Masks are mandatory
In support of Transport Canada regulations, Swoop requires all travellers over the age of two, to wear a non-medical mask or face covering at all times in the airport and on board. Masks with an exhalation vent are not acceptable face coverings.
Learn more about acceptable masks you can bring from home, or pick up a disposable mask at Airport Check-in for a minimum suggested donation of $2 with all proceeds benefiting The Frontline Fund.
Mask policy
In accordance with Transport Canada directives Swoop requires all travellers, over two years of age, to:
Show they have a non-medical mask or face covering at time of boarding
Wear their face covering/mask at all times during their flight
Follow the instructions laid out by in-flight crew members about wearing their face covering/mask at all times
Effective September 1, 2020, failure to comply with mandatory mask requirements may result in penalties including denied boarding, aircraft returning to the gate to offload non-compliant passengers and/or the suspension of travel on any WestJet Group aircraft for up to one year. The WestJet Group includes Swoop, WestJet, WestJet Encore and WestJet Link.
Medical exemptions
Travellers over the age of two, who are unable to wear a non-medical mask or face covering for a medical reason, are required to show a valid medical certificate as per new measures announced by Transport Canada. The medical certificate must clearly state they have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a mask and be presented for verification at pre-board screening and during the boarding process. If the traveller does not present a valid medical certificate, they will be denied boarding.
Valid Medical Certificate Requirements:
Must be issued by a medical professional
Must be on official letterhead
Must be dated
Must clearly state the traveller’s name and that they have a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face mask
Acceptable face coverings
Acceptable face coverings must:
Be made of at least two layers of tightly-woven material (such as cotton or linen)
Completely and comfortably cover the nose and mouth without gaps
Fit securely on the head with ties or ear loops
Allow for easy breathing
Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty
When using a removable cloth face covering or mask:
Practice careful hand hygiene by washing your hands immediately before putting on your mask, and immediately after removing it
Maintain careful hand hygiene while wearing a mask
Ensure the mask is well-fitting (no big gaps)
Avoid touching the face covering or mask while you're wearing it
Never share your removable face covering or non-medical mask with others
Change your cloth face covering or mask as soon as it gets damp or soiled
For more information, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada's website.
Non-contact temperature checks
All Swoop travellers, aged two years and older, will undergo a voluntary infrared temperature check before boarding. This is a non-contact temperature check that will be done at the gate to ensure the health and safety of all Swoop travellers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Swoop’s temperature reference is 38°C and above, which is considered above normal body temperature and the guidance provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Having a temperature above 38°C alone does not mean a traveller would be denied boarding. They will only be denied travel if they have a fever of 38°C or above and present with additional symptoms included in the government-mandated health questionnaires they are required to answer.
These temperature checks act as an additional layer of precaution to ensure the health and safety of our Swoop travellers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The hand-held infrared thermometres do not store the temperature readout or identifying personal information.
Contact tracing
The safety of our travellers and crew is our top priority. If you were seated within 3 rows of the affected seat, our customer service team will notify the primary contact on the reservation with further details.
Covid-19 impacted flights
Jamaican Government travel authorization
The Jamaican Government requires that all passengers travelling to Jamaica (both Jamaicans and non-nationals) must obtain a travel authorization within 72 hours of departure.
Foreign nationals can apply at https://www.visitjamaica.com/. Residents of Jamaica can apply at https://jamcovid19.moh.gov.jm/immigration.html.
Travellers will need to save the electronic or printed copy of the Travel Authorization for the airline agent at check-in, or when boarding your flight to confirm acceptance for travel.
For travel after August 20, travellers from the United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic and Brazil are required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result within 10 days of travel in order to obtain a Jamaican Travel Authorization. Travel to Jamaica from Canada does not require COVID-19 negative testing.
