Westjet Unaccompanied Minor Policy

WestJet understands the importance of ensuring the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. For this reason, the airline comprehensively established WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Policy that outlines the procedures and requirements for children traveling without a guardian.

This policy is designed to give parents and guardians peace of mind and to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for children traveling alone. 

What is WestJet’s unaccompanied minor program?

The Unaccompanied Minor Westjet program is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children who are traveling alone on WestJet flights. The program is available for children aged 8-17 years old who are traveling without a parent or legal guardian. 

What is the eligibility to travel under Westjet unaccompanied minor program?

If your child does not fit the criteria listed below, you might choose to use the Guardian fare program, which enables you to travel with your child at a discounted rate.

• The child must be at least 8 years old.
• Children who travel alone and have turned 8 but haven’t turned 12 must use this service.
• This is an optional service for minors traveling alone who have turned 12 but have not yet turned 18.

Westjet policy for unaccompanied minors is  not applicable for 

• Passengers who have visual or hearing impairments or require WestJet special assistance.  
• Who availed of WestJet pet travel service?
• Have a condition that necessitates carrying an epinephrine auto-injector while traveling.
• Need help taking necessary medication;
• Unable to communicate (verbally or in writing) in English or French.

Are there any flight availability and restrictions for minors to travel alone with WestJet?

WestJet allows unaccompanied minors to travel on their flights, subject to certain restrictions and requirements. 

• Must travel within Canada. Westjet unaccompanied minor service is not available for travel to the United States or other international destinations. 

• The flight must be operated by Westjet.

• Should not be a connecting flight.

• Not leave prior to 5:30 am or arrive after 10:00 pm

• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed to travel on red-eye flights. 

How to book unaccompanied minor services with Westjet airlines?

Passengers can book unaccompanied minor travel online (through the airline’s website) as well as through Westjet customer service. 

Online

To book unaccompanied minor travel with WestJet, follow these steps:

• Visit the WestJet website (www.westjet.com) and select “Book a flight” from the menu.

• Enter your travel details, including the departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.

• Follow the prompts to complete your booking, including selecting your flights and seats.

• Select “Unaccompanied Minor” from the dropdown menu.

• Enter the age of the child who will be traveling alone. WestJet considers children between the ages of 8 and 17 to be unaccompanied minors.

• Follow the prompts to complete your booking, including selecting your flights and seats.

• You will need to complete additional documentation and pay an unaccompanied minor fee during the booking process. The fee varies depending on the destination and flight duration.

• When you arrive at the airport, you will need to check in at the WestJet counter and provide identification for both yourself and the child. You will also need to fill out additional paperwork and sign a waiver.

• WestJet staff will escort the child through security and to the gate. A flight attendant will be assigned to take care of the child during the flight.

• When the flight lands, the child will be escorted off the plane and handed over to the designated person who will pick them up at their destination.

WestJet customer service

To book unaccompanied minor Westjet travel with WestJet via customer service, follow these steps:

• Call WestJet’s customer service phone number. You can find the phone number on their website or by doing a quick search online.

• Inform the representative that you would like to book unaccompanied minor travel.

• Provide the representative with the details of your travel, including the departure and arrival cities, travel dates, and the number of passengers.

• The representative will ask for the age of the child who will be traveling alone. WestJet considers children between the ages of 8 and 17 to be unaccompanied minors.

• The representative will guide you through the process of completing your booking, including selecting your flights and seats.

• You will need to provide additional information, including the name and contact information of the person who will be dropping off and picking up the child, as well as any special instructions or requests you may have.

• You will also need to pay an unaccompanied minor fee during the booking process. The fee varies depending on the destination and flight duration.

• The representative will provide you with information on what to expect on the day of travel, including check-in procedures and documentation requirements.

• On the day of travel, arrive at the airport early to check in at the WestJet counter. You will need to provide identification for both yourself and the child, as well as fill out additional paperwork and sign a waiver.

• WestJet staff will escort the child through security and to the gate. A flight attendant will be assigned to take care of the child during the flight.

• When the flight lands, the child will be escorted off the plane and handed over to the designated person who will pick them up at their destination.

What documents are needed for WestJet’s Unaccompanied Minors?

