WestJet has removed several extras from its entry-level fares, reshaping what travellers get when they book the airline’s cheapest tickets.

The new basic fares no longer include lounge access, seat selection or other perks that many passengers have come to expect. The change means customers who want those benefits must now pay more or choose a higher fare class.

The move is part of a wider shift across the airline industry, where carriers are increasingly separating core airfare from optional services. For travellers, that can make headline prices look lower at first glance, but the final cost rises once add-ons are included.

Budget-conscious passengers are likely to feel the impact most. Seat selection has become a standard expectation for many travellers, particularly on longer flights or for groups travelling together. Removing it from the cheapest fare could push some customers toward paid upgrades earlier in the booking process.

Lounge access is also affected, narrowing the gap between basic economy-style fares and more flexible tickets. For frequent flyers, the loss of these perks reduces the value of entry-level tickets and may influence airline choice on routes where competition is strong.