The following provisions apply to WestJet mainline pilots only:
WestJet pilots are allowed to travel in civilian attire in the scenarios outlined in 11-1.04(a) to (d).
11-1.02. A Pilot will Deadhead in uniform unless 11-1.04 below applies.
11-1.04. In accordance with the Company policy on travel attire, Pilots may elect to Deadhead in civilian attire under the following circumstances:
- The Pilot is Deadheading to and/or from a Training Event;
- The Pilot is Deadheading on a day where the Deadhead is their only scheduled activity (e.g. they are not scheduled to operate any other flights that day);
- The Pilot is Deadheading on a third-party carrier; or,
- The Pilot is Deadheading due to removal and/or release from a Pairing for any reason.
11-1.05. Under 11-1.04 a) above a Pilot must pack and have access to their headset, license and EFB (Flight Bag) in the event of activation.
11-1.06. Under 11-1.04 b) above, a Pilot must pack and have access to their uniform in the event of activation.
Keep in mind that when deadheading to or from a training event (11-1.04[a]), you must pack and have access to your headset, license, and EFB (however you do not need to have your uniform). Pilots going to training will always have their license and EFB with them, however don't forget to bring your headset along as well.
If you are deadheading on a day where that is your only scheduled duty (i.e., part of a pairing) then you also need to pack and have access to your uniform. If you are on a pairing, then you will always have your uniform with you regardless.
If you are deadheading on a third-party carrier or due to removal and/or release from a pairing (e.g., mid-pairing sickness), you may deadhead in civilian clothing.
Regarding seating while deadheading, please have a look at Section 11-2:
11-2.01. Where available, a window or aisle seat will be booked for Pilots on all originally scheduled online Deadhead Flights.
11-2.02. The above provision will not apply when a Deadhead Flight has been modified to accommodate a Pilot as provided for in 11-4 below.
11-2.03. The Company agrees to make its best effort to provide a Deadheading Pilot a seat in the premium economy (e.g. "Plus") cabin if there is space available at the time of boarding cutoff.
It is important to recognize the window or aisle-seat provision only applies to originally scheduled online deadhead flights. This means deadheads that are part of your schedule as originally published and which are operated by WestJet and/or WestJet Encore. If you modify a deadhead, or pick up a pairing containing a deadhead, then you may not be booked a window or aisle seat.
Also, please note the language in 11-2.03 regarding upgrades to premium seating. While the Company has recently created processes to ensure that pilots are awarded premium seats if and when available at boarding cutoff, there may be occasions when this does not occur. If you feel that you should have been upgraded for your deadhead but weren't, please note all the details and contact your LEC representative who can guide you in the next steps. Getting into an argument with the CSA in the boarding lounge is not the way to resolve the issue and may lead to undesirable consequences.