Calgary, Alberta – WestJet has issued updated travel advisories alerting passengers to potential disruptions affecting flights into and out of Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and offering specific relief measures for travelers impacted by a forest fire near Kelowna, British Columbia.
The airline cited ongoing Air Traffic Control (ATC) staffing shortages at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) as the primary cause for potential delays affecting flights arriving at or departing from the major West Coast hub. The advisory indicates that this situation could lead to unpredictable schedule variations for passengers utilizing YVR.
Kelowna Wildfire Triggers Specific Travel Advisory
Adding to the operational complexities, a forest fire burning in proximity to Kelowna, BC, has prompted WestJet to issue a separate, time-sensitive travel advisory. This specific advisory is in effect for flights scheduled to operate between July 6, 2025, and July 7, 2025.
In direct response to the Kelowna fire advisory impacting travel during this two-day window, WestJet is implementing passenger-friendly policies to provide flexibility for affected bookings.
WestJet Offers Fee Waivers for Affected Kelowna Flights
For flight-only bookings specifically for travel between July 6, 2025, and July 7, 2025, WestJet is offering a $0 one-time fee waiver for changes or cancellations. This policy is being applied broadly across all fare types, including the airline’s UltraBasic fare, which typically has significant restrictions on modifications.
Travelers opting to change their destination or cabin class under this waiver should be aware that while the change fee is waived, the applicable fare difference will still apply. In instances where the new fare is lower, any residual funds will be refunded according to the airline’s standard procedures.
Crucially, any changed travel utilizing this waiver must be completed within 60 days of the original departure date stated on the initial ticket. This provides a limited window for passengers to reschedule their travel plans.
Understanding Cancellation Policies
For passengers choosing to cancel their flight-only bookings under the terms of this specific advisory, the handling of funds will vary based on the fare class originally purchased. Funds will be either refunded to the original form of payment or provided as a travel credit, depending on the fare class rules. Notably, flights booked under Basic fares will receive a travel credit rather than a monetary refund.
For bookings where any portion was paid using WestJet dollars, Travel Bank credit, or a WestJet Rewards companion voucher, these forms of payment will be returned to the passenger’s account. It is important for travelers to note that these credits or vouchers will be returned with their original expiration dates, meaning the validity period is not extended by the cancellation under this advisory.
Implications for WestJet Vacations
The fee waiver policy also extends to WestJet Vacations bookings for travel during the same July 6-7, 2025 period. Similar fee waivers for changes or cancellations are available for fare packages. However, this flexibility is applicable only to bookings where the scheduled flights have not already been delayed or cancelled by the airline due to the wildfire or related operational impacts.
WestJet encourages all travelers flying through Vancouver (YVR) or to/from Kelowna during the affected period to monitor their flight status regularly and review the detailed advisories published on the official WestJet website for the most current information and specific terms and conditions applicable to their booking.
