How do I track an AWB number starting with 838?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (838-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open WestJet's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 838?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 838?

AWB prefix 838 belongs to WestJet (IATA code WS), based in Canada. All air waybills issued by WestJet start with 838-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 838 belongs to WestJet.

Q: Is 838 the only AWB prefix for WestJet?

Yes, 838 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for WestJet. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. WestJet's prefix is 838, so all their air waybills follow the 838-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 838 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for WestJet (WS), based in Canada. Every air waybill issued by WestJet begins with the digits 838, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 838-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 838, you can be certain it was issued by WestJet or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. WestJet operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Toronto Pearson International (YYZ). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 838 is exclusively reserved for WestJet and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach WestJet's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 838 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number838

Airline

WestJet

IATA CodeWS

ICAO CodeWJA

CountryCanada

HubToronto Pearson International (YYZ)

AWB Format838-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 838

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (838) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

838

Airline Prefix
→ WestJet

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

838 always identifies WestJet as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 838-12345678 is a complete, valid WestJet airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 800–899

AWB Prefixes Near 838

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
829	Bangkok Airways	Thailand	PG	View
831	Croatia Airlines	Croatia	OU	View
832	ABX Air	United States	GB	View
838 You are here	WestJet	Canada	WS	Track
839	Eastar Jet	Korea, Republic of	ZE	View
851	Hong Kong Airlines	Hong Kong (SAR), China	HX	View
856	Air Changan	China (People's Republic of)	9H	View
857	EZY Cargo	Global	U2	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 838

What airline has AWB prefix 838? +

AWB prefix 838 belongs to WestJet (IATA code WS, ICAO code WJA), based in Canada. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 838-XXXXXXXX and were issued by WestJet or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 838? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 838-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 838 as WestJet and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 838 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 838 is exclusively assigned to WestJet. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 838-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 838 identifies WestJet. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case WestJet — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 838. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on WestJet's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 838-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 838 the only AWB prefix for WestJet? +

Yes. 838 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for WestJet. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 838, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 838, it is guaranteed to be a WestJet shipment.

What if my 838 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 838 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a WestJet cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact WestJet cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.