WestJet, Virgin Atlantic expand loyalty benefits

WestJet Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members can now earn points with their preferred loyalty program on each of the carrier’s entire network including VS-WS codeshare flights.

The update to the partnership is particularly meaningful for WestJet guests travelling on Virgin Atlantic’s Toronto (YYZ) – London (LHR) route, which serves as a popular bridge for thousands of Canadians that connect through Toronto Pearson to reach Virgin Atlantic’s primary hub at London Heathrow.

John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, said that: “Strengthening ties with a world-class airline like Virgin Atlantic has long delivered stronger connectivity for our guests. Today’s announcement builds on that foundation, unlocking greater value and expanded opportunities for WestJet Rewards members to engage with our loyalty program.”

Weatherill continued: “By broadening the ways members can earn and redeem WestJet points, we are making it easier for guests to get even more value out of every journey with WestJet and Virgin Atlantic.”

Juha Jaervinen, Virgin Atlantic Chief Customer Officer, said that: “Our partnership with WestJet continues to strengthen, providing our Flying Club members more choice and connectivity in how they fly between Canada, the UK and beyond.”

Jaervinen continued: “As we approach the one-year anniversary of our return to Toronto, we’re pleased to deliver more ways for our customers to earn and burn through Flying Club alongside our partners at WestJet and introduce increased capacity with daily flights on our largest aircraft, 397 –seater, Airbus A350-1000 for the summer season.”

In addition to expanded earning opportunities, WestJet Rewards members will continue to be able to redeem WestJet points as a form of payment on WestJet codeshare flights operated by Virgin Atlantic, which are now available to be booked via www.WestJet.com.

This includes redemption on WestJet marketed flights via London-Heathrow to:

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB)
• Malé, Maldives (MLE)
• Cape Town, South Africa (CPT)
• Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB)

Last year, WestJet revamped its rewards program, adding more value and flexibility, while maintaining the program’s simplicity. Integrating WestJet Rewards with Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club marks the first airline loyalty partnership since the update and the first new reciprocal flyer partnership for WestJet in almost 10 years.