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WestJet is following in the footsteps of other Canadian airlines. Effective April 8, 2026, a temporary $60 fuel surcharge will apply to all bookings made with a companion voucher (companion voucher). The rising cost of fuel continues to impact travelers, this time affecting a highly valued benefit for holders of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
The $60 surcharge is in addition to the fixed amount you already pay to use your companion voucher. It will appear in the “Other ATC” section of your booking, among the taxes and additional fees.
In other words, the actual cost of your companion voucher is increasing, regardless of the destination. Indeed, this surcharge is a fixed amount: $60, whether you book a flight to Calgary or Cancun.
As a reminder, the companion voucher allows you to book a ticket at a fixed rate: $119 for North America, $399 for international destinations (plus $100 for a premium class seat). The $60 surcharge is therefore added to these amounts.
WestJet has not specified any exceptions. The surcharge applies to all bookings made with a companion voucher as of April 8, 2026. This applies to vouchers obtained with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard as well as those awarded through Elite status in the WestJet Rewards program.
WestJet provided the following explanation: fuel represents the largest expense for an airline. Regular fares can be adjusted based on market conditions, but the companion voucher operates at a fixed rate. The airline therefore cannot absorb the increase in fuel costs on these tickets as it would on a standard ticket.
This follows the same logic as that adopted by Porter Airlines, which added a $40 surcharge to its VIPorter reward tickets. The companion voucher, like a reward ticket, offers a fixed price. When fuel costs more, the airline must recover the difference somewhere.
WestJet specifies, however, that the surcharge is “temporary” and that it will be re-evaluated based on the evolution of fuel prices.
WestJet is far from the only airline reacting to rising fuel costs. As we documented in our article on airline fuel surcharges and price increases, several carriers have already adjusted their rates.
The trend is global. Cathay Pacific has significantly increased its fuel surcharges. Air France and KLM have also raised surcharges on Flying Blue reward flights. Air New Zealand, Qantas, Thai Airways, and several other airlines have also announced fare increases.
In short, whether it is paid tickets, reward tickets, or companion vouchers, no type of booking is escaping fuel pressure at the moment.
The companion voucher remains an attractive benefit of the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard. However, this surcharge reduces its perceived value, especially on short North American flights.
Let’s take a concrete example. A Montreal-Toronto flight during off-peak periods can be found for around $200 to $300. With the companion voucher, you used to pay $119 (plus taxes). You will now pay $179 (plus taxes). The savings are still real, but they are decreasing.
On an international flight, the proportional impact is smaller. A ticket to Mexico or Europe at $399 (plus a $60 surcharge) often remains very advantageous compared to the regular fare.
The $60 fuel surcharge imposed by WestJet on companion vouchers is part of a broader movement. All airlines are looking to offset rising fuel costs, and fixed-rate tickets (companion vouchers, reward tickets) are logical targets.
If you hold a companion voucher, keep an eye on the evolution of this surcharge. WestJet has indicated that it will re-evaluate it based on market conditions. In the meantime, always compare your options before booking.
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