Canadian airline WestJet released an updated July schedule today. Coinciding with easing restrictions and an improving coronavirus situation, the new plan will allow Canadians "the pleasure of summer travel while economically supporting communities across the country." In addition, the airline is also adding flights to select US destinations.

"Today's schedule reflects our commitment to orderly and safe travel while providing steps to allow Canadians to get out, explore, and take part in critical economic activities like staying in hotels, eating out, visiting tourist attractions or simply just travelling to see friends and family. - Arved von zur Muehlen, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer

Saving the summer

Across much of Canada, the summer season is the only opportunity for residents to enjoy some warmth, as a good portion of the year can be cold and frigid. This announcement from WestJet will be welcomed by many who have been uncertain about summer travel plans due to COVID-19.

One of the critical struggles with the pandemic has been between economic activity and its relation to adequate health and safety precautions. As incidents of COVID-19 decrease, most of Canada is getting to the point where travel can once again be considered without too much risk.

Photo: Chris Loh/Simple Flying

"Jurisdictions around the world are opening, allowing citizens to begin flying once again, which is kickstarting their economies for recovery. We've heard from the communities we serve and look forward to having Canadians safely participate and stimulate domestic tourism this summer," stated von zur Muehlen.

Routes restarting across the country

With so many routes resuming, there are just too many to share in this article. However, we can tell you that the airline is operating to 45 destinations, including:

  • 39 in Canada
  • five in the US
  • and one in Mexico

This is an increase of approximately 102% more flights from what the airline is currently offering, although it is down 76% from July 2019.

All routes and their frequencies are available on the WestJet website.

WestJet, Halifax, Manchester
WestJet is set to fly to Barbados this September. Photo: Getty Images

Transborder operations

Although Canada-US border restrictions are still in place, some policies have recently changed. As of last week, foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents can enter Canada, even for non-essential reasons. As such, the following WestJet transborder services will resume in July:

Market Planned frequency
Vancouver - Los Angeles 4x weekly
Vancouver – Las Vegas 2x weekly
Calgary - Los Angeles 4x weekly
Calgary - Las Vegas 4x weekly
Calgary - Atlanta 1x daily
Toronto – Las Vegas 2x weekly
Toronto - LaGuardia 6x weekly
Toronto - Orlando 1x weekly (starts Jul 11)
Toronto - Cancun 1x weekly (starts Jul 11)

The airline is playing catch-up somewhat as Air Canada resumed some transborder services at the end of May.

As these flights resume, WestJet is reminding its customers that it is prioritizing the health and safety of its passengers with enhanced cleaning and physical distancing procedures.

Do you plan to take advantage of any of these route/schedule resumptions? Let us know in the comments.