WestJet Baggage Fees, Policy, and Terms [Updated 2023]

WestJet Baggage Fees and Policy (And Tips To Cover the Expenses)

- Updated: May 28, 2023, 11:17am CDT|

15Comments

Travel /
Airlines

WestJet has a pretty clear-cut baggage policy that makes life easy when planning your travels.

Checked luggage is included with some fares, and where this is not included, the first checked bag is a reasonable $30 to $35.40 regardless of your destination.

Table of contents

WestJet Carry-on Allowance
WestJet Checked Baggage Allowance
Excess Baggage Fees
Exclusions and Waivers
Can I Prepay for Baggage?
Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

Table of Contents

WestJet Carry-on Allowance
WestJet Checked Baggage Allowance
Excess Baggage Fees
Exclusions and Waivers
Can I Prepay for Baggage?
Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

WestJet Carry-on Allowance

1 personal item: FREE
1 standard carry-on bag: FREE

Size Restrictions

Personal: 16 x 13 x 6 inches (41 x 33 x 15 cm)
Carry-on: 21 x 15 x 9 inches (53 x 38 x 23 cm)

WestJet does not disclose any weight restrictions and states that the item must be light enough for the passenger to lift into the overhead compartment without assistance.

Lap Infant Carry-on Policy

Passengers traveling with an infant are also permitted to bring a diaper bag and an approved restraint system car seat.

Stroller Check Policy

Passengers may check a stroller and/or car seat at the gate.

WestJet Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked bags must adhere to a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and must not exceed maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (157 cm).

Some fare types include the first or second bag for free, while others will incur a fee.

Baggage Fees for Bookings Made on or After April 27, 2022, for Travel on or After June 1, 2022:

Fare Type	Prepaid	Check-in	Prepaid	Check-in
	First Bag		Second Bag		Third or Fourth Bag
Basic, Econo, or Member Exclusive	$30 to $35.40	$40 to $47.20	$50 to $59	$60 to $71	$100 to $118 each
EconoFlex	No fee
Premium or PremiumFlex			No fee
Business or BusinessFlex

Travel To/From Europe

Fare Type	Prepaid	Check-in	Prepaid	Check-in
Fare Type	First Bag		Second Bag		Third or Fourth Bag
Basic	$60 to $71	$70 to $82.60	$90 to $107	$100 to $118	$100 to $118 each
Econo, or Member Exclusive	$30 to $35.40	$40 to $47.20	$50 to $59
EconoFlex	No fee		$50 to $59
Premium or PremiumFlex			No fee
Business or BusinessFlex			No fee

Depending on the departure country, fees are charged in either CAD or USD and the additional goods and service tax is applied on all itineraries that originate in Canada.

Excess Baggage Fees

Oversized bags 62 to 80 inches (158 to 203 cm): $100 to $118
Overweight bags 50 to 100 pounds (23 to 45 kg)*: $100 to $118**

* For WestJet flights to/from Europe maximum weight must not exceed 70 pounds/32 kg.
** To transport bags exceeding this weight, passengers can call WestJet Cargo at 866-952-2746.

For baggage fees related to special luggage (sporting equipment, musical instruments, etc.) please refer to WestJet’s policies. WestJet also charges a $50 (CAD/USD) handling fee for transporting select sporting equipment and firearms.

Exclusions and Waivers

The following passengers receive free checked bag benefits:

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard holders: 1 free bag
WestJet Rewards Members:
- Silver tier: 2 free bags
- Gold tier: 2 free bags
- Platinum tier: 3 free bags

The free bag benefit applies to the eligible passenger and up to 8 companions on the same reservation (excluding WestJet groups and WestJet Vacations group bookings). The WestJet Rewards ID must be on the reservation at the time of check-in.

Active or Veteran Military Personnel

WestJet permits active or veteran military personnel to bring 4 bags for free if traveling for business or pleasure. When traveling on WestJet Encore the limit is 3 bags. Overweight and oversize charges are also waived, provided they do not exceed the maximum excess allowance.

This applies to Canadian military and active military personnel from other countries who present valid military identification. Some restrictions apply as to who the benefit extends to.

Humanitarian Aid

1 free bag is permitted per passenger carrying humanitarian aid, provided it does not exceed the standard size and weight allowances.

Can I Prepay for Baggage?

WestJet encourages passengers to prepay for the first 2 pieces of baggage during booking or any time up to 24 hours before flight departure at a discounted rate. Checked baggage fee increases by $10 within 24 hours of departure or while checking in at the airport.

Here are the ways you can prepay:

Log in to your booking from the Check-in tab on the WestJet website
Use one of the airport kiosks

WestJet does not allow passengers to add baggage by calling its contact center.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

To pay to check bags on WestJet, one of the Capital One cards below can help offset the fees:

Simply use your Capital One miles to pay for your travel statement charges (e.g. baggage fees) within 90 days of purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently asked questions

Does WestJet include baggage?

WestJet includes baggage within the fare for EconoFlex (1 bag), Premium (2 bags), and Business passengers (2 bags). Additional bags are available to purchase for a fee.

Does WestJet charge for baggage on international flights?

WestJet does charge fees for international flights for passengers not flying EconoFlex, Premium, or Business. These 3 fare types include either 1 or 2 checked bags, whereas other fares would need to purchase luggage starting from $30 to $35.40.

How strict is WestJet with carry-on size?

As with any airline, WestJet has size restrictions for carry-on luggage to ensure cabin safety. They are likely to measure your bag if it appears to exceed the maximum dimensions, so you must be prepared to check the piece if it does not adhere to the applicable size.

Is there a fee to carry-on a personal item with WestJet?

WestJet does not charge a fee to bring 1 standard carry-on and 1 personal item into the cabin. If your carry-on exceeds the maximum dimensions then you may incur a fee to check the item.

What is the maximum size of my carry-on and personal items on WestJet?

WestJet permits passengers to bring 1 standard carry-on and 1 personal item into the cabin, providing they do not exceed:

Personal: 16 x 13 x 6 inches (41 x 33 x 15 cm)
Carry-on: 21 x 15 x 9 inches (53 x 38 x 23 cm)

15 comments

Donna Hofferd February 1, 2020

Can I pay for a check bag when I check in?

Jarrod West February 2, 2020

Hi Donna,

Yes, you can pay for a bag when you check in.

Reply

Jacqueline February 9, 2020

Hi. Is it cheaper to check in 2 bags 1 weighing 50 lb the 2nd bag weighing 20 lbs at $30 and $50 then it is to check in one overweight bag at $100 ?

Or does the two bags checked in cost $30 and $50 and the overweight charge of $100 totalling $180? Thank you

Catherine Luther February 11, 2020

Hi Jacqueline,

The overweight charge is in addition to the initial baggage fee so it would be cheaper for you to purchase 2 bags.

Reply

Nina July 5, 2020

My luggage was overweight by 4 lbs and I got charged $115.00.

Dave July 21, 2020

Hi, do you know if I can pay baggage fee with westjet dollar?

Jarrod West July 22, 2020

Hi Dave,

Yes, you should be able to pay your baggage fees with WestJet dollars. Thanks for reading!

Reply

Patricia December 21, 2020

Can you provide info on Disability items such as a walker, wheelchair, scooter, etc? Others may want to know about baby strollers, car seats, and sports items, skis, golf clubs, surfboards, snowboards, electric scooters, bicycles, etc.

Jarrod West December 21, 2020

Hi Patricia,

You can view WestJet’s policies on those items directly on their website at this link.

Reply

Patricia Manley August 9, 2021

Can I check in a box if it is within the linear range?

Jarrod West August 10, 2021

Hi Patricia,

If your box fits the size dimensions and weight allowance, then yes you should be able to check it.

Reply

shuen September 3, 2021

These are one-way prices, right?

Jarrod West September 3, 2021

Hi Shuen,

Yes, the prices listed are one-way prices.

Reply

Idalmys Lippens October 25, 2021

Can I pay for my luggage with my travel bank credit?

Jarrod West October 26, 2021

Hi Idalmys,

Yes, you should be able to pay for your luggage with your travel bank funds. Safe travels!

Reply

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