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WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee : How Much Does It Cost?

By flightshelpcenter

Published on February 4, 2026

Travelers flying with WestJet in 2026 are increasingly looking for ways to enjoy extra comfort, premium services, or a higher cabin experience without purchasing a brand-new ticket. One of the most searched upgrade-related topics is the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee, especially among passengers traveling within Canada, to the U.S., or on long-haul international routes.

This in-depth guide breaks down how WestJet seat upgrades work, including available upgrade options, key pricing factors, refund policies, and proven tips to reduce the overall WestJet seat upgrade cost. Everything is explained in a clear, professional, and traveler-friendly format to help you make smarter and more cost-effective travel decisions.

Quick Overview: WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee depends on several factors, including the route, travel demand, cabin availability, and the time the upgrade is requested. Passengers can upgrade from Economy to Premium (Premium Economy) or Business Class on eligible aircraft, as well as purchase Preferred or Extra Legroom seats. WestJet seat upgrade fees typically start from CAD $25 for preferred seating and can go up to CAD $2,500+ for Business Class upgrades on long-haul international routes. Upgrades can be purchased through WestJet Manage Trips, during online check-in (usually 24–48 hours before departure), or at the airport check-in counter or boarding gate. Pricing is dynamic, and fees may decrease closer to departure if premium seats remain unsold.

Upgrade Costs & Key Factors

Short-Haul Flights (Canada & United States): Economy to WestJet Premium upgrades generally range from CAD $150 to $350, depending on flight duration and seat availability.
Long-Haul Flights (Europe & Transatlantic Routes): Economy to Business Class upgrade fees usually range from CAD $900 to $2,500 or more, especially during peak travel seasons.
Dynamic Pricing: WestJet Seat Upgrade Fees change frequently and may drop closer to departure if higher cabins are not fully booked.
Route & Season: High-demand routes and peak travel periods often increase the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee.

How to Find & Pay for WestJet Seat Upgrades

Manage Booking: Passengers can check upgrade availability and pricing at any time after booking through WestJet Manage Trips on the website or mobile app.
Online Check-In (24–48 Hours Before Departure): Upgrade offers may appear as pop-up options during the check-in process and sometimes include discounted fees.
Airport Upgrade: Travelers may request last-minute upgrades at the airport check-in desk or boarding gate, subject to availability.

Passengers can also use WestJet Rewards dollars or speak directly with a WestJet agent to confirm real-time upgrade options and fees.

Key Things to Know

Availability Is Key: WestJet Seat Upgrade Fees apply only when premium seats remain after elite member upgrades are processed.
Last-Minute Deals: Airport upgrade offers may provide better value but are never guaranteed.
Refund Policy: Most WestJet Seat Upgrade Fees are non-refundable, especially when purchased close to departure or after check-in.
Baggage Benefits: Confirmed upgrades follow the baggage allowance and onboard benefits of the higher cabin.

What Is the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee?

Passengers who wish to move from their originally booked cabin—such as Economy—to a higher class like Premium, Business, or First Class are required to pay an additional charge, commonly referred to as the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee. Instead of reissuing the ticket and charging the full fare difference, WestJet applies a dynamic upgrade pricing model. This means the upgrade cost can vary depending on factors such as route, travel dates, seat availability, and demand at the time of upgrade.

Unlike standard seat selection fees, the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee typically includes enhanced travel benefits such as extra legroom, wider seats, priority boarding, upgraded dining, and access to premium onboard services. On eligible routes, upgrades may also include additional baggage allowance and lounge access.

Factors Affecting the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee

Several key variables determine how much the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee will cost:

Route Distance: Short-haul domestic flights generally have lower upgrade fees, while long-haul international routes command higher prices.
Fare Class Purchased: Basic and Econo fares usually face higher upgrade costs compared to Premium or flexible fare bundles.
Cabin Availability at Time of Request: Limited availability in Premium or Business cabins can increase the upgrade fee, especially close to departure.
Seasonal Demand & Travel Dates: Peak travel seasons, holidays, and weekends often result in higher upgrade pricing.
WestJet Rewards Elite Status: Elite members may receive discounted upgrade offers or complimentary upgrades when seats are available.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee Details (Estimated 2026 Pricing)

While pricing is dynamic, the following ranges provide a realistic estimate of the WestJet Seat Upgrade Cost:

Economy to Premium:
CAD 75 – CAD 200 (short-haul)
CAD 200 – CAD 450 (long-haul)
Economy to Business:
CAD 300 – CAD 700 (North America routes)
CAD 700 – CAD 1,500+ (international routes)
Last-Minute / Same-Day Upgrades:
Prices may drop if seats remain unsold, but availability is not guaranteed.

