Family ordered off WestJet flight after mask issue

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – It appears WestJet isn’t messing around with its zero-tolerance policy on wearing masks.

A conflict between a WestJet flight crew and a family of four ended in the cancellation of a flight to Toronto earlier this week.

It started when the family was asked to help their children, aged three and 19 months put on their masks.

WestJet’s mask policy all people over the age of two must wear a mask on its flights.

The father spoke to several news agencies saying they tried to comply, but his 19-month-old had never worn a mask and became agitated and vomited in it.

RELATED: Transport Canada issues first fines after passengers refuse to wear masks on flights

He said that’s when crews called Calgary police to help take the family off the flight, which was eventually cancelled.

Last month, WestJet announced a zero-tolerance policy on all its flights, meaning all guests are required to wear masks.

Penalties for not complying could include a 12-month ban on all WestJet flights.

“Masks are mandated by our regulator and the vast majority of our guests are happy to keep themselves and each other safe by complying,” said WestJet CEO Ed Sims.

“This enhanced policy provides clarity on how we will enforce the regulation for those who don’t. Travellers must understand if they choose to not wear a mask, they are choosing not to fly our airlines.”

Transport Canada has required the use of masks on flights since April.

Last week, the agency announced it issued its first fines for not complying with the law on two WestJet flights. The travellers were fined $10,000 each.

-with files from The Canadian Press