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Tag: Swoop

  • The WestJet Group marks successful integration of ultra-low-cost airline Swoop

    CALGARY, AB, Oct. 30, 2023 /CNW/ – Over the weekend, the WestJet Group completed the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC), Swoop, into WestJet’s existing 737 operations. With the integration now complete, WestJet will leverage the successes and learnings from five years of operating Canada’s first ULCC across its growing airline to enhance its ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of serving the ultra-low-cost market on only 16 aircraft, the airline’s 180 strong fleet will transition to offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience on each of its aircraft.

    “As the first ULCC to enter the Canadian market, in 2018 Swoop pioneered the no-frills product in Canada and was best-in-class in generating ancillary revenues,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group Chief Executive Officer. “By keeping costs low, Swoop was able to offer the most competitive fares and appeal to Canadian travellers of all demographics. As we conclude this integration, we will learn from Swoop’s successes to best serve our guests with diversified product offerings that meet a variety of needs.”

    After five years of operating a true ULCC in Canada, WestJet’s experience is crucial for its low-cost strategic approach. With the largest narrow-body order book in the country, the airline is set to utilize Swoop’s ultra-low cost product, offering low fares and a range of affordable vacation packages across its narrow body fleet. WestJet’s plan includes densifying the rear section of its 737 aircraft, while retaining a premium cabin up front, enabling them to provide a spectrum of in-flight offerings, from ultra-low-cost to premium, on every plane in its fleet.

    “We want to commend all current and former Swoop employees on a job well done. Thank you for your hard work, commitment and passion that made Swoop possible,” concluded von Hoensbroech.  

    About the WestJet Group

    WestJet took to the skies in 1996, cutting airfares in half and increasing the flying population in Canada by more than 50 per cent. Today, the WestJet Group is comprised of Canada’s leading low-cost airline and Canada’s largest vacations provider, sharing a common purpose of bringing affordable travel to Canadians. Inclusive of WestJet, Sunwing Airlines, Sunwing Vacations Group, and WestJet Cargo, the WestJet Group’s 14,000 employees serve 37 communities across Canada, with service to 74 destinations in 27 countries. WestJet Cargo uses WestJet’s aircraft and a dedicated fleet of Boeing 737-800 converted freighters to provide air cargo services to a diverse range of customers.

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

  • Last Day for Swoop Airlines

    28 October 2023 – FlySwoop on X

    Today we mark Swoop’s final day of operation, celebrating 5 years of ultra-low cost flights. As we merge with WestJet, we look forward to new adventures ahead. Thanks to the loyal Swoop travellers for their support. Find us on the Teal side of things at

  • The WestJet Group bolsters commitment to accessible air and leisure travel through integration of Sunwing Airlines and Swoop

    Tour operator Sunwing Vacations to continue its independent operation, joining forces with WestJet Vacations to offer most affordable packaged tours to Canadians

    CALGARY, AB, June 19, 2023 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today confirmed future plans to provide reliable and affordable travel to a broader spectrum of guests and communities across Canada and beyond, through combining the best of every airline across the WestJet Group, including Sunwing Airlines and Swoop into one product offering.

    “We are confident that the future integration of Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group, following that of our ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop will significantly enhance our ability to provide affordability and choice to our guests,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “The integration of all jets from Sunwing Airlines, Swoop and WestJet into one fleet will provide us with the scale to enhance our collective operational resilience, while offering more affordable fares and vacation opportunities across our entire network.”

    While the integration of Swoop is anticipated to conclude by the end of October 2023, Sunwing Airlines will not start integrating before 2024 and remains business as usual at this time. 

    The tour operator business, Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations together will form the leading tour operator in Canada and will continue to operate independently under their existing and respective brands, as integral parts of the WestJet Group. As a result, both Sunwing Vacations and WestJet Vacations will significantly expand vacation offerings to even more communities across its extensive network as well as offering affordable vacation packages from communities in Canada on a year-round basis, which were previously seasonal.

    Furthermore, through leveraging the ultra-low fare products pioneered by Swoop and affordable vacation packages offered by Sunwing Vacations, the WestJet Group will begin providing ultra-affordable fares and increased affordable vacation packages across Canada through the entirety of its 180 aircraft.

    “Competition amongst air carriers in Canada has never been healthier and after a challenging three years, aviation is back, with passenger traffic doubling in Canada since March 2022,” continued von Hoensbroech. “As the strongest airline in Western Canada and the biggest vacation provider across the entire country – the integration of Swoop and eventually Sunwing Airlines into the WestJet Group will enhance affordability and serve to increase choice for Canadians for their air travel and vacation plans.”

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • WestJet Group and ALPA agreement ratified

    Airline to begin integration of ultra-low-cost subsidiary, Swoop into WestJet

    CALGARY, AB, June 9, 2023 /CNW/ – Today, the second collective bargaining agreement between WestJet and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the certified union representing WestJet and Swoop pilots, was ratified.

    “The WestJet Group is pleased to have reached an industry-leading agreement in negotiation with ALPA that recognizes the value and instrumental contributions of our current and future pilots,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, WestJet Group, Chief Executive Officer. “This agreement bolsters our ability to provide certainty and career opportunities across our organization for years to come while ensuring the competitive sustainability of the WestJet Group.”

    The agreement is in effect from January 1, 2023, and will be in place until December 31, 2026.  

    As negotiated in the collective agreement, the WestJet Group will now begin integration efforts of its ultra-low-cost airline, Swoop. Through an expedited process, the airline anticipates a full integration into its mainline operations by the end of October. To avoid traveller impact, Swoop will operate its existing network through to the end of its published schedule on October 28. Swoop employees will move to WestJet.

    “The WestJet Group is confident in the outcome of this negotiated decision and the path forward to integrate Swoop into WestJet’s operations,” continued von Hoensbroech. “We continue our strategy toward providing reliable, affordable travel across the WestJet Group, leveraging the valuable experiences and learnings from the Swoop business model. This integration will enhance our ability to serve a broader spectrum of guests. Instead of only 16 aircraft serving the ultra-low-cost market, each aircraft, in our 180-strong fleet, will offer ultra-affordable travel options through to a premium inflight experience.”

    The WestJet Group is committed to ongoing engagement with valued communities and stakeholders to ensure that the airline continues to provide critical and affordable air travel to communities across Canada.

    About WestJet

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft,14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • The WestJet Group begins flight cancellations in anticipation of WestJet and Swoop pilot strike

    WestJet Encore and Link service to continue through disruption 

    CALGARY, AB, May 18, 2023 /CNW/ – As the WestJet Group prepares for labour action by WestJet and Swoop pilots, the airline has started taking down its network. This action ensures the airline can avoid abandoning aircraft in remote locations without support and enables the proactive communication with guests and crew to minimize the potential for being stranded. The decision to cancel flights comes as the WestJet Group remains in a stalemate with the union regarding unreasonable wage expectations that if realized would permanently damage the financial viability of the group’s future.  

    “We are extremely disheartened to find ourselves in a place where we have to activate our contingency plan and subsequent takedown of our network as a result of the strike notice served by ALPA and their inability to accept a reasonable offer. We deeply regret the disruption this will have on the travel plans of our guests and the communities and businesses that rely on our critical air service,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, Chief Executive Officer, the WestJet Group. “We remain at a critical impasse with the union and have been left with no choice but to begin taking the painful steps of preparing for the reality of a work stoppage.”  

    Given that a tentative agreement has not yet been reached, the WestJet Group is parking the majority of its 737 and 787 fleet, in a measured, phased and safe approach. WestJet Encore, WestJet Link as well as limited 737 flights will continue to operate during this time. 

    “We remain at the bargaining table, unequivocally committed to achieving a deal as soon as possible, but are equally ready to weather labour action for as long as it takes to arrive at a reasonable outcome,” continued von Hoensbroech. “Any guest impact is too high of a cost in the wake of these negotiations and we sincerely apologize that valued guests were caught in the middle of an avoidable conflict.” 

    Guests travelling are advised to check the status of their flight prior to leaving for the airport. Please visit WestJet’s Guest Updates page or Swoop’s information hub for more information regarding flight status, travel changes and more. 

    About WestJet    

    In 27 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 110 destinations in 24 countries.

  • Swoop Celebrates Return of Non-Stop Flights to Orlando International Airport

    The Ultra-not-expensive airline restarts non-stop service from Hamilton International Airport to Orlando International Airport

    HAMILTON, ON, May 8, 2023 /CNW/ – On Saturday, Swoop, Canada’s leading ultra-low-cost airline, celebrated its first flight since 2020 to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Swoop is cementing its position as the leading sun-flying ULCC, providing year-round service to Canadians’ favourite destinations across the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean.

    “As Canada’s number one sun-flying ultra-low-cost airline, we are thrilled to offer our Hamiltonian’s year-round flights to Orlando International Airport,” said Bob Cummings, President of Swoop. “We know residents of southern Ontario value affordable connectivity to Florida so we’re proud to be unlocking year-round service to Orlando.” 

    Swoop recently published a new summer schedule, extending service to key leisure markets, with connectivity year-round. In addition to the service to Orlando, Swoop will also be offering non-stop flights from southern Ontario to Las Vegas, Cancun, Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica, Punta Cana and Varadero.

    Canadians can unlock exclusive discounts at all-inclusive resorts when they book their ultra-not-expensive flight as part of a Swoop Getaway. For added convenience, hundreds of amazing all-inclusive packages to warm and sunny destinations with low Swoop prices are also now available through WestJetVacations.com. 

    “We’re thrilled that travellers can continue to take advantage of ultra-low-cost flights to Florida this summer as Swoop resumes its service between Hamilton and Orlando International Airport (MCO). By spending less on airfare with Swoop, travellers can experience more in-destination and enjoy Orlando’s wide range of attractions, world-famous theme parks and sunny landscapes. Your summer getaway ‘Starts Here’ with convenience and ease from Hamilton International!” – Colleen Ryan – Associate Director, Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience

    “Orlando International warmly welcomes the return of Swoop passengers and is glad Swoop is resuming its service,” said Vicki Jaramillo, Chief Development Officer for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which operates Orlando International Airport. “Resuming this service improves connectivity between Orlando and Hamilton just in time for summer travel.” 

    With one-way all-in prices from Hamilton to Orlando International Airport starting at just $99 CAD†, Swoop is showing Canadians just how affordable a vacation can be any time of the year. 

    Route Peak Weekly
    Frequency      		One-way total
    price (CAD)      		Base Fare (CAD)  Taxes & Fees (CAD)  
    Hamilton to Orlando
    (MCO)     		2x weekly $99.00$2.89$96.11
    Hamilton to Las Vegas 4x weekly $99.00$2.89$96.11
    Hamilton to Cancun  3x weekly  $129.00$21.53$107.47
    Toronto to CancunDaily$139.00$20.24$118.76
    Toronto to Montego Bay3x weekly$149.00$21.29$127.81
    Toronto to Kingston3x weekly$189.00$61.19$127.81
    Toronto to Punta Cana3x weekly$179.00$54.84$124.91
    Toronto to Varadero3x weekly$159.00$34.09$124.91

    †Everyday low fares terms and conditions: Seasonal start and end dates apply and are indicated in the booking flow. | Fares are valid until May 9, 2023, or while seats last. | Prices displayed are subject to change and are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted. | Seats at these fares are limited and may not be available on all flights. | Non-refundable. | Fares are valid on new online web bookings only. | Learn more about baggage and optional fees at www.FlySwoop.com/Optional-Services-and-Fees.

    About Swoop

    Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire. 

    Swoop’s fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft expanded in 2022 to add six Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, for a total of 16 aircraft. 

    At FlySwoop.com travellers can quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, and track flights. 

  • ‘It’s just heartbreaking’: Swoop Airline refuses to let woman with Huntington’s disease board flight

    From CBC News – link to source story

    Angela Weeks’ family says she is capable of travelling alone but airline refuses to allow

    Meghan Grant · CBC News · January 03, 2022

    Angela Weeks, right, was refused her seat on a Swoop flight, says her husband Keith. Angela lives with Huntington’s disease and has involuntary movements which the family says led to airline staff refusing to honour her ticket. The family has received no word on whether they’ll be reimbursed. (Submitted by Keith Weeks)

    An Alberta woman living with Huntington’s disease was refused her seat on a Swoop flight because of her involuntary movements and now the airline is refusing to allow her to fly unaccompanied despite being offered a doctor’s note stating she is capable of travelling alone, according to her family.

    The airline tells CBC News she must travel with an attendant because — from the airline’s perspective — she can’t fly on her own.

    Angela Weeks lives in Castor, Alta., with her husband Keith and their three daughters.

    Seven years ago, Angela was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease, a rare, genetic neurodegenerative condition. She’s been symptomatic for about a decade.

    Angela was supposed to travel from one sister’s home in Brandon, Man., to another’s in Abbotsford, B.C. on Sunday but at the airport, airline staff refused to let her on the flight. 

