Overview
- WestJet’s $60 surcharge on companion‑voucher bookings starts Wednesday, April 8, and applies only to new reservations.
- To curb fuel expenses, WestJet has merged lower‑demand flights, trimming capacity about 1% in April and 3% in May with most customers rebooked the same day.
- Air Canada, Porter, Air Transat, and Flair have rolled out their own targeted charges, including a $50 fee on select sun routes and visible carrier surcharges shown at checkout.
- WestJet says the fee is temporary and tied to jet fuel prices linked by carriers to Middle East tensions that have lifted oil costs and squeezed airline margins.
- Aviation experts cite sharp fuel jumps on single long‑haul legs—one example rose by nearly $40,000 in March—helping explain why airlines are passing on costs and consolidating flights.