WestJet Comments on a Newspaper Report of Potential Fraud at Toronto Pearson International Airport Check-In Kiosks

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - July 23, 2008) - WestJet (TSX:WJA) today commented on a report of alleged fraudulent activity involving customer credit card information potentially emanating from self-serve check-in kiosks at Toronto's Pearson International Airport. WestJet announced that it will disable its credit card check-in functionality at all airport kiosks across Canada today.
     "Despite the fact that there does not appear to be any fraud committed, we're not prepared to take any chances with our guests' credit card information," said Ken McKenzie, WestJet Executive Vice-President of Operations. "Until we know what's happened, if in fact anything has, this is the best way to protect our guests. We take our guests' credit card information very seriously. It is part of the trust our guests place in us, and it's an integral part of our values as an organization."
     WestJet has been made aware that Visa is investigating reports of a potential security breach involving credit card information at Pearson International, and has isolated the potential source as self-serve check-in kiosks. These kiosks allow airline guests from numerous air carriers using a credit card or booking reservation number to check in and print boarding passes.
     WestJet is taking this extraordinary step as an interim measure pending the outcome of the investigation. "Once the investigation is complete, we will take whatever action may be necessary," said McKenzie. "In the meantime, disabling the credit card reading function at airport kiosks used by our guests ensure WestJet is doing its part."
     While the credit card functionality is disabled, the kiosks will still accept guests' flight confirmation numbers or passports via the passport scanner. WestJet encourages guests to check in using any of the following methods:
     - Web check-in
     - Mobile check-in
     - With a Customer Service Agent at the counter
     - Using the kiosks with the flight confirmation number
     - Using the kiosks with a passport
     WestJet Customer Service Agents and Guest Service Ambassadors will be on hand at airports across the country to make guests aware of the situation and assist them to check in.
     About WestJet
     WestJet is Canada's leading high-value low-cost airline offering scheduled service throughout its 49-city North American and Caribbean network. Named Canada's most admired corporate culture in 2005, 2006 and 2007, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom and leather seats on its modern fleet of 76 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, and live seatback television provided by Bell ExpressVu. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 45 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives to be the number one choice for travellers.
     Contact:Media RelationsWestJetGillian Bentley1-888-WJ 4 NEWS (1-888-954-6397)Email: gbentley@westjet.comWebsite: www.westjet.com