Earlier this month, Canada-based airline WestJet rolled out their app for iPhone, following up on their Android app which was released late in 2013. When WestJet announced their Android app, they were socially savvy about it, going so far as to embed the tweets of people complaining about their historic lack of apps into the app announcement post on their WestJet blog.
Since twitter complaints seemed to work for Android and iOS users, I'll follow the same logic by bringing some attention to @ammccloys' twitter conversation with @westjet this week regarding WestJet's development —or rather lack thereof —of an app for BlackBerry.
@CrackBerry perhaps an article about how "Proudly Canadian" @westjet is acting. Time to call out some companies pic.twitter.com/I193VD6YHN
— Amccloy (@amccloy14) May 29, 2014Shunning the idea of porting their Android app over to BlackBerry 10 (which wouldn't be a big investment and would make a lot of Canadian BB10 users happy at a minimum), WestJet further went onto explain that there are not enough BlackBerry users to justify their return on developing a native BlackBerry 10 app.
For a company that prides itself on being "Proudly Canadian", it's not exactly the type of response I'm overjoyed at reading. Also, if there's one place where there is a high concentration of BlackBerry Smartphones, I tend to find it's on Canada's airlines. Definitely on Air Canada (which has a lot of business users flying out of Toronto), and I also notice a lot of BlackBerry phones when I fly with WestJet too.
Since I'm proudly Canadian, I actually try and spread my money between both Air Canada and WestJet. In fact, just last night I dropped $1,414.65 with WestJet booking my ticket for Montreal/Miami next weekend. Good thing I didn't see this tweet until this morning. Had I read it last night I would have went with Air Canada, who was proud to release a BlackBerry 10 app.
Reader comments
Sorry @WestJet, that wasn't a very "Proudly Canadian" response
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Looks like Westjet has confirmed via Twitter that they are working with BlackBerry to port their app. Good news.
Posted via CB10
Goodlife does the same. They totally skip out creating an app for BB and still pride themselves as being proudly Canadian.
To be honest, I could care less whether either Cdn Airline has an app. I will still fly AC if I have to - tired of the incessant calls from WJ & imbecile behaviour of their staff. Kiddy airline in my view. After a cpl of particularly bad landings in still air...? And then trying to dock at the wrong gate...? no mass.
As for bbry, pooh - poohing our platform is still very much in vogue..everywhere.
I simply don't require an app for a trip I book, 2-3 months in advance.
Via what's really, a BOLD X....on X.II.I
Believe it or not but the fact that EasyJet have a BB10 app was part of the reason I booked to fly my family with them in August. And that the alternative was RyanAir.....ewww.
But seriously, airlines should accept that if they want customers to use automated checkin etc then they need to make provision.
Sleazy corporate stuff. And stupid, given how inexpensive it would be to port over android app. Maybe if our federal government showed a little leadership on the buy Canada, support Canada front, the message might resonate. Jet Blue has a great buy American model. People feel good about it, and it's making cents.
Posted via CB10
Just got a reply via Twitter that they are considering porting their Android app to BlackBerry 10...keep pushing them.
Posted via CB10
Well I let west jet know my thoughts I encourage more of us to leave feedback and we'll see what happens. I fly westjet all the time but now I'm rethinking that..
Posted via CB10
Anyone can still access their site on BB10 browser... the same thing you would do if you are using a conventional laptop or pc... I don't think that absence of app is really an issue... unless you are traveling frequently as in 3 to 4 times a week... and there is "BlackBerry Travel"... don't know (since I haven't use it) but it is probably somehow going to be useful for traveling purpose...
Posted via CB10
Is it really that hard to understand why people are upset when WJ ("proudly Canadian") basically said they (proud and passionate BlackBerry users) are insignificant and unworthy? Why would anyone who feels insulted by this continue to support such a company when there are other options as well? It was the same with Rogers and the Z30.
If WJ not making an app is fair, then so is not supporting WJ for disregarding what you are passionate about.
I just hope the people who are upset speak with their wallets as well and make sure WJ knows why they aren't getting their business.
Posted via CB10
Welcome in the rest of the world! Now Blackberry enthusiasts might feel how Blackberry loving Europe is feeling!
Posted via CB10
I am a BlackBerry user and I fly WestJet.
I see many business travellers who use BlackBerrys flying WestJet.
Make the app for us.
Well said Big Scotty!! one of the most ridiculous posts that I have read in a long time
Posted via CB10
I've just tweeted them as well. Hopefully they'll get bombarded about a BB10 version and will reconsider. I contacted Porter Airlines about a BB10 app a while ago and got a response that was pretty close to the one Kevin got from Westjet.
Next target is Porter @porterairlines
Used to fly Westjet a lot and was proud they were a Canadian company but after reading their ignorant tweet I had a complete change of opinion - someone needs to fire the small mind idiot that writes they tweets -or at least have him scraping bird crap off the wings. They don't even have a Bbm channel -stuck in i-sheep land....
Posted via CB10
is this any different from being annoyed by the number of apple and Android users in Canada that call themselves "proud canadiens" but will hate on blackberry for not making a "decent" phone?
Posted via CB10
WestJet is one thing, but what about companies that "support" blackberry like Canadian tire? They're never going to release a bb10 app...
Posted via CB10
Shame on you @westjet. Shame on you. No more WestJet for me or my family.
Proud Canadian user since black and white
Just booked Air Canada for 4 in June to Dominican, instead of previously agreeing to go West Jet.
Yup - all over a tweet because that's what "Proudly Canadian" does.
Posted via CB10
Seriously what is it with millions of dollars in revenue companies bitching about $11,000 in app building expenses?
Am I jaded? How much does it usually cost? A great dev right here in Toronto can single-handedly make these apps!
Posted via CB10
Really? Would have gone with Air Canada? Over a Tweet?
