WestJet to remove unmasked passengers from flights and ban them for a year
Aug 27, 20, 10:46 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Posts: 7,273
WestJet to remove unmasked passengers from flights and ban them for a year
Measures take effect Sept. 1, 2020, airline's CEO, Ed Sims, says in interview with CBC News
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/wes...fety-1.5703063
Interview with Ed Sims Friday evening on the National.
Aug 28, 20, 9:18 am
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend and Moderator: Manufactured Spending
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
Posts: 54,664
Here's the new WS policy as outlined this AM
Zero tolerance mask policy
Effective September 1, 2020, the WestJet Group will implement a zero-tolerance policy in support of the requirement for all guests over the age of two to wear masks and face coverings. Non-compliant guests will face penalties including denied boarding, return of the aircraft to the gate to offload the passenger and the suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year.
Non-compliance on board the aircraft will be managed through a three-step process:
Prior to flying, it is important that travellers understand the current regulations and modifications to services in response to COVID-19. Please visit westjet.com/coronavirus before departure to ensure you are aware of the policies.
Another initiative is better contact tracing:
Contact tracing enhancements
Effective September 1, 2020, the input of contact information for those travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop will become mandatory at the 24-hour check-in process online and at kiosks. Mandatory information at WestJet check-in kiosks will be phased into the policy change by the end of September.
Once implemented, guests will no longer be able to bypass the information screen and will be required to input up-to-date information prior to the issuance of a boarding pass. It is the responsibility of the traveller to provide accurate information.
Please note that when travellers check in for a flight, they should input their personal contact information, including their own email address.
Zero tolerance mask policy
Effective September 1, 2020, the WestJet Group will implement a zero-tolerance policy in support of the requirement for all guests over the age of two to wear masks and face coverings. Non-compliant guests will face penalties including denied boarding, return of the aircraft to the gate to offload the passenger and the suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year.
Non-compliance on board the aircraft will be managed through a three-step process:
- Passengers will first be asked to put the mask on in a discussion with cabin crew.
- Passengers will be given a warning that masks are required, and compliance is necessary.
- Passengers will receive notice that non-compliance will result in follow up notification that they will be placed on a no-fly list for 12-months.
Prior to flying, it is important that travellers understand the current regulations and modifications to services in response to COVID-19. Please visit westjet.com/coronavirus before departure to ensure you are aware of the policies.
Another initiative is better contact tracing:
Contact tracing enhancements
Effective September 1, 2020, the input of contact information for those travelling on WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop will become mandatory at the 24-hour check-in process online and at kiosks. Mandatory information at WestJet check-in kiosks will be phased into the policy change by the end of September.
Once implemented, guests will no longer be able to bypass the information screen and will be required to input up-to-date information prior to the issuance of a boarding pass. It is the responsibility of the traveller to provide accurate information.
Please note that when travellers check in for a flight, they should input their personal contact information, including their own email address.
Aug 28, 20, 11:21 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Canada
Programs: Marriott Plat; Air Canada E75K; Westjet Platinum
Posts: 1,161
So airline is asking us to play our part with this policy, what about doing their part in preventing covid by blocking out all middle seats? I don't see that happening. We hold up our end of the bargain, where is their end of the bargain? What about kids who try to wear the mask but take it off mid-flight while having a melt down and parents are really making a genuine effort to get them to put the masks back on? Will they be kicked off the flight and banned?
Aug 28, 20, 12:00 pm
#4
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend and Moderator: Manufactured Spending
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Originally Posted by Sunny Day
What about kids who try to wear the mask but take it off mid-flight while having a melt down and parents are really making a genuine effort to get them to put the masks back on? Will they be kicked off the flight and banned?
Aug 28, 20, 1:08 pm
#7
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Originally Posted by YYCguy
I would imagine that parents who are seen to be at least trying to get their children to comply will be treated accordingly, but parents who just aren’t giving a f&$k what their kids do could be subject to the policy above.
Aug 28, 20, 1:15 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2012
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It sounds like there is still the option to get around the policy by providing a doctor’s note. So really still far less stringent than some US airlines. It makes this about as toothless as the ESA regulations.
As outlined by Transport Canada, travellers requiring an exemption to the regulation for health reasons must produce a certified medical note or will be subject to the measures as outlined. Complete guidelines on non-medical masks are available here.
As outlined by Transport Canada, travellers requiring an exemption to the regulation for health reasons must produce a certified medical note or will be subject to the measures as outlined. Complete guidelines on non-medical masks are available here.
Aug 29, 20, 12:55 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: Delta 2M DM, Southwest A List and CP
Posts: 902
Originally Posted by tracon
Blocking the middle seat was never designed to prevent COVID.
It was a theatrical measure to make passengers feel good.
If the middle seat is blocked you're less than 3' away from the other pax.
It was a theatrical measure to make passengers feel good.
If the middle seat is blocked you're less than 3' away from the other pax.
Aug 29, 20, 4:32 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
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Posts: 7,815
Originally Posted by Sunny Day
What about kids who try to wear the mask but take it off mid-flight while having a melt down and parents are really making a genuine effort to get them to put the masks back on? Will they be kicked off the flight and banned?
Aug 29, 20, 8:30 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 187
Originally Posted by Often1
What about passengers and crew who simply don't wanted to be infected and don't really care whether the virus is transmitted by someone who is 2 or 20?
Aug 29, 20, 9:50 am
#12
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan, IHG, Enterprise, Avios, Nexus
Posts: 7,815
Originally Posted by mxqisit
There's an inherent risk assumed by each person in choosing to get on an airplane during a pandemic. Let's not take personal responsibility out of the equation here.
Sep 4, 20, 11:47 pm
#15
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,184
Originally Posted by YYCguy
Strange that the article is about a Westjet flight but the pictures airline cabin is most definitely not the inside of a westjet aircraft!
https://www.latimes.com/travel/story...ot-so-friendly
