Bringing Food on WestJet Flights: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Traveling with your own food on WestJet flights can often enhance your travel experience, but it's essential to understand the rules and guidelines. This guide provides a detailed overview of what you can bring, including solid foods, liquid restrictions, and special considerations, ensuring a smooth journey.

Can You Bring Food On WestJet Flights?

Yes, you can bring food on WestJet flights. Passengers are allowed to bring their own snacks and meals onboard as long as they comply with security regulations. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Solid Foods

You can bring solid foods such as sandwiches, fruits, and snacks without any issues. These items do not need to be pre-packaged, as long as they are solid at room temperature, like biscuits or bread.

Liquid Restrictions

If you are bringing items like sauces, soups, or yogurt, remember that they must comply with the standard liquid restrictions. These generally limit liquids to 100ml or less and require that they fit into a single quart-sized bag. For travel within Canada, the maximum total capacity for liquids is 1 liter across multiple containers, as long as each container does not exceed 3.4 oz (100 ml).

Purchasing Food

WestJet also offers food and beverage services for purchase on many flights, so you can buy something onboard if you prefer. This can be a convenient option, especially if you have dietary restrictions or special needs that your personal food supply may not meet.

Special Dietary Needs

If you have specific dietary requirements, such as a vegan or gluten-free diet, it’s often better to bring your own food. While some airlines offer special meals, the options may be limited, and the quality may not meet your personal standards.

Checking Guidelines and Customer Service

For the most current information, always check the latest guidelines on WestJet’s official website or contact their customer service. This ensures you have the most up-to-date information and can plan accordingly.

Afters Passing Customs

After passing through customs, the situation can be slightly different. According to WestJet’s official policies, they do not have a specific policy regarding bringing food and drinks onboard. As long as you can bring your food past the airport security screening checkpoints, you can consume it on the flight.

Security Regulations

It's important to note that security regulations still apply. Solid foods that are solid at room temperature, like biscuits or bread, typically have no restrictions. However, liquids and gels in containers exceeding 3.4 oz or 100 ml are generally prohibited in carry-on baggage. On domestic flights within Canada, you can bring multiple containers up to a total capacity of 1 liter, but each container must not exceed 3.4 oz or 100 ml.

Clear Plastic Bags

For domestic flights in Canada, liquids must be placed in a clear plastic Ziploc bag with a capacity of 1 liter. CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Safety Authority) will provide these bags for free at security checkpoints, but if you forget to bring one, you can prepare it at home. For flights to the US, the total capacity of all containers must not exceed 1 US quart (946 ml) and must be in a clear plastic bag with a capacity of 1 US quart.

U.S. Preclearance and CBP Inspection

When flying to the US at an airport with preclearance, you must declare all food products to CBP (United States Customs and Border Protection). If the food product is admissible to the US, like fruits and vegetables grown in Canada or low-risk items like cookies, it will be allowed on the flight. However, high-risk items, such as citrus fruits, may be confiscated without penalty if declared properly.

Duty-Free Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages purchased in duty-free shops may be carried onboard if their containers meet the 70% alcohol by volume regulation. However, only alcohol served by a cabin crew member may be consumed during the flight. This is to ensure responsible consumption and prevent any issues during the journey.

Food and Drinks in the Terminal

Food and drinks purchased in the terminal beyond the security checkpoints are not subject to the same restrictions when onboard. These items have undergone specialized security screening alongside the airline-provided food and drinks.

Conclusion

Bringing your own food on WestJet flights can greatly enhance your travel experience. By understanding the rules and regulations, you can plan accordingly and ensure a smooth journey. Always check the latest guidelines and contact WestJet customer service for the most up-to-date information.