WestJetters And How They Have Fun!

One thing you can say for sure about WestJetters is they know how to have fun. They are always happy and they love where they work and it shows. During some special events WestJetters will dress up or depending on the occasion. 

They will also use Humor to make you feel more comfortable and smile at you brightly while welcoming you onboard.  During company trips they seem like one happy family. They are always smiling and always doing things together.

In the videos I will post below you can see how much they grow together and how much fun they have on a daily basis. They own WestJet together so they have vested interest in continuing to make WestJet a success.

Well I must say it has been interesting and enlightening however.....

Thats All Folks! Hope you have enjoyed Marty's Blog..

GOODNIGHT!

 Sources used:

                                                               http://www.youtube.com/

WestJet's Care-antee Verses Guarantee

When you are ordering your flight tickets the first thing you want to know is what policies the airline you are ordering from has. Another word for policies is “a guarantee” which you will read a lot. As an example Air Canada might say “we guarantee that your flight will be a safe and comfortable one”. In a normal business practice you might say in retail we guarantee a replacement device or a 3 yr warranty on the device should anything go wrong. There are many different “guarantees” but in the airline industry guarantee have mostly to do with safety and money. When you are being told about a guarantee you appreciate the information but in all honesty it’s the same guarantee you have heard a thousand times over and again and you were probably only half paying attention. I know from my experience with guarantees the more I explain them at my current job the better I get at it but the more the customer usually just wants to leave as fast as they can.

WestJet takes a more unique approach to this system as they do with almost everything. As an example, employees are referred to as “WestJetters”. WestJet does not have a simple guarantee, they have what they call a “Care-antee”. The Care-antee concept again comes back to WestJet's main policy of making you feel right at home and making sure you have the most comfortable and relaxing flight. They want you as a return customer. WestJet's Care-antee encompasses the customers. It focuses primarily on the comfort and security they will provide for you. Should you need help, they will be there. Should you need something addressed and taken care of then they will take care of it without hesitation.

WestJet Care-antee In A Nutshell :

• A safe flight
•  you and your family are well looked after
• that you get to your destination on time
• that they will continue to offer low and reasonably priced seats
•   two free carry on bags
• that all your needs will be looked after and addressed
•  you can cancel a flight 2 hours prior if your plans change etc.

This is Care-anteed, EH!

for more about the carentee check out this site for a video link

   

                                                             http://vimeo.com/22662703

Verses

Other Airlines Guarantee In A Nutshell:

·         that you arrive safely

·          that your trip is a comfortable one

·         a safe trip

·          you arrive on time

·          that you are served food

·         that any and all necessities will be met

·          No low price is guaranteed

·          there are no refunds and you cannot cancel your flight

·          you may only carry one carry on bag onto the aircraft

Now I know I’ve been proactive about WestJet and I’m sure not everyone will agree with what I’ve written here but I’m all for their Care-antee Policy and I think it is much better. I think that other Airliners could learn from this and maybe do something similar.

 

Do you prefer a Care-antee over a Guarantee?, 

Why?

Why not?

Sources used: http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/610045/westjet-launches-i-care-antee-it-appreciation-campaign

http://vimeo.com/22662703

http://www.google.ca/imgres?q=westjet+care+antee&num=10&um=1&hl=en&gbv=2&biw=1920&bih=872&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZdpmFAgCw3DJvM:&imgrefurl=http://westjetca.blogspot.com/2011_01_01_archive.html&docid=tBDVEs3SU3P-oM&imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HhJMqIIy_9VWkUR2gMoKHkf-pakfIsT8e4z1Ri2kF0O_gXPg71Ni68y9y6iQzRVaK-D-tjkDCZsaW7Sm95qWf9plTWAeMa_Dp_uLmLI_vZU_hs5JXv-v7_ovomHBYCGMFvmdNeWxWhc/s1600/GMASTV.png&w=604&h=698&ei=WCSqToePBuXt0gG0ifWvDw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=301&sig=105843541389186765831&sqi=2&page=1&tbnh=155&tbnw=134&start=0&ndsp=32&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0&tx=61&ty=52

Next Topic: West Jetters and how they have fun

WestJets Reaction To Air Canada’s Frequent Strikes

As you know Air Canada was planning yet another strike back in September of this year. In my experience with Air Canada they are a good company however it seems every time I hear about them its because of some business dispute and or a strike. One of my best friends mocked them when I mentioned them today stating and I quote “The only thing they are good for are strikes”. My best friend travels allot so this was certainly an eye opener to how often it happens EH?.

I could not find a direct video link on youtube for the strike but I found one that explains the situation well enough, check it out!

