WestJet Refund Policy (2026) | Get Your Money Back

Getting a refund from WestJet can feel like navigating a maze, especially when fare rules bury the conditions in fine print. WestJet's refund eligibility depends on your fare type, how far out you cancel, and whether you booked directly. Refundable fares get cash back; most Basic and Econo fares do not. Common reasons people seek refunds include flight cancellations by WestJet and schedule changes over three hours. WestJet holds a 1.3-star Trustpilot rating, with hundreds of complaints citing slow processing and outright refund denials. BBB records show over 400 complaints in three years, many flagging unresolved refund cases. For official policy details, visit WestJet's website.

What is the WestJet Refund Policy?

WestJet's refund policy is heavily tied to the fare class you purchased. Refundable tickets get cash back to the original payment method. Non-refundable fares, which cover most budget bookings, typically convert to WestJet Travel Bank credit instead of a cash refund. If WestJet cancels your flight or makes a significant schedule change, you are entitled to a full cash refund regardless of fare type, per Canadian Transportation Agency rules that also apply to US-originating itineraries on WestJet.

What Cannot Be Refunded by WestJet?

Some charges and fare types are explicitly excluded from WestJet's refund policy. Worth knowing before you assume everything is covered.

• Basic fare tickets cancelled voluntarily: no refund, no Travel Bank credit
• Seat selection fees on non-refundable fares
• Baggage fees once the flight has departed
• WestJet Dollars used as partial payment (non-refundable portion)
• Travel insurance premiums purchased through WestJet (handled separately by the insurer)
• Vacation package components subject to third-party supplier cancellation terms
• No-show bookings on non-refundable fares: forfeited entirely

Ways to Request a WestJet Refund

WestJet offers a few paths to request a refund. The fastest route depends on why you're cancelling and what fare you hold.

One thing worth noting: if you booked through Expedia or another OTA, WestJet will often redirect you back to them. That loop is genuinely frustrating and adds days to the process.

How to Get a Refund from WestJet: Step by Step

Start the process as soon as possible. Delays can push you outside the window for a cash refund, leaving you with only Travel Bank credit.

Email Template: Request a Refund from WestJet

Use this template if WestJet cancelled your flight, made a significant schedule change, or if your refund request has gone unanswered.

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Subject: Refund Request, Booking Reference [[BOOKING-REF]], Flight [[FLIGHT-NUMBER]]

Hi WestJet Support,

I'm writing about my booking (reference: [[BOOKING-REF]]) for the flight on [[FLIGHT-DATE]] from [[ORIGIN]] to [[DESTINATION]]. I received notification that this flight was [[cancelled / significantly changed]], and I am requesting a full cash refund to my original payment method.

This disruption caused real inconvenience. I had to rebook last-minute at a significantly higher cost and lost a prepaid hotel night as a result.

I am requesting a full refund of $[[AMOUNT]] to the credit card used at booking. I am also requesting a prepaid return label if any physical documents need to be returned.

If I do not receive a response or confirmation within 48 hours, I will file a dispute with my credit card provider and submit a formal complaint to the Canadian Transportation Agency and the Better Business Bureau.

Please confirm receipt of this email and provide a case number.

Thank you, [[YOUR FULL NAME]] [[EMAIL ADDRESS]] [[PHONE NUMBER]]

Attach: screenshots of your original itinerary, the cancellation or change notification, and any related correspondence.

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What to Do If WestJet Denies Your Refund

A denial is not always the final word. There are real options here, and some of them carry more weight than a follow-up email.

• Push back with documentation. If WestJet claims you cancelled voluntarily but you have screenshots of their schedule change notice, reply with those directly. Attach them to your response and reference the specific date and time of the change.

• Cite the Canadian Transportation Agency rules. If WestJet cancelled your flight or changed it by more than three hours, Canadian federal regulations require a cash refund. This applies even on US-originating itineraries operated by WestJet. Mention this explicitly in your follow-up.

• File a chargeback. If WestJet is unresponsive or the denial seems wrong, contact your credit card issuer and dispute the charge as 'Services Not Rendered' or 'Significant Change to Service.' Most issuers give you 60–120 days from the transaction date.

• File a BBB complaint. WestJet's BBB profile shows they do respond to public complaints, often faster than direct emails. A public record creates pressure.

• Escalate to the Canadian Transportation Agency. US travelers can still file a complaint at otc-cta.gc.ca if WestJet operated the flight. The CTA has authority to order refunds.

• Contact your state attorney general. If you paid in the US and feel the denial is deceptive, your state AG's consumer protection office is another avenue worth using.

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