Travel Tips
Current travel advisories
On January 23, 2007, the United States implemented the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires all air travellers from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda, to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This also includes children of all ages.
While there is a slight possibility that there will be a delay in the implementation of this initiative, please ensure you have the correct documentation when travelling, as failure to produce a passport will result in denial of boarding and / or entry to the United States, should this initiative proceed as planned on January 23, 2007.
Transport Canada will now allow the following through pre-board security screening:
- Liquids, gels, or aerosols in containers of 100 ml or approximately 3.4 oz. or less. These containers MUST be placed in one (1) clear, closed and re-sealable plastic bag no larger than one litre (one quart). ONE BAG PER PERSON.
The following items remain prohibited:
- Unsealed, open, or opaque plastic bags of any size with liquids, gels, or aerosols in containers of any size.
- Liquids, gels, or aerosols in containers larger than 100ml/3.4oz
The following items are exempt from restrictions, however, guests must declare all such items to security screening authorities:
- Baby formula, baby food, and milk for guests travelling with children two years of age and under.
- Prescription and essential non-prescription medicines.
Additional screening of exempted items may be required. No plastic bag is required for exempt items.
For up to date information on these or other Government of Canada security requirements please visit www.tc.gc.ca or www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca or phone 1-888-294-2202.
If you are carrying a laptop computer on board your flight, we recommend you remove your battery as there have been recalls on many lithium ion batteries. Please consult your laptop manufacturer's website for detailed information on recalled batteries.
WestJet has changed terminals in Fort Lauderdale! You can now find WestJet in Terminal Three, next to Air Tran, at the north end of the terminal.
Pricing and payment
Package pricing is based on the number of adults, children and infants travelling. Many hotels allow children and infants to stay for free when sharing existing bedding in a room with an adult. The total price will reflect the appropriate pricing based on the children's ages. When pricing a WestJet Vacations package with children and infants, offers such as "kid's stay and/or eat free" are included in the total cost.
Individuals travelling on their own do not pay an additional single supplement. The pricing quoted reflects the full cost of the package, based on the number of occupants entered.
The "Packages from" is the total package cost divided amongst all guests traveling, including children and infants. All package prices displayed on the website are subject to change until the purchase and approval of the reservation has been completed by WestJet Vacations. Prices are quoted in Canadian funds and are subject to change without notice.
Payment in full with a credit card is required at the time of the booking. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.
At this time, WestJet credit files and gift certificates cannot be accepted for payment on WestJet Vacations bookings. WestJet Vacations' bookings are not eligible for AIR MILES® reward miles or the WestJet enhancements of the Mosaik®* MasterCard®† with the AIR MILES® Reward Option
® Trademarks of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty Management Group Canada Inc., WestJet and Bank of Montreal. ®*Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal. Patent Pending. ®†Bank of Montreal is a licenced user of the registered trademark and design of MasterCard International Inc.
Taxes
Package bookings may be subject to Goods and Service Tax (GST). GST is collected on flights originating in Canada and on services provided in Canada. All other applicable taxes and fees are included in the price quoted, with the exception of car rentals where taxes and surcharges other than GST are paid locally to the car rental company.
Seat Selection
You can select your seat on your flight for a small fee by calling 1-877-737-7001 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m MT. You will have the option to purchase a seat in advance up to 24 hours before your flight departure.
Exclusions
Incidental charges are the responsibility of the guest and unless otherwise noted, prices do not include local and long distance charges, Internet charges, gratuity, bellman, housekeeping, all personal expenses, and any other services not listed as included in the package price. Airport transfers are not included unless specified on the itinerary.
Changes and cancellations
To change or cancel your package booking, please call WestJet Vacations during business hours toll-free at 1-877-737-7001. Missed flights or unused package components are non-refundable and non-creditable.
Changes will be accepted until 21 days prior to your departure. Changes are subject to a $75 CAD change fee + GST per person plus applicable supplier rates and charges. Name changes are not permitted. Some suppliers do not accept changes.
Cancellations will be accepted until 21 days prior to your departure. Cancellations outside of 21 days are subject to a $75 CAD cancellation fee + GST per person plus applicable supplier rates and charges, with the remainder of the package price refunded to the original credit card. Cancellations within 21 days prior to departure will result in 100% forfeit of the amount paid.
Travel insurance
WestJet Vacations strongly encourages guests to purchase travel insurance for their package. Click Here for more information or to purchase travel insurance from RBC Insurance.
Children and infants
Children under the age of two years are considered infants and may travel at no additional charge on WestJet flights provided they are under the age of two for the duration of the vacation and provided that they are seated on an adult's lap while in flight. Click Here for additional information on taking your infant on a WestJet flight.
