WestJet UltraBasic Review: What You Need to Know

My first experience with WestJet UltraBasic didn’t go well—here’s why.

On a recent impromptu trip to Mazatlán, Mexico, I opted for WestJet UltraBasic simply because it was the cheapest option. At just over $500 return from Vancouver, it seemed like a deal too good to be true. And, as I soon found out, it was.

In this post, I’ll break down what WestJet UltraBasic is, what to expect in terms of added fees, comfort, and potential issues. By the end, you’ll know exactly who this fare is (and isn’t) for.

What Is WestJet UltraBasic?

WestJet UltraBasic was introduced in June of 2024 and is the airline’s lowest fare class, aimed at travelers looking for the absolute cheapest way to fly.

Like other Canadian low-cost airlines (with the exception of Porter Airlines that seems to offer more for less) it comes with significant restrictions.

Pros:

• Cheapest fare available on WestJet
• Ideal for short-haul, no-frills travelers
• Potentially worthwhile for those who can pack extremely light
• Boarding last means you can spend more time relaxing at the airport instead of waiting in line

Cons:

• No carry-on bag allowance for flights in North America and Central America (unless Extended Comfort is purchased)
• No flight changes, cancellations, or refunds (unless within 24 hours of booking)
• Pre-assigned seats at the back of the aircraft (unless you pay extra)
• No WestJet Rewards earnings or tier benefits
• Last to board, meaning limited overhead space for personal items
• Essentially the same price as WestJet’s older Basic Economy fare, but with significantly more restrictions

WestJet Economy vs Basic

WestJet offers multiple economy fare options, each with varying degrees of flexibility and benefits. Understanding the differences can help travelers decide if UltraBasic is the right choice.

WestJet UltraBasic vs. Basic Economy

• UltraBasic:
  • No carry-on baggage allowance (unless Extended Comfort is purchased)
  • Pre-assigned seating at the back of the plane
  • No changes, cancellations, or refunds after 24 hours
  • No WestJet Rewards earnings
  • Lowest boarding priority
• Basic Economy:
  • Carry-on baggage is allowed
  • Seat selection available at booking for a fee
  • Changes and cancellations allowed with a fee
  • WestJet Rewards earnings apply
  • Higher boarding priority than UltraBasic

For most travelers, Basic Economy offers more flexibility and convenience for a small increase in price. If you’re looking for extra comfort and perks, WestJet Premium Economy or WestJet Business Class might be better options.

WestJet UltraBasic Baggage Fee

One of the biggest downsides of WestJet’s UltraBasic fare is the baggage restrictions. If you’re considering this budget-friendly option, here’s what you need to know about what you can bring—and what will cost you extra.

Personal Item – Free, But Small

You’re allowed one personal item at no charge, but it must fit under the seat in front of you. Think small backpack, purse, or laptop bag—definitely not a full-size backpack or duffel.

Carry-On Bag – Not Included

UltraBasic does not include a carry-on bag unless:

• You’re flying a transatlantic or transpacific route, where carry-on is allowed.
• You purchase Extended Comfort for all flights in your direction, which includes carry-on.

If you show up at the gate with a carry-on and don’t meet these exceptions, you’ll be required to check it—and pay both the checked bag and service fees.

Checked Bags – Costs Add Up

If you need to check a bag, here’s what you’ll pay:

• Prepay online (best option): $45–$54
• Check-in kiosk: $55–$65
• Airport check-in counter (most expensive option): $65–$77

Additional checked bags cost even more, and oversized or overweight luggage comes with extra fees.

How to Avoid Overpaying

If you need to check a bag, the best way to save is to prepay online through WestJet’s “Manage Trips” at least 24 hours before your flight. Waiting until check-in or the airport will cost you more.

UltraBasic works best if you can travel light. If you need luggage, be prepared to pay extra.

What Does WestJet UltraBasic Include?

• One small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you
• A standard economy seat, pre-assigned at the back of the plane
• In-flight entertainment (on some aircraft)
• Complimentary beverages and light snacks (subject to availability)

What Isn’t Included & Extra Costs

The biggest drawback of UltraBasic is the number of things it doesn’t include. These are all extras you’ll need to pay for:

• Checked Bag: $45–$77 per bag, per direction (varies by when and how you pay)
• Carry-On Bag: Not allowed on flights in North America and Central America (unless Extended Comfort is purchased for all flights in one direction)
• Seat Selection: $10–$250 depending on location and type of seat
• Flight Changes & Refunds: Not possible unless within 24 hours of booking
• WestJet Rewards Earn & Tier Benefits: Not applicable

If you need to check a bag and want a specific seat, the costs add up quickly—making UltraBasic a far less appealing deal.

