WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2026

For smooth travel, WestJet Airlines has multiple policies for its passengers. One of them is the unaccompanied minor policy. In order to make travel easier and safer for young passengers, WestJet unaccompanied minor policy 2026 has been implemented. Underage travelers can easily finish the check-in and boarding process with the help of this policy. It also reveals the laws that apply to kids traveling alone. In addition, restrictions, age requirements, booking methods, etc., can be availed. Therefore, prior to making a reservation for a kid, it can be useful to quickly review the rules of this policy. 

What is the WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2026?

For kids ages 8 to 17 years, WestJet Airlines is happy to provide an unaccompanied minor program for solo travelers. Parents might choose to use the Guardian fare program, which enables them to travel with their child to and from their destination at discounted rates, if their child does not fit the requirements listed below.

• When traveling, unaccompanied minors on WestJet must be at least eight years old.
• For children who are traveling alone and have turned eight years but not yet twelve years, this is a required service.
• For minors who are traveling alone and have turned 12 years but not yet turned 18 years, this is an optional service.
• This program is not available to children who:
  • Are blind or deaf.
  • Demand that a service dog be used.
  • Possess an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an Epi-pen®) for travel due to an allergy.
  • Need help taking the necessary medications.
  • Have a condition that necessitates traveling with a familiar caregiver.
  • Are unable to communicate in French or English, either orally or in writing.
• For an unaccompanied minor WestJet traveling as part of a WestJet Vacations package, the air carrier does not provide the unaccompanied minor program.

Amusement or Entertainment

Guardians or parents might wish to bring along their child’s favorite video game, book, iPod, or toy. Further, please be aware that the flight crew can occasionally not allow the use of these products.

WestJet Airlines Guardian Fare Program

On the majority of WestJet flights, parents or guardians can accompany children ages 2 to 11 years by purchasing the guardian fare.

• On all WestJet flights, a passenger who has turned two years but has not yet turned twelve years must be accompanied by an adult.
• However, a passenger who has turned twelve years old can travel alone.
• The guardian who purchases a guardian fare is entitled to a discounted rate.
• However, they must return to their departure city within 24 hours.
• When traveling with WestJet unaccompanied minors, guardians will sit next to or close to the child.
• The guardian’s return flights must be scheduled to depart at least two hours after the initial flight lands at its destination.
• Parents can find out the availability of Guardian fare flights and booking choices by calling WestJet between 6:00 A.M. and 5:30 P.M. MST.
• For the same, they should choose the “Speak with the Special Care Desk” option.
• WestJet’s 787 Dreamliner flights do not offer the guardian fare.

Flight Availability and Limitations for WestJet Unaccompanied Minor

For WestJet unaccompanied minors, the flight needs to:

• Be for transportation between two cities in Canada. 
• Unaccompanied minor service is not available on flights to the US or other foreign countries.
• For travels outside of Canada, parents might want to think about using the guardian fare program.
• Be a WestJet flight, meaning it is run by the airline.
• The airline partners’ flights are not eligible for unaccompanied minor programs.
• Not necessarily connecting to another flight (as several flight numbers suggest).
• Not reach the destination before 10:00 P.m. or depart before 05:30 A.M.
• Based on the WestJet unaccompanied minor policy 2026, the term “red-eye” refers to one that does not occur overnight.
• Please be aware that reservations using Air Miles or RBC Points cannot be made for unaccompanied minors.

What is the WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Fee?

On WestJet Airlines flights, at the time of booking, a USD 100 charge will be collected for each child. Assistance with check-in, flight monitoring, and transfer to the chosen guardian are all included in this unaccompanied minors WestJet fee. Checking the most recent rates is advised because the amount may vary based on the kind of flight.

What is the Necessary Identification for WestJet Unaccompanied Minor?

WestJet Airlines needs the child’s entire name as it appears on their identification, date of birth, and gender in order to book travel for an unaccompanied minor.

• Additionally, it needs the guardians driving their child to and from the airport to provide their full names (as on official identification), residences, and mobile phone numbers (or other contact information).
• Owing to the WestJet unaccompanied minor rules, the air operator needs a photocopy (not the original) of the child’s birth certificate or another official document proving the child’s gender and date of birth during check-in.
• In addition to being needed for the return trip, the photocopy will be sent with the child.
• When the child arrives, the person picking them up must be at least eighteen years old and must show one form of official identification with a photo.
• A WestJet unaccompanied minor form will be emailed to the person who booked the flight or flights after the unaccompanied minor booking is complete.
• As per the unaccompanied minor policy for WestJet, this paperwork is necessary for the child’s journey in both directions.
• Kindly fill out the form before one arrives at the airport. 

Stages for WestJet Unaccompanied Minor

Parents can better prepare their children for a safe and well-guided flight experience by being aware of the steps involved with WestJet unaccompanied minor travel.