WestJet Unaccompanied Minor program is designed to assist children traveling alone, typically between the ages of 8 and 11. To enroll a child in the program, the following documents and information may be required:

• The child’s name, age, and gender.
• The name and contact information for the parent or guardian dropping off and picking up the child.
• We demand a copy of the child’s birth certificate. 
• Westjet ID requirements for minors include government-issued identification showing the child’s date of birth and gender. 
• The name and contact information of the person picking up the child at their destination.
• Flight details, including flight numbers, dates, and times.
• Payment for the unaccompanied minor fee.
• A completed Unaccompanied Minor Form, which includes emergency contact information and details about the child’s travel arrangements.

In addition to these documents and information, WestJet may also require identification for both the child and the person dropping off and picking up the child. This could include government-issued photo identification such as a passport or driver’s license. 

It’s important to check with WestJet’s customer service team to confirm the specific requirements for the Unaccompanied Minor program, as they may vary depending on the destination and other factors.

What is the Journey of an Unaccompanied Minor with WestJet?

WestJet, like many other airlines, offers special services for unaccompanied minors (children aged 5-11 years) traveling alone. Here is an overview of the journey of an unaccompanied minor with WestJet:

Before the flight:

• Parents or guardians must book the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service with WestJet at the time of booking the child’s ticket.

• WestJet charges a fee for this service, which varies depending on the flight route.

• Parents or guardians must complete the Westjet unaccompanied minor form and provide all necessary information about the child, including contact information for both parties.

• The child must have all necessary travel documents, including a passport if traveling internationally.

At the airport:

• The child and the parent or guardian must arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure time.

• At the Westjet check-in counter, the parent or guardian must show a government-issued photo ID and sign the UM form.

• The WestJet representative will then give the child a special wristband to wear during the journey.

• The child will be escorted through security and to the gate by a WestJet representative.

During the flight:

• The child will be seated in a designated area of the aircraft, either near the front or the back of the plane, depending on the flight.

• The flight attendant will provide the child with a special UM kit that includes snacks, games, and other items to keep them occupied during the flight.

• The flight attendant will check on the child regularly during the flight and help them with any needs.

After the flight:

• Upon arrival, the child will be escorted off the plane and taken to the arrival gate.

• The WestJet representative will check the child’s ID and match it to the information provided by the parent or guardian.

• The parent or guardian, whose name must be on the UM form and present a government-issued photo ID, must meet the child at the arrival gate and sign them out from the WestJet representative.

It is important to note that the UM service is mandatory for children aged 5-11 traveling alone with WestJet. Children aged 12-17 may travel alone but are not required to use the UM service.

Can you help me with unaccompanied minor checklists with WestJet?

The airline requires unaccompanied minors to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure. If a passenger arrives less than 90 minutes before scheduled departure, the child may be denied boarding. 

Here is a checklist for unaccompanied minors traveling with Westjet Airlines:

Packing

We recommend that you pack the following items in your child’s personal carry-on:

• Sunglasses, or any other essentials
• Information on how to reach the pick-up guardian
• headphones, an iPod or another electronic gadget, a blanket, or a toy
• Snacks (if desired and allowed through security)

Before you head to the Airport

Make a note of the following considerations before you head to the airport – 

• Complete the Unaccompanied Minor Form 
• Bring required identification
• Label all luggage with the child’s name and contact information.
• Meet the requirements for the person picking up the child (must be at least 18 years old.)

Prepare your child for the flight

Explain to your child about their itinerary, what to expect when traveling, and that they must:

• At all times, adhere to the directions given by the flight crew.
• Make sure the lanyard and Honorary WestJetter card are visible at all times by wearing them.
• Be seated when you arrive until the WestJet flight attendant can help you get off the plane.

By following this checklist, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience for your child when traveling with Westjet Airlines as an unaccompanied minor.

How much is the fee for unaccompanied minor service with WestJet?

Westjet unaccompanied minor fee ranges between 100 -118 CAD (75 – 85 USD) per passenger per direction. 

In conclusion, Westjet’s unaccompanied minor request is designed to ensure the safety and comfort of children traveling alone. The policy provides guidelines and procedures that must be followed by both Westjet staff and parents or guardians of the unaccompanied minor. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs