WestJet Introduces TSA PreCheck Program

CALGARY — Eligible WestJet passengers departing from U.S. airports will now be able to receive the TSA PreCheck designation using web, mobile and kiosk check-in, it was announced May 26. Until now, only eligible passengers who received their boarding passes at WestJet counters could take advantage of the program, which offers a less-intrusive search when departing from U.S. airports.

“The ability to check-in, add your known traveller number and have your TSA PreCheck designation embedded in the barcode of your electronic boarding pass will make the security experience much more efficient, especially for business travellers and other frequent flyers,” said Ed Baklor, WestJet senior vice-president, guest experience.

To be eligible, passengers must be registered with TSA PreCheck, one of four U.S. Department of Homeland Security Trusted Travellers programs. When using one of the program’s dedicated security lanes, TSA PreCheck members can leave their shoes, belt or light jacket on while passing through the scanner. Laptops and liquids can remain in carry-on luggage.

Travellers eligible for TSA PreCheck include: Canadian citizens who are members of NEXUS, and U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents who are members of NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Effective May 26, WestJet will also be able to issue electronic boarding passes for eligible guests departing from any Canadian airport, with the exception of Calgary, to any U.S. or international destination served by WestJet. Guests flying from Calgary to U.S. or international destinations will receive electronic boarding passes when the airport’s new international terminal opens Oct. 31, 2016. Guests flying from any U.S. destinations served by WestJet, as well as select international destinations served by the airline, will also be able to receive electronic boarding passes.

WestJet provides scheduled service to 100 destinations in North and Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through its regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with carriers around the world, the airline offers guests more than 150 destinations in more than 20 countries.