Flight delays, cancellations, and schedule changes
We understand that any disruption to your plans can be tough. We'll keep you informed and work to get you back on track as quickly and safely as we can.
At WestJet, we don't overbook flights as a rule, but there might be times when we need to change the aircraft or seating arrangement due to operational needs. If this happens, we'll make sure it affects your travel as little as possible.
If you're denied boarding, your flight is delayed or canceled for at least two hours, or your baggage is lost or damaged, you might have rights under the Air Passenger Protection Regulations. To learn more about your Canadian Passenger rights, you can send WestJet an APPR question or concern or visit the Canadian Transportation Agency’s website.
Learn more about flight interruptions for flights departing, arriving, or diverted through:
You will receive notifications from WestJet three different ways:
- Email - when you book a flight
- Text message - when you check-in online you’ll be automatically enrolled to receive flight updates from phone number: 1-833-883-8705
- WestJet app - after you’ve downloaded the WestJet app to stay informed through push notifications on your mobile device.
These notifications apply to WestJet operated flights only, and include:
- the reason for flight delays, and cancellations
- gate changes
- compensation our guests may be entitled to
- and recourse available against WestJet, when applicable
No notifications are sent if the flight is on time. To be certain, you may check:
- WestJet Flight Status
- The WestJet app
- The airport departure screens, where feasible
- Or listen for airport audio announcements
Before you arrive at the airport
The following is the protocol for notifying guests about flight changes:
- Delay notifications will only be provided if the delay is 15 minutes or greater
- Delay and cancellation notifications will be provided every 30 minutes until alternative travel arrangements have been made.
- Please note:
- If you booked your trip through a third-party such as a travel agent, airline partner, travel site or AIR MILES®, we recommend that you contact them, as you may not receive direct communications from WestJet.
At the airport
The following is the protocol for notifying guests about flight changes:
- Delay notifications will only be provided if the delay is 15 minutes or greater
- Flight change notifications will be provided every 30 minutes until alternative travel arrangements have been made.
- Departure notifications stop 15 minutes prior to actual departure
- Gate change notifications are sent only within 3 hours of departure
On the aircraft
- announcements every 30 minutes (when safe for our pilots to do so)
Extra Mobile Services Information
- Reply HELP for help and STOP to stop receiving messages from us. Message frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply.
- STOP - We have received your request to stop text messages from WestJet related to this flight. For more information on how we communicate flight changes with our guests, please visit https://www.westjet.com/flight-changes#notifications
- HELP - For help with your flight please contact us www.westjet.com/contact
- Participating carriers: AT&T. Verizon Wireless, Spring, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Boost Mobile, Metro PCS, Virgin Mobile, Alaska Communications Systems (ACS), Appalachian Wireless (EKN), Bluegrass Cellular, Cellular One of East Central, IL (ECIT), Cellular One of Northeast Pennsylvania, Cricket, Coral Wireless (Mobi PCS), COX, Cross, Element Mobile (Flat Wireless). Epic Touch (Elkhart Telephone) CGI, Golden State, Hawkeye (Chat Mobility), Hawkeye (NW Missouri), Illinois Valley Cellular, Inland Cellular, iWireless (lowa Wireless), Keystone Wireless (Immix Wireless/PC Man), Mosaic (Consolidated or CTC Telecom), Nex-Tech Wireless, NTelos, Panhandle Communications, Pioneer, Plateau (Texas RSA 3 LTD), Revol, RINA, Simmetry (TMP Corporation), Thumb Cellular, Union Wireless, United Wireless, Vlaero Wireless, and West Central (WCC or 5 Star Wireless).
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. - Read our Privacy Policy
- Don’t forget to Download the WestJet app to stay informed on-the-go and enable instant notifications.
- WestJet is not liable for delayed or undelivered messages
- Message and data rates may apply. Please contact your wireless carrier for details.
Flying with a non-WestJet operated airline?
Policies for communicating flight delays and cancellations can be different between airlines. If you’re travelling on a flight operated by a carrier other than WestJet, we recommend that you visit the airline’s website to learn about their policies, fees and terms and conditions of carriage.
If you have concerns about how the delay or cancellation of your flight was communicated, the airline that operated the affected flight will be best equipped to deal with your concerns.
You can also review our domestic tariff, specifically rule 90: Schedule Irregularities. Delays, cancellations and compensation.