WestJet offers discounts, repatriation fares on routes served by Lynx

WestJet posted a statement late Thursday (Feb. 22) after Lynx Air announced an end to its flight operations, which will take effect 12:01 a.m. MT on Mon., Feb. 26, 2024.

Recognizing the “immediate impact” the decision has on Lynx passengers, WestJet is taking the following actions to assist:

All travel: 25 per cent discount on all economy cabin fares on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel between Feb. 22, 2024, and Oct. 26, 2024, booking to be made up until Feb. 29, 2024. For travel agent-facilitated bookings only, the discount code is WST89. Click here to access the airline's website for the trade. 

Canadian repatriation for transborder and sun: Fares are capped at $250 plus taxes and fees on all northbound economy cabin fares, on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until Feb. 29, 2024, booking to be made before Feb. 29, 2024.

READ MORE: "Difficult news”: Lynx files for creditor protection, final flight set for Feb. 26

All domestic fares on non-stop WestJet routes previously served by Lynx, for travel up until Feb. 29, 2024, will not exceed $500 plus taxes and fees.

All capped fares will be reflective on westjet.com on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024.

All bookings are only available online through westjet.com.

“WestJet has managed pricing to ensure fares reflect a reduction from what would typically be charged,” the airline said. “We are communicating closely with government officials and supporting agencies that are also working to address the needs of those impacted.”

A "terrible shock"

According to an internal Lynx memo that PAX obtained Thursday, Lynx has filed for creditor protection from the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to secure adequate funding for the airline and today we filed for protection from our creditors under a CCAA filing," wrote Jim Sullivan, interim CEO of Lynx, which is based in Calgary.

Sullivan continued to say that the outcome is a "terrible shock" and "not how our story was intended to play out."

He said the airline, which launched in April 2022, executed strategic plans over the years to enhance its brand, foster company growth, and explore new markets and destinations.

Lynx originally developed its business case before the pandemic. Sullivan said it “exceeded expectations upon the return of travellers to the skies once travel restrictions were lifted.

The airline cited compounding financial pressures associated with inflation, fuel costs, exchange rates, cost of capital, regulatory costs and “competitive tension” in the Canadian market as challenges.

Lynx has posted an FAQ for customers here. Passengers with existing bookings are being advised to contact their credit card company to secure refunds for pre-booked travel.

Lynx's website lists 23 destinations, including most major Canadian cities and U.S. locations such as Phoenix, San Francisco and Tampa Bay.

"I expect Lynx to fully refund you"

Canada's transport minister posted a statement on social media Thursday, saying that he's thinking about those who are affected by the news.

"For any travellers that had a return flight booked with Lynx, I expect Lynx to help you get back home as soon as possible,'' Pablo Rodriguez wrote. "I expect Lynx to fully refund you if your fare won't be honoured."

"My office has been in touch with Lynx, we will continue to communicate with all parties, and we've convened calls with other airlines to see how they can help, to ensure that passengers are put first.''

Last week, reports suggested that Lynx and its low-cost rival, Flair Airlines, had entered merger talks. Although, no official confirmation of any deal has materialized. 

In the meantime, here’s the WestJet routes that Lynx serviced.

Domestic

Edmonton – Toronto (YEG-YYZ)

Hamilton – Calgary (YHM-YYC)

Halifax – Toronto (YHZ-YYZ)

Ottawa – Calgary (YOW-YYC)

Quebec City – Calgary (YQB-YYC)

Regina – Vancouver (YQR-YVR)

Regina – Toronto (YQR-YYZ)

Montreal – Vancouver (YUL-YVR)

Montreal – Calgary (YUL-YYC)

Vancouver – Winnipeg (YVR-YWG)

Vancouver – Calgary (YVR-YYC)

Vancouver – Toronto (YVR-YYZ)

Winnipeg – Calgary (YWG-YYC)

Winnipeg – Toronto (YWG-YYZ)

Calgary – Toronto (YYC-YYZ)

Charlottetown – Toronto (YYG-YYZ)

St. John’s – Toronto (YYT-YYZ)

Transborder

Las Vegas – Calgary (LAS-YYC)

Los Angeles – Calgary (LAX-YYC)

Los Angeles – Toronto (LAX-YYZ)

Orlando – Vancouver (MCO-YVR)

Orlando – Calgary (MCO-YYC)

Orlando – Toronto (MCO-YYZ)

Phoenix – Calgary (PHX-YYC)

Fort Meyers – Toronto (RSW-YYZ)

Tampa – Toronto (TPA-YYZ)

Latin/Caribbean

Cancun – Toronto (CUN-YYZ)

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