    “She was going to get to go on a little holiday to see her family and I get kind of a break from being a caregiver,” said Keith from his car after driving five hours to pick up his wife.

    “Then someone does something like this. It’s just heartbreaking.”

    Keith Weeks, left, says Swoop Airline staff refused to allow his wife Angela, middle, to board her flight from Manitoba to B.C. because of the involuntary movements she suffers from with Huntington’s disease. The family is pictured here with the couple’s three daughters as well as Keith’s brother and sister-in-law. (Submitted by Keith Weeks)

    This week, Keith got what he calls a “mini vacation,” staying with a friend in Big River, Sask. with his three daughters. 

    On Sunday, he got a call from his sister-in-law.

    Staff at the Swoop counter had refused to allow Angela to board the airplane. They’d expressed concern about her involuntary movements and what it would mean for other passengers.

    Keith says his wife’s tics all but disappear when she settles and relaxes. That’s what her sister, Natalie Degerness was trying to explain to the Swoop employee.

    Still, Angela was turned away.

    Airline says Angela ‘unfit’ for travel alone

    Airline employees put a note on her file saying she had to travel with a companion and a doctor’s note. Keith says there will be a time when his wife’s disease will make those things necessary but for now, she’s capable of flying unaccompanied. 

    Angela’s sister also says she is fine to fly on her own. She can feed herself, get dressed, walk, and use the washroom, according to Degerness, who says even the offer of a doctor’s note was refused by the airline. 

    In a written statement provided to CBC News, Swoop disputed that saying Angela will only be allowed to travel on its flight in the future if she has “an attendant that can provide her assistance.”

    The airline said its staff had determined Angela was “unfit to safely travel unaccompanied.”

    Swoop apologized to Angela “for the disruption to her travel plans and any resulting discomfort and inconvenience.”

    ‘They screwed things up’

    After being turned away at the airport, Angela’s sister and Keith made plans to meet in Regina on Monday. That meant a 10-hour round-trip for Keith and nearly eight hours for Degerness.

    “I don’t think they realize just how much they screwed things up for people,” said Keith. 

    At the very least, he wants to see the airline offer compensation for the extra travelling.

    Finally, Keith wants airline employees to “handle things with some dignity and show some class.”

    “I can understand being concerned about her movements and stuff for the person next to her, that they might get a little bit annoyed but, maybe take the time and get the [flight attendant] to explain to the people she’s sitting with what she has.”

    ‘Scary’ for the kids

    The family wants Swoop to explain what was said to the consulting nurse which resulted in the refusal to board. They believe the employee lied about her abilities in order to keep her off the flight. 

    Events like this make a punishing disease even more difficult for the Weeks family.

    Angela’s movements mean people often stare at her, point, and sometimes laugh, says Keith.

    She can no longer play sports and it’s even hard for her to play with her kids.

    Plus, their three daughters each have a 50 per cent chance of being diagnosed with Huntington’s disease so when they witness their mom’s struggles, Keith says, “it’s scary for them.”

  • The WestJet Group introduces comprehensive COVID-19 testing program for guests through AZOVA

    Approved self-administered test kits and expansive AZOVA network of in person testing locations for easy and  convenient testing across most WestJet and Swoop destinations 

    Easy-to-use self-testing options also available for convenient and quick results that can be taken with guests and used in any destination to meet pre-entry PCR requirements

    CALGARY, AB, Nov. 26, 2021 /CNW/ – The WestJet Group today announced a significant expansion to its COVID-19 testing program through AZOVA, a leading digital health technology platform, giving guests the confidence to book their holiday travel knowing all their COVID testing requirements are available through a convenient and easy-to-use site at https://www.azova.com/westjetswoop/.

    With AZOVA’s app-based program, guests have access to a vast network of approved testing locations across Canada and the majority of WestJet transborder and international destinations. Additionally, AZOVA offers rapid molecular self-administered testing options with video proctoring services that allow for testing and validation certificates. Guests can take these tests from the comfort of home, or in any destination to meet the Government of Canada’s pre-entry PCR test requirements AZOVA’s COVID-19 testing services meet entry requirements for each destination and enable travellers to take self-administered or in-person tests prior to departure.

    “As many of our guests look to book holiday travel outside Canada for the first time in almost two years, it’s critical that we provide our guests with the peace of mind knowing that all the COVID testing requirements they will face throughout their journey can be conveniently booked, conducted and stored in the AZOVA app,” said Dr. Tammy McKnight, WestJet’s Chief Medical Officer. “We’ve heard from our guests that pre-departure testing, and entry requirements are confusing, complex and inconsistent. We are confident that AZOVA’s easy-to-use self-testing options and network of testing locations will give guests the confidence they need to plan their next flight or vacation.”

