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Westjet Airlines Pet Restrictions & Fees

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Westjet Airlines Pet Policy

If you are planning to travel with your furry friend on Westjet Airlines, there are a few crucial things to bear in mind. WestJet Airlines does not permit online pet reservations. Therefore, you will need to reach out directly to the WestJet Customer Service at (888) 937-8538 to include your pet in your travel plans. As the number of pets permitted per aircraft is limited, it's advisable to secure your pet's spot early.

WestJet Airlines allows certain pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, and some bird species to accompany you in the passenger cabin. However, your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a carrier placed beneath the seat in front of you. Each passenger can bring along one pet. The fee for carrying a pet within or between Canada and the U.S. ranges from $50 to $59 CAD/USD. For travel beyond the U.S., the fee hikes to $100 to $118 CAD/USD.

When it comes to pets as checked baggage, WestJet extends its welcome to animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs, and hedgehogs. They can be transported in the hold, provided the combined weight of your pet and carrier does not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg). However, during extreme temperature conditions, pets may not be allowed to travel in the cargo area. The associated pet fee ranges from $100 to $118 CAD/USD within or between Canada and the U.S, and $200 to $236 CAD/USD for other international destinations.

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For pets that exceed the weight limit for travel in the hold or are being transported alone, WestJet offers an alternative solution. You can contact the WestJet Cargo Team at (866) 952-2746 to arrange for your pet to be transported as cargo.

Regarding carrier specifications, for pets in the cabin, the maximum permissible dimensions are 16" x 8.5" x 10" in (41 cm x 21.5 cm x 25.4 cm). The carrier should be soft-sided, airline-approved, leak-proof, secure, and well-ventilated. For pets in the hold, the carriers should not exceed 40" x 27" x 30" (101 cm x 68 cm x 76 cm). These carriers should be hard-sided, without wheels, well ventilated, airline-approved, and lined with an absorbent material such as a towel. It should be labeled with "LIVE ANIMAL", "THIS WAY UP" arrows on two sides, and your pet's name. Make sure to provide food and water containers within the carrier for your pet's comfort.

WestJet has some limitations in their pet policy, as pets are not allowed to travel from December 15th through January 6th each year. This restriction is to ensure the well-being of the pets during peak travel times and extreme weather conditions.

Do keep in mind that air carriers can change these policies at any time, so you should always check directly with WestJet before booking, to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

For a more comprehensive overview of WestJet Airlines, including details about flight check-in, baggage policies, and corporate information, please visit our Westjet Airlines Guide.

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