Advisories: COVID-19 and more

Effective November 10, 2020, Transport Canada requires that all guests, 6 years of age or older, have a non-medical mask or face covering to cover their nose, mouth and chin during travel. Children ages 2 to 5 are encouraged to wear a mask at all times. If a child is unable to tolerate wearing a mask, it is not mandatory, but their guardian must have a mask readily available to the child prior to the boarding process. Children under 2 are not required to wear a mask. See Transport Canada’s guidance on acceptable masks and face coverings.

General guidelines for currently approved masks:

• a surgical mask or cloth mask that is made of multiple layers of tightly woven material (such as cotton or linen) and is secured to the head with ties or ear loops
  • this includes “no-sew masks” that are made using a folded scarf, bandana or piece of material and secured using elastic, hair ties or fabric ties.
• a face covering associated with religious garments, providing they cover the nose and mouth and are made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric
• a face covering with a front clear plastic panel for lip reading if the entire mask is not made of plastic or other non-breathable material

General guidelines for masks that are currently not approved:

• contains exhalation valves (including N95 masks with exhalation valves)
• does not attach around the ears or head with loops (e.g. neck gaiter or neck warmer)
• masks made completely of plastic or other non-breathable materials (e.g. gas masks and painter’s masks)
• anything exclusively made of materials that can easily fall apart (e.g. tissue, paper towel)
• bandanas or scarves that are not folded and secured into the “no-sew” style.

When travelling by air, guests will be required to cover their mouth and nose:

• at Canadian airport screening checkpoints
• while boarding their flight
• at all times during the flight
• when instructed to by a crew member

Guests may momentarily remove their mask if they are actively eating or drinking.

Many Canadian airports have made masks mandatory in all public spaces. Please check your airport's requirements before departing.

Zero tolerance mask policy

To support Transport Canada’s mask requirements guests who do not comply will face penalties including denied boarding and suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year. The WestJet Group includes WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop.

Non-compliance will be managed through a three-step process:

1. Guests will first be asked to put the mask on in a discussion with cabin crew.
2. A warning (yellow card) that masks are required, and compliance is necessary.
3. A note from the captain and notification that non-compliance will result in follow up notification that they will be placed on a no-fly list for 12 months.

Medical exemptions

Transport Canada requires that guests who are unable to wear a face mask due to a medical condition, must present an official medical note from a physician, nurse practitioner, dentist, or physician assistant specifying this exception or they will be denied boarding.

Medical certificates must be issued by one of the above professionals only. There are many different types of medical professionals; however, only those listed may issue a valid medical certificate. In addition, medical certificates must:

• be on official letterhead
• be dated
• clearly state the guest’s name and that they have a medical condition which prevents them from wearing a face mask
• be the original certificate

Mask exemption cards will not be accepted as a form of medical exemption.

See all safety measures

As per Transport Canada requirements mandatory temperature screening will be conducted prior to boarding at all international locations, and by the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority prior to proceeding through security at select Canadian airports.

Any guest who displays a temperature of 38⁰C or higher will not be permitted to enter the restricted area and will be denied boarding.

By checking into your flight, you are confirming your understanding of this policy.

Guests who display an elevated temperature during the screening will not be permitted to board a flight to Canada or must not enter a restricted area at any airport in Canada, for a period of 14-days, unless a medical certificate certifying that the elevated temperature is not related to COVID-19 is provided.

For the most current list of Canadian airports conducting mandatory temperature screening, please refer to the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website.

Health questionnaire

• In compliance with Transport Canada regulations, to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we require all guests to respond to a heath questionnaire at the time of boarding.
• We urge guests to respond truthfully as providing false or misleading information could result in a $5,000 fine under the Aeronautics Act.

Symptom screening

• We will conduct non-contact temperature checks at all airports
• If you are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, or feeling unwell, you cannot board a flight.
  • If you have a medical condition which presents symptoms similar to those of COVID-19, you will need a doctor’s note or medical certificate that states your medical condition to board the flight.

Denied boarding

• If you have been ordered by provincial or territorial government or local public health to self-isolate or quarantine you will be denied boarding.
• If you are denied boarding for a domestic flight, we will rebook you to travel at least 14 days after the original date.
  • To travel earlier, a valid medical certificate stating that you not affected by the COVID-19 virus is required.
• Guests denied boarding for repatriation flights will not be re-accommodated.
   

