WestJet’s UltraBasic: Seats at the back of the plane and no carry-on

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WestJet has unveiled a new low-cost fare option for its flights. It’s called UltraBasic, and it lives down to the name. Here what to know.

What are the airline’s current fare options?

With the addition of UltraBasic, WestJet now offers seven tiers of service. Next up is Econo, then Econo Flex, then Premium and Premium Flex, and finally Business and Business Flex. The company says UltraBasic replaces its Basic fare, “with changes to carry-on baggage allowance and boarding zone modifications.” In other words, it’s even more basic.

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Is the new fare cheaper?

It most certainly is. Looking for a flight from Toronto to Calgary leaving Monday, June 10, and returning on Friday, WestJet’s website served up a ticket that cost $2,816 at the Premium Flex level, $2,034 for Premium, $1,316 for Econo Flex, and $1,209 for Econo. But the same ticket at the UltraBasic level was just $446.61, little more than a third of the next highest price.

What does UltraBasic get me?

Not much. According to the company’s website, the new fare structure allows you to bring aboard one personal item that can be stored under the seat in front of you. You get a pre-assigned seat at the back of the aircraft. You get to board last. Oh, and you get “the same friendly service, onboard food and beverage offerings, and access to the WestJet Connect inflight entertainment and connectivity system as before,” it says.

What if I don’t like my pre-assigned seat at the back of the plane?

You can change it if there are other seats available, but there will be a charge.

What if I arrive at the gate with a carry-on bag?

Unless you’re on an overseas flight or have purchased an upgrade, that carry-on will cost you. In fact, it will cost you twice. “Guests checking a carry-on bag at the gate will be charged a checked bag fee and a service fee to check the bag under the aircraft,” WestJet says.

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Am I permitted to change or cancel my flight?

No. And no. Also, you won’t earn any WestJet Reward points when you fly.

What does WestJet say about this?

“We are committed to air travel affordability, and UltraBasic is an innovative cost-effective solution that strengthens WestJet’s ability to offer guests budget-friendly airfares to more destinations,” said John Weatherill, WestJet Group Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer. “With UltraBasic, guests can tailor a travel experience that meets their needs, without paying for additional services they don’t value. We are delivering on our low-fare promise and believe UltraBasic will give more Canadians the opportunity to fly.”

In a press release, the airline also notes: “It is anticipated that the introduction of UltraBasic will expedite the boarding process, contributing to enhanced on time performance and a better guest experience.”

What are others saying?

“A sign of the times,” is how Graeme Bligh, who runs the travel website The Canadian Jetsetter, put it when talking to the CBC. “I can’t say I’m too surprised to see it. It’s definitely following the trend of going more the way of a European low-cost carrier where you’re charged for everything.”

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Writing on the travel website One Mile at a Time, its founder Ben Schlappig wonders: “Is this fare type intended to make you feel bad about yourself for booking it? This almost sounds like a seating option where you can sit in the cargo hold or wing, space permitting.”

He adds: “Logically I would have assumed that WestJet would have just added more restrictions to its existing Basic fares, rather than rebranding them. I almost feel like the UltraBasic branding is intended to make people even more skeptical of booking it, and get people to buy up to the next fare. It’s also pretty noteworthy how unlike other airlines, WestJet isn’t just assigning UltraBasic passengers seats at check-in. Nope, instead the airline will assign you the worst seats in advance.”

He concludes: “To go from Basic to UltraBasic… yow!”

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