Key Facts for the WestJet Unaccompanied Minor Program
WestJet primary sources reviewed April 25, 2025. Confirm all details with WestJet directly before booking. The service is limited to nonstop Canadian domestic flights only. This summary covers the key points of the WestJet program.
The most important rules: Children under 8 cannot use the program. The service is mandatory for ages 8 to 11 traveling alone. WestJet does not offer this program on international flights. These three facts are your starting point.
A safe plan begins with confirming the child's age, the route, and the operating carrier. This guide will walk you through the rest of the process.
Can My Child Fly Alone on WestJet?
The short answer: Yes, but only within strict rules. Children under 8 cannot use the program. The service is mandatory for ages 8 to 11 traveling alone. WestJet does not offer the program internationally.
Even if the child meets the age requirement, the flight must be a nonstop WestJet-operated route within Canada. A connecting flight or a codeshare with another airline will not be eligible.
What this means for you: The program has specific limitations. You must check the route and operator carefully before you book.
How the WestJet Policy Shapes Your Planning
The policy page explains which ages can use the service and what kind of flight is eligible. It also explains why a ticket sold by WestJet may still be unsuitable when another airline operates the aircraft.
Parents should compare the child's age with the full route before choosing a fare. Check whether the flight is nonstop, whether the destination is supported, and whether the service is offered on that operator. These policy limits come before payment.
A disruption can turn an eligible trip into an ineligible one. A new stop or partner matters even when the price stays the same. Use the policy as a route filter.
Understanding WestJet's Age Requirements
Age Rule: Children under 8 cannot use the program. The service is mandatory for ages 8 to 11 traveling alone. WestJet does not offer the program on international flights.
When planning, check your child's age on both the outbound and return flight dates. If their birthday falls during the trip, it could change the applicable rule. Always provide the airline with the correct date of birth.
If siblings are traveling together, don't assume the older child can act as a guardian. The youngest child's age dictates the rules for the entire group.
What the Service Covers (And What It Doesn't)
What to expect: WestJet provides a supervised handoff for eligible children. Staff will escort the child from check-in to the aircraft and then to the designated pickup person.
What it is not: This is not a babysitting or medical care service. The child must be able to follow crew instructions, manage their own personal needs, and handle their own carry-on bag.
WestJet accepts up to four unaccompanied minors per flight. The child may receive a headset, snack, and drink, but they are still expected to be independent.
Service Detail: WestJet's program includes an airport and cabin handoff. The child must follow crew instructions and manage their own needs within the boundaries published by the airline.
How to Book the Unaccompanied Minor Service
Booking Rule: You must submit an online request. WestJet replies within 48 hours. You then need to call and pay within 72 hours, or the reservation will expire.
Before You Buy a Ticket
Submit the online request with the child's legal name, date of birth, and flight details. Provide the complete details of both the sending and receiving adults. Wait for WestJet's reply before you pay.
After Ticketing
Save the booking reference, the ticket number, and the service confirmation. After payment, open the booking again to check that the service code is correctly applied.
Booking Detail: The process starts online. You must then call and pay within the 72-hour window. Save all confirmations, including the service acceptance and receipt.
Essential Documents for Your Child's Solo Flight
Document Checklist: You must provide the child's legal name, date of birth, gender, identification, and the complete details of both the sending and receiving adults.
Ensure that the name on the ticket and the ID document match exactly. Keep all documents in a safe, easily accessible place.
Remember, the airline's form is not a substitute for government-required documents like a passport or visa. A consent letter may be required for travel.
Service Fees and Additional Costs
Fee Policy: The 2026 tariff lists CAD100 per direction, with the fee page showing a range of CAD100 to CAD118 including tax.
When you book, ask for a total that separates the airfare, the service fee, baggage costs, and taxes. Confirm if the fee is per child or per segment.
Always review the airline's refund policy before you pay.
Packing Tips and Baggage Allowance
Baggage Rules: The baggage allowance is based on the fare purchased. The unaccompanied minor fee does not include any extra baggage allowance.
For the carry-on bag, pack light and simple. Include the child's travel documents, a list of trusted contacts, any permitted medication, a phone charger, a light jacket, and a small snack.
Use a discreet luggage tag. Keep valuables to a minimum. The carry-on should be easy for the child to manage.
Traveling with Strollers, Car Seats, and Baby Equipment
Equipment Rules: Requests for strollers, car seats, and other infant or adaptive equipment are handled separately from the unaccompanied minor service.
Ask the airline about the specific rules for your item. The answer can change depending on the aircraft type for your specific flight.
What to Expect at the Airport: Drop-off and Pickup
Airport Procedure: The sending adult must complete check-in at the counter. The authorized adult picking up the child must present a valid photo ID.
Departure Process
Arrive early to complete all paperwork. The airline may require you to stay in the terminal until the plane is in the air. Ask about gate access.
Arrival and Pickup
The designated adult should arrive at the airport early with their ID. WestJet will refuse to release the child to anyone who is not on the approved list. Keep your phone on and close by.
Airport Detail: The sender completes check-in and the authorized collector presents ID. Both households should monitor the same official flight status until release is complete.
Understanding Route Eligibility
Eligible Routes: Only nonstop flights operated by WestJet between points in Canada qualify. Bookings made with Air Miles or RBC points are not eligible.
International Travel: WestJet does not offer the unaccompanied minor program on international itineraries.
Always check the 'operated by' line on your booking. A marketing flight number does not guarantee the service is available.
Children with Special Needs or Requiring Extra Assistance
Special Needs Policy: The child must be able to manage their own basic needs. Any accessibility requirements must be disclosed and approved before the service can be confirmed.
Be very clear with the airline about the specific help your child needs. If they cannot manage essential care independently, WestJet may require an adult companion.
