WestJet's holiday travel tips

Airline offers guests suggestions for a great holiday travel experience

December 8, 2010

WestJet today shared its top holiday travel tips to help guests enjoy a smooth travel experience during the airline's busiest time of year.

'December brings both guests looking to get home for the holidays and guests escaping winter to our sun destinations' said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales. 'As part of WestJet's commitment to a great guest experience, we're pleased to share these travel tips in hopes that we can help create a stress-free experience for our guests.'

1. Check out your check in options.

WestJet offers four convenient check-in options.

• Web check-in is available at the newly redesigned westjet.com. Guests can check in from 24 hours to 60 minutes before scheduled departure.
• Self-serve check-in kiosks are available at most Canadian and U.S. airports in WestJet's network from 24 hours to 60 minutes before scheduled departure. Self-serve kiosks in Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton also offer self-serve bag tagging, allowing guests to print and attach their bag tags as part of their check-in process.
• Mobile check-in allows guests to check in using their cell phone. Like web and self-serve kiosk check-in, mobile check-in is available 24 to 60 minutes before scheduled departure.
• Traditional counter check-in is available in all airports. Our WestJetters are always happy to greet guests and help them on their way. Guests travelling within Canada must check in no later than 45 minutes prior scheduled departure and 60 minutes if travelling to the United States, Mexico or the Caribbean.

2. When you're on time, we're on time.

Due to the high volume of holiday travellers, WestJet recommends guests arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure. Guest can sign up to receive flight reminders and notifications of flight changes by visiting westjet.com. Guests must be through security (and customs if applicable), and at their departure gate 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time of departure. Guests arriving at the gate less than 10 minutes prior to departure risk losing their reserved seat.

3. Know your baggage allowances.

All guests are permitted two pieces of carry-on baggage. One item of carry-on cannot exceed 21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in (55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm) and a second item cannot exceed 16.5 in x 6 in x 13 in (43 cm x 16 cm x 33 cm).

Guests travelling before January 19, 2011, are permitted two free checked bags. Each piece cannot exceed 62 inches total combined length, width and height and must weigh under 23 kgs (50 lbs). As our checked and excess baggage information has recently changed, we invite all guests to visit our website for more information.

4. Inform yourself of excess baggage fees.

Up to two excess bags will be accepted for a fee of $75 on a space-available basis. Remember that excess baggage fees are combinable. For example, an extra item that is oversized and overweight will be charged both an oversized fee and overweight fee. Sporting equipment such as skis and snowboards are considered to be part of your two free checked bags (before January 19) but may have additional charges if they are in excess of the weight or size allowances.

5. Pack strategically.

We suggest you put all of your important 'must-have' items into your two checked bags as we can't guarantee there will be room on the aircraft for all extra bags.

6. Carry-on? Wrap off.

Wrapped presents should go in checked baggage. Airport security (CATSA) may unwrap any wrapped items in carry-on baggage, causing delays at security for you and your fellow travellers. If you have additional questions about security screening, please visit www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca

7. Prepare your furry flyers.

Although we do not accept pets for travel in checked baggage between December 15 to January 6, inclusive, certain small animals may be able to travel in the cabin of the aircraft. Please see the travel essentials section of westjet.com for details.

8. Remember toys for girls and boys.

Make sure to pack some small games or toys for little WestJetters traveling this holiday. A long trip will pass quickly with some entertainment. Remember that WestJet offers live seatback television, so don't forget to pack your single-pronged earphones.

9. Make sure to stay hydrated.

The aircraft cabin can be very dry, so make sure to drink lots of water during your flight. WestJet offers complimentary refreshments plus a buy-on-board service with a variety of snacks and beverages to purchase.

10. Share the cheer.

Share a holiday joke with your inflight crew - WestJetters are always looking for new material! If you have an appropriate holiday joke that makes you laugh every time, feel free to share it on board and help us spread festive cheer.

If you have more questions about how to make your holiday travel even more stress-free (including check-in, identification requirements, seating, and baggage) please use the links under Travel Essentials on westjet.com to get more information.

Wherever your travels take you this season, West Jet wishes you and your family and happy holiday season.

FlyForLess is not affiliated with any media companies nor does it represent or work for WestJet. This article is published with the sole purpose of making information available for those who wish to stay informed on WestJet's actualities.