WestJet is growing its October schedule with more flights to the United States, United Kingdom, and leisure destinations. The airline is also boosting domestic frequencies as more passengers return to the skies as COVID-19 remains under control in Canada. Here's what the airline has planned.

More flights to the United States

Perhaps most strikingly, WestJet is offering flights to three cities in the United States in October. Two of these destinations, Palm Springs and Phoenix, are new. All US routes are operating out of the airline's hub in Calgary (YYC).

This October, WestJet will be flying three times a week to Los Angeles (LAX), two times a week to Palm Springs (PSP), and two times a week to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX).

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WestJet repatriation
WestJet will keep operating the Halifax to Calgary route Photo: Getty Images.

Reintroducing more flights to London

WestJet will be resuming flights between Toronto (YYZ) and London-Gatwick (LGW). The flights will operate once a week between October 5th through the 11th, and twice a week after that. This is on top of the airline's twice-weekly flights to Gatwick from Calgary.

London flights are onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The 787-9s feature 16 lie-flat reverse herringbone business class seats, 28 reclining premium-economy seats, and 276 standard economy seats for a total capacity of 320 passengers.

WestJet 787
WestJet will fly a 787 Dreamliner to London. Photo: WestJet

Additional leisure destinations

WestJet is also adding nonstop flights to Mexico and Jamaica. The airline is returning flights to Cancun (CUN), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), and Cabo San Lucas (SJD) from Calgary. All of these flights will operate once a week.

Meanwhile, out of Toronto, WestJet will be returning nonstop flights to Kingston (KIN) and Montego Bay (MBJ) in Jamaica. The Kingston route will operate once a week while to Montego Bay, WestJet will fly twice a week. The airline is also offering once-weekly flights between Toronto and Cancun.

The airline is adding Jamaican flights out of Toronto while most of the flights to Mexico will depart from Calgary. Photo: Getty Images

What about domestic flights?

WestJet will be growing some of its domestic flights. Several routes will see increased daily or weekly services, while others may see a reduction in frequencies.

Overall, domestic flights will make up most of the airline's commercial passenger operations in October, thanks in large part to a significant number of international travel restrictions.

Should I book a flight?

There are some things you should know before booking a flight. For one, just because WestJet is flying there, you may be subject to international travel requirements. This includes filling out pre-arrival health forms, providing contact tracing information, or else providing a valid reason or receive permission to fly into a country. Check with WestJet or your embassy to get the full details.

Note that you may be eligible for WestJet's free COVID-19 health insurance. Check with the airline and your itinerary. US destinations are excluded, however, from the COVID-19 cover.

Airline schedules do remain in flux. WestJet could change their plans as the situation unfolds either for the better or for the worse. However, it is a good sign that the airline is growing its flight offerings for October. Schedules for November and Beyond have not been made final yet.

Are you going to take any of these WestJet flights? Let us know in the comments!