For exact pricing and real-time availability, travelers can contact WestJet support or speak with an upgrade specialist at +1 (866) 558-3017.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee by Fare Type

Passengers with higher fare bundles often see lower upgrade pricing. For example:

Basic/Econo fares usually face higher upgrade charges
Premium fares often receive discounted Business upgrades
Fully flexible tickets may qualify for promotional upgrades

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee by Route

Domestic routes typically have lower upgrade costs, while international flights—especially transatlantic routes—command higher fees due to premium cabin demand and amenities.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Cost Breakdown

Understanding the typical WestJet Seat Upgrade Cost helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises.

Economy to Premium Upgrade Cost

Short-haul flights: CAD 75–200
Long-haul flights: CAD 200–450

Economy to Business Upgrade Cost

North America routes: CAD 300–700
International routes: CAD 700–1,500+

Last-Minute Seat Upgrade Cost

Same-day or gate upgrades can be cheaper if seats remain unsold, but availability is never guaranteed. Calling +1 (866) 558-3017 before departure can help confirm options.

How to Upgrade Your Seat on WestJet? (Step-by-Step Guide)

WestJet offers multiple convenient ways to upgrade your seat, allowing passengers to move from Economy to Premium, Business, or First Class depending on availability. Each upgrade method comes with different pricing and timing advantages, making it easy to choose the option that best fits your travel needs and budget.

Step 1: Check for an Offer to Upgrade Seat WestJet

After booking your flight, WestJet may send a personalized Offer to Upgrade Seat WestJet via email. These offers are typically:

Discounted compared to standard upgrade prices
Valid for a limited time
Based on seat availability and route demand

Tip: Monitor your email inbox and spam folder regularly, as these upgrade offers can expire quickly.

Step 2: Upgrade Your Seat via the WestJet Website

The WestJet online seat upgrade process is one of the fastest and most popular options.

Steps:

Visit the official WestJet website
Click on “My Trips”
Enter your reservation code and last name
View available seat upgrade options
Pay the displayed WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee securely

This method allows you to compare upgrade prices in real time and select the best value before check-in.

Step 3: Upgrade Using the WestJet Mobile App

The WestJet mobile app seat upgrade option is ideal for travelers who prefer managing bookings on the go.

How it works:

Log in to the WestJet app
Access your booking
Check available upgrades during the check-in window
Confirm and pay directly through the app

Mobile app upgrades are especially useful for last-minute deals and same-day seat availability.

Step 4: Request a Seat Upgrade at the Airport Counter

Passengers can also inquire about upgrades at the airport check-in counter.

Key points:

Subject to availability on the day of departure
Pricing may be competitive during off-peak travel periods
Ideal for flexible travelers open to last-minute changes

Airport agents can provide real-time upgrade pricing and cabin availability.

Step 5: Ask About Gate Upgrade Availability

Gate upgrades are offered shortly before boarding and depend entirely on unsold premium seats.

What to know:

Availability is unpredictable
Prices may be lower than pre-departure upgrades
Priority is often given to Elite status members

This option works best if you arrive early and remain flexible with seating.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee for Premium, Business, and First Class

The WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee varies by cabin type, route, and availability. Upgrading to Premium, Business, or First Class allows passengers to enjoy elevated comfort, priority services, and enhanced onboard amenities without purchasing a brand-new ticket. Below is a detailed breakdown of upgrade options and estimated pricing for 2026.

WestJet Premium Seat Upgrade Fee

The WestJet Premium Seat Upgrade Fee applies when passengers move from Economy to the Premium cabin. This upgrade is popular on both domestic and international routes due to its balance of comfort and cost.

Premium Cabin Benefits:

Wider seats with increased pitch and recline
Extra legroom and dedicated overhead bin space
Priority boarding and check-in
Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Enhanced meal service on select routes

Estimated WestJet Premium Seat Upgrade Fee:

Short-haul domestic routes: CAD 75 – CAD 200
Long-haul or transborder routes: CAD 200 – CAD 450

Premium upgrades are often discounted during online check-in or via targeted email offers.

WestJet Business Class Fee

The WestJet Business Class Fee reflects the airline’s highest in-house cabin experience on select aircraft. Business Class upgrades deliver premium comfort, personalized service, and access to exclusive airport amenities.

Business Class Upgrade Benefits:

Lie-flat or cradle-style seats on select routes
Premium dining with upgraded menus and beverages
Priority security screening and boarding
Lounge access at eligible airports
Increased baggage allowance

Estimated WestJet Business Class Fee:

North America routes: CAD 300 – CAD 700
Long-haul international routes: CAD 700 – CAD 1,500+

Business Class upgrades are best secured early, as availability is limited and demand is high.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee First Class

The WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee First Class applies primarily on partner-operated flights or limited international routes where First Class cabins are available. This upgrade offers the highest level of luxury, privacy, and exclusivity.

First Class Upgrade Benefits:

Fully enclosed or ultra-spacious seating (route-dependent)
Personalized onboard service and gourmet dining
Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
Exclusive lounge or First Class lounge access

Estimated WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee First Class:

Partner and international routes: CAD 1,200 – CAD 3,000+

Due to limited availability, First Class upgrades are rarely offered last minute and are subject to strict fare and route conditions.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee Refund Rules

WestJet seat upgrade fees are generally non-refundable once confirmed. However, a refund may be issued if WestJet changes or cancels the flight and the upgraded seat cannot be provided. Passenger-initiated cancellations usually do not qualify for a refund.

The WestJet seat upgrade fee is mostly non-refundable once the upgrade is confirmed.
If WestJet changes the flight and an upgraded seat is unavailable, a refund may be issued.
For airline-cancelled flights, the upgrade fee is usually refunded.
For passenger-cancelled flights, the upgrade fee is forfeited.
Refund requests can be made via WestJet’s “My Trips” or by contacting +1 (866) 558-3017.
The refund processing time is typically 7–21 business days.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee vs Seat Selection Fee

Seat selection fees only reserve a specific seat within your cabin. Upgrade fees move you to a higher cabin with additional benefits, making the value significantly higher for longer flights.

Feature	WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee	WestJet Seat Selection Fee
Purpose	Upgrades passenger to a higher cabin (Premium, Business, or First Class)	Reserves a specific seat within the same cabin
Cabin Change	Yes – moves you to a higher service class	No – cabin remains unchanged
Typical Cost Range	CAD 75 – CAD 1,500+ (varies by route and cabin)	CAD 15 – CAD 80 (depends on seat type)
Seat Comfort	Wider seats, more legroom, better recline	Standard seat comfort within booked cabin
Priority Boarding	Included	Not included
Baggage Allowance	Often includes extra baggage	No additional baggage
Lounge Access	Included on Business/First Class routes	Not included
Meal & Beverage Service	Enhanced dining and complimentary drinks	Standard onboard service
Best For	Long-haul flights, comfort-focused travelers	Travelers who want preferred seating only
Refund Policy	Usually non-refundable unless airline cancels	Non-refundable in most cases

Common Reasons WestJet Seat Upgrade Fees Change

Fluctuating demand
Cabin inventory changes
Seasonal travel trends
Last-minute operational adjustments

Conclusion

The WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee offers travelers a flexible way to enjoy premium comfort without purchasing a new ticket. By understanding pricing factors, refund rules, and timing strategies, you can maximize value and minimize costs. For personalized assistance, real-time pricing, or upgrade availability, contacting +1 (866) 558-3017 remains one of the most reliable options. With the right approach, upgrading your WestJet seat in 2026 can turn an ordinary flight into a significantly more comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee worth it?

For long-haul, overnight, or international flights, the WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee is often worth the cost due to increased legroom, wider seats, priority boarding, and upgraded onboard services. Many travelers find the added comfort especially valuable on flights longer than four hours.

Can I upgrade my WestJet seat after check-in?

Yes, passengers can upgrade their seats after check-in if availability permits. Upgrade options may appear during online check-in, through the WestJet mobile app, at the airport counter, or directly at the gate before boarding.

Are airport seat upgrades cheaper on WestJet?

Airport upgrades can sometimes be cheaper, but pricing depends on same-day availability and demand. If premium cabins are undersold, last-minute upgrades may be offered at reduced rates; however, discounts are not guaranteed.

Do WestJet seat upgrades include baggage and lounge access?

Premium and Business Class upgrades often include additional baggage allowance, priority services, and lounge access. Included benefits vary by route, aircraft, and cabin type, so travelers should review upgrade details before purchasing.

Can I get a refund if I don’t like my upgraded seat?

Refunds are generally not provided if you choose not to use the upgraded seat. A refund may apply only if WestJet is unable to deliver the upgraded cabin or associated services.

WestJet Seat Upgrade Fee : How Much Does It Cost?