See all safety measures

Effective September 1, 2020, the input of guest contact information will become mandatory at the 24-hour check-in process online and at kiosks. Mandatory information at WestJet check-in kiosks will be phased into the policy change by the end of September.

Guests will no longer be able to bypass the information screen and will be required to input up-to-date information prior to the issuance of a boarding pass. Guests remain responsible for providing accurate information.

Please refer to the provincial or territorial government websites of your arrival destination prior to travel for the most up to date information on interprovincial travel restrictions. You may be subject to travel prohibitions which restrict entry to certain provinces or territories or additional measures, such as a mandatory 14-day self-isolation when you arrive.

Arrival requirements

Transport Canada requires that all guests entering Canada from international destinations, 5 years of age and over, to present before boarding:

1. a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-LAMP test result
   
   OR
   
   
2. a positive COVID-19 PCR test, taken between 14 and 90 days before scheduled departure
    

Read more or visit the Government of Canada website for full details.

In addition, it is mandatory for all incoming travellers to Canada to submit their COVID-related information digitally through ArriveCAN (iOS, Android or web format).

Before you board your flight, you must use ArriveCAN to provide your: 

• travel and contact information 
• quarantine plan (unless exempt under conditions set out in the Mandatory Isolation Order) 
• COVID-19 symptom self-assessment

You must be ready to show your ArriveCAN receipt when arriving into Canada. A border services officer will verify that you have submitted your information digitally. Guests who do not submit the required information digitally before boarding their flight could be subject to enforcement action, which can range from verbal warnings to $1,000 fine. Guests whose final destination is not Canada do not have to submit ArriveCAN.

After you enter Canada, you must use ArriveCAN, within 48 hours, to: 

• confirm you have arrived at your place of quarantine or isolation  
• complete a daily COVID-19 symptom self-assessment during your quarantine period
   

Travel restrictions

Guest’s travelling to Canada are subject to federal, provincial or territorial measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Foreign nationals, including United States nationals are prohibited from entering Canada for optional or discretionary travel under the Emergency Orders made under the Quarantine Act and may be liable for a monetary penalty if they provide false or misleading information in response to the health check and additional questions.

Non-essential travel includes, but is not limited to: tourism, recreation, shopping for non-essential goods, and/or sight-seeing. 

Acceptable reasons for travel to Canada are:

1. Uniting with a family member of a Canadian citizen or of a permanent resident and who is destined to be with that family member in Canada for a period of at least 15 days.

   Go to the Government of Canada website for information on uniting immediate family members and request written authorization from the Government of Canada to unite extended family members who are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

2. The holder of a valid work permit or study permit and your reason for travel is deemed non-discretionary.
   More about student permits
   More about work permits
   
   
3. Foreign nationals seeking to enter Canada for compassionate reasons in specific circumstances, such as life-threatening illness, critical injury or death, with potential limited release from quarantine can apply for an exemption to travel.
   More about compassionate travel

Quarantine

If you’re eligible to travel, you must have a quarantine plan that shows how you will quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada, including how you’ll:

• get to your destination
• get groceries
• access essential services and medical care
   

Refer to the Government of Canada website for additional information on eligibly for travel to Canada and the quarantine requirements.

Health requirements

In addition to having a valid reason for travel to Canada, guests may be refused boarding if health requirements are not met. Read all travel policies including requirements for face masks, temperature screening and boarding.

Pre-departure testing requirement for passengers travelling to the United States

As of January 26, 2021, the United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) requires all guests entering the United States from international origins, two years of age and over, to present a negative COVID-19 test result (nucleic acid amplification test (NAT) or a viral antigen test), or documentation of recovery before boarding. The test or document of recovery will supplement, not replace, the requirements for health questionnaires, temperature checks and face masks.

To comply with this regulation, guests will be required to present either: 

1. A negative test result at check-in, taken within 3 calendar days from their scheduled departure time. 

Or

2. Written or electronic documentation of a positive viral test result that confirms the guest had a previous COVID-19 infection and a letter from a licensed health care provider or public health official stating the passenger is cleared to travel (documentation of recovery).

In addition, all guests two years of age and over must complete an attestation form confirming either a negative test or recovery from COVID-19 with clearance to travel. Please allow extra time to check in.

