WestJet completes integration of Sunwing Airlines – what agents need to know

The WestJet Group has officially completed its integration of Sunwing Airlines, the company announced Wednesday (May 28).

"Completing two airline consolidations in just two years—the first with Swoop in 2024 and now Sunwing—was complex and required coordination across every aspect of our business, from operational, labour, and regulatory areas to experiential and cultural elements," stated Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of the WestJet Group. "Achieving this milestone is proof of the incredible way our unified team works together and is a clear win for WestJet and our guests; it's also a story of transformation in Canadian aviation. A huge thanks to everyone who contributed!"

WestJet acquired Sunwing in May 2023. The decision to integrate Sunwing Airlines is part of a strategy that the company says will deliver new and competitive travel options, and greater overall value for Canadians in sun and leisure markets.

WestJet has now integrated all jet aircraft under a single Air Operator Certificate (AOC), including 16 former Swoop aircraft, another nine former Lynx Air aircraft which were secured after that airline went out of business, and now 18 more from Sunwing Airlines.

READ MORE: WestJet & Sunwing host first trade event together; baggage, service changes coming May 29

The last flight operated by Sunwing Airlines will take place today (May 28).

"The final Sunwing-operated flight this week is a time to reflect," von Hoensbroech stated, recognizing that Sunwing has played an important and influential role in the Canadian leisure travel market.

"I know every Sunwing employee, past and present feels their contributions have mattered to advancing the experience of air travel. To all WestJetters and former Sunwing team members: thank you. This milestone is your achievement, and a proud moment for us all."

Travel advisor need-to-knows

With the integration, there are some need-to-knows for the trade.

As previously reported, all customers who booked a package with Sunwing Vacations or WestJet Vacations will now travel on aircraft operated by WestJet Airlines.

As the Sunwing and WestJet marry their systems, Sunwing Vacations will remain. So will its connection to hoteliers, such as RIU and Blue Diamond Resorts.

Clients will now fly on the same WestJet aircraft and be welcomed by Nexus in destinations.

But one change, related to the integration, is how a Sunwing Airlines booking is made with WestJet's PNR.

WestJet’s PNR code will now be required at check-in and passengers will have three opportunities to obtain this code:

• Five days before departure, it will be accessible in the My Booking portal for Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations.
• Seventy-two hours before departure, WestJet will send a "Get Ready to Travel" email containing the PNR code to the passenger or their travel advisor.
• Finally, a check-in reminder, again including the code, will be sent 24 hours before departure.

The change stems from the fact that flights will now be operated by a scheduled airline—present in the GDS—rather than a charter.

"This code is only required at check-in, not during steps like seat selection or adding baggage," said Lyne Chayer, vice president, Quebec, at Sunwing, speaking to PAX Nouvelles in Montreal in April. 

Changes to baggage allowance

Baggage allowance is also changing. Starting May 29, the rules around baggage and seat selection will be aligned with those of WestJet.

Before, the purchase of a Sunwing package includes one free checked bag (up to 23 kg), while carry-on baggage is chargeable.

After the integration, it will be the other way around: one personal item and one carry-on bag will be included free of charge, while checked baggage will become chargeable.

Fees will also vary depending on when baggage is added to the booking:

• $35 + tax if the baggage is checked well in advance,
• $45 if it is added 24 hours before departure,
• $55 if it is checked at the WestJet counter at the airport.

For groups, there's no change: checked baggage remains included, since group bookings are always made at least 60 days before departure.

Starting May 29, the service on board flights operated by WestJet Airlines will differ in some respects from that of Sunwing Airlines.

Passengers will be entitled to complimentary non-alcoholic beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc.) and snacks (such as pretzels or cookies). Additional food and beverage options will remain available for purchase à la carte.

However, the duty-free shop and onboard excursion sales will no longer be offered on WestJet flights.

As for aircraft layout, Chayer said that even though WestJet's aircraft are configured like Sunwing's, the Elite Plus seating option will no longer be available as of May 29.

Passengers will only be able to choose between standard seats and seats located near the emergency exits until WestJet’s redesign is complete.

Also, any air travel-related issues—flight delays or cancellations, lost or damaged baggage, etc.—will be handled by WestJet.

Sunwing Vacations Group’s customer service department, meanwhile, will continue to handle travel-related requests around accommodations, rooms and meals.

Since Sunwing Vacations' summer season runs from May 1 to October 31, some customers may fly on a Sunwing Airlines Boeing 737 on the outbound leg and a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737 on the return leg, if their vacation falls on May 29.

Sunwing-branded aircraft may also be seen until the end of the year, while the cabin repainting and interior refurbishment of the entire fleet are completed.

These orange aircraft, however, will be operated under the WestJet Airlines license, with WestJet personnel wearing WestJetter uniforms.

The integration of Sunwing Airlines into WestJet Airlines is accompanied, in the opposite direction, by the integration of tour operator WestJet Vacations into the Sunwing Vacations Group.

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