Comments on: Southwest’s WestJet Codeshare Means A Lot More Than Just Canada

By: Stacy Richardson

Stacy Richardson — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:22:07 +0000

Southwest: they are now free to move about the continent.

By: CF

CF — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:04:58 +0000

Jonathan – Yep, my understanding is that they’re starting with codesharing, and that required a significant amount of systems upgrading as well. The ultimate goal is to be able to fly internationally, but they aren’t going to dip their toes into that water until they’ve done a codeshare first. Since this codeshare may not even been truly announced until late 2009, we’re looking at a long ways off before any Canyon Blue planes cross the border.

By: Jonathan Heckman

Jonathan Heckman — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:57:42 +0000

CF – Southwest has stated that they are currently in the process of upgrading their computer systems for international travel so that they can fly internationally in the future.

By: CF

CF — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:34:44 +0000

A – I’m with DRG. I’d expect to see WestJet do more in places where they can connect with Southwest. BWI? Midway? All seem to be good possibilities to me. As for Southwest flying to Canada, I think that’s even further off. One day, I’m sure they will, but it won’t be soon, I’d guess.

By: DRG

DRG — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:28:53 +0000

I think the short answer is “yes” The company has wanted to go back into business markets (ie Newark) and I think this will help that.

By: DRG

DRG — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:27:14 +0000

Thanks J, but a true Southwest model in Canada is not really possible because of high Canadian taxes and fees. Airport rent impacts landing fees, and the ATSC, Nav Can, GST etc… easily add $100 to a one-way ticket. A $39 fare is not really effective in that environment. I find AC and WestJet usually pretty cost competitive

By: A

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:25:13 +0000

My question is, will Westjet start flying to US locations that are more than just warm weather tourist spots? Outside of New York and Los Angeles their route map in the US is arguably a tourist charter airline, and I’d argue the LA & NYC routes are mostly tourists as well.

I’m not flying to Vegas just to turn around and go to Canada…and I do travel to Canada frequently and happen to prefer Westjet over AC.

Or, will Southwest start flying north of the border so Americans can tap the Westjet route network up there? Seems more a way for Canadian passengers to have a codeshare option outside of AC/UA and provide little effect on the American wanting to go north.

By: James H

James H — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:32:25 +0000

I agree with DRG: West Jet (WJ)’s business model was inspired directly by SW and their work cultures are a good fit. WJ’s founder recently hailed SW’s model as a way to counter Air Canada (AC)’s lock on the Canadian marketplace (re: higher airfares).

By: DRG

DRG — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:45:22 +0000

This is important for WestJet, which doesn’t have brand recognition in the U.S. It was doing fine on U.S. routes with Canadians but not so much with Americans. And AC is very dominant transborder, where it has a UA codeshare relationship in place so even if U.S. originating travellers might prefer a U.S. brand over a foreign one, they still often end up on AC metal.

By: Jonathan Heckman

Jonathan Heckman — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:16:52 +0000

I’m very excited to see this partnership happen. At least they didn’t sign an international codeshare that isn’t worth it, like the codeshare between Southwest and Icelandair a few years back. I think the two have a lot to offer each other.

However, I think sometime in the future Southwest will expand their own branding outside of U.S. borders, rather than just codeshares.