Many hotels allow children and infants to stay for free when sharing existing bedding in a room with an adult. The total price will reflect the appropriate pricing based on the children's ages. When pricing a WestJet Vacations package with children and infants, offers such as "kid's stay and/or eat free" are included in the total cost. The "Packages from" is the total package cost divided amongst all guests traveling, including children and infants.
The Requests and payment for cribs and cots can be done directly with the hotel.
Guests with special needs
Guests with special needs are welcome to book WestJet Vacations packages on the website; however, after completing your booking we require you to Contact Us so we can request additional services you require. Certain needs such as wheelchair accessibility are on a request-only basis and may not be available at all properties. A WestJet Vacations representative will be able to provide information on hotel accessibility and availability.
Click Here for further information on services WestJet provides to guests with special needs at the airport and onboard a WestJet flight.
WestJet fleet
WestJet operates North America's newest fleet of any large commercial airline comprised of state-of-the-art Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft equipped with more legroom, leather seats and live seatback television on more than 85% of its fleet.
WestJet's fleet includes the Boeing Next-Generation 737-600, 737-700 and 737-800 series.
| Aircraft Type | 7337-600 (736) | 737-700 (73W) | 737-800 (73H) |
| Guest Capacity | 119 | 136 | 166 |
Airport check-in
You can check in a maximum of three hours prior to flight departure. For domestic flights, guests must check in a minimum of one hour prior (90 minutes prior if special assistance is required). For flights to and from the United States, guests must check in two hours prior to flight departure.
Recommended check-in times:
| SCHEDULED FLIGHTS | ||
| Flights within Canada |
Flights to/from the USA (including Hawaii) |
|
| Recommended Check-in | 120 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Baggage cut off time | 30 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Check-in cut off time | 15 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Gate cut off time | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
WestJet guests are required to be through security and at their departure gate 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their flight. Guests arriving at the gate less than 10 minutes prior to departure risk losing their reserved seat.
Guests traveling to the U.S. are required to provide destination information at check-in. Please be prepared to provide the Customer Service Agent with the name of your hotel (if applicable), the address, city, and zip code of where you'll be staying.
At some airports, WestJet's Self-serve check-in kiosks let you skip the lineup and check yourself in. You can drop off baggage too. Simply check in at the kiosks and proceed you're your baggage to the WestJet counter marked "Baggage Drop" where our customer service agent will tag your bags and send them off for loading.
WestJet check-in counters are located in the following terminals:
- TORONTO - Pearson International , Terminal 3
- FORT LAUDERDALE - Hollywood International, Terminal 3
- FORT MYERS - Southwest Florida International, Midfield Terminal
- LAS VEGAS - McCarran International, Terminal 1
- LOS ANGELES - LAX Terminal 3
- MAUI - Main Terminal
- ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL, Central Terminal
- PHOENIX - SKY HARBOUR, Terminal 4
- TAMPA INTERNATIONAL, International Terminal - Red Side, North
Baggage
Checked Baggage: Two items of checked baggage are permitted per fare-paying guest. Additional charges apply for excess baggage:
Maximum size: 157 cm (62 in) per piece (length + width + height).
Maximum weight: 23 kgs (50 lbs) per piece.
Carry-on Baggage: Two items of carry-on baggage are permitted per fare-paying guest.
Maximum size: Item 1 maximum 55 cm x 23 cm x 40 cm (21.5 in x 9 in x 15.5 in) and item 2 maximum 43 cm x 16 cm x 33 cm (16.5 in x 6 in x 13 in). Both items must fit into the sizing device at check-in.
Maximum weight: 10 kgs (22 lbs) per item.
MONTEGO BAY (MBJ) EXCEPTION: Between December 1, 2008 and January 12, 2009, no oversized, overweight or additional baggage will be accepted onboard flights to and from Montego Bay.
Click here for further information on baggage allowance while travelling on WestJet.
Pets
Pets are not accepted at all hotels. Please contact the hotel directly for inquiries about pet acceptance. Extra charges may apply and must be paid directly to the hotel. Guests wishing to travel with their pets are required to Contact Us so we can ensure your pet is added to your flight reservation. Click here for further information on travelling with your pet on WestJet.
Tickets & vouchers
WestJet utilizes a ticketless reservation system and does not require a paper ticket for your flight. In most cases, vouchers or tickets are also not required to redeem for hotel, car, and activity services with a piece of identification enough to redeem vacation services. You will be notified if a voucher is required for any part of your package.
All attractions are 100% non-refundable.
