Potential for WestJet pilot strike scaring travellers to other airlines
Posted May 22, 2018 10:37 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As WestJet heads back to the negotiation table today, its bottom line may already be taking a hit. With worries about a potential pilot strike, travellers are turning to other airlines.
Clarie Newell with Travel Best Bets says she’s already seeing people choosing other airlines, especially if they want to travel within the next month or two or if they need to travel for work.
“They are concerned and they are choosing to go to other airlines,” she affirms.
“[That is] really unfortunate for [WestJet], being the two big carriers here in our country. But absolutely, it must be hurting their bottom line,” Newell adds.
WestJet has promised to refund tickets if flights are cancelled in the event of a strike, but Newell says no one wants to deal with the hassle and price of booking another ticket last minute.
“I was just looking at a trip… to Las Vegas, leaving within the next couple of weeks and gave them a WestJet option, as well as other carriers. They did say even though the WestJet one was cheaper, we don’t want to take the risk.”
WestJet pilots have had the legal right to start job action since Saturday, but said they wouldn’t disrupt travel plans over the Victoria Day long weekend.
A spokesperson for the company says the airline has not received any notification of job action from the pilots and it is still “actively engaged in negotiations.”
WestJet says it’s confident it will reach an agreement with its pilots.
But don’t expect your credit card to help you out, as Newell says very few offer cancellation and interuption insurance.
