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Airline offers guests suggestions for a great holiday travel experience

CALGARY, Dec. 8 /CNW/ - 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 Serve-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, we recommend 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, WestJet wishes you and your family and happy holiday season.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 91 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 44 aircraft through 2017, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

About WestJet Vacations

Launched in 2006, WestJet Vacations provides guests with a wide selection of vacation packages to popular vacation destinations in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Leveraging WestJet's friendly employees, extensive network and solid value proposition, WestJet Vacations offers guests a fun, friendly and caring vacation experience.

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