Air Canada sucks ass and is only still around because of Government Bailouts. I too am proudly Canadian, but I don't support crap just because it is Canadian made.
Actually Air Canada has again been ranked number one is canada.
BB Proud
Yeah and they're fucking awesome. They've come a long way from being the shitty airline.
Posted via CB10
Anywhere in the world : vote with your wallet and let them know !
Guess WestJet isn't interested in business travelers... good to know!
Wouldn't it be awesome if we could NFC tap in for checkin, like we pay at Timmy's!?
Posted via CB10
Proudly Canadian? If they were they would make a Blackberry app.
Posted via CB10
Kevin, just downloaded the Air Canada app and now heading to twitter to bitch-slap WestJet over their stance. I guess that's one more reason Air Canada retains the edge in my mind.
Posted via CB10
I'll remember this. What a huge turn off from westjet.
Powered by BlackBerry Z30
Shun Westley. Shun them, I say!
Posted via CB10
It is disheartening to know that westjet disregards us BB community. Let's rally to ditch them too and let them know what a market segment they are missing.
Posted via CB10
I was just about to book a flight on WestJet. However, have declined after such a one, poor professional response from a PR professional (as a COO for an F500, if a team member did that, there would be serious issues) and two, a seemingly poor understand of Canadian mobile users - I seem to remember approximately 25% are BB users.
Their answer is honest, and also, it makes a lot of sense.
Posted via CB10
Lot of sense? Even to port their android app tp BB World?!
They don't want to port. Especially with the risk of bugs and unhappy customers (ie. someone missing their flight because of the app). Can you blame them?
I love West jet, but this makes me rethink...
Posted via CB10
Just tweeted #BlackBerrylovesWestJet just to see what happens. We'll see if I get a response. :)
Posted via CB10
WestJet is still a business oriented organization... the "Proudly Canadian" claimed is part of marketing strategy... if the customer believes in it, then their marketing strategy is working... if we own the company, we would probably do the same thing i.e. prioritize "profit" and market the company as much as possible such as being a patriotic to lure local customers... some even using religious beliefs and humanitarian reasonings... but it the end of the day, it's all about "business"... nothing personal...
Posted via CB10
For shame west jet for shame!!!
Posted via CB10 using my Zed30 check out my channel @ C00121C1B
When next you have problems Westjet, contact your Apple and Google friends. I won't fly Westjet anymore.
I've also commented on westjet tweeter account to get BB10 app and prove them self of being canadian.
But frankly, it's all about revenue generation for any corporation in any country. And if they don't find value in it then they won't do it. but that being said they should not use term proudly canadian when their only goal is making money and not emotional.
Building an app could cost millions, but for westjet, since they already have iOS and Android apps, that means all the services are set up and all the process flow is clear and requirements should be fairly clear then might not cost that much.
at the end the cost would depend on how many people are working on it
Posted via CB10
OK. Now I'm pissed.... Many proud Canadians use BlackBerries. This "proud Canadian" company thinks that 1/3 of Canadians using BlackBerries do not count. Well, Westjet is full of S*#^... Luckily I can use a competitor Air Canada or American for my usual trips
Air Canada it is, proudly Canadian
Posted via CB10
Proudly subsidized by the Canadian Government, absolutely useless, and would fail without bailouts. Wow...what a proud company...
I'm all over them on Twitter. BlackBerry users have to demand more and not roll over and die. Just like the company we have to fight!
Posted via CB10
Re cibc u can deposit in android but not BlackBerry. Why? Can the not support a cdn company. Time we all wrote in and complained. There are other banks
Posted via CB10
Many of you people are hilarious. You're dissing a "successful" Canadian company because they don't currently have an app for a failing Canadian company? With pretty much all American executives BTW. I don't see BlackBerry beating on WestJet! It's all about business folks, mainly about driving web traffic to Crackberry so THEY profit from all your "outrage." Just sayin' LOL
I just left a comment on there website. Bb10 apps for all.
Posted via CB10
Bye bye west jet!
Well well well. With some travel coming up guess who I will now not use. West jet. Will send them an email spelli.g it out. Don't stop there look at out banks look at CIBC. The androids are covered, the iPhone is covered. The BlackBerry you must have a z10 or q10 but not a z30. The program uses NFC. You can deposit
Posted via CB10
My take: the expense is probably less than $10-$15k in raw contractual development wages. If you made say 200 people happy, that's probably the equivalent of around $60k in advertising cost savings and even more in additional revenue. Besides that, the PR factor in stepping up and saying "we're developing it as soon as we can since we see the strong demand" would be huge. Not to mention the idea of a national company supporting another. Just an epic fail all the way around. Why not just build the native app? That was just a poor response and attitude. The person who answered should have waited longer before replying, and actually floated the idea before crushing it. C'mon. Just ask someone first.
Posted via CB10
this is the problem with Canada; indoctrination into the American sheep herd.
Posted via CB10
Just sent westjet a comment on their main site that if they don't support BlackBerry with their new app that my family won't be supporting them.
Posted via CB10
Sad for west jet but the SNAP App store West Jet app works well
Z30 : posted via CB10 app
I expect this kind of response from an American company, but never from a Canadian company. Shame on them.
Posted via CB10
Screw West Jet...one of the shittiest airlines outhere! Expensive, horrible customers service, crummy airplanes . I guess if they could charge passengers for the air they breathe on the plane, they would!
Since they pretend to be a "proudly Canadian" company, here is my "proudly Canadian" advice for them, kiss my ass! Fuckers!
Cartman says: Screw you guys I'm going home!
Maybe not "politically correct", but I appreciate their honesty. It is what it is. Get over it.
WOW! I cannot believe the vitriol towards WestJet regarding the lack of a BB app. Nothing is more pathetic than seeing sheep whining and complaining, when yesterday all was great & good. Seriously people, you didn't know previously that there was no app? Does no one know how to type "westjet.com/mobile" into their browser? Oh the world is ending, WestJet is Un-Canadian.....get a life FFS!
