WestJet now is offering Hopper Technology Solutions' "Cancel for Any Reason" offering as an ancillary product on its website and mobile app, enabling travelers essentially to turn a nonrefundable fare into a refundable fare for an extra fee.
The Canadian carrier is offering the CFAR option on its Econo and EconoFlex fares, with the cost varying based on the fare, route, travel dates and number of travelers on the booking. When purchased, travelers can choose either an 80 percent or 100 percent refund available to their original form of payment up to 24 hours prior to departure, regardless of the reason for the cancellation.
That "removes the friction and uncertainty from travel planning," WestJet deputy chief commercial officer and SVP of revenue and distribution Jorge Rozo said in a statement. "We know travel plans can change, and we want guests to have the option to make those change with total confidence, no matter the reason."
Other carriers offering CFAR include WestJet competitor Air Canada as well as Virgin Australia, Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier Flyadeal, Kuwaiti LCC Jazeera Airways and AirAsia's Move app. In March, HTS launched a CFAR option for hotels, and Serko earlier this month said it is offering it under the name "stress-free cancellation" in the recently released beta version of its Serko.ai personal travel assistant.