Flying in the footsteps of its larger rival, WestJet Airlines Ltd. said Monday that it will fold a charge for fuel in the advertised ticket price of its flights.
"We are pleased to be able to simplify airfares for consumers by incorporating our fuel surcharge into the advertised price," said Clive Beddoe, president and chief executive of the Calgary-based discount carrier. "Travellers can now benefit from advertised fares that are more representative of the final price, allowing for simplified fare comparisons between Canada's airlines."
Air Canada broke the ground with its decision last Wednesday, announcing that as of Jan. 21, it would incorporate a fuel surcharge of between $10 and $20 into the base ticket price for domestic flights. That applies to Air Canada, its discounter Zip Air Inc. and its regional airline Air Canada Jazz.
Critics have complained of advertised tickets that appear cheap but can double in cost once a variety of surcharges are added in.
In WestJet's case, a charge for fuel of $10, $14, or $20 -- depending on the length of flight -- will be included in the advertised price of flights as of Jan. 21.
The carrier said it has backed the notion of incorporating fuel surcharges into the price of airfares since March, 2003, and added that it was "pleased that the industry has come to a consensus on this issue."
WestJet congratulated Air Canada on leading the way with its decision.
Montreal-based Jetsgo Corp., another Canadian competitor, is expected to follow suit.
Roma Luciw