The WestJet Group responds to Canada's easing of travel and border measures
February 15, 2022
The WestJet Group welcomes today’s announcement from the federal government outlining changes to Canada’s border measures and travel policies effective March 1, 2022. The WestJet Group will continue to advocate, based on science and data, for the removal of all measures impacting fully-vaccinated air travellers.
“The removal of travel barriers for fully-vaccinated travellers and families is a positive step forward for our industry; we have been advocating tirelessly for these changes on behalf of our guests and our communities,” said Angela Avery, WestJet Executive Vice-President, External Affairs. “As a fully-vaccinated industry, we have worked with public health authorities and all governments to curb COVID-19 and today’s announcement validates that travel has never been a significant vector of transmission.”
WestJet continues to advocate for the return to surveillance arrivals testing only and for the federal government to outline a recovery roadmap for the travel and tourism industry, based on science and reflective of the current realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As measures transition and Canada’s pandemic situation continues to improve, we are optimistic that the remaining policies will be reassessed and removed for fully-vaccinated travellers in the weeks ahead as outlined today by the Ministers,” continued Avery.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates 16/06/2022
Updated COVID-19 exception policy
As a valued partner, we want to inform you that our COVID-19 exception policy has been adjusted for WestJet air, WestJet Groups and WestJet Vacations Groups and will be extended to July 5, 2022, with the exception of Basic fares.
Important: Effective June 22, 2022, Basic fares (A,E) will no longer be applicable to the COVID-19 exception policy and tickets issued on or after June 22, 2022 will follow regular fare rules.
As a reminder, our Basic fare does not allow for changes or cancellations and is non-commissionable. If your clients prefer a fare with flexibility included, we have a variety of fare options available to choose the fare best suited for them.
For more information on Basic fares, visit our Basic branded fares reference guide.
Thank you again for your support
Sean McCaferty
UK Account Manager
Be TRAVEL READY with WestJet
Today, WestJet is announcing no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance coverage for eligible guests booking travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, and European destinations including the United Kingdom. Follow this link to learn more about being TRAVEL READY - Safety Above All with WestJet
For reservations made on or after September 18, 2020, any WestJet air-only reservation including WestJet Vacations bookings for travel to and from Mexico, the Caribbean (excluding territories of the U.S.), Europe (including the U.K.), and inbound to Canada will provide eligible guests no-charge COVID-19 travel insurance through new partner TuGo®. Coverage will be automatically applied at no additional charge to eligible guests at the time of purchase for travel until August 31, 2021 for up to 21 days. One-way travel reservations will also be eligible for coverage for up to seven days.
TuGo® Travel Insurance COVID-19 coverage for WestJet guests includes*:
- Emergency medical and hospital costs for outbound travellers if diagnosed with COVID-19 while outside of Canada (excluding the U.S) for up to a maximum limit of $100,000 CAD per insured person.
- Emergency medical and hospital costs for inbound travellers visiting Canada diagnosed with COVID-19 while in Canada up to the maximum limit of $100,000 CAD per insured person.
- Quarantine accommodation costs when the traveller tests positive for COVID-19 on the trip up to $150 CAD per insured person, per day to a maximum of 14 days for inbound and outbound reservations.
- Ambulance transportation and air evacuation costs related to COVID-19, up to the maximum limit of $100,000 CAD per insured person for inbound and outbound guests.
- COVID-19 repatriation costs in case of death of up to $5,000 CAD per insured person for inbound and outbound guests.
- One-way economy airfare for the return of one travelling companion and dependent children when air evacuated back home for treatment.
COVID-19 related insurance coverage will apply to any eligible itinerary that includes at least one flight operated by WestJet and ticketed on WestJet ticket stock (code 838). Guests will qualify for coverage regardless of whether their first flight was operated by WestJet or by one of WestJet’s codeshare partners so long as their booking was sold by WestJet and includes a flight operated and ticketed on WestJet.
Tickets purchased on a WestJet-operated flight from another airline, even if that airline is a code-share partner airline of WestJet, will not be eligible for coverage.
For full coverage details, please visit here.
*Exclusions apply. Not available to residents of Saskatchewan, United States, or for travel including cruises.
Keeping you safe through your journey
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic we have been taking many extra steps to ensure the safety of our guests and our crew and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
As the various jurisdictions in which we fly begin to open again, our decisions will always be made with the health, safety and mental well-being of our guests and our people at the forefront. It is our commitment that all processes and procedures will be thoroughly evaluated and adapted as required to meet the new operating reality of a post-COVID world.
At WestJet, we hold ourselves to the highest standard and strive to create an environment as safe and clean as possible and have implemented the measures below to ensure the safety of all.
Face Masks
All WestJet Cabin Crew Members have been required to wear a company-approved face mask or face covering when within two meters of a guest on board. This measure further aligns with the recent Transport Canada directive that requires guests to wear a face mask or face covering while on board an aircraft.
In support of the directive that was issued on April 20, 2020, it is mandatory for guests to wear protective face coverings throughout their travel journey, including at the airport and while in flight. Travellers will be required to have a protective face covering prior to CATSA security screening. In addition, and per the directive, travellers will be required to show that they have a suitable face covering prior to boarding a WestJet flight. Guests will be asked to temporarily remove the mask while their identification is verified. Additional details are available here.
As Canada opens to the UK for lesiure travel we know your clients will have questions about WestJet proceedures and policies put in place. Please watch this series of short videos on "Safety above all" and being Travel Ready
Face mask policy and contact tracing
Effective September 1, 2020, the WestJet Group will implement a zero-tolerance policy in support of the requirement for all guests over the age of two to wear masks and face coverings. Non-compliant guests will face penalties including denied boarding, return of the aircraft to the gate to offload the passenger, and the suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year.
Non-compliance on board the aircraft will be managed through a three-step process:
1. Passengers will first be asked to put the mask on in a discussion with the cabin crew.
2. Passengers will be given a warning that masks are required, and compliance is necessary.
3. Passengers will receive notice that non-compliance will result in follow up notification that they will be placed on a no-fly list for 12-months.
Since April 20, 2020, it has been mandatory for travellers to wear protective face coverings throughout their travel journey, including at the airport, while in flight and at the airport. As outlined by Transport Canada, travellers requiring an exemption to the regulation for health reasons must produce a certified medical note or will be subject to the measures as outlined. Complete guidelines on non-medical masks are available here.
Prior to flying, it is important that travellers understand the current regulations and modifications to services in response to COVID-19. Please encourage your clients to visit westjet.com/coronavirus before departure to ensure they are aware of the policies.
Contact tracing enhansments
Effective September 1, 2020, the input of contact information for those travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link, and Swoop 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.
Once implemented, 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. It is the responsibility of the traveller to provide accurate information.
Please let your clients know that when they check-in for their flight, they should input their personal contact information, including their own email address.
Thank you for your support as we reinforce our commitment to the safety of our guests and partners.
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