April 1 Alert: WestJet announces SmartSeats

Airline introduces new boarding concept

CALGARY, April 1, 2015 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced SmartSeats, a new concept in boarding its aircraft that could change the way people fly.

The SmartSeats concept is simple; the seats in the lounge are the seats on the aircraft. Guests ride the SmartSeats directly between the boarding lounge and the plane. The SmartSeats project team created a brief video now available on WestJet's YouTube channel and Facebook page to assist in explaining the concept.

"WestJet has long been considered an innovator in improving the guest experience," said Richard Bartrem, WestJet Vice-President, Communications and Community Relations. "Prior to arriving at the boarding lounge, our guests have already lined up to check in, to get through security, to grab a cup of coffee and to buy a book or a magazine for the flight. We understand the small inconveniences associated with flying and we are always trying to make improvements. SmartSeats are the next step in a constant evolution toward a seamless boarding process."

SmartSeats could allow guests to board seven times faster than traditional boarding without any of the hassle involved with lining up and actually walking down the bridge to board the aircraft. Now guests can sit down in the lounge, get out a book or a laptop, and let WestJet do the rest.

Don't forget to share the latest concept in boarding found on WestJet's YouTube channel and Facebook page, visit westjet.com for an April Fools' Day treat, and read more about WestJet's SmartSeats on the WestJet blog.

About WestJet
We are proud to be Canada's most-preferred airline, powered by an award-winning culture of care and recognized as one of the country's top employers.  We offer scheduled service to more than 90 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe. Through our regional airline, WestJet Encore, and with partnerships with airlines representing every major region of the world, we offer our guests more than 120 destinations in more than 20 countries.  Leveraging WestJet's extensive network, flight schedule and remarkable guest experience, WestJet Vacations delivers affordable, flexible travel experiences with a variety of accommodation options for every guest. Members of our WestJet Rewards program earn WestJet dollars on flights, vacation packages and more.  Our members use WestJet dollars towards the purchase of WestJet flights and vacations packages on any day, at any time, to any WestJet destination with no blackout periods -- even on seat sales.  For more information about everything WestJet, please visit www.westjet.com.  

Recent recognition includes:
2015 Best Employers in Canada (Aon Hewitt)
2014 Interbrand Canada's Best Canadian Brands (Rank #20)
2014 Brands of the Year (Strategy magazine)
2014 Canada's Most Preferred Airline (Ipsos)
2014 Value Airline of the Year (Air Transport World magazine)
2014/2013/2012 Canada's Most Attractive Employer (Randstad)
2014/2013 WestJet RBC MasterCard ranked #1 in Canada (Money Sense magazine and RewardsCanada.ca) 
2013 Highest equity score: airline, vacation package supplier brands (Harris/Decima EquiTrend Study)

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SOURCE WestJet

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