WestJet is taking precautions as its cancelled flights are set to increase at the end of the month, with an expected cabin crew strike resulting in thousands walking out. The timing is tough for WestJet, during one of its busiest travel periods of the year. In recent months, WestJet has been praised for its on-time performance, among the most efficient in all of North America.
With the strike looming, the carrier may face major disruptions. WestJet customers are already responding to cancellations and rebooking, reporting stressful experiences with the carrier.
WestJet Has Initiated Flexible Change/Cancel Policies Due To The Potential Cabin Crew Walkout
Two weeks ago, 99.4% of WestJet’s cabin crew employees agreed to walk off the job. This prompted WestJet to give passengers the chance to change or cancel bookings for free, ahead of the possible disruption. WestJet has extended the offer for six upcoming travel days, from July 30 to August 4.
WestJet said in a statement, “While discussions continue, we are equally committed to providing certainty and reliability for our guests. To provide guests with greater flexibility and confidence in their upcoming travel plans, WestJet has proactively initiated our Flexible Change/Cancel policies for scheduled travel between July 30, 2026, and August 4, 2026.”
WestJet added that the flexible rebooking is being offered to passengers due to the high volume of flights at the end of the month and into early August.
Customers who booked through WestJet Encore on a codeshare won’t be impacted by the upcoming disruptions. WestJet said it is still actively engaged in negotiations. Customers are advised to check the carrier’s travel alerts page in the coming days.
“WestJet Encore flights booked on a Q400 and WestJet codeshare flights operated by our airline partners will not be impacted in the event of a disruption. Our team remains actively engaged in negotiations and is fully prepared to make meaningful improvements that work for cabin crew while balancing the future sustainability of WestJet.”
During the last major airline strike in Canada, involving Air Canada, 700 daily flights were grounded, affecting half a million passengers. Comparatively, aviation expert John Gradek tells CTV News the upcoming shutdown could impact 75,000 passengers per day. Travelers are already reacting to booking changes, adding stress for many Canadian travelers during one of the busiest times of the year.
How Customers Are Reacting To WestJet’s Upcoming Flight Changes
Traveler Barbara Madigin was not pleased with WestJet’s sudden notification to passengers just a week prior to departure. The WestJet customer says the lack of notice will leave passengers scrambling for a new flight.
“C’mon @westjet notifying customers you’re probably going on strike again a week before departure? People now have to scramble for new flights or vacations & pay double/ triple due to your short notice? Pay your staff better, simple. We pay crazy $$$ for flights in Canada,” Madigin wrote on X.
Another WestJet customer says, given the current status of negotiations between the two sides, she’s likely to just cancel the trip altogether.
“I have a flight on Aug 2nd. Domestic. Seems likely that August 2nd will be the most affected no matter what. Even with no strike, they’ll likely leave negotiations to the 11th hour which will affect all flights with 24-48 hours of the deadline. I think I’ll cancel my trip.”
Others are experiencing issues when rebooking the new flight. Another traveler was not content with the fact that their refund is being given in travel credits.
“@WestJet Booked new tickets because of the strike after receiving an email that I can refund my tickets. I did not realize until after I bought the new tickets that my refund would only be travel credits. This is insane I can’t afford this much being out of my bank on tickets,” they wrote on X.
With the deadline looming, WestJet appears forced to disrupt flights. Negotiations remain ongoing, but there is no word on a resolution.
What The CUPE 8125 Union Is Saying About The Upcoming Strike
Following the cabin crew vote, roughly 4,400 cabin crew employees represented by CUPE Local 8125 will be allowed to strike on August 2. CUPE 8125 president Alia Hussain said employees will continue to show up to work, aiding WestJet’s operations.
“We want to continue doing the work we love and getting Canadians to their destinations,” Hussain said. “We have been clear throughout this process that our goal is to reach a fair collective agreement without a strike. No one benefits from service disruptions, and we remain committed to bargaining.”
WestJet customers are allowed one-time changes or cancellations for flights between the six travel dates. With the walkout set to take place, WestJet will see a major rise in cancelled flights in the coming days, following a positive summer of on-time flights.