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/CanadaAM/20110917/air-canada-flight-attendants-serve-strike-notice-110917/

One of the thing’s I love about WestJet is that they are ready for anything and they plan ahead. From my perspective WestJet is a company that knows when a situation could be in their favor. No sooner had Air Canada suggested a strike, WestJet Announced publicly that if they did strike and people were stranded they would bring extra planes over to make sure that those people did not have to worry. WestJet’s spokesperson Robert Palmer then stated and I quote “"People who may be potentially stranded do have options,"

I thought to myself “wow this company sure lives up to its care about the customers reputation to a tee”. They also know when to jump on the bandwagon and hitch a ride as the saying goes. You can make bets that if Air Canada does eventually strike for something that WestJet will be on top of it and taking advantage of it. It is a smart move because it shows three things:

 

 1: That they care more about their customers

2: They can gain new customers in the process who are forever loyal

3: They can and will expand their fleet or make changes to it based on the economy without a second thought.

If given the choice between WestJet and Air Canada which would you choose?

Do you agree with my bestfriends statement about Air Canada?, Why, Why not?

Do you think WestJet is thinking more about the customers? or more about the business? or do you think its a little of both?





 Sources used:

http://www.globalnews.ca/westjet+plans+to+add+flights+if+air+canada+strike+goes+forward/6442484564/story.html

WestJet is Keeping Their Costs Low

There are many ways to keep overall costs in a company low.  WestJet does just that. As always, WestJet thinks of their customers first.  Even though many ideas and innovations comes from within the company,  ideas and innovation come from outside it. WestJet relies on Spigit which is a social application developed solely for “crowd sourcing” ideas, product development and improvement. The suggestions are not always for the customers though.  Sometimes suggestions come from a customer.

  As you would imagine, this allows for a great amount of growth from outside and within the company to take place. WestJet has saved more than $10 million as a result of the suggestions submitted by employees and outside sources during the past three years in Spigit.  This is a significant amount and makes for great success, EH? Not only does the Spigit engine allow people to comment but you can vote, discuss and finalize ideas.  That’s not all! It also makes it fun and the importance of employees and other’s ideas shows that this company listens!

  For a more in depth look at Spigit check out this awesome video below!

 This is done using gamification (played any online games lately?) because that is what gamification is in a nutshell. Spiget uses a fun and interactive way to keep the person involved and coming back for more. Spigit’s ultimate goal is as quoted:  "To ensure engagement is more than a one-time thing, that it's not just submitting an app and never coming back."

For A little more about how Gamification works check out the link below

WestJet continues to impress me with their ideas, thoughts and determination to make things work for their company and of course their customers!.

Do you think WestJet should be using a different social Network other than Spigit?

Why do you think they don’t?

The Spigit application uses Gamification.  Do you think this is unprofessional or do you think it is a surefire method that works? Why? Why not?

A larger percentage of WestJet’s Spigot feedback comes from employees rather than customers.  Do you think this is fair?

Sources Used: http://www.informationweek.com/thebrainyard/news/ideation_innovation_management/231700129

Next Topic: WestJets Reaction To Air Canada’s Frequent Strikes

WestJet Frequent Flyer Programs

“Earn WestJet dollars^® to travel where you want, when you want”

Frequent flyer programs are all the rage nowadays and WestJet is no stranger to the concept. A frequent flyer program is a program for customer appreciation by collecting  points from spending money or going on flights. Depending on how often you travel  you can either use the points towards a current trip or keep on saving for a much anticipated one. WestJet wants their customers to make use of all of their services and so they have the frequent guest program. Once again WestJet shows that it would rather generate a friendlier and more relaxing viewpoint for their customers, which is something I am very fond of.

The Frequent guest program and is ideal for someone who travels a lot.There are two areas of this program. The first is where you accumulate points by being a frequent customer.WestJet calls the points you accumulate “Westjet Dollars” which you can make by spending 1,500 or more.

 The other area of the program you can only get through the Royal Bank Of Canada. This is a WestJet RBC MasterCard which allows you to earn points faster as you buy items using the card and earning WestJet Dollars which is pretty sweet EH?. Not only that but there are up to 350 bonus sign up WestJet Dollars for Singing up which are available up until Nov 14 2011.

 It's so simple and it’s a great idea to keep people returning for more. I look forward to seeing what other bonuses WestJets Guest program brings.

Do you think WestJet should expand their program to the other banks?, Why, Why not?

Do you think you should be able to spend less but earn the frequent flyer program privilege?

Would you rather not use the Frequent Guest program and just buy a ticket outright?, And if so then why?

Next Topic: How WestJet decrease's their overall costs

Sources Used: http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/business-travel/frequent-guest-program/frequent-guest-enrol.shtml

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/rewards/frequent-guest-program/

WestJet Services 3: In Flight

As WestJet’s slogan states:  “When we say ‘Welcome Aboard’,

we’re not just being polite!” 

