WestJet and Yukon-based Air North have announced a new partnership that will help increase access to Northern communities in Canada.
The two airlines have launched an interline agreement, which means starting July 31, 2024, you can book a single ticket with a connected itinerary on both airlines, only check in once, and have your bags through-checked so you don’t have to pick them up on a connection.
WestJet and Air North Launch Interline Agreement
WestJet and Yukon-based Air North are joining forces to deliver seamless and more affordable service to remote communities. As of July 31, 2024, the two have launched an interline agreement which allows passengers a hassle-free way to book flights on both airlines but on a single itinerary.
This means travellers will only have to check in once for flights on the itinerary, they’ll get a single ticket and boarding pass, and their baggage will be transferred between airlines without having to pick it up and drop it off again.
As a reminder, interline agreements are the most basic form of agreement between airlines. While you’ll enjoy a smoother booking and check-in experience, you won’t collect frequent flyer points on both airlines, and there isn’t any coordination for flight schedules.
WestJet’s Director of Alliances and Airport Affairs, Jared Mikoch-Gerke, says the agreement will “redefine air travel to the Yukon and Northwest Territories from WestJet’s expansive network”.
The partnership will allow for easier access to education and will help medical and cargo services better reach remote communities.
Air North CEO Joe Sparling says, “Safe, affordable, and seamless air travel is a necessity rather than a luxury for northerners”, and this agreement will provide enhanced access to and from the rest of the world for Yukoners and visitors to Northern communities.
Through the interline agreement, guests can book a single ticket to connect between more than 100 destinations in WestJet’s network including popular tourism hubs in Asia, Europe, and the United States conveniently through Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, or Edmonton to or from Whitehorse or Yellowknife.
Air North currently serves 12 Canadian destinations including four in the Yukon and Inuvik, Northwest Territories.
Conclusion
As of July 31, 2024, WestJet and Yukon’s Air North have launched an interline agreement, which means you can book a single ticket with both airlines with a connected itinerary,only check in once, and have your bags through-checked.
This will allow WestJet guests to book a single ticket to some of Canada’s most remote Northern communities, allowing for increased tourism and economic opportunities.
Bookings will be available through a travel agent or third-party ticket sales websites starting July 31, 2024.