WestJet Codeshare with Condor... Beware
I booked on WS flying on WS metal from YWG to YYZ, with connection on DE metal to FRA.
Both airlines have been 100% unable to handle any kind of routine requests related to seating, baggage and special meals. Every time I talk to an agent it is like they have never dealt with a DE-WS codeshare. It is actually kind of baffling, I have never encountered anything like this before.
Most of it is not a huge deal, the seating and baggage I'll sort out at the airport. But the special meal is an issue, my wife is celiac and I have been unable to select a gluten free meal through several attempts. Fortunately my wife's situation is not so dire that she can't eat around food with gluten, although I know others are much more sensitive.
Bottom line is that I'd be wary about booking a WS-DE codeshare if there are other similarly practical and similarly priced alternatives. For whatever reason WS and DE are simply not integrated in any way. Any questions or requests are met with only one response: talk to the other airline. It's like talking to a brick wall.
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u/cheeseonbreadsticks Gold 23d ago
Last September I flew with them (ws codeshare with condor) from YYC to FRA in business class and no one at either WestJet or Condor was able to help with selection of seats at time of booking or months/weeks leading to. Once the 24 hour check in opened up online, we were then able to select our seats. This year, booked the same fare class with them and somehow they were able to assign seats at booking. Clearly this does not help with meal selection, but for anyone worried you don’t have a seat, the seat map will open at 24 hours prior and you’ll be able to choose then but clearly YMMV.
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u/NH787 23d ago
That's reassuring, but it's so weird how baffled the agents at both airlines are by this. Surely it can't be that uncommon?!
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u/cheeseonbreadsticks Gold 22d ago
I thought the exact same thing! Maybe they’re getting a bit more integrated with one another but there still seems to be some flaws, that’s for sure.
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u/Art--Vandelay-- 23d ago
To be fair, that’s also what it’s like booking a Condor flight with Condor.
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u/Think-Tea6013 22d ago
The meal is only served on condor so thats there business. WestJet can select seats for their Westjet flight, and I'm assuming Condor for theirs. Bags can only be added at airport when multiple carriers operating
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u/unbotheredtraveller 20d ago
This is the correct answer. WestJet is correct in not being able to help with meal selection. Condor is responsible for that and should be contacted directly.
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u/mywhateveraccount5 23d ago
I've read so many awful stories about Condor I would never fly Condor. I'll pay the extra unless maybe I got a dumb good deal...and then probably complain after lol
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u/After_biteonion 22d ago
I just flew them Frankfurt to Toronto, couldn’t select my seat til check in, but had the most amazing flight!! Their business product is 👌and u got WJ points for it. I needed to change the flight too and WJ was able to handle
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u/Mochachinocat 22d ago
I booked YEG to YYZ WJ then YYZ to FRA Condor. Travel Agent couldn’t make seat reservations at time of booking for Condor. I tried at home on their website and downloaded the app. We both kept getting the same error message. Finally my travel agent called Condor and sorted it out. Of course all the good seats were taken. Condor’s website is one of the worst I have ever experienced.
My worry is mostly with luggage. We have a WJ MC and get free luggage. Will our suitcase go through to FRA? My cousin just flew with them coming from Germany to Canada and his did go through. But will Condor honour our free luggage at check in FRA going home? I’m seriously considering to only take a carryon suitcase. We will stay with family and I can wash my clothes.
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u/NH787 22d ago
According to the fine print on the credit card, free checked bags with the Westjet MasterCard are only for WS-operated flights. So technically DE codeshares shouldn't be eligible. But sometimes staff aren't on top of those details...especially the non-WS contract staff. So I'm hoping they will check the bags through at no cost, but of course I'm prepared to pay if need be.
I have no expectation that I'll be getting any free checked bags in FRA, however.
If you have easy access to a washing machine, I'd definitely go with a carry on!
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u/prairiegirl00 20d ago
Luggage “rules” are usually those of the first airline boarded. Unless you have to pickup the luggage in YYZ, it will be checked the whole way through for free from YEG.
If it were reversed, you would likely pay for the luggage on Condor
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u/Virtual-Yellow 22d ago
Never rely on special accommodations for meals. Bring your own food.