Can get feel the heat yet WestJet?
Posted via CB10 & my killer BlackBerry Z30
At least you tried!
Boooo Westjet
ChannelX C000D3759 We promote channels
My WestJet reply
I thought WestJet was a Canadian Company and would support other Canadian Companies. You just released a new app for US and other foreign phones BUT no versions for Canadian Blackberry models. Shame on you. Maybe I should support the biggest not the local Canadian Company?
Company reply (5/27/2014 11:32:15 AM)Hello Art,
Thanks for your email, and I’m sorry for the delay in my response to you.
We are currently working on our mobile strategy at this time and a Blackberry app is currently being finalized as we already have developed an Android and iPhone app. After detailed research and guest requests the Blackberry app is least used by our guests; I am sorry you are disappointed while having to wait a bit longer for this.
We don’t have a set roll-out date yet; however you can currently check a flight status by typing in WS ### (the flight number) into the Google search engine. This will take you to www.flightaware.com which will give you the most up to date information on every WestJet flight. You can always call our Contact Centre for assistance at 1-888-937-8538.
Thank you for your feedback and your patience, and we look forward to welcoming you onboard soon!
Kind Regards,
Amber
Specialist-Guest Relations
WestJet
I tweeted them asking why they wouldn't support a small Canadian company, like themselves...no answer yet
Westjet blows. My 2hr and 20min flight from Winnipeg didn't serve me a meal because the flight has to be 2hr and 30min to serve dinner. Cheap. Real cheap.
Posted via CB10 - Z30STA100-5/10.2.1.2141/Telus
For your next flight, call them but just before giving your CC ask if they have an app for your BlackBerry. When they say no, cancel your request and let them know you'll be going to porter who does have an app. ;).
A slow climb to the top is always more rewarding. Sent using my BlackBerry Z10.
Ya because the ticketing agent holds so much clout. Lol!
Westjet should BUY BlackBerry...
Posted via CB10
Me too. No BlackBerry 10 app, don't count me as a passenger on your planes any more. I LOVE BlackBerry.
Posted via CB10
But don't forget about companies that do. Look at Tim Hortons we had tap and pay six months before anyone else. They could have gone to android first but they didn't. They even displayed a z10 in on of there commercials, upside down but still.
What gets me is isnt half of westjet customers business people. I know since Husky Energy upgraded to bb10 all i see is z10's.
Posted via CB10
Worse still the smaller airline, Porter out of Toronto Island airport, has a native BlackBerry app.
Posted via CB10
It's time for Crackberry nation to take on Westjet! Yeah!
Posted via CB10
What a bunch a morons at WestJet! Air Canada must be laughing at all this all the way to the bank. If WestJet asked me politely, I would write an app for them for free because I truly am "Proudly Canadian" and a developer. Time for WestJet to stand in line with Rogers. Boycott these hypocrite companies.
We have to remember it sounds like IT people made the decision at WussstJet . That was a mistake. It should have been a business decision. #flyWestJetneveragain
Posted via CB10
Thanks for putting the pressure on. In fairness, though, I think that WestJet's response is honest and respectful. The way of rebutting it is to provide some kind of informal poll collecting numbers of BB10 users who also fly WestJet and would use a BB10 app. Then, do the math on what it'd cost to develop a native BB10 app -- I'd estimate around $3,000 using a couple of certified developers I talk with via Twitter, but I understand they'll be picky about clients that interact with their servers, so let's say $8,000. You're probably looking at a couple of coins per current BB-WestJet customer. That doesn't factor in future BB-WestJet customers who are enticed by the app. Frankly, the BlackBerry community isn't what it used to be, but it is still fairly activist and driven. WestJet's marketing department should understand why developing a BB10 app is a no-brainer even if the Mashable-reading social media manager and CNET-reading tech people don't get. (Just so it's clear, anyone worth a damn is a mobile nations-reading BlackBerry user... :-)
I second the idea of a CrackBerry poll.
Posted via Z10
I hope this hits the news. Just brutal they claim they have higher IT initiatives. Over customer revenue generators like a good app. They just don't want the business traveller that spends the money. No wonder guys like me that travel 50-100 segments a year don't travel on WJ.
AC all the way! I just flew home today via VCR from San Francisco and most people around me in row 12-17 had BB's. Boy have they ever got bad advice.
I spent the whole day yesterday with BlackBerry in SF and something they are working on the business side. They are transforming that's for sure. Very exciting. WestJet will retract this soon and apologise. I put money on it!
Posted via CB10
@WBBeinuni: Just told my travel agent to try for @porterairlines over @WestJet. I like that Porter is proudly Canadian. http://t.co/YOeSSBOlBF
https://twitter.com/WBBeinuni/status/472123016663822336
Posted via CBQ10
Travel agent? So 80's...
Anyone else blasting them on twitter? Or just me.... twitter guy is answering tweets, so he ain't that busy! !!
Posted via CB10
I have been too. And I get reply very promptly, so they are seeing the messages at least
I think they are influenced by other parrots that say the same thing. All it takes is one dumb big mouth parrot for rest of parrots to mimic.
Don't be a parrot. Do some research .Get hands on with Blackberry 10 experience . Create your own thought.
Then Like me, you will never look at android or Apple phone again.
BlackBerry Lead
Do Not Follow
Looper Back Make Corleone Offer for TrackPad on BB10
Ontario Government and City of Toronto employees are all upgrading onto BES 10 as we speak...it means there are some non-bb options, but most are going with bb10 devices. Does WestJet want this business?