It is each guest’s responsibility to source and pay for their own valid NAT or viral antigen test.

Please visit cdc.gov for the most up to date and accurate information.

Los Angeles (LAX) requirement

Effective December 30, 2020, guests over the age of 16 must submit an online form, providing contact information and acknowledging that they have read and understood the State of California’s travel advisory, prior to or upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport. Failure to submit the form is punishable by a fine of up to $500. The travel advisory states that all persons arriving in California from other states or countries, including returning California residents, “must practice self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival. If such quarantined person develops symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19 during the quarantine period, they must isolate themselves as required by the Health Officer’s Order for isolation.”

The U.S. Government has imposed updated entry requirements. Air carriers must not allow foreign individuals to board a flight to the U.S. if they have been present in, or travelled through (in the last 14 days):

• China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
• Iran 
• 26 Schengen nations of the EU and EEA
• The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland

Exceptions to this are:

• U.S. citizens holding a U.S. passport;
• Lawful permanent resident of the U.S. holding a U.S. PR card or letter of Parole;
• Crew Members, or;
• Any legal U.S. aliens, including spouses, parent or legal guardian, sibling, child, individuals invited by the U.S. government, or government officials

Within 72 hours prior to departure, all guests travelling to Aruba are expected to complete Aruba's online Embarkation and Disembarkation (ED) application. Upon completion, a receipt will be provided and an electronic or paper copy must be presented to WestJet for travel. 
 
Guests are required to obtain a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result (Molecular SARS-CoV-2 test based on a nasal swab) issued at most 72 hours before departure. Guests must upload the test at www.edcardaruba.aw at most 12 hours before departure.  
 
Guests without a medical certificate are subject to a PCR test on arrival at their own expense and must quarantine for 1 day. 
 
Guests younger than 15 years are exempt from the COVID 19 PCR test requirements.

The Barbados Government requires that all guests travelling to Barbados complete and submit an online Embarkation / Disembarkation (ED) travel form 24 hours prior to travel.

Guests originating travel from a high-risk country for COVID 19, e.g. Canada, United States and United Kingdom, are required to:

• Stay at a preapproved accommodation
• Have a Covid19 PCR negative test result taken within 72h prior to arrival
• Upload the Covid19 PCR negative test to the Embarkation / Disembarkation (ED) travel form
• Present a copy of the COVID19 PCR test results at the airport
   

Children under 5 who are accompanied by a legal guardian do not require a COVID 19 PCR test.

A second COVID 19 test will be taken 4 to 5 days after arrival and upon receipt of the 2nd negative COVID 19 test result the individual be allowed to leave their preapproved accommodation and explore the island of Barbados.

Guests travelling from Canada who do not have a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result will be subjected to a PCR test on arrival and placed in quarantine until negative test results are provided. This does not apply to children under 5 who are accompanied by a legal guardian.

For more information, please visit Barbados Travel Protocols.

Passengers may be subject to quarantine for 14 days.

A completed Health Declaration Form must be presented to immigration upon arrival. The form can be obtained at: bonairepublichealth.org/en/form.

Passengers must have a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result. The test must have been taken at most 72 hours before departure of the last direct flight to Bonaire.

Learn about pre-departure testing options

Guests travelling to Costa Rica must purchase travel insurance to cover their accommodations in case of quarantine or medical expenses due to COVID-19 illness.

Some bookings may be covered by WestJet’s no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance, please review eligibility and coverage details. For those not eligible, additional coverage will be required. Visit the Costa Rica tourism website for information on Costa Rica insurance providers.

Within 48 hours of departure all guests including minors must complete an online Health Pass form. Upon completion of the form guests will receive a QR code that must be carried on a mobile phone or printed out to present to the authorities on arrival.

All guests travelling to and from the Dominican Republic are required to obtain an Electronic Ticket prior to travel. The Dominican Republic electronic portal will ask each guest a series of questions for the General Immigration Office, the General Customs Office and the Ministry of Public Health. Once completed a receipt with a QR code will be provided to present to the authorities on arrival and before departure. For additional information please refer to the GoDominicanRepublic COVID information page.

Guests age 11 years or older travelling to and from France are required to wear a disposable surgical mask. Children 2 to 10 years of age are required to wear a suitable non-medical face mask.

