestJet Rewards eStore (earn & redeem) |
| Future Partners | Mostly RBC & flight alliances | Skip, TELUS, more to come |
Whether you’re saving up for a dream vacation or simply want to offset day-to-day costs, the new WestJet Rewards aims to bring more value and choice to your travels. Keep an eye on your inbox and WestJet’s official announcements for the exact timeline and any additional perks. Then get ready to take off with a program designed to reward you at every turn. Safe travels!
Westjet Reward Points FAQ
1. When are the changes to WestJet Rewards going into effect?
All new program features launch on April 30, 2025, except for the new partner integrations with TELUS and Skip (coming soon).
2. How is WestJet Rewards still different/unique?
It remains focused on making travel more accessible: you can apply any amount of WestJet points to any fare with no blackouts. Now, you can also achieve status through a combination of travel spend and credit card spend, plus more ways to earn and redeem.
3. Is there a minimum redemption required with WestJet points?
Yes. You need 2,500 points to redeem on flight bookings and 5,000 points on vacation package bookings.
4. Why is WestJet Rewards converting from WestJet dollars to WestJet points?
To offer more flexibility, new partners, smaller award increments, and redemption on more items—like seat selection, cabin upgrades, and the upcoming eStore.
5. How will WestJet points save me more on flights?
Now you can redeem points for the entire fare, including extras like carrier surcharges, taxes, and fees—potentially creating a fully free flight.
6. How will these changes benefit WestJet frequent flyers?
Silver, Gold, and Platinum can now earn tier spend on cabin upgrades and surcharges, boosting both tier qualifying spend and overall points.
7. How much more will I earn on flights in the all-new WestJet Rewards?
Teal members can earn at least double on base fares and extras. Silver, Gold, and Platinum keep the same earn rates (%) but now include extras like checked bags, upgrades, and surcharges in their spend.
8. How does redemption work on flight extras, taxes, and fees?
You can redeem 100 points per $1 on base fares, surcharges, and extras. If you have enough points to cover taxes and fees, you can redeem in 50% or 100% increments at a slightly different rate (105–110 points per $1).
9. What is the best WestJet point redemption value?
Member Exclusive fares typically offer the highest point value. But you can also use points on any available fare to reduce cash costs.
10. Do WestJet points count towards qualifying spend?
No. WestJet points are a reward currency for savings on flights, vacations, and the eStore. Tier qualifying spend tracks your progress toward higher status.
11. Are there changes to top-tier benefits?
Yes. Platinum can now transfer guest lounge and seat selection vouchers. Gold can transfer lounge vouchers. Silver seat vouchers now exclude Extended Comfort and Exit Row (but old vouchers remain valid).
12. How do I find the WestJet Rewards eStore?
It launches April 30, 2025. You can access it from your WestJet account, the WestJet app, or the Rewards menu on westjet.com. Earn or redeem points on your purchases there.
13. What are the new milestone awards?
From 2K up to 50K in milestone qualifying spend, you can unlock bonus WestJet points, tier qualifying spend boosts, companion vouchers, vacation credits, Gift of Gold, and even VIP experiences.