A Canadian budget airline has launched an ultra-basic plane ticket that is so basic that it doesn’t include hand luggage and passengers will be made to board last
A Canadian budget airline has launched an ultra-basic plane ticket that is the lowest priced option with no-frills, including no hand luggage.
WestJet has introduced its newest fare offering known as UltraBasic, which according to its site, “gives guests the voice to add certain extras like reserving a seat in advance or adding a checked bag”.
The UltraBasic fare is expected to reduce prices across domestic and transborder routes, provide more choice, make air travel more accessible and expediate the boarding process.
The new fare offers passengers a personal item to be stored under the seat, a pre-assigned seat at the back of the aircraft, the option to purchase ‘Extended Comfort’, checked baggage or seat selection for additional fees and the same service with onboard food and beverage offerings, and access to the ‘WestJet Connect’ inflight entertainment and connectivity system.
However, guests are not permitted a carry-on bag and will be last to board the aircraft. UltraBasic guests flying on transpacific and transatlantic routes only will be permitted to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a personal item.
There is also no flexibility, meaning you cannot change your booking or cancel after 24 hours – not even for a fee.
When booking UltraBasic on the WestJet website, there is clear messaging about the fare and its limitations throughout the booking process. A spokesperson from WestJet stated: “This messaging is intended to ensure that guests are informed and aware of the fare they are purchasing and the terms they agree to. Digital and printed boarding passes will also indicate no carry-on bags are permitted with UltraBasic fares.”
Once UltraBasic comes into effect, the WestJet ‘Basic Fare’ will no longer exist. Passengers who purchased a Basic fare prior to the June 4, 2024, launch of UltraBasic will still be permitted a carry-on bag on all WestJet flights.
“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’s group executive vice-president and chief commercial officer.
He added: “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.”
Airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet already have flights for really low prices, where they later charge for add-ons like printing a boarding pass (£20 with Ryanair) or changing the name on a ticket (£50 with Wizz).
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