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Update: The WestJet Rewards program changes mentioned below have now taken effect.
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and nearly every airline imaginable is making changes to its frequent flyer program — including WestJet. On April 30, 2025, Canada's second-biggest airline will implement what it's calling “the most significant improvement to WestJet Rewards in the program's 15-year history.”
But should you care about these coming WestJet Rewards changes? Let's take a look.
Overview of the WestJet Rewards Program Changes
In just two months, WestJet Rewards will undergo a pretty big overhaul. The airline says the program will make earning, redeeming, and achieving elite status easier — but the changes go a bit deeper than that.
WestJet is changing WestJet Dollars to WestJet points
WestJet Dollars are out, and WestJet points are in. On April 30, every WestJet Dollar in your account will convert to 100 points. But don’t worry — the value of your rewards won't change. Every 100 points will be worth 1 CAD toward flight bookings, vacation packages, and more.
One big improvement here is that WestJet is eliminating its rewards expiration policy. WestJet points will never expire.
WestJet is expanding what you can earn points on and how you redeem them
Currently, you can earn WestJet Dollars on base fares and vacation packages. But when the transition to points happens, you'll also earn points on carrier surcharges, seat selection, checked bags, and cabin upgrades — purchases that previously didn't earn anything.
And redemptions are expanding, too. Starting April 30, you’ll be able to use points at a fixed rate of 100 points = 1 CAD off the following:
- Base fares
- Carrier surcharges
- Seat selection
- Checked bags
- Cabin upgrade purchases
- Taxes and fees
- Vacation packages
WestJet is making elite status harder to reach — but easier to earn
Like many other airlines have recently done, WestJet is raising the spending requirements for elite status. Silver status will now require $4,000 in tier-qualifying spend instead of $3,000, Gold moves from $5,000 to $6,000, and Platinum jumps from $8,000 to $10,000.
At the same time, WestJet is expanding what counts toward status. Right now, only base fares and vacation package spending qualify, but starting April 30, seat selection, checked bags, cabin upgrades, and carrier surcharges will count.
WestJet is also improving its Status Lift feature, which will benefit those with the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.
For every $5,000 spent on the card, members will receive $200 in tier-qualifying spend — up to 50 Status Lifts per year. Cardholders could theoretically earn up to $10,000 in tier-qualifying spend annually, which is enough to reach Platinum status without ever stepping on a plane.
Related: How To Earn Airline Elite Status Without Flying
WestJet is introducing milestone rewards
Frequent WestJet flyers spenders will soon have another way to earn perks beyond what's offered at the standard elite tiers. The new Milestone Rewards program will allow members to choose from a selection of perks after hitting certain spending thresholds.
Details on these are light, but some teased options include bonus points, travel vouchers, discounted business and premium fares, and the ability to gift Gold status to someone else.
Final Thoughts
WestJet Rewards is about to look a lot different. On balance, these changes add some value to a program that hasn’t historically been all that exciting — but they'll be most beneficial for frequent travelers and big spenders.
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