WestJet communicates new airport security procedures

Airline relays newly-imposed CATSA security rules for all U.S.-bound guests

CALGARY , Dec. 26 /CNW/ - WestJet announced today that in cooperation with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), all guests on flights bound to the United States will be subject to a secondary search. Every guest on flights to the United States will be required to submit to a physical pat-down search and carry-on luggage, which will be limited to one bag per guest, will be searched by hand.

The move follows an incident on a Delta Airlines flight from Europe to the United States on December 25, 2009 , during which a passenger attempted, unsuccessfully, to detonate what authorities are describing as an explosive device. The flight landed safely without incident.

WestJet anticipates the additional security procedures will result in delays at the airport and may also result in delayed departures. All guests are advised to arrive at the airport for trans-border departures three hours before the scheduled flight time.

These new procedures are scheduled to be in effect until at least December 30, 2009 . WestJet will update guests as new information becomes available.

About WestJet

WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 67-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada . WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 85 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 50 aircraft through 2016, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.

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For further information: Media Contact: Robert Palmer, Media Relations, telephone: 1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397), email: [email protected]