WestJet passengers could be banned up to a year for not wearing mask: airline

WestJet says there is the potential for denied travel and a one-year travel ban for those who fail to comply with the airline’s mask regulation.

The airline also says those who don’t wear a mask will be denied boarding and the aircraft will return to the gate to offload those not in compliance.

WestJet says this applies to the whole group or airlines — WestJet, WestJet Encore, WestJet Link and Swoop.

The airline says passengers who refuse to wear a mask will be managed through a three-step process:

1. Passengers will first be asked to put the mask on in a discussion with cabin crew.
2. Passengers will be given a warning that masks are required, and compliance is necessary.
3. Passengers will receive notice that non-compliance will result in follow up notification that they will be placed on a no-fly list for 12-months.

The zero-tolerance mask policy and the contact tracing information policy go into effect on Sept. 1.

WestJet also says travellers must offer contact information — calling it mandatory — in order to help with contact tracing in the case of infected individuals on board.

Travellers requiring an exemption to the mask regulation for health reasons must produce a certified medical note or will be subject to the measures as outlined.

The airline told 680 NEWS it has dealt with around 30 incidents in which passengers refused to wear a face covering.