Posted via CB10
Oh and to all those apologists talking about decisions to maximize profits, the truth is that porting a BAR file to BlackBerry World would likely cost less than the lost profit from ONE SINGLE Business Class User switching airlines, so by that logic it actually proves that this decision has nothing to do with maximizing profit.
Posted via CB10
Come on WJ, head out of the sand or are you going American on us. I used to use the Air Canada app almost daily. Don't travel as much but I did use WJ to go to Phoenix but paid their partner AA as they were over $300 per person cheaper than WJ.
Posted via CB10
Look I'm not Canadian, but this really sucks!! If I was Kevin, I would dump a printout of these blog responses on the MD's table first thing in the morning.
Z10 STL100-1, OS 10.2.1.3175
Charter with www.chartright.com we use bb10 and BBOS devices for all our staff :)
Posted via CB10
I am sick and tired of Canadians bashing Canadians. Weather it be Canadian performers, companies. Why can not we support and be proud of our own. Especially when they need it.
Posted via CB10
Not enuf blackberry users? WTF response is that? So Air Canada released a bb10 app just for d hell of it? I expected better with WestJet!
Posted via CB10
OK, now I'm pissed!
Posted via CB10 & my killer BlackBerry Z30
We don't need a port over. We need the real thing!
I would like to know, how long does it take and how much does it cost to build a good native app? Are there any maintenance costs...
As competitive as the airline business is, why not offer a native app to it's loyal customers? It's one more convenience to keep their customers coming back and happy.
Posted via CB10
I agree.. screw West Jet.. I'll stick with Air Canada. There's no excuse.. especially when they can at least port their Android app over...
I'm Canadian.. but a lot of Canadian Companies really piss me off when they do crap like this to other Canadian Companies.
Remember Rogers begging for Canadian support when Verizon wanted to buy Wind Mobile and the government would allow them to use Canadian cellular infrastructure. Yet they won't stock the z30 and have their employees state that BlackBerry is no good and won't be around.. I have no sympathy for Canadian Companies like this and there's a lot of them.. smh..
Posted via CB10
Thanks for the note, I already tweeted them asking why can south African airlines do it and not them
Posted via CB10
I downloaded the app, then went over to the Westjet Facebook page and made the request for Westjet to port the app. I recommend we all do this. Make your voice known in a hurry! Flood that page!
Posted via CB10
Shame on westjet.
Eff you west jet. Guess what. I live in Ontario and my babies grandmother is in BC
So that used to mean a lot of flights on west jet, not anymore
Posted via CB10
West jet sucks..
Just selling the idea of being Canadian company...
Posted via CB10
Wow that sucks for West Jet.
Posted via CB10
Funny how some of the people showing relative indifference to WJ's position are probably the same ones complaining about the lack of apps. When WJ was smaller, they probably would have done anything to garner support. However, now that they are trending successfully, they take such an ignorant position towards making an app available for BlackBerry.
Just maybe the persons responding to the tweets are social media employees regurgitating the usual drivel. WJ needs to understand it is not always about ROI. Sometimes there is that little matter of goodwill, something on which no one can put an actual value.
Come on, WJ. Remember you humble beginnings and stop acting with such arrogance. Do the right thing and make the WJ app available to BBRY users!
So true!!
Posted via CB10
One more reason that I flew on AirCanada this morning. Which I started doing when I had a challenge with their service. But I'm sure that it doesn't matter to them as I am so few in number and prefer to do my e-commerce on a secure device that happens to be awesome and built in Canada. Bets that the person that send the message wears plaid and horn rimmed glasses?
Posted via CB10
Boo Westjet !!!
I cancelled my Rogers cable, and got Bell satellite, when they dropped Z30. I like to shop at Canadian Tire as they deployed Z10s throughout their corporation.
TCB on Z10
Shame on you Westjet! The smaller Porter airline delivered a BB app months ago.
Posted via CB10
Let's give them some time. I don’t Tweet, but I sent them my disappointed to their website's "Contact Us". So everyone, Tweet them, Facebook them or Contact them and let's see what they do. I bet they will come through like Rogers did after we complained.
Posted via CB10
Once Westjet lead the way..lately they are falling behind..look back in Westjet's past and then ask them why they would not build a secure app for the BB10...
Posted via CB10
They just have really thick skin. People are all over them on Twitter and Facebook and they are just brushing it off. Bunch of wankers
Posted via CB10
Won't get my business until they port it over simple request stupid westjet
Posted via CB10
Curious how many of the people who are suddenly outraged and promising to boycott were even aware WestJet had an app for any platform to begin with. Instant outrage is superficial and companies take it for what it is. I agree it would be nice to have an app, but it's not so fundamentally important to my existence that I'm going to rework my life and potentially inconvenience myself over it, as some people appear willing to do. Save your personal capital for something you truly care about. I think Kevin had an appropriately measured response.
Posted via CB10
Time to put the twitter mob on them.
This shouldn't be an issue of nationalism or support for Canadian corporations...it should simply be good customer service to those of us who frequently fly WestJet and are Blackberry10 users. Get your act together Westjet!
Posted via CB10
@westjet social media fail #clueless
I was on west jet a couple of months ago round trip Vancouver / Calgary saw a number of BlackBerry's. I made sure to use my Z10 in front of some business men, one had a 9900, one had a older model bold. The other three had iPhones and one HTC . P.S. I knew a jazz pilot up to last year and she is a die hard BlackBerry person and so are a lot of pilots. They use BBM because they need to know when a message is sent or received to the second sometimes. Time is critical ,delivery speed and knowing it has been received is important , airports are huge ,and noisy. ,parts and people are on the move constantly.
Posted via CB10
I feel like the frequent flyers are those who are most likely to own a BlackBerry and would probably actually benefit from an Airline app.
Posted via CB10
Did this company actually do a cost-benefit analysis before making such a statement? I find it had to believe that the cost if creating an app, let alone an android port, would outweigh the benefits of the number BlackBerry users in Canada.
