WestJet adds a $60 fuel surcharge to its companion voucher

Published April 7, 2026Updated September 25, 20265 min readEditorial integrity

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.

What this means in practice

The $40 surcharge is in addition to the fixed amount you already pay to use your companion voucher. It appears 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: $40, 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 $40 surcharge is therefore added to these amounts.

Destination	Voucher co-payment	Fuel surcharge	Total
North America	$119	$40	$159
International	$399	$40	$439
International (premium seat)	$499	$40	$539

Who is affected by this surcharge?

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.

Why WestJet is adding this surcharge

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.

A trend affecting the entire sector

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.

In Canada

Porter Airlines: $40 fuel surcharge on reward bookings made after March 23, 2026, cut to $20 in late June 2026
Air Transat: increase in the fuel surcharge built into the ticket cost for flights to Europe
Air Canada: pricing "adjusted to reflect higher fuel costs," according to a spokesperson
WestJet: $60 surcharge on companion vouchers starting April 8, 2026, reduced to $40 in late June 2026

Internationally

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.

Impact on the value of the companion voucher

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 $159 (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 $40 surcharge) often remains very advantageous compared to the regular fare.

Bottom Line

The fuel surcharge WestJet added to companion vouchers, reduced from $60 to $40 in late June 2026, 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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WestJet Fuel Surcharge – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the amount of the WestJet fuel surcharge on companion vouchers?

The surcharge is $40 per booking since late June 2026, regardless of the destination. It was $60 when it was introduced on April 8, 2026. It is added to the usual companion voucher co-payment ($119 for North America, $399 for international flights).

When does the WestJet fuel surcharge take effect?

The surcharge applies to all bookings made with a companion voucher starting April 8, 2026.

Is the surcharge temporary or permanent?

WestJet describes this surcharge as « temporary. » The airline has indicated it will continue to evaluate the situation and adjust the surcharge based on the evolution of fuel prices.

Does this surcharge affect all WestJet companion vouchers?

Yes. The surcharge applies to all companion vouchers, whether they come from the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard or from Elite status in the WestJet Rewards program.

Does the surcharge vary depending on the flight distance?

No. It is a fixed amount of $40, whether you book a short-haul flight in Canada or an international flight to Mexico or Europe.

Is the WestJet companion voucher still worth it with this surcharge?

In most cases, yes. On international flights, the savings remain significant. On short North American flights, compare the total cost (co-payment + surcharge + taxes) with the regular fare before booking.

Which other Canadian airlines have added fuel surcharges?

Porter Airlines added a $40 surcharge on VIPorter reward tickets, then cut it to $20 in late June 2026. Air Transat increased its surcharges on flights to Europe. Air Canada adjusted its pricing to reflect rising fuel costs. See our full article on fuel surcharges for the up-to-date list.

Where does the surcharge appear in my booking?

The surcharge appears in the « Other ATC » section of your companion voucher booking, in addition to the usual co-payment.

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