News

WestJet upgrades self check-in options

June 21, 2012

WestJet has redesigned the look of all its check-in solutions from its website and kiosks to the mobile phone app. In addition to a redesign, new features will allow WestJet guests to do more as part of their check-in experience, according to a company press release.

Guest can now use the following new features on the airline's Web, mobile and kiosk check-in platforms:

• Pay excess baggage fees as part of mobile and Web check-in.
• Move to an earlier flight, on select routes, based on availability.
• Re-enter the check-in process to reprint boarding passes and change baggage information and
• Print boarding passes and baggage tags in a single transaction at select airports where self-serve bag-tagging is available.

"We're pleased to unveil these new applications as part of WestJet's commitment to a remarkable guest experience," said Bob Cummings, WestJet executive VP of sales, marketing and guest experience. "These applications offer big improvements to the check-in flow, as well as increased kiosk usability, which is a benefit to both our guests and WestJetters in our airports. We believe that as demand grows for guests to customize their travel to suit their needs, so too will the number of guests using our self-service options."

The airline encourages guests to use these self-service options, creating an enhanced experience at the airport where WestJet guests will only have to drop off any checked baggage and proceed to their gate. As always, the company said, WestJetters will continue to welcome guests at WestJet ticket counters for those who wish to complete their check-in at the airport.

Introducing self-service tools has been an important part of WestJet's history. In 2010, WestJet unveiled self-serve bag-tagging in major Canadian airports. Three years earlier, WestJet was the first airline in North America to launch the electronic boarding pass.

"Convenience is an important part of the value proposition to travellers. As part of our airline's evolution, WestJet is striving to lead the way when it comes to easy-to-use self-service options," Cummings said. "In great numbers, WestJet guests check in online or via their mobile device, email or print their own boarding passes, and tag their own bags at the airport. This successful implementation further demonstrates our commitment to building capabilities that will provide additional self-service opportunities to enhance the travel experience of our guests."

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