Posted via CB10
I will always book Air Canada. I will be using the BlackBerry App for Air Canada to book. I was a loyal west jet user. Not anymore.
Don McAskin, Z10. I don't Type...I swipe.
I do not travel with WestJet as Air Canada us my preference. This just cements my position even more.
Posted via CB10
Funny - never seen so many people say they will switch to AC. Usually the other way around!
Excellent point Kevin. Hopefully WestJet will get their head out of their a$$.
Posted via CB10
It's good to see BlackBerry users being vocal about this kind of stuff. We may be a small percentage of overall users, but that doesn't mean we aren't a lucrative group for business' to target.
Posted via CB10
This is pretty sad shame on wet jet.
Posted via CrackBerry App
That's sad to hear. If I was a developer, the first platform I would support, even if it's easier to go another platform first, would be for one made in my home country. Sad to hear news like this.
Posted via CB10
Yeah, especially if the app is what puts food on your table. Yup, I'd starve too just to support another Canadian company. 'Cause that is patriotism...
You people whining about this are all insane.
Bye bye West Jet. I just booked Air Canada all the way from Saskatoon to Toronto then to Montreal and back again with AC. usually I combine AC & WJ. Sometimes one or the other only. Now it will be AC forever or some other little ones.
By the way I love the BlackBerry App from AC. I am also in the process of increasing my stock in AC. Just sold WJ stock. Bye!#$
Posted via CB10
All because of an app. You are full of it.
Blackberry always.....
I am flying to Quebec tomorrow and just happened to be on Air Canada, and I usually get WestJet. I used the Air Canada app and it was great! Tweeted that to WestJet and Air Canada, and Air Canada was the first to reply, wishing me a safe journey. Thanks Air Canada!
Posted via the Z30 on CB10
Speak with our pocketbooks... I'll be choosing AC over WJ if the cost of the fare is reasonably close (say, AC no more that $30 higher than WJ all in).
Posted via CB10
Even though they, as a company of business have their policy, it's very unprofessional to tweet those statements. The person who handle Westjet twitter account needs urgently some ethical tips.
BBM channel: C0040FF4D..... Proudly Z10 owner...
It's unprofessional to state fact?
Honesty is unethical? Okee dokee then...
Wow, there are not that many BlackBerry users? Really?. Haha. Idiots, my wife and I own a BlackBerry, in fact she was the one who converted me. In line at the Jays game on Sunday I saw BlackBerry users, a party I went to on the weekend the people hosting it had both had a BlackBerry, my sisters do. I can go on forever. Westjet is full of shit. I am Boycotting them.
Apple, The New Evil Empire
They must have forgotten all the government folks still on BlackBerry out of Ottawa
I know I won't be flying WestJet... I generally use Porter when I can, they're a very small airline and have a native BlackBerry App.
Posted via CB10
Porter's great but their activities trying to fly jets out of TOIsland Airport and lengthen the runways 400 m into lake ontario is abominable.
Posted via CB10
Billy Bishop is the only reason why Porter can even exist. It's typically very difficult for a small airline to even get space in an airport like YYZ.
Well, if they don't support BB, then why should I support them, they are no longer on my list of airlines that I use. "Because they just don't have as many planes as alternative airlines". Just booked flights for the wife and I with Air Canada, that's another $3600.00 WestJet won't be seeing.
......And I just booked on Air Canada to go to TO. I even use the AC app and I live in the US.
I sent them a tweet or too. #doingmypart
Posted via CB10
Why ask them for the app because it is a Canadian company? Blackberry is a much more universal tool - it does its job everywhere on the globe and I use it in 3 different languages. Going down the road of economic nationalism is not going to help the company.
Posted via CB10
Because I'm a business traveler that uses all three airlines (WJ, AC and Porter). It would be nice if WJ kept up. I see lots of BBs on a WJ flight. WJ is not as pleasant an experience as it used to be.
Hey Kevin, go for Air Canada. WestJet is f*** crap. It's all about costs with them.
Posted via CB10
This is insulting to me as I have tried to support west jet although it seems only my wife ever actually gets to ride their planes. I don't have twitter but will look for a complaint page online.
Reg Q10SQN100-1/10.2.1.2491
http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/contact/index.shtml
Added my two cents via Twitter with reference to porter and Air Canada apps :)
From my z30
Hmmmmm, maybe the next time I fly to the US instead of using West jet I will drive to Buffalo and use JetBlue
Posted via CB10
I fly Westjet, and perhaps they should open their eyes. There are lots of BlackBerry users. Well perhaps I will open up options to flying other than Westjet. Keeping with their Proudly Canadian Way!
Posted via CB10
Amen. I like Westjet, but I hate this...
#IchooseBlackBerry10
Posted via CB10
How hard is it really to make an app?
Beproud - BlackBerry 10
How hard is it to rewrap an apk that already works on BB10 and put it in the app store?
Even Porter has a BlackBerry 10 app
Posted via CB10
The funniest thing is their apk works just fine, even on a Q5.
Let the the tweets fly at westjet! That's a terrible excuse.
Posted via CB10
They wrap themselves in the flag only for convenience. Things like this show their true colours. Green as in $$. It's such a minimal investment thing, though, so it just seems narrow and arrogant.
Posted via CB10
Not sure how you can call it a "minimal investment" when we don't know what the cost actually is.
That type of response are giving by lots of companies, but they don't put it to everybody to see it, but you know it when you talk to them
Posted via CB10
Just seen this PlayBook on their Facebook page. Probably spent the same amount to buy this condemned BlackBerry product than it would take to pay a developer to port the Android app for several hundred thousands more BlackBerry customers than the PlayBook.
https://www.facebook.com/westjet/photos/a.168114803551.145035.1249244735...
Yes west jet, please produce an app. That way all 3 of us can download it.