    “COVID testing requirements can be overwhelming and confusing with different requirements for every destination. AZOVA provides an end to end and seamless solution to enable guests to quickly identify what test is needed for any destination and to quickly purchase or schedule the tests that are needed anywhere in the world through a single application. We are thrilled to be working with WestJet and Swoop to bring this solution to guests and travellers everywhere,” said Cheryl Lee Eberting, MD, CEO and Founder of AZOVA. “Once you have received your test results, enter your AZOVA Credential ID into the AZOVA WestJet and Swoop site and receive a travel clearance on the AZOVA app for your destination. You can simply show your travel clearance at the gate with no paperwork and no confusing forms required.”    

    Portable Self-Administered Testing & In-Destination Lab Testing

    Guests who are travelling outside of Canada for a period of more than 72 hours after November 30th will be required to present a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of their flight. AZOVA offers an at-home RT-LAMP test, called the Lucira Check-It COVID-19 test kit with video proctoring which can be purchased and delivered to your home in Canada. These tests can be taken in the comfort of your home to meet the entrance requirements of most destinations, and can be packed and taken with you to be taken in destination to meet the requirements for return travel back to Canada.

    In addition to availability in Canada, AZOVA also offers the Lucira Check-It COVID-19 test kit to be purchased and delivered to your destination in the United States.    

    Self-administered tests can be purchased at https://www.azova.com/westjetswoop/at-home/.

    When booking flights for travel outside Canada, guests can visit the AZOVA’s website and select their destination to understand what testing is required and can either book and in person test through AZOVA’s comprehensive lab network or order the self-administered testing kits, where applicable.

    About WestJet 

    In 25 years of serving Canadians, WestJet has cut airfares in half and increased the flying population in Canada to more than 50 per cent. WestJet launched in 1996 with three aircraft, 250 employees and five destinations, growing over the years to more than 180 aircraft, 14,000 employees and more than 100 destinations in 23 countries, pre-pandemic.

    Since the start of the pandemic the WestJet Group of Companies has built a layered framework of safety measures to ensure Canadians can continue to travel safely and responsibly through the airline’s Safety Above All promise. During this time, WestJet has maintained its status as one of the top-10 on-time airlines in North America as named by Cirium.

    For more information about everything WestJet, please visit westjet.com. 

  • Swoop to Reconnect Winnipeg to the Sun and Sand

    Swoop to Reconnect Winnipeg to the Sun and Sand

    Airline celebrates return of its international departures from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport and brings back popular sun flights to region

    WINNIPEG, MB, Nov. 1, 2021 /CNW/ – Today, Swoop resumed international flight operations at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport with the departure of flight WO 728 bound for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The ultra-low-cost carrier is set to bring even more sun service to Winnipeg with the return of non-stop flights to Puerto Vallarta on November 4, 2021 and launch of service to new destinations including Cancun on December 3, 2021 and Orlando (Sanford) on December 11, 2021.  

    To celebrate the return of Swoop’s sun and fun destinations, between now and November 8, 2021, Winnipeg travellers can use the promo code GET50 to receive 50% off base fares from Winnipeg to Phoenix-Mesa, Orlando (Sanford), Puerto Vallarta and Cancun†.

    “We are extremely proud to be the first Canadian airline to resume international operations out of Winnipeg,” said Charles Duncan, President of Swoop. “The return of our non-stop service to popular sun destinations, like Phoenix-Mesa plays an important role in our commitment to meeting the demand for ultra-low-cost fares in Winnipeg, while supporting the rebound of air travel in the region.”

    Today’s departure signals a significant milestone for Swoop and Winnipeg Airport Authority, with flight WO 728 marking the first international departure from Winnipeg to a sun destination since the onset of the pandemic.

    “Swoop reintroducing non-stop flights between Winnipeg and Phoenix-Mesa represents an important milestone for our community,” said Barry Rempel, President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority. “The return of this service marks the first flights to a winter sun destination available out of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport since the onset of the pandemic. We are excited to see this popular route return to help meet demand within the Winnipeg market and kickstart the winter travel season at the airport.”

