Effective Oct. 30, The WestJet Group will implement the federal government’s mandatory vaccination policy for air travellers and employees and will operate as a fully vaccinated airline, says the company.

In sharing the “evolution” of its Safety Above All program, WestJet says its protocols will reflect the Government of Canada’s mandate in both respects with “minimal accommodations pursuant to human rights law.”

“The implementation of these policies mark a major confidence milestone for our industry as Canadians can fly knowing that they are travelling within a fully vaccinated ecosystem,” said WestJet Group president and CEO Ed Sims. “We are taking all necessary steps to ensure our guests are advised of the new requirements for travel prior to taking their next flight.”

For travel on or after Oct. 30, 2021, the implementation of the federal government’s mandatory vaccination policy for travellers will mark a “major change to the Canadian travel journey,” says WestJet. This includes:

• For Phase I, for travel between Oct. 30 and Nov. 29, 2021, in order to travel with the WestJet Group, guests must prepare to provide proof of vaccination or proof of a valid PCR test to demonstrate the requirements for travel.

• For Phase II, for travel on or after Nov. 30, 2021, only proof of vaccination for guests 12 years or older, with narrow exceptions, will be acceptable for travel on the WestJet Group.

The airline advises travellers to check the government website for the latest information, but adds that it will actively communicate travel expectations through a variety of means including: notification emails; check-in declaration; validation requirements; and changes to WestJet.com and flyswoop.com.

“As we transition to a fully vaccinated company and Canadian airline industry, we will continue to advocate for the recalibration of travel guidance and policies that were implemented prior to the widespread availability of vaccines,” said Sims.

WestJet notes that it had previously announced a mandatory employee vaccination policy.

“Vaccination is our best way out of this pandemic, and more than 98% of our workforce self-declared their full-vaccination intent prior to the implementation of these policies.” said Sims. “We continue to work together with our employee, labour and contractor groups to ensure the successful implementation of our corporate policy.”

All WestJet Group employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and full vaccination status is a requirement of employment for all future employees hired by the WestJet Group, with accommodations managed pursuant to human rights law.

WestJet says it also welcomes a standardized and digital proof of vaccination that will enable Canadians to securely and quickly demonstrate their vaccination status in order to travel abroad and is awaiting additional details on timelines, nationwide availability, and global acceptance.