Posted via CB10
That's helpful...
From my Zed 30 running 10.2.1.2102
Hmmm. I guess we're not significant enough to let Westjet take our money. That's okay, I see Air Canada has no problem.
Posted via CB10
Tweeted my disappointment to @WestJet. I encourage the CrackBerry community to do the same.
I did as well. They replied right away and said , "hopefully in the future"
I just requested a bb10 app, told they don't have any plans for that right now....not wise at all
From my Zed 30 running 10.2.1.2102
They said they have other priorities right now, they prefer to build native and there research has shown that there aren't very many BlackBerry users on their flights (?)....they were nice about it, but still is disappointing they are leaving out one segment of the market, wouldn't be hard to port the android one and then develop a native BlackBerry one air Canada did
From my Zed 30 running 10.2.1.2102
I too tweeted westjet as per their lack of a Blackberry app and my response was, "Hopefully we'll create some tech that you can use in the future."
Not holding my breath.
How about Banking? TD Bank app only allows the phone payment function to legacy BlackBerry phones.
I would love to see all Canadian Banks to start including BlackBerry 10 into their app portfolios.
Posted via CB10
It's coming. I assure you. The Canadian banks are all over bb10 as it uses NFC
From my z30
Someone tweet them with a screenshot of the app running on a BlackBerry 10 dev
Posted via CB10
I don't know how much it cost to build a app. But how many BB seats would Wet Jet have to sell to pay for a BB app?
Just gave them an ear full hope many more do!
Posted via CB10
Are we really criticizing them when there is as of right now no native or port version of other mobile nations sites aside from andriod central???
I mean if porting is as easy as people claim it should have been done long ago. Just saying. :-/
I don't care if other people want a bb10 device I wanted one and that's all that matters.
Good point!
Posted via CB10
I don't blame the airline. With BlackBerry market share in the toilet world wide and the mixed message JC is delivering I see Dev's dropping BB10.
Why should a Canadian company do anything different than their U.S. Counterparts?
Welcome to the rest of the World!
Using a BlackBerry Z10! The "UnDroid"!
Then welcome, citizen of the world.
I am a citizen of Canada, and expect a company that's « Proudly Canadian » to act accordingly. That is, aside from the lost customers and bad image they are giving themselves to save 1000$ for a developper to port the Android app.
I think the term to use would be "Opportunity cost". How much will it cost to develop the BlackBerry 10 app and how many tickets does that equate to?
My guess is that the cost of having a suitable app developed would be insignificant in the greater scheme of things.
Why not support a national brand when the cost is so little?
Posted via CB10
Westjet could have paid a developer company to develop a BB10 app .
They could oversee the app and make changes where they see fit.
They call themselves business people?!!!
I call it Lazy and worthless....
Posted via CB10
But how much does it cost?
I'd like to see CrackBerry do an educational piece on how much it costs to produce and maintain a native application of that calibre.
We have a strong "Made in Australia" and "Aussie made and owned" movement here.
Our pollies sell off the country, but the average bloke here is supportive of Aussie made stuff. If BBRY was Aussie, we'd be all over it, I'm pretty sure.
Her Majesty's northern hemisphere subjects....
Zzzzwiped from a Zedevice....
Not buying a Westjet ticket (period) ! Are they that flush in revenue that they don't want any additional business?
Get them
Slicing using my
I had asked them the same thing a while back and got the same response. I've flown to Toronto 4 times since with Air Canada. I quit flying with Air Canada years ago as I felt West Jet had better customer service, things have changed since then and I have had nothing but good service from Air Canada this year.....so far.....
Posted via CB10
If everyone here making statements that they leave Westjet actually do it, they will probably be losing more than hiring a programmer for a *native* Westjet app.
Hope it's lesson learned for them.
WOW! Even South African Airways has a native BlackBerry 10 app.
How much would it cost the airline to develop a suitable BB10 app?
Posted via CB10
I would have thought that the Canadian business market, and government market is strongly BlackBerry. Strange west jet will not make the modest investment. I di not believe in nationalism so I do not care. It's up to BlackBerry to fare on its own. Seem less integration with android should be it's best decision, and soon.
Posted via CB10
That is pretty insulting. A port is what, a couple hours work? A native app under 20 hours? Speaking on behalf of the many Enterprise users that tend to make up the greatest percentage of the western world's business fliers, I'm sure I can find my flights elsewhere. In fact, I'm sure I know a substantial number of Travel Secretaries in A-list law firms that believe their time and energy are better spent booking a flight on their smartphones rather than running to the nearest computer during 'off hours'.
Piss off, if you need to book a flight off hours do it yourself. Leave the poor secretaries alone. Where do you get off buggin people to work in their offtime?
First off. Pull the stick out, its causing brain damage. Second no one who works in Big Law has anything that resembles off time. Every associate, partner and legal assistant is on BB 24-7. Our support staff is rarely asked to do anything much during off-hours, but they are occasionally asked to and expected to. AND WELL COMPENSATED for the trouble. A paralegal with a bachelor's degree and 5 years experience averages over $100K a year with overtime in Big Law. Our legal secretaries are usually called practice assistants and make more than many country lawyers make.
You sound like like many of the 'it's owed to me class'. When someone is hired to do a job - any job, there is a bargained for exchange. These are the terms of the job, this is what we will pay you for it. It is not complicated. folks at my firm are provided meals when they work late, and car service after dark. Support staff gets paid overtime for every minute of their time. And if a client in Hong Kong or Winnepeg or Brussels decides they needs to meet face to face on a Sunday morning to discuss an impending $200M restructuring, then someone is booking those trips on a Saturday. If you don't want to be bothered during your 'off time' fan-freakin-tastic. Then I'm sure you will be paid what you are worth. For those of us who decide that it is a worthy sacrifice to do overtime - whether it be word processors, reprographics, tech support, legal assistants, case assistants or secretaries we would all very much love you to mind your own fking business.
