Managing Westjet flights booked on QF points

[lissie45]

I have a couple of domestic Canadian flights coming up on Westjet booked on Qantas points.

I was going to download the westjet app to manage luggage, seats etc but they won't' accept the Qantas 6 digit booking reference - they want one that is all letters. How do I get that? Can't see the reference anywhere on the Qantas booking.

 

[FishFood]

I had the exact same problem, I called the Westjet call centre and they were able to give me the Westjet PNR that I could use for purchasing bags and seat selection.

The call centre only took about 10 minutes, so pretty fast compared to Australian airlines.

 

[lissie45]

That's good to know - that's what I had to do last year with a similar issue on flights booked on Alaska Air - just wondered if I was missing something obvious - apparently not

 

[kangarooflyer88]

In theory a call to either Qantas or Qantas Canada (WestJet) should you the PNR for your trip. I will also point out that this is common with many bookings involving carriers that aren't the airline ticketing the flight as different airlines may use different booking systems and so what might be a valid Amadeus booking reference code won't make any sense in a Sabre system.

In terms of what benefits you will receive as a Qantas Frequent Flyer travelling on Qantas Canada (WestJet), I'm sad to say there aren't any:



As an aside, if you hold frequent flyer status on some other airlines (such as Delta) I would recommend switching your frequent flyer to them since they do indeed provide additional benefits for their elites travelling Qantas Canada (WestJet). There are also some credit cards that offer perks like free checked bags that might make sense if you take enough trips with Qantas Canada (WestJet)

-RooFlyer88

 

[lissie45]

No worries about free anything - we've saved a lot of cash for a few points using WJ - plus their generous carry on limit means hopefully I won't need to check anything !

 

[shuuy]

Trying to get ahead of a potential issue - one-way ticket Canada - Australia using QF points. (WS flight to QF).

My ticket says this (particularly "carrier whose baggage rules apply is Qantas")

BAGGAGE POLICY
YXXSYD
1ST CHECKED BAG: FREE OF CHARGE   UPTO70LB 32KG AND62LI 158LCM
2ND CHECKED BAG: FREE OF CHARGE   UPTO70LB 32KG AND62LI 158LCM
NAME OF THE CARRIER WHOSE BAGGAGE RULES APPLY:  QANTAS AIRWAYS

But the Qantas website says

if your final ticketed origin or destination is within the USA or Canada, the airline whose flight number appears for the first flight on your ticket will determine whether its baggage rules or another airline's baggage rules will apply to all the flights in your itinerary. For travel between Australia and the USA, usually (but not always) Qantas' baggage rules will apply.

Obviously don't want a big fight with family in tow, but with 2 car seats + christmas presents for 4, just trying to ensure I can show my ticket, which proves Qantas baggage rules, and Westjet will accept it?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Trying to get ahead of a potential issue - one-way ticket Canada - Australia using QF points. (WS flight to QF).

My ticket says this (particularly "carrier whose baggage rules apply is Qantas")

BAGGAGE POLICY
YXXSYD
1ST CHECKED BAG: FREE OF CHARGE   UPTO70LB 32KG AND62LI 158LCM
2ND CHECKED BAG: FREE OF CHARGE   UPTO70LB 32KG AND62LI 158LCM
NAME OF THE CARRIER WHOSE BAGGAGE RULES APPLY:  QANTAS AIRWAYS

But the Qantas website says


Obviously don't want a big fight with family in tow, but with 2 car seats + christmas presents for 4, just trying to ensure I can show my ticket, which proves Qantas baggage rules, and Westjet will accept it?

I would take a screenshot of the Qantas website when you book the flight since it clearly shows there that bags are included. For instance, here's a flight I'm thinking of booking from Moncton to Vancouver:


If WestJet says, "no" and charges you for the flight, request a receipt and bill it back to Qantas.

-RooFlyer88

 

[encryptededdy]

But the Qantas website says

if your final ticketed origin or destination is within the USA or Canada, the airline whose flight number appears for the first flight on your ticket will determine whether its baggage rules or another airline's baggage rules will apply to all the flights in your itinerary. For travel between Australia and the USA, usually (but not always) Qantas' baggage rules will apply.

Should be fine. That just says that Westjet gets to decide if their baggage rules or Qantas' baggage rules applies. Per your ticket, it seems like the Qantas rules apply.

 

[djkelly69]

If WestJet says, "no" and charges you for the flight, request a receipt and bill it back to Qantas.

-RooFlyer88

I tried this earlier in the year for a single CA-US flight - as soon as you have booked the tickets, it is no baggage according to either of the QF or WJ websites.

I managed to get QF to refund (using similar screenshots) and booked a cash flight elsewhere. Not brave enough to take on trying to get a reimbursement from QF.

 

[Borisdog]

I just did this a couple of weeks ago.

I'm going SYD-YVR-SYD J on points but my ultimate destination is Toronto.

So I booked Westjet YVR-YYZ return on points.

Step 1. Ring QF and get Westjet's PNR, quoting QF's PNR.

Step 2 Plug that into Westjet's version of Manage your booking.