A Practical Example: Planning a Solo Trip
Imagine a 9-year-old traveling from Calgary to Vancouver. The first step is to check the age: 9 is within the 8-11 mandatory range. The child is eligible.
Next, check the route. If it's a nonstop WestJet-operated flight within Canada, it qualifies. The parent submits the online request, receives confirmation within 48 hours, and then calls to pay the fee.
On the day of travel, the parent arrives early to check in. They wait until the flight departs. The receiving adult arrives early with ID to collect the child.
Final Planning Tips for Parents
Prepare the child for the journey step-by-step: check-in, security, gate, aircraft, and meeting the pickup adult. Show them a photo of the person who will meet them.
Delay Plan: A change to an international, connecting, or partner-operated flight voids eligibility. If the flight changes, you must re-confirm the service.
Final Review: Submit the online request more than 48 hours ahead. Pay within the 72-hour response window. Reconfirm the policy shortly before departure, as stations and forms can change.
WestJet Minor Travel Summary Table
| Age/Category | Solo Travel Eligibility | Service Provided | Fee or Fare | Key Planning Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 8 | Not eligible | No UM | N/A | Must travel with an adult |
| 8 to 11 | Eligible (on nonstop Canada flights) | Full unaccompanied minor handling | CAD100-CAD118 per direction | Service is mandatory |
| 12 to 17 | Travels under normal rules | No standard UM service | Adult fare | Check for youth-specific rules |
| International | Not eligible | No UM | N/A | Must use a different airline or adult companion |
Use this table as a starting point for your planning. Only WestJet can confirm the final details for your specific trip.
Primary Source for This Guide
Our guide is based on a review of WestJet's official unaccompanied minor page. Always check the source again before your final payment and your child's departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to the most common questions parents have about WestJet's unaccompanied minor policy.
Can my child fly alone on WestJet?+
Children under 8 cannot use the service. The program is mandatory for ages 8 to 11 traveling alone. WestJet does not offer this service on international flights.
How much does the WestJet unaccompanied minor service cost?+
The 2026 tariff lists CAD100 per direction, with the fee page showing a range of CAD100 to CAD118 including tax.
Which flights are eligible for the WestJet unaccompanied minor service?+
Only nonstop flights operated by WestJet between points in Canada qualify. Bookings made with Air Miles or RBC points are not eligible.
How do I book the unaccompanied minor service on WestJet?+
You must submit an online request. WestJet replies within 48 hours. You then need to call and pay within 72 hours, or the reservation will expire.
What documents are needed for a child to fly alone on WestJet?+
You must provide the child's legal name, date of birth, gender, identification, and the complete details of both the sending and receiving adults.
What is the baggage allowance for an unaccompanied minor on WestJet?+
The baggage allowance is based on the fare purchased. The unaccompanied minor fee does not include any extra baggage allowance.
Can I send a stroller or car seat with my child on WestJet?+
Requests for strollers, car seats, and other infant or adaptive equipment are handled separately from the unaccompanied minor service.
What is the airport procedure for an unaccompanied minor on WestJet?+
The sending adult must complete check-in at the counter. The authorized adult picking up the child must present a valid photo ID.
Can WestJet's unaccompanied minor service support a child with a disability?+
The child must be able to manage their own basic needs. Any accessibility requirements must be disclosed and approved before the service can be confirmed.
Can an infant travel alone on WestJet?+
No, children under 8 cannot use the unaccompanied minor program. They must travel with an adult.
What happens if my child's WestJet flight is delayed or changed?+
If the flight is changed to an international, connecting, or partner-operated flight, the eligibility for the program may be void.
Does WestJet offer the unaccompanied minor service on international flights?+
No, WestJet does not offer this program on international itineraries.
Can siblings travel together on WestJet as unaccompanied minors?+
Yes, but the rules are typically based on the youngest child's age. Ask the airline for guidance on booking them together.
Who can pick up my child after their WestJet flight?+
Only the adult you named in the booking can pick up the child. They must arrive early with a current photo ID that matches the name on the record.
Can I change the designated pickup person?+
Yes, but only if the airline approves the change before the child arrives. Get a new confirmation from the airline for both adults.
Will the flight crew give medicine to my child?+
Do not assume the crew will administer medicine. The child must be able to manage their own essential needs. If they cannot, you must discuss this with WestJet.
Can a parent go to the gate with the child?+
This is decided by the airline, airport, and local security. Ask at the check-in counter and be prepared to stay in the terminal until the flight departs.
Do I always need a consent letter for this service?+
It is recommended and often required, especially for international travel. The airline's form is not a replacement for government-required travel documents.
What should I pack in my child's carry-on bag?+
Pack a contact card, all travel documents, any permitted medicine, a phone charger, a warm layer, and a light snack. Keep the bag simple and light.
What is the first thing to verify for a WestJet unaccompanied minor booking?+
First, confirm the child's age. The service is mandatory for ages 8 to 11 and not available for children under 8.
What records should I keep for this service?+
Keep the booking confirmation, the ticket receipt, and the written confirmation from WestJet accepting the service.
What route details can affect this service?+
The service is only for nonstop, WestJet-operated flights within Canada. International and connecting flights are not eligible.
When should I recheck the WestJet policy?+
Recheck the policy after any flight changes and again a day or two before travel. Only the operating airline's current rules matter on the day of travel.
Continue Your Planning
Editorial and Verification Note
WestJet controls flight acceptance and policies. Parents are responsible for all travel documents. The primary source link is provided in the section above.
Editorial Note: Updated April 25, 2025. AI assisted in the research and drafting of this guide. We encourage you to verify all details with WestJet directly. We are not affiliated with WestJet.