# **Can't Check In to WestJet? Here's What You Need to Know**
Can’t check in to your WestJet flight? Call 1-833-341-3894 for expert help with online check-in issues, mobile app errors, document problems, or seat selection.
Checking in for your flight is supposed to be the easiest part of your travel experience. But if you’re flying with **WestJet** and you suddenly find that you **can’t check in**, it can create unnecessary stress and confusion. Whether you’re using their website, mobile app, or airport kiosk — a hiccup in the check-in process can lead to delays, added costs, or even missed flights.
So why can’t you check in with WestJet? And what should you do if the system won’t let you proceed?
This **detailed 3000-word guide** breaks down **everything you need to know about WestJet’s check-in process** — including **common problems, technical fixes, policies, eligibility, and step-by-step solutions**. Let’s make sure you're well-prepared for a smooth check-in experience.
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## **Table of Contents**
1. Overview of WestJet Check-In Options
2. When Does WestJet Check-In Open and Close?
3. Common Reasons Why You Can't Check In
4. WestJet Online & Mobile Check-In Problems
5. Airport Check-In Issues
6. Technical Glitches and How to Fix Them
7. Special Cases That Block Online Check-In
8. Step-by-Step: How to Check In With WestJet (Properly)
9. Troubleshooting: What to Do Based on Error Message
10. What Happens If You Miss the Check-In Window?
11. WestJet Check-In for International Flights
12. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Check-In Next Time
13. Contacting WestJet for Check-In Assistance
14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
15. Final Words: Travel Smart, Check In Early
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## **1. Overview of WestJet Check-In Options**
WestJet offers multiple ways to check in for your flight:
| Method | Available From | Closes |
| ------------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| Online Check-In | 24 hours before departure | 60 minutes before flight |
| Mobile App Check-In | 24 hours before departure | 60 minutes before flight |
| Airport Kiosk | 3–4 hours before flight | 45–60 minutes before flight |
| Counter Check-In | Same as kiosk | May close earlier for intl |
Online and mobile check-in are the most convenient options. But they don't always work for every passenger — especially in special travel cases.
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## **2. When Does WestJet Check-In Open and Close?**
To check in successfully, timing matters.
* **Online and App Check-In**: Opens **24 hours before** your scheduled departure and closes **60 minutes prior** (for most flights).
* **Airport Check-In**: Opens typically **3 hours before** the flight and closes **45–60 minutes** before departure.
> **Note:** For international flights, WestJet often requires **check-in to be completed at least 90 minutes prior**.
---
## **3. Common Reasons Why You Can't Check In**
Here are the most frequent causes for check-in issues on WestJet:
| Reason | Description |
| ---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 🛑 **Unpaid baggage/seat fees** | WestJet may block check-in until payment is completed |
| 🛑 **Incorrect or incomplete details** | Passport info, contact info, or date of birth mismatch |
| 🛑 **Flight booked via third party** | Booking errors from Expedia, Priceline, etc. may affect check-in |
| 🛑 **Traveling with infant or pet** | Online check-in is often blocked for these bookings |
| 🛑 **International travel issues** | Visa/passport validation required |
| 🛑 **Technical issues or website error** | App crashes, website glitches, or browser incompatibility |
| 🛑 **Airport-only check-in required** | Applies to special needs passengers or unaccompanied minors |
---
## **4. WestJet Online & Mobile Check-In Problems**
Many passengers encounter issues when checking in via the **WestJet website or app**. Common examples include:
### ❌ Booking not found
* Mistyped confirmation code or last name
* Booking not fully processed
### ❌ Session timeout
* Website or app times out after entering details
### ❌ App crashing or freezing
* App not updated
* Poor network connection
### ❌ Unable to proceed past seat selection
* Seats unavailable
* Required seat purchase pending
---
## **5. Airport Check-In Issues**
Even at the airport, problems can arise if:
* You arrive too late (less than 60 minutes before)
* Kiosk can’t locate your booking
* Staff needs to manually verify documents
* You have an **outdated** or **damaged** ID/passport
* WestJet flags your booking for **security verification**
If this happens, proceed to the customer service desk as early as possible.
---
## **6. Technical Glitches and How to Fix Them**
Many check-in issues stem from tech errors. Here’s how to fix them:
### 🔧 App Troubleshooting
* Update to the **latest version** from Google Play or App Store
* Clear app cache
* Restart your device
### 🔧 Website Troubleshooting
* Switch browsers (Chrome or Firefox recommended)
* Clear cookies and browser cache
* Disable pop-up blockers
---
## **7. Special Cases That Block Online Check-In**
Some situations **always** require **manual or airport check-in**:
| Special Case | Reason |
| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Unaccompanied minors | Staff must verify documents and escort |
| Travelers with pets | In-cabin animal policies require confirmation |
| Wheelchair or medical assistance | Staff must arrange support services |
| Group bookings (10+) | Requires coordinated check-in |
| Paper-based government ID | Needs in-person verification |
| Lap infants or car seat travel | Must meet WestJet safety guidelines |
In these cases, you must check in **at the airport counter**.
