WestJet and Copa Airlines: New Interline Partnership in Canada
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As of April 8, 2026, WestJet Rewards now lets you book further. The Canadian carrier now allows you to book interline WestJet and Copa Airlines itineraries directly on WestJet.com, the mobile app, or through the call center. For Canadian travellers targeting Latin America, this change opens up 37 new destinations across 18 countries, all in a single booking. Check out our selection of the best credit cards to maximize your points on these purchases.
Copa Airlines, based in Panama City, serves an extensive network across Central and South America. Through this partnership, WestJet Rewards members earn and redeem points on their entire journey, including Copa segments. Here is what this means in practical terms.
What is an Interline Partnership?
An interline agreement allows two airlines to sell combined tickets across their respective networks. In practice, you book a single ticket that includes segments operated by WestJet and others by Copa Airlines. At the first stage of check-in, you receive all your boarding passes as well as baggage tags for your final destination.
According to WestJet, passengers who book an interline itinerary directly through its channels benefit from the same advantages as on a codeshare itinerary or one operated by WestJet, with the added benefit of a wider choice of destinations. The result: a single booking and unified management of changes and cancellations.
What this changes for WestJet Rewards
The WestJet Rewards program expands meaningfully with this agreement. WestJet already has nearly 50 interline partners. The new development as of April 8, 2026, is direct channel booking (WestJet.com, app, call center), previously reserved for travel agencies. Until now, point accumulation was limited to flights operated by WestJet and a few codeshare partners. The interline agreement with Copa expands this scope.
- Accumulation across the entire itinerary: You accumulate WestJet Rewards points on Copa segments, not just on WestJet flights
- Point redemption: You can use your WestJet points as payment for the entire interline ticket
- Centralized management: Changes and cancellations are handled directly with WestJet, just like for a regular flight
- Simplified check-in: All boarding passes and baggage tags are issued from the first check-in point
- Direct booking: Book on WestJet.com, the WestJet app, or through the call center, without going through an agency
To maximize your points on your ticket purchase, consider using the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡. By paying for your interline booking with this card, you earn additional WestJet points in addition to those credited by the flight.
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- Annual fee
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- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
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on RBC's website
Copa Destinations from Canada
Copa Airlines serves 37 destinations in 18 countries across Central and South America. Connections are made via four WestJet Mexican destinations as well as Panama City (PTY), Copa’s main hub. Among the countries mentioned are Uruguay, Guatemala, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Brazil.
This solves a real problem for Canadians: it is now possible to book an itinerary to several destinations in Latin America in a single reservation, while benefiting from centralized management through WestJet.
How to Book an Interline Flight
Booking works the same way as a regular WestJet flight. Three channels are available.
- WestJet.com: Search for your destination (e.g., Montreal → Lima). The site displays combined WestJet + Copa itineraries with connections via Mexico or Panama City.
- WestJet App: Same functionality as the website, with gate change notifications and mobile boarding passes.
- WestJet Call Centre: For complex itineraries or special requests (special baggage, assistance).
Once the booking is confirmed, you receive a single confirmation number. During check-in, all boarding passes are issued at the same time, including for Copa segments. Your baggage travels to the final destination without you having to retrieve it in transit.
Point Accumulation on the Flight
As a WestJet Rewards member, you earn points on WestJet segments and on Copa segments.
The earn rate depends on your status and the fare purchased. To earn even more points, pay for your ticket with the WestJet RBC Mastercard or the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡.
Who is This Partnership For?
This interline partnership primarily targets three profiles of Canadian travelers.
- Travelers to Latin America: Those who regularly visit Peru, Colombia, Argentina, or Chile gain direct access via WestJet without separate booking
- Active WestJet Rewards members: Earning points on Copa segments adds value to the program, especially for those who hold a WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡
- Snowbirds and retirees: Canadians who spend winters in Central America (Costa Rica, Panama) now have a simplified itinerary with a single ticket
Limitations to Be Aware Of
Despite its advantages, the interline partnership has a few nuances to keep in mind before booking.
- This is not a codeshare: Copa flights do not carry a WestJet flight number. In-flight service standards (meals, entertainment, class) are those of Copa, not WestJet.
- Connections via Mexico or Panama: No direct Canada → South America flights. You must transit through Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Mexico City, or Panama City
- WestJet Elite Status: Elite status benefits (upgrades, priority boarding) may not apply on Copa segments
Conclusion
The interline partnership between WestJet and Copa Airlines gives Canadian travellers direct access to Latin America. Booking a Montreal → Lima flight on a single ticket, earning WestJet Rewards points on the entire journey, and managing your trip from WestJet.com.
For holders of a WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡, this is an opportunity to get more value from their points. For others, compare options on our best travel credit cards page.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to follow upcoming interline partner additions planned by the end of 2026.
Featured
- Annual fee
- $139
- Our valuationMilesopedia first-year estimate First-year valueWelcome bonus$700Total$700Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
- $700
- Welcome offerAfter $5,000 in 3 months
- Up to 70,000 points
- Ends Nov 18, 2026
Apply Now
on RBC's website
WestJet Copa Airlines Interline — Frequently Asked Questions
What is an interline partnership between WestJet and Copa Airlines?
An interline partnership allows you to book an itinerary combining WestJet and Copa Airlines flights on a single ticket. Your baggage is checked through to the final destination, and you receive all your boarding passes upon check-in.
Can WestJet Rewards points be earned on Copa flights?
Yes. WestJet Rewards members earn points on the entire interline itinerary, including segments operated by Copa Airlines.
Can WestJet points be used to pay for an interline flight with Copa?
Yes. You can use your WestJet points as payment for the entire interline ticket, including Copa segments.
Which Copa destinations are accessible from Canada?
Copa Airlines serves 37 destinations in 18 countries. Connections are made via WestJet’s Mexican destinations and Panama City. Accessible cities include: Lima, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Quito, Medellín, Montevideo, and Guatemala City.
How to book a WestJet and Copa interline flight?
Search for your destination on WestJet.com, the WestJet app, or call the contact center. The system automatically displays combined WestJet + Copa itineraries with available connections.
What is the difference between an interline and a codeshare?
In a codeshare, a flight is sold under two airlines’ numbers. In an interline, each airline operates its own flights, but booking and baggage management are coordinated. The passenger benefits from a single record in both cases.
Do WestJet elite status benefits apply on Copa?
Not necessarily. WestJet elite status benefits (upgrades, priority boarding) may not apply on segments operated by Copa Airlines. Onboard service standards are those of Copa.
Which credit card should I use to maximize my WestJet points?
The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard‡ offers the best accumulation rate on WestJet purchases. For an option with no annual fee, the WestJet RBC Mastercard remains a valid alternative.
Will other interline partners be added?
Yes. WestJet plans to add more than 10 interline partners by the end of 2026, including Korean Air, Japan Airlines, Kenya Airways, LATAM Airlines, and Saudia. These additions will open more than 100 new destinations.