WestJet is helping create a more accessible and supportive journey for guests with non-apparent disabilities
We are delighted to welcome WestJet to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.
WestJet introduced the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program on May 14, 2025, giving guests with non-apparent disabilities a discreet way to indicate that they may need additional assistance, understanding, patience or more time while travelling.
Guests can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, pin, wristband or another official Sunflower product when interacting with WestJet employees at the airport and onboard WestJet flights.
Supporting guests with non-apparent disabilities
Not every disability, condition or chronic illness is visible. For some people, travelling by air can involve challenges that other guests and employees may not immediately recognize.
By choosing to wear the Sunflower, a guest can discreetly indicate that they may benefit from:
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More time to process information or move through the airport
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Clearer or more direct communication
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Additional assistance or reassurance
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Help navigating check-in, boarding or another part of their journey
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Patience and understanding during busy or unfamiliar situations
The Sunflower does not identify a particular disability or tell employees what support someone requires. Sunflower wearers should never be asked to explain or prove why they are wearing it.
Everyone’s experience is different, so WestJet employees are encouraged to ask how they can help, listen to the guest and respond to the support requested, wherever it can reasonably be provided.
“We are delighted to welcome WestJet to the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network. It is wonderful to see how WestJet have committed time and energy to implement the Sunflower training to ensure that travelling Sunflower wearers are recognized by their staff to receive the additional help, understanding and kindness they may need.”
Paul White, CEO, Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
What does wearing the Sunflower mean?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a globally recognized symbol for non-apparent disabilities.
Wearing the Sunflower is voluntary. It allows a guest to indicate discreetly that they may need additional assistance, understanding or more time, without having to disclose their disability.
The Sunflower does not automatically provide priority access, expedited boarding, a particular service or a specific accommodation. Guests may still choose to explain what support would help them during their journey.
Travelling with the Sunflower on WestJet
Guests can wear an official Sunflower lanyard or another Sunflower product while receiving assistance from WestJet employees at the airport and while travelling onboard WestJet flights.
Sunflower wearers may also use the same product throughout other stages of their journey wherever the Sunflower is recognized.
“Through our participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, we are proud to further our commitment to providing convenient and accessible services that meet the unique needs of our guests.”
Jacqui McGilliivray, Executive Vice-President and Chief People Officer, WestJet
How to get a Sunflower lanyard
Sunflower lanyards are available upon request at WestJet check-in counters across Canada.
Guests are encouraged to keep and reuse their lanyards on future WestJet flights and wherever the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is recognized.
Guests who already have an official Sunflower lanyard, pin, wristband or another Sunflower product can also wear it when travelling with WestJet.
Creating more accessible journeys
By joining the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, WestJet is helping increase awareness and understanding of non-apparent disabilities among its employees and guests.
We are proud to welcome WestJet to the growing Sunflower community and to support its commitment to making air travel more inclusive for people with non-apparent disabilities.