News Releases

Airline offers service for children travelling alone within Canada

CALGARY, May 22, 2012 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced details of its new unaccompanied minor program. The program launches following feedback from guests encouraging the airline to unveil a service that allows children to travel alone.

Starting today, children can travel without a parent or guardian as a part of WestJet's unaccompanied minor program. The program is required for children between the ages of eight and 11 and optional for children ages 12 to 17. Restrictions apply to a child's eligibility and full details can be found at westjet.com/childrenstravelprogram 

"The unaccompanied minor program will help connect families around our domestic network, help us remain competitive and contribute to our friendly and caring brand," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Sales, Marketing and Guest Experience. "We are excited to offer this program to the travelling public and look forward to welcoming these little guests on board in the very near future."

Under the unaccompanied minor program, a fee of $100 per child, per flight, will be added to the fare paid. For this fee, the child will remain in the care of WestJetters from the time they board the aircraft until they are met by a parent or guardian on arrival. On flights with live seatback television, unaccompanied minors will receive a set of regular earbuds. On routes with buy-on-board service, children will also receive a free sandwich or other buy-on-board items.

WestJet will accept unaccompanied minors on WestJet-operated domestic flights that are non-stop or flights that do not require a change of aircraft. This service is not available on connecting flights, flights operated by code-share or interline partners or on WestJet Vacations and WestJet Vacations Group bookings.

WestJet's guardian fare program, which allows a guardian to accompany a child on their flight, will remain available for booking and can be used for flights that do not qualify under the unaccompanied minor program.

Guests interested in making an unaccompanied minor booking can do so now by contacting WestJet's Sales Super Centre at 1-888-WESTJET.

About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 76-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 and leather seats on its modern fleet of 98 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 37 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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