WestJet's new 'UltraBasic fare' lets broke travellers save money (while feeling deep shame)

If you love paying less for things and don't mind sacrificing just about every flying perk, WestJet's latest offering is sure to please. The Canadian airline announced this week that it'll be replacing its lowest cost service called 'Basic fare' with an option that has even fewer frills: the new 'UltraBasic fare.'

They don't quite strap you to the outside of the plane, but you can't bring a carry-on bag.

You can, however, look forward to the joy of cramming an entire trip's worth of stuff into a personal item, like a purse, small enough to fit under your seat — all at no extra charge!

That said, guests flying on transpacific and transatlantic routes will be permitted to bring a carry-on bag in addition to a personal item and you can always add checked baggage for an extra fee.

While WestJet promises in a press release that the new fare allows them to offer more budget-friendly airfares to more destinations, the question becomes: how much are you willing to endure to save some bucks while you travel? Because the ban on carry-ons isn't the only eyebrow-raising feature of the airline's new service.

Guests who book with UltraBasic also have to sit in a pre-assigned seat at the back of the plane, and will be the last to board.

Sweet! Lots of time to wait around and feel deep shame over how broke you are. What a fun way to start a vacation.

WestJet says the "introduction of UltraBasic will expedite the boarding process, contributing to enhanced on time performance and a better guest experience," and you can pay extra to select your seat in advance.

“With UltraBasic, guests can tailor a travel experience that meets their needs, without paying for additional services they don’t value. We are delivering on our low-fare promise and believe UltraBasic will give more Canadians the opportunity to fly,” says John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice-president and chief commercial officer, in the press release.

WestJet’s other fare offerings, including Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, PremiumFlex, Business and BusinessFlex, continue to be available.

It's worth noting that Canada's only independent ultra low-priced carrier, Flair Airlines, also only allows for one personal item with the purchase of a ticket, while carry-on and checked baggage costs extra. That means this stuff is fairly standard when flying on the cheap.

So, would you try UltraBasic?

At least the points you'll accumulate could help make up for a less enjoyable travel experience? Ah, wait, UltraBasic flyers aren't eligible to earn WestJet rewards points. Nevermind.

Well, take some time to think it over. Just don't book if you're unsure. UltraBasic customers can't change or cancel their bookings — not even for an additional fee.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.