With the predictably unpredictable winter weather arriving, just in time for the busy holiday season, WestJet has implemented a number of measures to improve the guest experience across all touchpoints of the travel journey this winter, with a strategic focus on digital enhancements and onboard experience.
As WestJet prepares to transport more than 1.1 million guests across its network to the people and places they love most this holiday season, the airline has prepared the following travel tips to help guests navigate a smooth travel experience.
Arrive early for a smoother experience
The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for travel. Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves extra time when getting to the airport. Guests travelling domestically are encouraged to arrive at least two hours in advance of their scheduled departure time, while those travelling internationally are encouraged to arrive at least three hours in advance of their scheduled departure time.
Guests are encouraged to download the WestJet mobile app and add their trip to view their flight information and receive timely updates regarding any changes.
Self-Serve opportunities
Guests are encouraged to self-serve throughout their travel journey to minimize wait times and expedite their airport experience. Some ways guests can self-serve include:
- Checking the status of their flight and for any travel advisories before departing for the airport.
- Check-in online at westjet.com or using WestJet’s mobile app to save time at the airport and be automatically signed up to receive SMS text notifications, providing timely updates on flight changes as information becomes available.
- Avoiding the check-in counters at Calgary, Saskatoon, Halifax, Ottawa, Toronto airports when checking baggage, by printing baggage tags for pre-purchased baggage and heading directly to the self-serve bag drop.
- Allowing push notifications from the WestJet app to receive important updates and flight information.
Automatic rebooking for guests
This holiday season, WestJet is utilizing new software to ensure guests impacted by a flight disruption will receive faster communication and reaccomodation to arrive at their chosen destination as seamlessly as possible. In the event of a flight disruption, guests are encouraged to:
- Check their inbox for an email from WestJet with the subject line: Essential or Crucial details for your upcoming flight” for self-serve options
- Utilize the Manage Trips function on westjet.com or the WestJet app to self-serve, manage booking details, purchase baggage and select seats
- Chat with a live agent for assistance with general inquiries, flight changes or cancellations, baggage allowance and wheelchair assistance
Baggage made easier
Knowing things like size and weight restrictions on all types of baggage and pre-purchasing baggage ahead of travel are just some of the ways guests can seamlessly manage their travel experience this year. Additionally, guests should:
- Pack essential items and valuables in carry-on baggage or personal items, such as medications and jewelry.
- Wait to wrap all gifts both in checked and carry-on baggage until arriving at their final destination.
- Remember that carry-on items such as snow globes are still limited to CATSA’s liquids, aerosols and gel limitations.
Check your travel documents and get travel ready
Ahead of their planned travel, guests should always check all travel documents to avoid any last-minute issues and stress. When checking travel documents, guests should ensure that the information provided on their identification matches the information on their ticket and that their identification for travel is not expired. Identification requirements for domestic, transborder and international travel can be found here.
For more information and details on how to best navigate the holiday travel season, visit WestJet’s Get Travel Ready Hub for information on baggage, travel insurance, health and safety and what to do in the event of a disruption.
Have a happy holiday!