WestJet recently introduced service fees for certain “bundled fares” when booking by telephone.
• Read also: New “UltraBase” fare without carry-on baggage: WestJet customers are furious
“A fee of $35 to $42.30 will be charged for UltraBase fare reservations. These fees will be $25 to $29.25 for Econo and EconoFlex fares,” it says on the air carrier’s website.
According to the president of Vol en tard, Jacob Charbonneau, airlines are increasing incidental costs of this type in order, in particular, to keep their prices stable despite inflation.
“It’s a bit of a phenomenon of re-inflation as we see in grocery stores, where we have the same packaging, but we have a little less products included,” he says.
Airlines would also try to imitate the business model of European low-cost carriers, in particular.
“So we have a low purchase price, but with a lot of related products,” he says. So we find ourselves having to pay now for almost everything.”
The airline WestJet has also replaced its base fare with the UltraBase offer, which does not include carry-on baggage, unlike its predecessor.
This decision was not unanimous among its customers while some saw it as an attempt to offer less service for the same price.
The airline then defended itself by indicating that it believes “that UltraBase will be a welcome addition to [son] product offering for travelers looking for a no-frills fare option.
According to Mr. Charbonneau, the elements to take into consideration when purchasing a plane ticket are changing.
“What is important when shopping for a plane ticket now is not just to shop around for the price, but to look at the classes of service and see what is included,” he says.
“Often, shopping for a class of service, in the end, it comes out cheaper, because if you take the least expensive class, but you take all the products, it is often more expensive,” he continues. . We find ourselves paying fees for cabin baggage, checked baggage, seat selection and various other options.”
Watch the full interview in the video above.
