Wings Magazine

News
WestJet fined for ‘serious’ infraction

March 12, 2010, Toronto - A report says WestJet has been fined $5,300 by the Canadian Border Services Agency for almost allowing some passengers to bypass customs at Toronto's Pearson Airport.


March 12, 2010  By The Canadian Press

The CBC says 53 passengers left a WestJet flight from Tampa, Florida, on Feb. 15, and headed for Canadian soil, unchecked by customs.

The network quotes WestJet officials as saying one of the airline's employees at Pearson opened a door that directs deplaning passengers to domestic arrivals instead of international arrivals.

WestJet representative Richard Bartrem says "a few'' passengers walked "a few feet'' down the wrong corridor when the mistake was noticed.

Bartrem says an intercom announcement was made calling the passengers back, and the CBSA was immediately notified of the situation. He says all the passengers were rounded up, and sent through customs.

Advertisement

In issuing the fine of $5,300, CBSA calls the incident a "serious infraction.''

Advertisement

Stories continue below