Anyone travelling from the U.S. through Canada or has been in the U.S. for the past 30 days will be required to:  

• Obtain a medical certificate with a negative Coronavirus (COVID-19) PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure. This does not apply to guests younger than 11 years.
• Complete an International Travel Certificate and a declaration on honor to state that they do not have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The certificate can be obtained at consulates or at www.interieur.gouv.fr. 

The Jamaican Government requires that all passengers travelling to Jamaica (both Jamaicans and non-nationals) must obtain a travel authorization within 72 hours of departure.

• Foreign nationals can apply at https://www.visitjamaica.com/ 
• Residents of Jamaica can apply at https://jamcovid19.moh.gov.jm/immigration.html

Guests will need to save the electronic or printed copy of the Travel Authorization for the airline agent at check-in, or when boarding your flight to confirm acceptance for travel.

In addition to obtaining a Jamaican Travel Authorization, residents of the United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Panama and Brazil are required at check-in to present a negative test result from either a PCR or Antigen COVID 19 test taken within 10 days prior to travel. Residents of Canada are not required to provide a COVID-19 test result.

Guests traveling to and from Mexico must complete an online QUESTIONNAIRE OF IDENTIFICATION OF RISK FACTORS IN TRAVELERS. A print out of the completed questionnaire response or an electronic copy displayed from a mobile device to be presented to the Immigration officer when entering or departing Mexico.

As of January 18, 2021, all guests arriving or connecting through England must present negative COVID-19 test prior to departure. This includes UK nationals and residents. The COVID-19 test must be taken no more than 3 days before the day of departure and the notification must show a negative result. Valid test types can include an antigen test, such as a test from a lateral flow device, a nucleic acid test, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or derivative technologies, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests.

Please visit gov.uk for the most up to date and accurate information.

December 22 update:

Due to the COVID-19 virus variant and further lockdowns in the UK, WestJet has cancelled all inbound and outbound London (Gatwick) flights starting December 24, 2020 through January 7, 2021 at midnight. For more information, visit our blog.

Essential information to enter the UK​

The United Kingdom is taking steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19.​

1. To protect your health and the health of others, everyone must complete an online passenger locator form before arrival in the United Kingdom.​
   
   
2. You may be required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Check the exempt countries list immediately before you travel as this list can change at short notice.​

Failure to comply with the above measures is a criminal offence and you could be fined. Please visit www.gov.uk/uk-border-control for detailed public health information.

Last updated January 22, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. MT

The safety of our guests and crews is our top priority. It is our goal to be open and transparent throughout this rapidly evolving situation. This table will be updated regularly with information on COVID-19 impacted flights in our network.

The public health authority has jurisdiction, and a process, for notifying guests on board the flight, we are providing all necessary information as required. We have a strict process and protocol in place for notifying our crew of affected flights and are not always able to post the information in coordination with public health.

Guests in affected rows of the below flights are considered close contacts and may be at risk for exposure. Public health officials recommend that affected individuals self-isolate for 14 days after arrival and monitor symptoms. Guests are advised to contact their primary care provider, or their local public health unit if they are concerned that they may have been exposed to or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

All guests who were on the listed flights, but not in the affected rows are advised to self-monitor for signs of cough, fever or respiratory issues and to call their local health authorities if symptoms arise within the next 14 days.

As other countries implement travel restrictions due to COVID-19, please check your destination country's entrance requirements before travel.  For additional information about Coronavirus please refer to the Government of Canada's website and the IATA Travel website.

Where Canadians can travel

Effective October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act will come into effect allowing for legal purchase, use, and possession of cannabis for personal purposes. WestJet would kindly like to remind you that crossing international borders with cannabis remains illegal and guests are responsible for ensuring they follow all laws and regulations as it pertains to cannabis. Holding a medical authorization for cannabis in any Country, including Canada, does not grant the ability to take cannabis into or out of Canada.  Please refer to the following Government of Canada website for additional information and resources.

Canada is now accepting digital declarations from travellers arriving by air at select airports. To learn more about Primary Inspection Kiosks and the eDeclaration mobile app, visit www.cbsa.gc.ca.

Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If you are a foreign traveller and you do not require a visa to travel to Canada, you're expected to apply online for an eTA before travelling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and any travellers who currently hold a valid visa.