---
## **8. Step-by-Step: How to Check In With WestJet (Properly)**
### ✅ **Online (Web)**
1. Go to [www.westjet.com](https://www.westjet.com)
2. Click “Check In”
3. Enter your **reservation code** and **last name**
4. Select your flight
5. Add bags or choose a seat (if needed)
6. Confirm details
7. Receive your boarding pass by email or download
### ✅ **Mobile App**
1. Open the **WestJet app**
2. Tap “Check In”
3. Enter confirmation number
4. Add services (seats, baggage)
5. Download or screenshot mobile boarding pass
---
## **9. Troubleshooting: What to Do Based on Error Message**
### ⚠️ **“Booking Not Found”**
* Double-check spelling of name and code
* Confirm you’re checking in within the valid window
* Try using a different device or browser
### ⚠️ **“Cannot Check In for This Flight”**
* You may be ineligible for online check-in
* Try at the kiosk or call support
### ⚠️ **“Travel Document Incomplete”**
* You must update passport, visa, or contact info before proceeding
### ⚠️ **“Seat Selection Required”**
* Choose a seat (paid or free) to proceed
---
## **10. What Happens If You Miss the Check-In Window?**
If you fail to check in before the deadline:
* You may be denied boarding
* Your seat could be reassigned
* You may lose the value of your ticket (especially if non-refundable)
**Tip:** If you think you’ll be late, **call WestJet immediately**. They may be able to hold your seat or help you rebook.
---
## **11. WestJet Check-In for International Flights**
International flights come with extra steps:
### 🛂 What You Need:
* Valid passport (6+ months before expiration)
* Visa or entry permit (if required)
* Destination-specific health or customs forms
WestJet may block check-in if:
* Your passport data isn’t entered
* Health or contact tracing info is missing
* Destination requires airport validation
**Solution:** Complete all travel documents **at least 24 hours in advance**.
---
## **12. Tips to Ensure a Smooth Check-In Next Time**
Here’s how to avoid future check-in frustrations:
### ✈️ **Check in exactly 24 hours in advance**
Set a reminder and check in as soon as it opens.
### 📱 **Update your app regularly**
Old app versions often crash or show outdated info.
### 🧾 **Enter full and correct passenger details**
Names should match passport or government ID **exactly**.
### 💺 **Add bags and select seats in advance**
Unpaid add-ons are a common cause of check-in blocks.
### 🛃 **Complete travel docs early**
Especially important for international destinations.
---
## **13. Contacting WestJet for Check-In Assistance**
If you're stuck and need help checking in, contact WestJet:
### 📞 **WestJet Customer Service:**
* **Canada/U.S.**: 1-888-937-8538
* **UK**: 0800-279-7072
* **Mexico**: 001-855-269-2979
### 📱 **Live Chat:**
Available on the WestJet app or website
### 💬 **Twitter Support:**
Tweet @WestJetSupport
### 🧑💼 **In-Person Help:**
Visit a WestJet counter at the airport as early as possible
---
## **14. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)**
### ❓ Why can’t I check in on the WestJet app?
It could be a technical issue or you may be ineligible for mobile check-in (e.g., traveling with a pet or infant). Try web or airport check-in instead.
### ❓ Do I need to select a seat to check in?
Sometimes yes. Depending on your fare, WestJet may require paid or assigned seats before issuing a boarding pass.
### ❓ What if I forgot to check in before the flight?
Arrive at the airport early and go directly to a check-in counter. You may still be able to board, depending on timing.
### ❓ Is check-in available for code-share or partner flights?
Not always. If your flight is operated by another airline (e.g., Delta, Air France), check in on their website or app.
### ❓ Can I check in without baggage?
Yes. But if your fare doesn’t include a carry-on, you may need to pay before check-in.
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## **15. Final Words: Travel Smart, Check In Early**
Not being able to check in for your WestJet flight can be stressful — but most of the time, it’s caused by small technical or documentation issues that can be resolved quickly.
### 🔑 Key Takeaways:
* Use the **24-hour check-in window** wisely
* Keep your **travel documents up to date**
* Make sure **your name matches your ID**
* If blocked, **don’t panic** — try kiosk or call WestJet
Whether you’re flying domestic or international, a smooth check-in sets the tone for a successful journey. Use this guide to navigate your way through WestJet’s check-in system with ease and confidence.
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