Step 3 Buy your luggage/Seats/Whatever

Took me about 20 minutes.

I wouldn't take the chance on whose baggage rules would "win". And didn't.

For the record it would've cost me $1000CAD booking directly with Westjet. It cost 40K points, and around $250AUD with seats, baggage and QF fees. Cheap peace of mind for me.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I just did this a couple of weeks ago.

I'm going SYD-YVR-SYD J on points but my ultimate destination is Toronto.

So I booked Westjet YVR-YYZ return on points.

Supposing the big lemon (YYZ) is your final destination, it would probably make the most sense to book SYD > YYZ as a return ticket on QF using points. There are several benefits I see here. First the points cost should be lower since you are paying for one ticket instead of two (Qantas uses the mileage flown to calculate points required when you have connecting flights). Second it would make connections smoother. For instance, suppose your Qantas flight to YVR gets delayed and you arrive late and miss your connecting flight. Well since it is on a separate itinerary you are on your own (in theory) whereas if it was booked on one itinerary, QF would be forced to sort that out for you (since they were the carrier that caused the misconnect). Second, in terms of baggage, you would only have to worry about it once: at check-in when departing SYD and also in YYZ. You wouldn't have to worry about extra bag fees since IATA's most significant carrier (MSC) rule would apply and since Qantas is the first carrier crossing an IATA zone, their baggage rules apply. Third you could potentially have the advantage of One-Stop-Security (OSS), which some participating airlines flying to Canada support. What this means is when you land in Vancouver, yes you'll clear Canada immigration at one of the Kiosks but once you are done you are directed to the domestic departures hall. You won't need to go through security. You won't need to collect your bag. Makes connections super seamless.

Step 1. Ring QF and get Westjet's PNR, quoting QF's PNR.

Step 2 Plug that into Westjet's version of Manage your booking.

Step 3 Buy your luggage/Seats/Whatever

Good to know!

I will point out that depending on your frequent flyer status elsewhere, you can get some of these things for free. For instance, I am a Delta Gold Medallion member and as such, once I enter my Delta number into the WestJet site, I can select any seat I want free of charge. Similarly I get 2 bags (up to 32 kg each) for free. Now obviously if you don't have Delta status this is a red herring, but at least before next year it was super simple to get via status match (essentially fly 12,500 miles on most SkyTeam airlines and you'd have yourself Delta Gold status).

-RooFlyer88

 

[Borisdog]

Supposing the big lemon (YYZ) is your final destination, it would probably make the most sense to book SYD > YYZ as a return ticket on QF using points. There are several benefits I see here. First the points cost should be lower since you are paying for one ticket instead of two (Qantas uses the mileage flown to calculate points required when you have connecting flights). Second it would make connections smoother. For instance, suppose your Qantas flight to YVR gets delayed and you arrive late and miss your connecting flight. Well since it is on a separate itinerary you are on your own (in theory) whereas if it was booked on one itinerary, QF would be forced to sort that out for you (since they were the carrier that caused the misconnect). Second, in terms of baggage, you would only have to worry about it once: at check-in when departing SYD and also in YYZ. You wouldn't have to worry about extra bag fees since IATA's most significant carrier (MSC) rule would apply and since Qantas is the first carrier crossing an IATA zone, their baggage rules apply. Third you could potentially have the advantage of One-Stop-Security (OSS), which some participating airlines flying to Canada support. What this means is when you land in Vancouver, yes you'll clear Canada immigration at one of the Kiosks but once you are done you are directed to the domestic departures hall. You won't need to go through security. You won't need to collect your bag. Makes connections super seamless.


Good to know!

I will point out that depending on your frequent flyer status elsewhere, you can get some of these things for free. For instance, I am a Delta Gold Medallion member and as such, once I enter my Delta number into the WestJet site, I can select any seat I want free of charge. Similarly I get 2 bags (up to 32 kg each) for free. Now obviously if you don't have Delta status this is a red herring, but at least before next year it was super simple to get via status match (essentially fly 12,500 miles on most SkyTeam airlines and you'd have yourself Delta Gold status).

-RooFlyer88

Yeah, I basically had to jump on the J SYD-YVR-SYD while it was there. I wasn't greatly concerned how I was gunna get to Toronto or back. I take your point though. But time isn't an issue, the bag and luggage fees are chicken feed IMO. I'm long over worrying about the minutiae of whose rules win.

I'm actually going solo, my wife can't come. Slightly concerned about the lack of adult supervision, but what can you do?

I'm spending a couple of nights in YVR before trotting over to my mate in Toronto. He's actually in St Catharines near the US border and I'm actually going Vancouver to Hamilton return on Westjet. Likewise outbound.

I flatly REFUSE to transit US. So my options were a bit limited inbound. And outbound for that matter.

When I've done this trip in the past I've done Cathay HKG-YYZ return, but I just couldn't get anything on points at the right time this trip.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I'm actually going solo, my wife can't come. Slightly concerned about the lack of adult supervision, but what can you do?

I know the feeling!

