WestJet Passengers Should Expect Temperature Checks & No Snacks On Their Next Flight

Post-pandemic air travel is going to look very different. If you’re already dreaming about taking a trip or vacation ASAP, WestJet has revealed exactly what’s going to go down when we start flying again. Masks, temperature checks, and extra cleaning are all part of the “new normal,” and you can forget about sitting beside your family and friends!

In order to stop the spread of COVID-19, and to keep passengers as safe and as comfortable as possible, there’s going to be some big changes made to the way we fly.

In a series of tweets last week, one major Canadian airline shared some of the new health and safety measures that they’re implementing when it comes to air travel.

Upon arriving at the airport, all WestJet passengers will now be asked to check in via their phones. “Your mobile boarding pass will help limit contact with surfaces throughout your journey,” the company explained.

Before boarding, “We’ll take your temperature, check that you have your mask for the flight, and ask you a few health-related questions,” the airline said in a tweet.

If you’re displaying symptoms of COVID-19, or are feeling unwell, you won't be able to board your flight.

Importantly, if you’re caught being dishonest about your health, or if you provide misleading information, you could face a fine of $5,000 under the Aeronautics Act.

To accommodate physical distancing as much as possible, adjacent seats on a number of WestJet flights are now unavailable to book.

“The middle seat on our Boeing 737s and 787s and every other seat on our Bombardier Q400 are unavailable to book, to give you more space and a bit of distance,” the airline explained.

While this means a seat next to your friends or family may no longer be possible, maintaining a safe social distance will be the priority.

There’s also some bad news for anybody who enjoys a little treat on the plane.

As per WestJet’s current rules, food and beverages will not be served on flights that are shorter than 90 minutes. On longer flights, a snack and water will be available at your seat when you board.

The purpose of this change is to “reduce touch points” onboard.

These updates come several weeks after Air Canada made a similar announcement, also promising to check temperatures prior to boarding and block adjacent seats.

In April, Transport Canada stated that all Canadians travelling on planes would be required to wear masks that cover their mouths and noses.

While international vacations could soon be on the cards again, air travel is going to look very, very different!