PS Most Associates and Partners are expected to bill 2,000+ hours a year. DO THE MATH. In my world, it is not like Office Space. No one just skates by. No one is an overpaid pretty face. Partners are here often before 5AM and almost always the last to leave. Associates who want to make partner , practically live here. Those who want to provide support to associates and partners understand their role. And are willing to do what is necessary because the pay is great. Not unlike the military, except instead of pay, the motivation is national pride. It's not surprising that so many ex-military find their way to the tops of their fields. I wonder where people like you find yourselves.
Good to hear they are being compensated. You called it off-time, off time implies uncompensated to me.
Notice your rant is 5x the lenght of mine, so who has stick up ass? Clarity, brevity, it's a wonderful thing. :)
P.S. Your "assumptions" about "owed to me", "skate by" and "pretty face", pretty much sum up your arrogance.
People like me - top of our fields :) Hard work, ethics, and doing what needs to be done does not require taking advantage. But hey, maybe that's just me. You know...respecting others.
Have a wonderful day :)
True - It does gets there when inbred, self lovin hermaphroditic on-line bravehearts tell me to piss off. In-person, we'd have a different very short convo.
Wow, default to insults, puffed chest, and threats. I see you are a very diplomatic person. Winning!
P.S. The browser still works on the phone, no need to "run to a computer".
An app is basically a short-cut - not much more.
Went hard after Rogers when they didn't want to carry the Z30 so I do believe it's time to let these Canadian companies know that as consumers we expect them to support BlackBerry. If they don't then we should straight out go to a Canadian company that does!
Posted via CB10
So you'll switch carriers if Rogers doesn't carry the Z3 LTE and/or the Classic?
Yes avery man some people chase quality and warmth
Posted via CB10
Yeah, actually I would switch if a carrier didn't sell the phone I wanted.
For those of you who want - as I just did - to give Westjet some constructive feedback:
http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/contact/index.shtml
Hey Corbu, I was going to do the same. Already submitted my feedback and for those that are interested in how I feel.....
Up until today, I have ensured that every single flight is first possible with WestJet. I am a proud Canadian, who is willing to spend a little bit extra to support products made at home, voice the importance of such decisions to those around me loud and proud. I am a BlackBerry user and this goes way beyond the company being Canadian. Seeing as WestJet can't pull a few man hours together to help support a Canadian company by porting an app to BB10, tells me a different story about what I thought this company stood for. Looks like profits have clouded your judgment and those resulting actions cleared mine. I really hope this was an oversight on your part and do right by your decisions."
This is their response.
Your original message (5/29/2014 12:05:13 PM)
Company reply (6/3/2014 1:14:09 PM)
Hello JUSTCRAKKED ,
Thank you for contacting us online.
I understand you are disappointed that WestJet currently doesn't provide an app for BB10.
Currently the implementation of a BlackBerry app is not supported as only 3% of our mobile users access our information with BlackBerry devices. We are continuously evaluating and assessing options and will be taking the feedback of our guests into consideration when looking towards the future.
Kind regards,
Darlene
Specialist-Guest Relations
WestJet
Posted via CB10
Simply shameful! BlackBerry creates employment here in Ontario and some of these employed folks patronize WestJet. SMH.
Posted via CB10
What I really don't understand is the whole "we're too lazy to make a native app and we're not going to bother porting it because we either want native or nothing."
Just port the damn thing. You don't lose any customers by porting and you gain some people using your app. The only reason you wouldn't port is if you planned on making a native app because you don't want people to use an inferior port and then decide not to download the native because the port was bad.
Retweet those tweets !!!
Good to know guess I'll be using Air Canada from now on
Posted via CB10
Not very Canadian for a Canadian company. I wasn't sure if I should keep my westjet credit card but now I know what to do with it. If they won't support me, I won't support them. Sorry Westjet, hello Air Canada.
Posted via CB10
My yearly commute to Cuba will exclude WestJet.
Sunwing, Air Canada, Canjet.
Thank you
Posted via CB10
Investment?, it's not like it's going to break the bank, what is it, the equivalent of a two full page ads in a national paper.
Posted via CB10
A big FU WestJet
Posted via CB10
I use the Air Canada app almost every week. Porter Airline has one. C' mon WJ!
Posted via CB10
This blows my mind??...seriously??..an app, they can't support BlackBerry and it's users that pay x amount of dollars on business or leisure flights within canada?...they got my reply on they're twitter page, and everyone else should let them know just how many devoted users they're are
Posted via CB10
I say down with WestJet!!! I will nether use them again!!!!
I don't have a problem with what they said at all. Grow some thicker skin, guys. It's just business.
Not about thicker skin, it's how they come up with such a ludicrous response? They taking head counts on BlackBerry users on flights?
Posted via CB10
I understand you're passionate about blackberry. Try to look at the issue from an unbiased point-of-view. As a business (especially an airline) your job is to maximize profits and reduce needless expense. Why would they put money, time and resources into something that a small percentage of the population uses? There's virtually no return on investment.
If you feel strongly enough about it, switch airlines. As a consumer it is certainly your right to do so.
So with your thinking, that would mean there would. Be no BB10 apps. Late I look in BlackBerry World there was a few there.
Don't be ridiculous Jeff. I stated my point quite clearly. It's not easy for airlines to turn a profit. Just look at how many are currently subsidized or have declared bankruptcy in the past few years. Why, if profits and expense minimizing is so important, would they decide to invest time and money into something that only a faction of the population uses? West-Jet made the best decision for them, and as usual, the blackberry community is up in arms over it.
You name me one company that is subsidized by any government that doesn't cry that they don't make money.
They will loose more than the app would cost to produce, with bad publicity.
Reading that made my head hurt.
I think the BlackBerry community is up in arms because West Jet tries to appeal to our patriotism without actually being patriotic. As a patriotic Canadian, I will support companies who give back to Canada in ways that BlackBerry has in developing Ontario's tech industry and sponsoring Canadian sports teams and events. I agree with you that it is a business decision that they are free to make, but if there's one place in the world BlackBerry 10 has succeeded at all it is in Canada. Even a merely symbolic entrance to the App World would be good enough. The quality of West Jet's flights are dog shit so who would really judge them if the app was a dog shit Android port. Hell I'll do it for them, since I'm actually proudly Canadian. Last point - if proudly Canadian BlackBerry loyalists are not worth it for them to worry about then we should be more than entitled to snap back, rightly or wrongly. No one is up in arms over a lack of an official Instagram app, but lack of West Jet does strike a nerve. As a proud Canadian, I get disgusted at the way people actually root for a great Canadian company to go under. Not saying this is one of those times, but the symbolism of a bb10 app available would give a lot of credibility to their claim that they are proudly Canadian and not just hungry for proud Canadians' money.
Posted via CB10
Well said!
From my Neutrino Powered Z10
Just because BBRY is a Canadian company, not making a app for them does NOT make another company not "proudly Canadian". Since when is BBRY synonomous with patriotism? You people are daft.
My head hurts and I wrote it. :)
It takes literally minutes to load the android app on the phone and let it convert it, they could tell people or give simple instructions how to do this or they could go through the 2 minute process themselves and post to BlackBerry World for there customers. What they are stating is a cop out and lazy, it would take very little to make this happen.
From my Zed 30 running 10.2.1.2102
Let's look at it from the economics. We have a local regional airport here in Waterloo, home of Blackberry, that is serviced by West Jet. If a flight has a capacity of 200 people and it flies each day that's about 6000 passangers per month. Let's assume that West Jet profits $10/passenger/flight, that's $60,000 in one month. I'm guessing that building a native app could be had for that number or less. Porting an Android app would be even cheaper.
West Jet doesn't have a BB10 app not because of business but because of perception. They don't think they need to care. I wonder what happens to their load level at Waterloo Regional Airport if the good people of Waterloo were to realize that West Jet doesn't want to support a large local employer?
It's one thing to urge West Jet to build an app it's another to stop flying with them because they don't have an app. That's where the rubber hits the road.
Well, you know, the cost of porting/developing an app these days is in the billions of dollars. At least that's the impression I get from companies that don't want to give BlackBerry users an app to use.
All kidding aside, great comments. I have never understood why companies would say no to money. If it is going to bring customers, why say no to making an app. Money is money.
Amen brother!
It's not that much cost if they simply rewrap their Android app as a bar file and list it in App World.
Their APK works just fine.
I fly with west jet but it will be with air Canada from now on.
Posted via CB10
You'll switch airlines because they don't support the brand of phone you carry? Wow!
My point exactly! The moment WJ posts a cheaper flight than AC, these people will be on it in a flash. It is not life or death people!
Blackberry always.....
...and that mentally is why products in general these days are shite...(not saying AC is better as I don't fly anywhere to know)...people are so focused on price over quality they will chase a POS all over to 'save' a buck than buy quality to begin with...
Posted via CB10
Enter Android lol
Posted via CB10
It's more than that. If the company isn't willing to satisfy their loyal customers, then they don't deserve your business. Sometimes things go beyond price.. but I doubt you'd know much about that now would you?
Posted via CB10
Nope, because I buy the most expensive shit out there. Lol
WestJet and Air Canada are usually around the same price. When one has a sale, the other will too.
I like your logic about that if the company does not satisfy the public, then they are not deserving of the business.
How has Blackberry treated it's customer base? Have they been loyal. The point is that ALL these companies are out for the money first. It is only the consumer that lives and dies with the brand.
Blackberry always.....
Just posted this to their fb page
Proudly Canadian? Not really. No BlackBerry app, no business from me.
BB Proud owner of a Z30.
Screw west jet.
Porter Airlines (smaller airline out of Toronto Island airport) has a BB10 app as well.
Now this is a good small airline.
Take more west jet
Note. Take note.
I know!
If a tiny airline like Porter can make a native app, WestJet can surely spare the 60 seconds needed to port their Android app.
Posted via CB10
Shame on West Jet.
Hello Porter!
Posted via CB10
Just downloaded the Air Canada app. Great app. Good for business travel. Quick and easy to use.
Posted via CB10
Hell, I just sideloaded the android app onto my Q10 through snap and it works a-OK. Surely they can find some genius in their marketing/IT department to do the port and put in the BB World.
If you read their responses again, they stated they prefer to have a native app.
We prefer to have a native app. Don't get us wrong, we aren't even considering making one.
That makes no sense! Just port the android app if that's your attitide!
Posted via the Android CrackBerry App!
That's sad, I really love WestJet. I do think though with a little pressure, they would eventually do it.
AmaZ30ed
That's definitely lame, but I can't say I'm surprised anymore when I hear about app developers turning up their noses at BB10.
Posted from my Z30 via CB10
I normally will pick westjet over aircanada on price alone but this response will make me think twice about it. Not the response you want to hear from a Canadian company.
Even BA (British Airways!) has a BB10 app - shame on them :(
Slainte, Knowledge is power... Posted via CB10
That is such poor interaction on their part Kevin... great to expose. thanks for sharing
Where is the Canadian support. Calling them out should get the attention of someone with the ability to move things forward.
My Z10 has a Flow
Would it be better if they said they " are looking into making an app" when in fact they are not?
Better? I'm not sure on "better" (I never recommend lying...karma is a bitch)... but had they responded that way you probably wouldn't be reading this post right now. Solution? Build the app!
We should offer to build the app for them. Send them a ported Bar file
Posted via CB10
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