At the Airport

According to the WestJet policy on unaccompanied minors, parents must arrive at the airport at least ninety minutes prior to the planned departure time. This will give WestJet Airlines time to check the unaccompanied minor form they filled out, finish any other paperwork, and confirm that the child has been checked in and is prepared to leave.

• Most airports will let parents utilize gate passes to take their youngsters to the gate areas if they have the right identification to pass security.
• As part of the WestJet unaccompanied minor service, a single gate pass can only be given to one individual.
• Until a WestJet representative notifies parents that the plane has taken off, they must stay in the gate area.
• Additionally, until the plane lands and the child is turned over to the pick-up guardian in their destination city, one must be reachable (by phone).
• Planning the itinerary to allow parents to stay at the airport in case of delayed flights is a smart option.
• Further, it is important to make sure the guardians who are taking their WestJet unaccompanied minors to and from the airport have their own identification and a copy of the child’s itinerary.
• In case the child unintentionally leaves their luggage on the plane or in the airport, WestJet Airlines advises them to additionally attach a baggage tag with both parents and their names on the inside of their checked and carry-on luggage.
• Guardians could offer the child a small food item and ask them to use the potty close to the gate area before they board.
• It should be noted that the child will be the final passenger to disembark from the airplane after it has been pre-boarded.

Child Being Picked up at the Airport

For unaccompanied minors on WestJet, it is mandatory for the guardian to arrive at the airport at least half an hour prior to the anticipated arrival time of the flight. Once being taken to the arrivals area, children will be handed to their guardians only once they have produced a valid government ID.

Interruptions to WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Flights

On WestJet Airlines flights, the top priority is taking care of the child. Regardless of the cause of the flight disruption, the airline has procedures in place to guarantee the child’s care and safety at all times. Moreover, if a WestJet unaccompanied minor’s original trip is canceled, then he or she is given priority for the next available flight under this program. For the same, WestJet Airlines will cover all necessary care, transportation, food, and lodging.

Making Reservations for WestJet Unaccompanied Minor

Parents should fill out the online form if they want to request unaccompanied minor travel. After reviewing their request, WestJet Airlines will email them a response within 48 hours. Following the response, they have 72 hours to confirm their reservations and pay the unaccompanied minor fee WestJet, i.e. USD 100 to USD 118 flight price. This can be charged depending on the direction and VAT. A new request must be made online if the payment is not processed within 72 hours.

• Up to four unaccompanied minors can travel on any WestJet flight.
• WestJet Airlines might include a drink, a snack, and a headset with the child’s flight.
• The child might also get a snack or other buy-on-board items on routes where the buy-on-board service is offered.

Tips for WestJet Unaccompanied Minor

These helpful pointers/tips for WestJet unaccompanied minor flights will guarantee a fun, safe, and easy trip for young passengers.

• The standard carry-on and checked baggage allowance is available to the youngster.
• An unaccompanied minor cannot travel with a pet.
• Parents might want to make sure their child has enough money for a meal or pack extra snacks. 
• Although certain snacks are included in the cost of traveling with an unaccompanied youngster, unforeseen delays could make the trip take longer than expected. 
• Please note that not all items are allowed past security if guardians intend to send extra food.
• Based on the WestJet unaccompanied minor policy 2026, take a list of the child’s emergency contacts. 
• If the youngster needs to get in touch with someone, a calling card is a convenient and speedy tool.
• The youngster should be able to reach parents or guardians who are meeting the flights over long distances.

Ways to Assist WestJet Unaccompanied Minors in Traveling Safely

In accordance with the WestJet unaccompanied minor rules, telling the child when they are going, what time their flights are, where they are going, and who will be dropping them off and picking them up will help them get ready for their vacation. Make sure the youngster understands that they must always heed the advice of the flight crew. 

• From the moment they are approved for travel, throughout the trip, and until they are turned over to their parent or guardian, their identity must be readily accessible for their protection.
• In line with the unaccompanied minor policy for WestJet, telling the child that they must stay seated once the plane has been parked at the gate is crucial because a flight attendant will help them get off the plane after everyone else has.
• WestJet advises parents to clothe their youngsters comfortably and loosely. 
• If they are dressed in layers, then they can adapt to the ship’s temperature if it becomes too hot or cold. 
• It is a good idea to include a change of clothes in the child’s carry-on bag and to write their name on the inside of their clothes.

Some Useful Links Related to WestJet Airlines

• WestJet Airlines Pet Policy 2026
• WestJet Airlines Cancellation Policy 2026

Summing Up, 

When the children are traveling alone, parents can feel more at ease. This can be possible by abiding by the rules of the WestJet unaccompanied minor policy 2026. To make using this airline’s minor policy easier, a number of topics are discussed, including conditions and questions.

FAQs on WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Policy 2026