WestJet Seat Upgrade Guide

A Calgary-based carrier offering a mix of low-cost and full-service flights across Canada, the U.S., Caribbean, and Europe. For travelers needing to request a seat upgrade, WestJet follows industry-standard policies along with a number of carrier-specific rules tied to fare class, route, and how the ticket was originally purchased. This guide walks you through the entire process — from gathering your booking details to confirming a successful outcome.

Move up to extra legroom, premium economy, business, or first class with confidence. Whether your trip departs from Calgary or connects through another hub, the steps below apply to most WestJet reservations. If you're short on time or your situation is unusual, our independent travel assistance team can talk you through the fastest path at +1-844-761-5320.

Founded in 1996, WestJet operates an extensive network and has invested heavily in self-service tools. That means many seat upgrade requests can be completed online — but knowing exactly where to click, what to upload, and what to expect afterward makes the difference between a smooth result and days of back and forth.

1. 1Open your booking and check current upgrade availability for your flight.
2. 2Choose your upgrade type: paid upgrade, miles + co-pay, elite complimentary, or bid-for-upgrade.
3. 3Submit your upgrade request through Manage My Booking or at check-in.
4. 4Confirm payment, mileage debit, or bid amount.
5. 5Watch for a confirmation email and updated boarding pass.
6. 6If on a waitlist, monitor your status — many upgrades clear at the gate.

Before you submit your seat upgrade request to WestJet, confirm you meet the eligibility conditions below. Meeting one or more of these typically unlocks the smoothest path:

• Eligible fare class (most deeply discounted fares are not upgradeable).
• Sufficient miles in your loyalty account, if using miles.
• Available premium inventory on your specific flight.
• Elite status (for complimentary or priority upgrades).
• Bid-for-upgrade offer accepted by the airline's revenue system.

Paid upgrades and miles upgrades typically confirm instantly when inventory is available. Waitlisted upgrades may clear anywhere from a few days out to minutes before boarding. Bid-for-upgrade offers are usually decided 48–72 hours before departure.

WestJet generally communicates progress by email to the address on the booking. If you used a travel agency or OTA, expect updates to come through them instead. Keep your reference number handy — it's the single fastest way to pull up your case.

Upgrade costs vary widely by route, cabin, and demand: extra-legroom seats can start around $30, premium economy upgrades from $99, and business or first class upgrades may range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars or a similar value in miles plus a co-pay.

Always check the exact fare rules attached to your WestJet ticket. Two passengers on the same flight can pay different amounts based on the fare class they purchased and the date of original ticketing.

• Upgrades are subject to availability and may be revoked due to aircraft swaps.
• Some upgrades do not earn mileage at the higher cabin level.
• Upgrade certificates and elite instruments must be used per published rules.

• Check seat maps the day before — premium availability often opens up close to departure.
• Polite, well-timed gate requests still work, especially on full economy flights.
• If you have elite status, make sure your account is correctly attached to the reservation.

Hubs like Calgary run at high capacity, especially during peak season — building extra buffer time and reconfirming your booking 24 hours before departure dramatically reduces the chance of surprises.

If you'd rather speak to a live travel support specialist about your WestJet seat upgrade request — including escalations, complex itineraries, or multi-passenger bookings — call our independent assistance line. We're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.