I'm spending a couple of nights in YVR before trotting over to my mate in Toronto.

Unsure if this is your first time visit Vancouver, but be sure to checkout Stanley Park and take the ferry over to Victoria. I hear the latter is beautiful, especially in the summer. Hotels in Canada are ludicrously expensive (and I say that as an Accor Platinum who spent over 70 nights this year at that chain alone, mostly on $100/night hotels). Pro tip for Vancouver in particular: look at buying hotel points and using the points to stay at the hotel in Vancouver. In my case I bought $650 USD in Wyndham points to stay 5 nights at the Worldmark Vancouver which is a condo hotel (like a Sebel). Not bad if you ask me!

He's actually in St Catharines

Be sure to check out Niagara Falls (this is also one of the few parts of Canada where you can get a cheap hotel).

I flatly REFUSE to transit US. So my options were a bit limited inbound. And outbound for that matter.

It really depends on your circumstances. If you aren't a Canada/US citizen or from one of the trusted countries (Australia ain't one of them) then absolutely it is a nightmare. For those who have Nexus (Global Entry) it is pure bliss transiting through the US. You don't even need your passport to enter, it's all facial recognition now. And the best part? You don't talk to an immigration person either! It took me 5 minutes to clear immigration at DFW last time I flew in, whereas in SYD I'm lucky if I can get through in 10.

When I've done this trip in the past I've done Cathay HKG-YYZ return, but I just couldn't get anything on points at the right time this trip.

BA can also be a good option (they fly to YYZ), which can be a quite lucrative redemption if booking as a OneWorld award since you get to fly around the world for 328,000 points in business (making stopovers in Europe, North America, etc.). Another option is Qantas to Japan then Qantas Canada (WestJet) to Calgary (now that they're running 787s out there).

 

[shuuy]

I wouldn't take the chance on whose baggage rules would "win". And didn't.

It's a $400 consequence I think (3 checked bags + travel cot + 2 car seats). So it is material and I'm holding a ticket saying QF baggage rules apply.

Seems like I'm gearing up for a challenge.

 

[RobStrong]

Hey All, I recently found this forum and was interested to see this thread including the suggestion above to get the receipt from Westjet and request Qantas to reimburse. Has anyone had any success with this?

Because I had several flights with Westjet this year with this exact scenario and Qantas flatly refuse to either reimburse or even acknowledge that the issue is that when booking the flight it clearly says checked baggage is included.

 

[shuuy]

I called WS - they acknowledged that the ticket (on their side) says QF's baggage policy holds and 2 pieces per person is allowed.

Now let's see what happens at check-in. Printing out this ticket for sure!

 

[marquisite]

@shuuy Earlier this year I flew one way from Vancouver - LAX with Westjet then LAX - Brisbane with Qantas on a Classic Flight Reward (both flights on one booking and departing the same day). I had no problems checking in 1 piece of luggage on the Westjet flight without any surcharge. Flight confirmation screen on Qantas website said '1 piece' of luggage for the entire Vancouver - Brisbane journey.

As it was my first time flying Westjet (and indeed first time using QFF points with any airline) I asked the Westjet check-in agent and they said I had a 23kg checked luggage allowance. I didn't question the lower weight limit as my luggage wasn't over.

 

[shuuy]

I called WS - they acknowledged that the ticket (on their side) says QF's baggage policy holds and 2 pieces per person is allowed.

Now let's see what happens at check-in. Printing out this ticket for sure!

So wasn’t an issue at all. I couldn’t check-in online or self-service, but no issue checking 6 bags across 3pax for free at the WS terminal. They even put the yellow First Qantas tags on the luggage when checking in!

But the YYC domestic WS lounge was closed to Priority Pass members, and the YVR QF lounge (aka skyteam) didn’t have any seats!

 

[kangarooflyer88]

So wasn’t an issue at all. I couldn’t check-in online or self-service, but no issue checking 6 bags across 3pax for free at the WS terminal. They even put the yellow First Qantas tags on the luggage when checking in!

Good to see they honoured the baggage allowance and provided the Qantas priority tags.

But the YYC domestic WS lounge was closed to Priority Pass members

That is the rub with priority pass. Just because you have lounge membership doesn't mean you can access the lounges you have access to when capacity limits apply. Generally speaking, the lounges need to ensure that those travelling in business or who hold elite status with an airline they are travelling with get access to their lounges since they are paid much better than what PriorityPass offers and the contracts with the airlines generally don't have provisions for things like capacity control (whereas the ones with Priority Pass and DragonPass and name your lounge membership company do).

and the YVR QF lounge (aka skyteam) didn’t have any seats!

Your best option there would be the Cathay Pacific (CX) lounge at YVR provided that you are flying Qantas out of YVR since that lounge re-opened in June last year.

 

[shuuy]

Your best option there would be the Cathay Pacific (CX) lounge at YVR provided that you are flying Qantas out of YVR since that lounge re-opened in June last year.

QF76 leaves at 20h25
CX lounge open only for CX flights (4x/week 20h00 - 23h30, 3x/week 08h30-1200)