WestJet introduces Plus

Airline now offers full list of amenities for Plus fare guests

CALGARY, Aug. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced the market launch of Plus, an important part of the airline's fare bundle roll-out, offering additional flexibility, comfort and convenience to guests looking for more options.

Plus includes:

• complimentary flight change and cancel options
• extra baggage allowance (two free checked bags)
• extra legroom (36-inch seat pitch)
• a complimentary food item and alcoholic beverages from our inflight menu
• advance boarding and overhead bin space
• priority security screening at available airports

"Plus is the answer for a growing market of travellers who have asked for more choice and flexibility at lower fares than exist today," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "The introduction of Plus allows us to offer guests the same guest experience they have always enjoyed while providing additional features to meet their needs. What WestJet includes in Plus is offered at a price much lower than what competitors have made available to date and I am proud that WestJet continues to drive value for the travelling public. Plus is an excellent choice for business travellers and guests who require greater flexibility, more amenities and less planning around their travel dates."

Plus completes the fare bundle launch that began earlier this year with the fleet reconfiguration, creating additional legroom in the first three rows of seating in all of WestJet's 103 Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft. Guests can now choose Econo, Flex, or Plus fares at time of booking at westjet.com, via our Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET (937-8538), or through their preferred travel agent based on individual itinerary and travel requirements. By offering three fare levels, WestJet continues to provide Canadians with affordable travel options along with its signature fun, friendly and caring service.

"Plus is the latest investment WestJet has made for the business traveller," concluded Bob Cummings. "Our ever-improving schedule enhanced through our airline partnerships and the launch of WestJet Encore provides the connectivity our business guests need. WestJet Rewards is a simple and transparent rewards program backed by one of the most trusted brands in Canada."

To ensure availability, guests wishing to purchase Plus are encouraged to do so in advance of their flight. Based on availability, guests who purchase Econo and Flex fares may select a seat in Plus for a fee at check-in and receive priority boarding, first access to overhead bin space, added legroom and complimentary food and beverages or on board the aircraft to receive additional legroom and complimentary food and beverages.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's most preferred airline, offering scheduled service to 87 destinations in North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Powered by an award-winning culture of care, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Recognized nationally as a top employer, WestJet now has more than 9,600 WestJetters across Canada. Operating a fleet of more than 100 Boeing Next-Generation 737 and Bombardier Q400 NextGen aircraft, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world. This year, WestJet launched its new regional airline, WestJet Encore.

About WestJet Vacations
WestJet Vacations provides guests with affordable, reliable and easy-to-book travel experiences to 55 destinations in 18 countries, including the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's fun and friendly image, extensive network and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations offers guests a great flight schedule and a wide variety of hotel and resort options to create fun and affordable vacation experiences.  For more information visit www.westjetvacations.com.

About WestJet Rewards
WestJet Rewards members earn WestJet dollars on WestJet flights, vacation packages and more. WestJet dollars can be used like cash towards the purchase of WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages on any date to any WestJet or WestJet Encore destination with no blackout periods, even on seat sales. More flights equal more benefits, including bonus WestJet dollars and Jet-Aways. Guests who use their WestJet RBC MasterCard will earn WestJet dollars even faster.

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SOURCE: WestJet