A BUDGET airline has unveiled a no-frills ‘ultra-basic’ option, where the passenger only has the option of getting a seat, and nothing else.
The Canadian low-cost airline has scaled back its offering, making it the world’s “worst airline ticket.”
WestJet airline recently announced its new ticket option aimed at affordable air travel.
Similar to RyanAir’s bag policy, WestJet said only personal items that fit under the front seat were allowed.
While checked baggage is allowed for an additional fee.
However, passengers who choose the budget-friendly option will not be able to choose their seat.
Anyone flying is automatically assigned seats toward the back of the plane, including middle seats, and does not necessarily have to sit next to the others the passenger is traveling with.
However, like checked baggage, passengers have the option to choose their seat for an additional fee.
Group executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, John Weatherill, said: “We are committed to the affordability of air travel.
“UltraBasic is an innovative, cost-effective solution that strengthens WestJet’s ability to offer guests budget-friendly airfares to more destinations.”
Many budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air only allow one small under-seat bag in the price of their tickets, and charge customers extra if they want more luggage.
In a statement, the airline said: “We believe these changes will help us continue to provide competitive air travel options while we focus on operational excellence.”
The airline also told CBC News that the goal of the ultra-basic ticket option was to “speed up the boarding process and provide competitive pricing.”
It is not the first time that budget airlines have made questionable choices in the guise of affordable options.
In 2017, a Colombian airline announced it plans to eliminate seats to make air travel more affordable.
VivaColombia wants to remove all seats from their planes and allow economy class passengers to stand.
William Shaw, then founder and CEO of VivaColombia, said: “There are people currently looking into whether you can fly standing up – we’re very interested in anything that makes travel cheaper.”
The airline later ceased operations due to financial difficulties in 2023.
Budget airline Ryanair is also no stranger to basic airfares.
Currently, the airline’s most basic option offers one small personal item that fits under the front seat.
Customers must pay for any additional carry-on baggage, checked baggage and seat assignments.
The strict baggage rules have led to a slew of TikTok videos from customers on how to ‘hack’ the system.
These tricks include removing the filling from a neck pillow and replacing it with clothing that fills a normal pillow with extra clothing, or wearing multiple layers of clothing during the flight.
However, the airline has promised to take tough action against the British to avoid baggage fees.
What does a Westjet Ultra Basic ticket provide?
Canadian airline WestJet has unveiled its ‘ultra basic’ airline ticket.
The ‘no nonsense’ option has recently been introduced and could signal the start of a wider trend.
And even though the benefits of flying have been scaled back, a ticket between Vancouver and Toronto still costs $288.28 CAN (£165).
So what does that get you?
- One seat randomly assigned to the rear of the aircraft
- One small personal item (such as a camera bag, sports ball, or dog carrier)
Passengers booking an ultra-basic fare will also be the last person to board their flight and will have to pay more than normal for any luggage.