ID requirements
Domestic: For flights within Canada, effective September 18, 2007 until March 31, 2008, all guests aged 18 & over will be required to present at the gate, during boarding, one piece of valid government issued photo ID showing their name, date of birth & gender. If a valid government issued photo ID is not available, then two pieces of valid government issued non-photo ID will be required, one of which must show name, date of birth & gender. Please note that ID is not required for children under the age of 12; however, it is recommended.
Transborder: It is the responsibility of the guest to ensure they have the correct documentation for flights between Canada and the United States. Identification must meet the requirements set by customs in each country. WestJet Vacations cannot be held responsible for denied entry under any circumstances.
- Starting on January 23, 2007, all air travellers from Canada will be required to present a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. This includes children of all ages.
While there is a slight possibility that there will be a delay in the implementation of this initiative, please ensure you have the correct documentation when travelling, as failure to produce a passport will result in denial of boarding and / or entry to the United States, should this initiative proceed as planned on January 8, 2007. - Guests travelling to the U.S. are required to provide destination information at check-in. Please be prepared to provide the customer service agent with the name of your hotel (if applicable), the address, city, and zip code of where you'll be staying.
- Adults travelling with minor children: Travelling with children? Check out the following Foreign Affairs Canada website for detailed information on providing proper documents for children: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/children_travel-en.asp or contact your consulate or embassy.
- Children travelling with one parent: WestJet is able to advise of requirements for proof of identification and citizenship, however, please contact your Consulate or Embassy to confirm additional requirements about minors travelling alone or with one parent/adult, including proof of custody, notarized letters, etc.
Suppliers: Some hotel and activity suppliers may require ID for redemption of services.
Aircraft schedule changes and delays
Flight schedules are subject to change. WestJet Vacations will make every effort to inform guests of any changes. Guests are urged to contact WestJet 48 hours prior to departure, to reconfirm flight times.
If your flight is delayed, WestJet Vacations cannot be held responsible for expenses incurred. Guests must contact their hotel and/or car rental company in the event they are delayed beyond the expected time of arrival. Guests can also contact WestJet Vacations if further assistance is required.
Hotel check-in / check-out
Check-in and check-out times vary by property and may not coincide with flight arrival and departure times. Refunds for unused services are not provided in the event of an early departure. All guests that wish to check out later than the specified hotel check-out time are required to pay any additional charges that the hotel will impose upon them. A credit card may be required at check-in to secure any incidentals charged to the room.
Room requests
WestJet Vacations will forward requests for specific room types, bedding configurations, and other room requests to the hotel however we cannot guarantee they will be available.
Hotel ratings
WestJet Vacations has developed the following rating guide to help you choose the property that best suits your needs and budget. Our ratings are based on WestJet Vacations' assessment of each property's available facilities, services, location and amenities. WestJet Vacations certainly strives to ensure that the descriptions on this website are current at all times; however, for a few reasons beyond our control, changes can occur which may affect our ratings. As such, our hotel rating system should be used as a guideline only and is subject to change without notice. Any photographs appearing on this website are for your information only and are not guaranteed to be an exact representation of what a property will look like upon arrival.
Star Ratings:
Hotel descriptions and construction
WestJet Vacations will make every effort to ensure that the hotel information described online is current and accurate however cannot be responsible for changes to hotel services or inconveniences as a result of hotel construction.
Hotel service
Hotel management should be contacted immediately if you are not satisfied with your accommodation. If the matter cannot be resolved by the hotel, contact WestJet Vacations.
Car rental
Drivers must be a minimum of 21 to 25 years of age (depending on the destination) and hold a valid major credit card or may be required to provide a cash deposit. There may be a daily surcharge for renters under 25 years old. Additional authorized drivers, taxes and fees are paid locally to the car rental company. Car rentals rates are based on a twenty four (24) hour period. Vehicles must be returned on or before the pickup time on the rental agreement or they may be subject to additional charges. WestJet Vacations strongly recommends the purchase of car insurance with your vehicle rental. Car rental company reserves the right to refuse any request for rental, including requests for persons under age, persons not in possession of a recognized full and valid driver's license, persons unable to satisfy credit or cash requirements, or persons who, in the opinion of car rental company, constitute a risk.
Charter flights (Cancun)
Flights 5000-5099 between Calgary-Cancun-Calgary and Vancouver-Cancun-Vancouver are operated by WestJet as charter flights for WestJet Vacations, subject to government approval. As charter flights, the rules of carriage, including conditions of carriage and limits of liability, may be different than on WestJet’s scheduled network. Carriage on charter flights is subject to WestJet’s International Charter Tariff, as well as applicable conventions and regulations. WestJet’s International Charter Tariff is available at http://www.westjet.com/pdffile/internationalCharterTariff.pdf. and at WestJet’s offices.