Complete guide: WestJet companion voucher

WestJet companion voucher – How does it work?

WestJet companion vouchers provide valuable discounts as part of the WestJet Rewards program. They allow you to bring someone with you at a reduced fare; that person must take the same flight and itinerary as you, and you must pay the applicable taxes and fees in addition to the fixed base fare.

They can be used for one-way or round-trip travel (including multi-city trips), so it is best to choose the latter to maximize their value.

There are no blackout periods to redeem a WestJet companion voucher, and you can use WestJet dollars to cover the ticket price. As for additional benefits such as seat selection or checked baggage, fees will be charged to both passengers.

Where to find the WestJet companion voucher

Simply log in to your WestJet Rewards account before searching to apply a WestJet companion voucher.

You can also find it in your profile, under the Rewards tab and then under Companion.

Although WestJet companion vouchers are highly valuable, there are certain restrictions to keep in mind:

• Not eligible for Business, BusinessFlex, or Member Exclusive fares;
• The same fare type must be selected for the primary passenger and their companion;
• Flights must be operated by WestJet and WestJet Encore;
• Does not apply to WestJet Vacations packages or group bookings;
• Vouchers are not transferable between WestJet Rewards members;
• Cannot be applied to existing bookings or used with a discount code;
• You must book the flight before the voucher’s expiry date, but the flight itself can be booked for a travel date after the expiry date;
• In the event of cancellation, the WestJet companion voucher will keep its original expiry date.
• If the booking is made in UltraBasic fare, it cannot be cancelled (except within 24 hours of the original booking) and the voucher will be forfeited.

To ensure you optimize your WestJet companion voucher, use it for a round-trip flight. If the booking is made for a one-way only, the voucher will be considered fully used and the return flight will be lost. You will have effectively « wasted » a ticket.

WestJet companion voucher – How to get it?

There are two main ways to get a WestJet companion voucher:

• By applying for and holding a RBC WestJet credit card;
• By earning elite status with WestJet Rewards.

WestJet companion voucher – RBC WestJet credit card

The simplest method for most people is to apply for a credit card. With the RBC WestJet Mastercard and the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, you will automatically receive a WestJet companion voucher and an additional voucher each cardholder anniversary.

The RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard offers other benefits, including free checked bags. This card also comes with a generous welcome bonus in the form of WestJet dollars that you can use to pay for both base fares.

WestJet companion voucher – WestJet Rewards Elite status (Milestone Awards)

WestJet Rewards members can earn milestone rewards for eligible tier spend, including companion vouchers across the WestJet network. However, these tiers are generally better suited to business travellers due to their spending requirements.

WestJet companion voucher – The cost

The cost of using a WestJet companion voucher depends on where it was obtained, as there are three types.

Here is an overview of base fare costs:

WestJet companion voucher – Tips to maximize value

You will get the most out of your WestJet companion voucher when the base fare is higher, as the discount will be higher as well.

To get the most out of your WestJet companion voucher, keep the following tips in mind:

• Premium fares: Consider booking seats in a higher cabin to get the most out of your companion voucher. Premium fares are higher, but the companion voucher lets you save even more. For example, booking a round-trip premium ticket with a companion voucher can generate significant savings compared to the regular price.
• Peak period: Using a WestJet companion voucher during peak season has several notable benefits. First, it allows you to save significantly on flights, which is especially valuable when airfares tend to be higher due to increased demand.
• Last-minute flights: The voucher’s flexibility allows you to book flights even on short notice, ensuring availability for spontaneous trips that tend to come with a higher base fare.
• Japan: WestJet operates flights between Calgary and Tokyo and, as demand has increased exponentially for this destination, the base fare has also risen. As a result, if you have an RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, the voucher will allow you to travel to Japan for a $399 base fare!

WestJet companion voucher – Redeem it for a lounge pass

Although WestJet companion vouchers are primarily used for flight redemptions, they can also be converted into lounge passes. This option is particularly useful if you have many companion vouchers but do not have a credit card that gives you lounge access.

Only vouchers from the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard can be converted into lounge passes, at a rate of one voucher for four passes. The WestJet Rewards member and their guests can use these passes, but the member must be present.

Many credit cards offer free or discounted lounge access. The best strategy is therefore to keep your WestJet companion vouchers for what they were created for in order to maximize their value, namely flights.

Bottom Line

WestJet companion vouchers offer an excellent opportunity to save money on your flights through the WestJet Rewards program. Whether you earn them through WestJet RBC credit cards (which is the easiest way to get them each year since no minimum spend is required) or by reaching elite status with WestJet Rewards, these vouchers can help you save significantly on base fares.

Do not forget the restrictions associated with using companion vouchers, and consider maximizing their value by booking round-trip flights or upgrading to a higher cabin. Take advantage of these vouchers and enjoy more affordable travel experiences with WestJet.

Other airlines offer companion vouchers. Read our guide to companion vouchers with credit cards to learn more.

Which credit card should you choose for travel?

If you travel regularly, the credit card you carry makes a real difference – travel insurance, points earning, airport lounge access and no foreign exchange fees. Use our credit card comparator to filter through 200+ Canadian cards based on your needs, or browse the best credit cards in Canada, ranked monthly by the Milesopedia team.

Will I lose the WestJet companion voucher if I cancel the credit card that provided it?

Yes, it is tied to the credit card that issued it, and it will be removed from your account if you are no longer a cardholder.

Which flights can I use a WestJet companion voucher on?

On one-way, round-trip, and connecting flights across the WestJet and WestJet Encore network.

Can you combine WestJet dollars and a WestJet companion voucher?

Yes, you can redeem flights using both WestJet dollars and a companion voucher.

Can a WestJet companion voucher be used to purchase premium seats?

Yes, companion vouchers can be used to book premium seats, but not business class.

Can I transfer or use my WestJet companion voucher for someone else?

No, companion vouchers can only be used by the WestJet Rewards member whose account contains the voucher.

Can a WestJet companion voucher be used on a WestJet Vacations package?

No, companion vouchers can only be used for WestJet flights, not vacation packages.

Do WestJet companion vouchers expire?

Yes, companion vouchers have an expiry date for booking flights, but the flights themselves can be booked for a later date. A voucher is valid for one year from the date of issue.

Will the WestJet companion voucher be refunded if I cancel my flight after using it?

Yes, the voucher will be credited back to you with the original expiry date, provided you still have the credit card that issued it.