WestJet has just introduced a new booking option for passengers travelling in the economy cabin.
As of April 10, 2024, WestJet passengers will be able to choose the Extended Comfort experience, which offers extra benefits to travellers in economy.
WestJet Introduces Extended Comfort Option for Economy Bookings
WestJet has introduced a new booking option for passengers travelling in the economy cabin.
As of April 10, 2024, WestJet passengers booked on Economy Basic, Econo, Member Exclusive, or EconoFlex fares onboard the Boeing 737 and 787 aircraft will be able to choose Extended Comfort as a booking option.
By paying for Extended Comfort, WestJet passengers will benefit from an enhanced travel experience, with the following inclusions:
- Priority Zone 2 boarding
- Early access to overhead bin space
- Extra legroom (3–6 inches, depending on the aircraft)
- A complimentary alcoholic beverage during inflight service (based on flight duration, aircraft type, and destination)
- Quicker exit upon arrival
WestJet’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, describes the new booking option as follows:
The addition of Extended Comfort reaffirms WestJet’s commitment to providing a diverse range of products to enable guests to choose what best aligns with their travel preferences and budget. Conveniently located at the front of the economy cabin, guests will benefit from an enhanced experience that is aligned with WestJet’s values of affordability and accessibility.
Once the option goes live on April 10, 2024, WestJet passengers can book Extended Comfort at any point throughout their journey. It will be available at the time of booking, in advance of the flight, or at check-in, both on the WestJet website and through the WestJet app.
The fee charged for Extended Comfort will vary, and it will be based on the origin and destination pairs, the original fare purchased, the date of travel, and the location of the seat. WestJet has indicated that the prices will begin at $30 (CAD).
Extended Comfort will replace WestJet’s current Preferred seating option. Anyone who purchased a Preferred seat for travel on or after April 10, 2024 will be automatically treated to the Extended Comfort experience at no charge.
Full details about Extended Comfort can be found on the WestJet website.
Is WestJet Extended Comfort a Good Deal?
Since the Extended Comfort experience won’t be available until April 10, 2024, it’s difficult to gauge its value, since we don’t have a reference point.
As it stands, the cost of selecting a Preferred seat ranges from $5–250 (CAD), depending on the route, fare, date, and seat location. We can expect that the Extended Comfort option will more-or-less align with what Preferred seats currently cost, although it will likely be a bit higher on average, given the extra inclusions of Zone 2 boarding and a free drink.
Since October 2023, WestJet has changed the fee structure for checked baggage twice. Most recently, the airline increased the cost of checked baggage by around $5 (CAD).
With the heightened cost of checked baggage, competition for overhead bin space is fierce, and if you want to ensure that you won’t be left trying to fit your bag under your seat or having it checked, Extended Comfort may be an option to consider.
Keep in mind that you and up to eight passengers travelling on the same booking can get a free first checked bag with the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard.
WestJet doesn’t offer Zone 2 boarding as a benefit to co-branded credit cardholders, and you otherwise need to have status through WestJet Rewards Elite Tiers, or be seated in the Premium or business class cabins to board and deplane before everyone else.
If you have seat selection vouchers available with your WestJet Elite Status, you can redeem them for Extended Comfort seats just as you’re able to do with Preferred seats now.
Eligible passengers with status through WestJet Elite Tiers may also be upgraded to Extended Comfort seats at no cost, depending on availability.
Conclusion
On April 10, 2024, WestJet will introduce Extended Comfort as a new booking option for passengers in the economy cabin.
For passengers booked on Economy Basic, Econo, Member Exclusive, or EconoFlex fares, you can pay for an Extended Comfort experience, which affords you with Zone 2 boarding, more legroom, and a free drink.
Since the Extended Comfort experience is not yet available for booking, it’s difficult to say if it’s a good deal or not. However, consider it as an option for flights on or after April 10, 2024, if you’d like to add the included benefits to your trip.
