Company News

WestJet says some flights delayed amid IT system outage

WestJet , The Canadian Press

BNN Bloomberg

May 30, 2018

WestJet warned passengers Wednesday morning to expect delays as it experienced an IT system outage.

We are experiencing an IT system outage that is affecting several systems. We are working on it, but delays are expected. Please arrive early at airport if you are travelling today & check flight status at https://t.co/p47pxg3aMq More updates to come.
— WestJet (@WestJet) May 30, 2018

About an hour after its initial warning, WestJet informed passengers the issues the airline was experiencing earlier had been "partially resolved" but that some flights had been delayed.

The situation has been partially resolved and we are starting to resume regular operations at this time. Some flights have been delayed and we are experiencing longer lines at check-in. We’re working hard to get everyone going and thank our guests for their patience this morning.
— WestJet (@WestJet) May 30, 2018

Customers reported on Twitter that check-in systems at some airports were down, and that there were issues booking flights.

WestJet’s outage comes months after rival Air Canada experienced similar issues that temporarily shut down check-in and call centre operations, which ultimately led to delayed flights.

Good to know that it’s not an issue on my end as I have been trying to book a fight for a while and it keeps stalling and am worried that I won’t get the awesome deal you have.
— Rakhi McAuliffe (@rakhimcauliffe) May 30, 2018

Westjet checkin system at Calgary airport is down. Arrive early or travel light. Calgaryairport @WestJet @yyc pic.twitter.com/cSJVOxsctV
— Cheryl Maloney (@Mikmaq_star) May 30, 2018

@WestJet having a difficult time booking a flight. Seems like the app isn’t allowing me to sign in, same problem occurs when I open browser and try.
— Barry Laliberte (@24_7Blaliberte) May 30, 2018

Another great @WestJet experience this morning. Despite their kiosks being down at check in, 2 agents were able to help me and my mum get checked in and seated together. @VirginAustralia could learn a lot about customer service and empathy from team Westjet.
— Lauz! (@LauraVezer) May 30, 2018