My WestJet UltraBasic Experience

A friend who frequently flies with WestJet had warned me about UltraBasic. He shared a horror story of trying to fly to Northern BC for work as an aircraft mechanic, only to be told at the gate that he couldn’t carry on his tools—forcing him to pay extra at the last minute.

Knowing this, I went in prepared. Or so I thought.

Booking WestJet UltraBasic

While booking my flight, I was well aware that I couldn’t bring a carry-on bag. Since I typically travel with only a carry-on, this was a big adjustment. I bit the bullet and paid for a checked bag.

Then came seat selection. I had heard that UltraBasic almost guarantees you a middle seat, and given the long flight to Mexico, I wanted none of that. My friend’s flight from Edmonton was arriving just 40 minutes before mine, so I paid an extra for a seat at the front of the plane, thinking I’d be one of the first off, get through customs quickly, and grab my checked bag before the rush.

With my checked bag fee and expensive seat, my return flight price climbed from ~$500 to ~$750, negating the savings of WestJet UltraBasic.

Airport Confusion

Two days before departure, I received an email from WestJet advertising Extended Comfort seats with carry-on privileges. Given how much they had drilled into me that carry-ons weren’t allowed, I assumed this didn’t apply to me.

At the airport, I encountered a long lineup at the WestJet counter. Wanting clarification, I asked an employee at the front of the line if I could bring a carry-on. He dismissed me, saying I had to queue up and ask a ticket agent. Frustrated, I flagged down another staff member who took one glance at my boarding pass and told me I could bring a carry-on.

This conflicting information didn’t instill much confidence, but I proceeded to security with my bag. In my rush, I forgot that since I checked a bag, my sunscreen was now considered a liquid and had to be discarded. Great. That meant buying overpriced sunscreen in Mexico.

Boarding

Since I upgraded my seat, I did not have to wait until the absolute end to board. This gave me a bit more flexibility before my flight. Since there is no lounge access with UltraBasic, I used my Priority Pass to relax at the SkyTeam Lounge pre-flight. I had enough time to grab a decent breakfast and set up my travel eSIM.

At the gate, and to WestJet’s credit, I had no issues boarding with my carry-on. But this whole process was unnecessarily frustrating.

WestJet UltraBasic Seat

Reviewing the seats on WestJet UltraBasic feels a bit redundant—they’re just standard economy seats. However, since UltraBasic fares don’t allow you to pre-select your seat without an added fee, you’re likely to end up in a middle seat.

To make things worse, you’re also last to board, giving you a mini “walk of shame” while everyone else has already settled in and stowed their carry-ons. On the bright side, at least you won’t be stuck awkwardly standing in the aisle waiting for people to move.

As mentioned, I upgraded my WestJet UltraBasic seat to a roomier extended comfort at the front of the plane. My grand theory that being seated there would let me clear customs faster—well, that didn’t quite pan out.

I landed in Mexico right alongside the premium economy passengers, but once we reached customs, we were all herded together. I even ended up getting pushed toward the back, so there was no real advantage. The only silver lining? I didn’t have to wait for checked luggage.

To WestJet’s Credit (and Mine)

After an incredible and relaxing week in Mazatlán—enjoying the sunshine, some lively Banda music, and a fantastic taco tour—I was back home and debating whether to bother requesting compensation for the checked bag I never actually checked.

I reluctantly called WestJet’s customer service, fully expecting a frustrating experience. To my surprise, the agent was understanding and quickly offered me a $150 WestJet travel credit, covering the checked bag fee and a little extra for my time. Alternatively, they offered a $100 cash refund.

Since I rarely fly WestJet these days (being firmly Team Air Canada), I opted for the cash. However, the agent struggled with the payment system, comically cursing at his computer before admitting he’d need someone else to call me back.

Not wanting to drag things out, I told him to just apply the credit instead. Without missing a beat, he bumped it up to $200 as an apology for the inconvenience.

Not bad, WestJet—not bad at all.

So, Is WestJet UltraBasic Worth it?

WestJet UltraBasic is only worth it if you’re willing to travel ultra-light and accept a no-frills experience. Many travelers feel that it offers fewer benefits than Basic Economy at the same price. While some may appreciate boarding last, for most, it’s a gamble not worth taking.

I would only consider UltraBasic for very specific routes—like a short weekend getaway where I could get away with just a change of clothes in a backpack. For quick flights where a middle seat isn’t a big deal, UltraBasic can work. But for any longer trips, the extra costs for a checked bag and seat selection add up fast, making it not much of a bargain at all.

For those looking for extra comfort and perks, WestJet Business Class Lounge or Aspire Billy Bishop Lounge might be better alternatives for a more relaxed pre-flight experience.

READ MORE: Is Air Canada Premium Economy Worth It?

WestJet UltraBasic FAQs

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