The application process is affordable, doesn’t take long to complete, and in most cases the eTA will be granted within minutes of applying. To apply and find out more, visit Canada.ca/eTA.

You must have valid (not expired) identification to take any flight within Canada. Adhering to the Secure Air Travel Regulations, WestJet will not allow you to fly if you do not have proper, valid ID. In addition, the name on your identification must match the name on your airline reservation or boarding pass. Public Safety Canada has information available on its Documents Needed for Air Travel webpage. For more information on all ID requirements please visit WestJet.

African Swine Fever is a serious viral disease affecting pigs that could harm the Canadian pork industry and Canada’s economy.

The disease can be spread very easily through pork products, as well as contaminated clothing and/or footwear.

Do not bring pork products to Canada. If you do, the Canada Border Services Agency will take them away for safe disposal.

Every passenger must declare all food, plant and animal products brought to Canada to a border services officer upon arrival. Failure to do so will have consequences, and may include a $1300 fine.

Travellers must also advise if they have recently visited a farm outside of Canada. Find out more on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website at www.inspection.gc.ca

You can help create a great experience for everyone on board by consuming liquor responsibly.

It is our duty to let you know that it is unlawful to consume your own alcohol in the airport prior to departure and onboard any WestJet flight. If you would like to enjoy a drink on board, our aircraft are licensed to serve alcohol. To ensure the safety of all guests and crew, if you are believed to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, before your flight, our crew has the right to deny you boarding.

Canadian Aviation Regulations prohibit us from allowing any guest to board our aircraft when there are reasonable grounds to believe the person's faculties are so impaired by alcohol or a drug that they may present a hazard to the aircraft or to guests.

If you are travelling to Mexico and the Caribbean in the near future, it’s possible you will encounter a higher-than-normal volume of sargassum (seaweed). Please note; at any time of year, multiple locations can be affected, and the amount this year is above average.

WestJet and WestJet Vacations want you to be aware - before you book - of the possibility of sargassum during your vacation.

Hotels in the affected areas use different methods for removal of sargassum that may wash up on the beach. In some regions, beaches are considered natural reserves or protected areas, and there are limitations on what action hotels connected to these beaches are able to take.

We kindly ask that any guest allergic to nuts or peanuts, nut products or tree nuts, self identifies at the time of booking, at check-in and notifies inflight crew upon boarding any of our aircraft. WestJet food products do not directly contain peanut and/or derivatives; however, some items may contain traces of peanuts from manufacturing processes.

Please be advised that due to safety concerns; hoverboards, powerboards, airwheels and other self-balancing lithium battery powered scooters are forbidden from transport on any WestJet or WestJet Encore flight, in carry-on, checked baggage or cargo. The safety and comfort of our guests is a top priority and this rule will stand until further notice.

Phishing is the practice of sending phony email messages to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information. These scams often ask for personal information such as usernames, passwords and email addresses — WestJet will never ask you to share any of this information through an email. Phishing scams may also make a false claim that your account is in urgent need of attention. This sense of urgency drives the recipient to click a link to an authentic looking website which is actually a spoof site used to gather credit card information and account details. Avoid clicking on any attachments to these emails as they may contain viruses or spyware.

Key indicators of a phony email are:

• a false claim that a prize or flight has been awarded;
• a false claim that there is a problem with the recipients account that needs "fixing";
• the existence of typos or poor grammar, spellings such as "Westjet" instead of "WestJet";
• the sender's email address and any links in the document may appear authentic;
• other authentic looking material such as logos or company colours.

Internet marketers are falsely claiming to represent WestJet Airlines Limited using online surveys and Facebook sharing. The scams offer tickets for free or a nominal amount in exchange for answering questionnaires and then sharing the surveys with your friends on Facebook. We are always happy to hear about your experiences with us, and ask you not to participate in these scams or share them through your Facebook profile. For more information, please see our blog post.

Numerous guests attempting to reach WestJet by phone have found themselves in the ‘Misdial Trap’ – a scheme used by fraudsters and telemarketing companies to profit from misdial traffic.

There are many active toll-free numbers created intentionally close to WestJet phone numbers in an attempt to catch guests who misdial to harvest their personal information and credit card details. This marketing strategy relies on clumsy dialing and high-pressure tactics. These types of scams are rapidly increasing. Please dial carefully and remember, the toll free phone number for WestJet is 1-888- WESTJET.