    †GET50 Terms and Conditions:

    Book by November 8, 2021 (11:59 p.m. MT) | Travel between November 2, 2021 and December 16, 2022. | Eligible markets: Winnipeg to the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean. | Limit of 100 redemptions. | Fares are not guaranteed until payment is made and accepted. | Flights are subject to availability and may not operate on all days. | Non-refundable. | Promo code applicable on new, web bookings only. | One promo code per booking. | Cannot be combined with any other promotion or offer. | Discount applicable to base fare only. Not applicable on taxes, fees, or ancillary products and services. | Learn more about baggage and optional fees at www.FlySwoop.com/Optional-Services-and-Fees.

    To learn more about Swoop and find ultra-low fare flights to destinations in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, please visit FlySwoop.com. Find out more on how Swoop is ensuring a safe and healthy travel experience at FlySwoop.com/traveller-safety.

    About Swoop
    Swoop is on a mission to make travel more affordable and accessible for all Canadians. Established in 2018 as an independent subsidiary of the WestJet Group of Companies, Swoop is Canada’s ultra-not-expensive airline. Offering scheduled service to destinations in Canada, the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, Swoop’s unbundled fares put travellers in control of purchasing only the products and services they desire.

    Swoop’s modern fleet of ten Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, equipped with in-seat power and Wi-Fi connectivity has safely carried more than 3 million travellers in three years of operation. FlySwoop.com allows travellers to quickly and easily book flights, manage bookings, check-in, view boarding passes, track flights and access Wi-Fi service in-flight. 

  • Halifax woman calls out airline for not enforcing COVID-19 health protocols during flight

    From Global News – link to source and VIDEO

    By Alexa MacLean  Global News | December 28, 2020

    A Halifax woman is calling out an airline over a recent flight she took that left her disturbed over a lack of COVID-19 public health protocols being followed by one particular passenger and no efforts by the low-cost carrier employees to do anything about it.

    Jennifer Solomon recently flew from Toronto to Halifax on a flight operated by Swoop, a low-cost carrier owned by WestJet.

    She says prior to takeoff, flight attendants informed the passengers that masks must be worn at all times.

    According to Solomon, that mandate was completely disregarded by one passenger and the aircrew did nothing about it.

    “This particular person just flipped it off, kept it off the entire flight, kept getting up and out of their chair — going directly up to talk to the flight attendants,” she said.

    Swoop declined an interview request with Global News, instead sending an email statement stating that the airline shared in Solomon’s concerns and apologizes for any distress she experienced.

    Solomon says she approached the flight attendants while disembarking the plane to raise her concerns over the lack of public health enforcement, and was less than impressed with the answer she received.

    “They were like, ‘Oh, we didn’t even notice this,’ and I was like, ‘how could you not notice? He was talking to you. Face-to-face without a mask,’” she said.

    Canadian air passenger rights advocate, Gábor Lukács, says mask-wearing on flights is a legal requirement under an interim order by the federal government.

    He says based on this, Swoop should be held accountable.

    “This issue should be investigated and I would hope that Swoop would be facing some fines for failing to enforce the law. Swoop, as an airline, has a legal responsibility to ensure that those who board its flights comply with the rules,” he said.

    Lukács says he feels the passenger who refused to follow the mask-wearing protocol should also be fined.

    He said that there are some medical exemptions to the mask-wearing protocol, but Solomon stated this passenger didn’t provide any medical reasons for his refusal to abide by the safety measure.

    “His response immediately was how COVID wasn’t real, how it’s nothing but letting ourselves get educated by the media,” she said.

    “I don’t care what they believe in. What they don’t have a right to do is get other people sick. If you don’t want to wear a mask when you fly, get in a private jet, pay for it,” he said.

    According to Swoop’s COVID-19 policy on their website, the airline has a “zero-tolerance” policy for travelers to be wearing masks or face coverings at all times during their flight.

    Travellers who fail to comply with the mask mandate may be denied boarding and face a one-year travel suspension from all WestJet flights. The website also states that passengers who don’t wear masks must provide a valid medical certificate.

    Swoop says these directives come from Transport Canada and align with WestJet Group Zero Tolerance Mask Policy.

    The policy states that travellers may take their masks off to eat and drink while flying but must put it on afterwards.

    Solomon hopes her story encourages other passengers to stand up for their safety if they encounter a similar situation.

    “This is a pandemic. Right now it’s not just about the comfort of your travel, it’s about the safety of your family, and friends, and well-being,” she said.© 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.