WestJet now offering 'no-frills' UltraBasic fare category but will you actually save?
CTV
WestJet's new UltraBasic fare is the lowest-priced of the airline's seven fare classes, but experts say that doesn't mean travellers will actually save money on their overall flights.
When Zoë Uchenna books a trip, the time and cost of the flight are the two most important things for her. When WestJet debuted its new UltraBasic fare, she had her reservations about their "no frills" option. "It seems good, it's so cheap, but there are consequences and some bad things associated with it. Like, the extra costs, you definitely have to pay for. So, all in all, it's not that cheap at the end," says Uchenna.
WestJet's new UltraBasic fare is the lowest-priced of the airline's seven fare classes. Passengers have the option to check a bag, bring a carry-on, or choose their seat for an extra fee. They'll also be the last passengers to board the plane, and they won't earn any WestJet points for the flight through the airline's reward program.
For example, a one-way flight from Ottawa to Las Vegas has five WestJet fare options. The flight departs Ottawa on June 12 at 6:12am, with a stop-over in Calgary, arriving in Las Vegas at 9:22 p.m. local time. Here are the price comparisons:
UltraBasic
$316.84
Includes 1 personal item
Econo
