WestJet Check-in: Online, Counter, and Kiosks Ways Decoded

To board a WestJet flight, it is essential to complete the check-in process. It can be done either online or at the airport. Online mode includes check-in through the official website or app, while in-person, completing it at the airport through counters or self-service kiosks.

WestJet check-in online provides early access as it opens 24 hours before the scheduled departure, and at the airport, it starts approximately 4 hours early to obtain a boarding pass for both international and domestic flights. Additionally, there are some timelines for arrival, check-in, bag drop, and boarding time that vary, along with the restrictions on baggage, which should be clear before flying.

WestJet Check-in Options

WestJet offers various options to travelers for checking in for their flights. They can select the method that is convenient to them.  

1. WestJet Online check-in: It can be completed through the official website of the airline 24 hours before departure to save time at the airport. 

2. WestJet Mobile check-in: Online check-in can also be completed through the WestJet app. It’s convenient as it can be completed through a phone and is more secure, and provides more features. 

3. WestJet check-in through airport counters: Completing check-in by presenting documents and tickets at the WestJet airport counter. 

4. WestJet check-in through Self-service kiosks: Self-check-in kiosks at the airport scan the documents and enter personal and flight details to get the boarding pass printed. 

WestJet Online Check-in

WestJet online check-in is the most convenient option the airline offers to complete the process, as it saves time and energy at the airport. It only requires a device with a stable internet connection and access to either the website or the app. The reason it is becoming more preferable is due to its portability and effortless processing.

Timings for Online Check-in

• WestJet check-in opens: 24 hours before the scheduled departure. 
• WestJet check-in closes: 1 hour or 60 minutes before the takeoff of the flight.

How to complete WestJet web check-in?

The process of completing WestJet check-in through the website is accessible to every passenger having a ticket. 

• Passengers are required to visit the official website of WestJet, westjet.com, and log in to their account.
• Select the option to check in located on the home page and proceed. 
• They will have to enter their booking reservation code or the 13-digit ticket number with their last name. 
• Choose the flight to check in and enter all the necessary details.
• After this step, passengers can select seats and add special services for extra charges. 
• They should review all entered details, such as personal details, flight details, etc.
• Those with bags enter the number and weight, then confirm and pay. 
• Once completed, travelers will receive a digital boarding pass with the boarding gate and bag drop counter number. 

What is the process of WestJet Check-in through Mobile?

Similar to WestJet web check-in, travelers can complete it by downloading the app of airline on their mobile or tablet. The app provides more features than the website and is considered to be more secure due to an encrypted network. 

1. Download the WestJet app from the Google Play Store or the App Store and log in.
2. The check-in feature is located on the homepage of the app. 
3. Travelers will have to add their reference code with their last name, similar to the web check-in process.
4. Select the flight for check-in and enter the details. 
5. Select seats and add extra service for an additional cost. 
6. Complete entering details of bags to be carried. 
7. Review all the details and submit. Then complete the payment for check-in. 
8. The WestJet boarding pass will be generated on mobile with all information about the gate numbers for boarding and baggage drop counters.

NOTE: Name changes and modifications are not allowed post-concluding the check-in as per WestJet Name Change Policy.

WestJet Airlines Airport Check-in

To complete check-in at the airport, travelers have two options: either through the counters or the self-service kiosks. Airport check-in can be chaotic sometimes, and it is recommended to arrive timely, whether domestic or international departure.

Timings for Airport Check-in

• WestJet Counters Open: 4 hours before the departure.
• WestJet Counters Close: 1 hour before the departure.

WestJet check-in through Counters

WestJet requests passengers to reach at least 2 to 3 hours early for the takeoff, keeping the essential documents checked and accessible to be presented. 

• Arrive at the airport and approach the WestJet counter, generally located in the departure area.
• Present all documents and tickets, along with the 6-digit booking confirmation number. 
• Select a seat for an extra cost and also check in bags.
• Complete the payment for check-in, seats, and overweight baggage (if applicable). 
• The airline personnel will provide the boarding pass with all important information. 

WestJet check-in through Self-Service Kiosks

Self-check-in kiosks can also be used to fulfill the requirements of check-in at the airport. It is very similar to WestJet online check-in, but with a specific device designed for this goal. 

• Navigate to the self-check-in booth and scan the passport along with other documents. 
• They can enter the booking reference number for the domestic flights. 
• Select the flight for check-in, and also select seats or add any additional services to the reservation. 
• The booth can also print bag tags for the checked baggage. 
• Make the payment and complete the process to obtain a WestJet Boarding pass. 

WestJet Check-in, Baggage Drop-off, and Boarding Timings

WestJet has published some recommended timings for travelers’ convenience for check-in, dropping off bags, and boarding the flight. These timings can make the process easy and efficient for everyone. 

Flights	Check-in	Baggage drop-off	Check-in closing	Boarding gate opening time	Boarding gate closing time
Domestic	120 minutes	90 minutes	45 minutes	40 minutes	10 minutes
International	150 minutes	90 minutes	60 minutes	40 minutes	10 minutes
United States	150 minutes	90 minutes	60 minutes	40 minutes	10 minutes

Additionally:

• Checked baggage drop-off starts 3 hours before the scheduled departure. 
• International check-in closing time is 1 hour at most airports, but it’s 15 minutes extra at Calgary (YYC), Edmonton (YEG), Toronto (YYZ), and Vancouver (YVR). 
• The Boeing 787 aircraft provides an extra 5 minutes of gate closing, making it 15 minutes.
• WestJet unaccompanied minors should check in at least 90 minutes before takeoff.
• WestJet Special assistance can be sought up to 30 minutes before flying. 

WestJet Baggage Allowance

According to WestJet Baggage policy, it allows travelers to get their cabin bag and checked baggage on board, but with certain restrictions on weight and size. However, some top-tier passengers can get one or two free checked baggage. While others will have to pay for their extra and overweight bag. 

• One carry-on bag and one personal item per person is permitted, but with size limitations. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger. 
• For checked baggage, one bag of 23 kg within 62 inches is allowed. 
• Sometimes, economy passengers don’t get any baggage allowance. Hence, they will have to pay for every checked bag. 
• Premium cabin guests get two checked baggage included in their fare, while the carry-on limit remains the same for everyone. 

Summing Up

Multiple options are provided to travelers, helping them to complete their WestJet check-in with convenience. Certain time restrictions and fees will be applied for extra services added to the reservation. However, during online check-in, the fee can sometimes be lower than at the airport, which is why it is recommended to finish it online, either through the website or the app. Moreover, the advised timings for each process are mentioned to make it more convenient for flyers.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs