WestJet Rewards Points Explained For Canadians
WestJet Rewards has moved from WestJet dollars to WestJet points, giving Canadian travellers more ways to earn, redeem, and use rewards across flights, vacation packages, seats, bags, upgrades, eStore purchases, and select partner options.
WestJet Dollars Are Now WestJet Points
The biggest change to WestJet Rewards is the shift from WestJet dollars to WestJet points. Existing WestJet dollars were converted so that 1 WestJet dollar became 100 WestJet points, keeping the account value aligned while creating a more flexible points-based program.
In plain English: your old balance did not turn into mystery airline confetti. It became points. The key is understanding where those points still behave like fixed travel value and where the redemption value may vary.
Same Core Value
For base fares and eligible vacation package redemptions, 100 WestJet points can still save $1 CAD.
No Expiry
WestJet points do not expire, which makes it easier to build toward a larger redemption over time.
More Ways To Use Points
WestJet points can now apply to more parts of the trip, including extras like seats, bags, upgrades, and other eligible options.
WestJet Dollars Vs. WestJet Points
| Feature | Old WestJet Dollars | New WestJet Points |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | WestJet dollars | WestJet points |
| Conversion | 1 WestJet dollar = $1 CAD travel value | 1 WestJet dollar converted to 100 WestJet points |
| Expiry | No expiry | No expiry |
| Main Redemption | Base fares and vacation packages | Base fares, vacation packages, full flight costs, extras, eStore, and select partner options |
| Redemption Value | Generally simple fixed value | Still fixed for some redemptions, but value may vary depending on how points are used |
PointHack Note: The old WestJet dollars system was easier to understand. The new WestJet points system can be more flexible, but you need to check redemption value before assuming every use is equal.
What Can You Use WestJet Points For?
WestJet Rewards has expanded beyond the old base-fare-only feeling. Depending on the booking and redemption option, points can now help cover more parts of your travel experience.
Base Fares
The classic use case. WestJet points can still reduce the cost of eligible WestJet base fares.
Vacation Packages
WestJet Vacations redemptions remain useful for Canadians who prefer package-style travel.
Taxes, Fees, And Surcharges
The new program gives more flexibility to use points toward a broader portion of eligible flight costs.
Seats And Bags
Points can help cover eligible extras like seat selection and checked bags.
Cabin Upgrades
WestJet points may be used toward eligible cabin upgrade options when available.
WestJet Rewards eStore
The eStore expands WestJet Rewards into shopping-style redemptions and earning opportunities.
How WestJet Points Changed Earning And Redemption Options
| Item | Earn Points? | Redeem Points? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Fare | Yes | Yes | The core WestJet Rewards use case remains intact. |
| Vacation Packages | Yes | Yes | Useful for package travellers and sun destination trips. |
| Carrier Surcharges | Expanded earning potential | Expanded redemption potential | More of the trip cost can now interact with the rewards program. |
| Taxes And Fees | May count in more ways depending on the transaction | Yes, under eligible redemption options | This can make points feel closer to a full-trip discount. |
| Seats, Bags, And Upgrades | Expanded earning potential | Yes, when eligible | Travel extras are now more connected to the rewards ecosystem. |
| eStore Purchases | Yes | Yes | WestJet Rewards now touches everyday shopping-style activity too. |
The main takeaway: WestJet points are more flexible than the old WestJet dollars system, but flexible does not automatically mean better. Always compare the redemption value before using points.
WestJet Status, Tier Qualifying Spend, And Milestone Awards
WestJet Rewards status still matters if you fly WestJet often. The program uses tier qualifying spend and milestone-style rewards to determine which travellers receive stronger benefits.
Tier Qualifying Spend
Tier qualifying spend tracks eligible WestJet travel activity and helps determine your status tier.
Milestone Awards
Milestone awards can unlock extra WestJet points, travel vouchers, gifts, and other benefits at specific spend thresholds.
Status Lift
Eligible WestJet RBC cardholders may be able to use everyday card spending to help progress toward WestJet status through Status Lift rules.
What The WestJet Rewards Changes Mean For Different Travellers
Casual WestJet Flyers
If you fly WestJet once or twice a year, the new program may feel more useful because points can help with more parts of the trip.
Frequent WestJet Flyers
If you fly WestJet often, status progress, milestone awards, travel extras, and redemption flexibility matter more.
WestJet RBC Cardholders
The card can help earn WestJet points and may support status strategy through eligible cardholder benefits.
Vacation Travellers
WestJet points can remain useful for vacation packages, sun destinations, family trips, and predictable travel redemptions.
Deal Hunters
Member Exclusive fares and redemption promotions can be worth watching if your travel dates are flexible.
Flexible Points Collectors
WestJet points can be useful, but they are less flexible than bank points like Amex Membership Rewards or RBC Avion.