In my personal experience, that statement certainly does show!   The Stewards always demonstrate a sincere and helpful attitude.  Just as you enter the plane, friendly stewards will direct you to your seat with a smile or two. For the People who have low vision WestJet has something they can use. There is a tactile reading system of raised dots that is on a passenger safety briefing card on board all fleet aircraft. Braille row markers are currently being installed across the fleet as well. I think this is an awesome idea. When you get to your assigned seat, you may stow up to two carry on bags which is very handy as most airlines only allow you ONE, EH?

 The Stewardess (the lady on the plane) will ensure all of your bags are stowed safely, check that you have your seat belts on securely, ask if you’d like a blanket or pillow for the flight and show you that WestJet’s magazine Up! is in the seat-pocket in front of you.  Then they do an in-flight safety demonstration during which they carefully remind you of all of your exits and how to use an oxygen mask.  Shortly after this, stewards come down the aisle to offer ear-bud type earphones to purchase should you desire so you can watch WestJet’s live satellite television with channels about sports, news, etc. Or, you can watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters with their new pay-per-view movies. All movies and television are captioned for those hard of hearing or for those select few who like to have subtitles.

 

There is an extra baggage allowance for wheelchairs, braces, crutches, walkers and canes, along with other assisting devices.  Also, within Canada, WestJet will allow a maximum of two guests that require oxygen on each flight. Oxygen cylinders are considered carry-on baggage however and cannot go in cargo. 

Service dogs are also allowed on board but you must provide documentation to prove the dog is for service.  Regular small pets are also allowed but must be in their kennel at all times during the flight.  You need to call WestJet at

1-800-581-9499 to include your family pet in your travel plans.

WestJet provides a delicious on-board food service for most flights that are longer than 3 hours.  Reasonably priced food items could include turkey or roast beef sandwiches and snacks such as pepperoni and licorice.  You can buy their fly ‘n buy vouchers at the airport or simply pay by credit card.

Finally, there is no on-board Internet, but passengers are allowed to use their battery-operated laptops during any flight only once the captain designates it safe to do so as they could interfere with the airplanes controls.

WestJet tries to make their guests feel more at home with movies, television, food, comfy seating arrangements, good storage, helpful service and modern conveniences. All of these come together to make a unique and pleasant experience every time.

For even more information than I could ever hope to give check out this awesome link below!

How do you feel about WestJets statement "when we say welcome aboard we are not just being polite"? 

Do you feel they live up to this statement?

How do you feel about the Oxygen tank rule?

Do you feel safe with a tank of compressed air on board?, Why?, Why not?

Next Topic: WestJet's Frequent Flyer Programs

Sources Used:

http://ca.yhs.search.yahoo.com/avg/search?p=westjet+services+inside+the+airport&type=yahoo_avg_hs2-tb-web_chrome_ca&fr=yhs-avg-chrome&YST_b=1

http://blog.flylowcostairlines.org/category/airlines/westjet/

http://www.westjet.com/pdf/menu_buyOnBoard.pdf

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/special-arrangements/special-needs/multiple-formats.shtml

http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/baggage/index.shtml

WestJet Services 2: Airport Services

Airport Services

 First off, there are friendly qualified stewards at the counter to help you check-in, weigh and tag your bags. They will also address any and all questions and concerns you might have as it is WestJet’s policy to make you feel right at home,EH?

You can do a flight check-in on the web or mobile phone or a  24 hours before a national or international flight if you prefer. However if you want to do a quick check in using a kiosk to scan your ticket and passport you can.  Currently, you can check-in your own baggage at the following airport WestJet kiosks: Abbotsford, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Kelowna, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Victoria.

Parking spots are very close to the terminal fully automated for entry and are available for short-term and long term stays at the airport. You simply take your parking card with you and complete your transaction at the pay terminals inside the airport before you leave.  Baggage carts are free at some airports where WestJet flies. If you are a guest with special needs, you can contact WestJet agents 48 hours in advance to advise them about what help you will require at the airport or on the plane. 

 
 Pre-security at most WestJet airports will give you access to a licensed restaurant, a Convenience store, a coffee shop, a Tourism and Airport Information Booth and check car rental services. Post-security, you may find a coffee shop, a duty-free shop and possibly an ATM machine. 

   

There are washrooms available for use before and after you pass through security. Once in the WestJet lounge area, there are often complimentary local newspapers.  There are plenty of comfortable chairs for you to relax while you wait for your flight to arrive. 

For kids, there is an area set aside just for them – with fun activities to keep them busy while waiting for their flight. 

 

After reading this do you agree that Westjet provides all the other required services from the airports they fly out of?

Can it be improved?,

 How would you improve it?

 

Next Topic: In Flight Services 

Sources used: http://www.flyhi.ca/passengerservices/security-customs/

http://www.flyhi.ca/passengerservices/parking/
http://www.flyhi.ca/passengerservices/airport-amenities/