WestJet Rewards And TELUS Rewards
WestJet and TELUS Rewards now offer account-linking options, creating another way for eligible members to interact with WestJet points. Depending on your setup, you may be able to earn, convert, or redeem between the two programs under the published rules.
| Option | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Earn WestJet Points Through TELUS | Eligible TELUS Rewards members may be able to select WestJet points as their preferred rewards currency. |
| Convert WestJet Points To TELUS Rewards | Linked members may be able to convert WestJet points into TELUS Rewards points under the current conversion rules. |
| Redeem For TELUS Bill Credits | Eligible linked members may be able to redeem WestJet points for TELUS bill credits. |
This is useful if you care about non-flight redemptions, but travel-focused users should compare the value carefully before moving points away from travel.
How To Get Better Value From WestJet Points
The best WestJet redemption depends on your travel style. Some people want maximum value. Others just want a clean discount on a trip they were already going to book.
Use Points On Flights You Already Need
The simplest win is using points to reduce the cost of a WestJet flight you were already planning to book.
Watch Member Exclusive Fares
Member Exclusive fares can be valuable when available, but they have specific rules and may not earn points or qualifying spend.
Compare Cash Versus Points
Before redeeming, compare how much cash you are saving and whether another redemption would be stronger.
Use Points For Extras Carefully
Seats, bags, and upgrades are convenient redemptions, but check whether the value is better or worse than using points for flights.
Avoid Low-Value Shopping Redemptions
eStore redemptions can be convenient, but travel redemptions may provide better value depending on the item.
Check Taxes And Fees
A “free” flight can still involve costs. Look at the full payment screen before celebrating too aggressively.
WestJet Points Vs. Aeroplan, Amex MR, And RBC Avion
WestJet Rewards can be useful, but it is not the only Canadian travel rewards path. The best program depends on how you fly and how much flexibility you want.
| Program | Best For | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| WestJet Rewards | WestJet flyers, vacation packages, and simple WestJet discounts | Best inside the WestJet ecosystem |
| Aeroplan | Air Canada, partner flights, and award travel | Strong for flight redemptions and partner awards |
| Amex Membership Rewards | Flexible travel strategy and transfer partners | Very flexible before transfer |
| RBC Avion | Bank travel rewards and transfer opportunities | Flexible bank-controlled travel value |
What Canadians Should Do Next With WestJet Rewards
1. Check Your Balance
Log in to WestJet Rewards and confirm your current WestJet points balance.
2. Compare Redemption Options
Look at flights, vacation packages, extras, and eStore redemptions before using points.
3. Review Your Status Path
If you care about Silver, Gold, or Platinum status, review tier qualifying spend and milestone rules.
4. Check RBC Card Benefits
WestJet RBC cardholders should review current earning, companion voucher, and Status Lift benefits.
5. Watch Partner Options
Linked partner options like TELUS may add flexibility, but compare value before converting points.
6. Keep A Travel Goal
WestJet points are easiest to use well when you know whether you want flights, vacation packages, extras, or status.
Are WestJet Points Good For Canadians?
WestJet points can be useful if you fly WestJet, book WestJet Vacations, use a WestJet RBC Mastercard, or want simple travel discounts within the WestJet ecosystem. The new program is more flexible than the old WestJet dollars system, but that flexibility means you should compare redemption value more carefully.
If you want maximum flexibility across airlines, hotels, and partners, you may still want to pair WestJet Rewards with a broader strategy involving Amex Membership Rewards, Aeroplan, RBC Avion, or other Canadian travel rewards programs.
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WestJet Rewards Points FAQ
What Happened To WestJet Dollars?
WestJet dollars were converted into WestJet points. One WestJet dollar became 100 WestJet points, preserving the core account value.
Do WestJet Points Expire?
WestJet states that WestJet points do not expire, which makes them easier to save for future trips.
How Much Are WestJet Points Worth?
For eligible base fare and vacation package redemptions, 100 WestJet points can save $1 CAD. Other redemption types may vary, so compare before redeeming.
Can I Use WestJet Points For Taxes And Fees?
The new WestJet Rewards program allows points to be used toward more of the eligible flight cost, including taxes, fees, and surcharges in supported redemption flows.
Can I Use WestJet Points For Seats, Bags, And Upgrades?
Yes, WestJet points can be used for eligible extras such as seats, checked bags, and cabin upgrades when available.
Are WestJet Points Better Than Aeroplan?
Not necessarily. WestJet points are useful inside the WestJet ecosystem, while Aeroplan can be stronger for Air Canada and partner airline award travel.
Can TELUS Rewards Connect With WestJet Rewards?
Yes, eligible members can link WestJet Rewards and TELUS Rewards accounts for certain earn, redeem, and conversion options under the current program rules.
Should I Redeem WestJet Points In The eStore?
Maybe, but compare the value first. Travel redemptions may be better for some users, while eStore redemptions may be more convenient for others.