WestJet Baggage Fees and Policy (And Tips to Cover the Expenses)
13
13 We may be compensated when you click on links from one or more of our advertising partners. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone. Terms apply to offers below. See our Advertiser Disclosure for more details.
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-$35.40 regardless of your destination.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
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:
| Fare Type | First Bag | Second Bag | Third Bag | Fourth Bag |
| Basic, Econo, or Member Exclusive | $30-$35.40 | $50-$59 | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
| EconoFlex | No fee | $50-$59 | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
| Premium | No fee | No fee | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
| Business | No fee | No fee | $100-$118 | $100-$118 |
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 62-80 inches (158-203 cm): $100-$118
- Overweight bags 50-100 pounds (23-45 kg): $100-$118*
*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 policy here. WestJet also charges a $50 (CAD/USD) handling fee for transporting select sporting equipment and firearms.
Can I Pre-Pay for Baggage?
WestJet allows passengers to pay for baggage when checking in online 24 hours to 60 minutes before a flight.
Here are the ways you can pre-pay:
- 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 their contact center.
Credit Cards That Wipe Away Your Baggage Fees
There are a number of rewards cards where you can use your points to offset statement charges which will reduce your overall out-of-pocket costs.
For example, with the cards below, each point is worth 1 cent. So if you have $50 of baggage fee charges (or any charges in fact), you could use 5,000 points via the Purchase Eraser tool to pay for those fees instead of cash!
Recommended Cards
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - This no annual fee card comes with a 20,000 bonus mile offer after spending $500 in the first 3 months. When you use your card for travel purchases (e.g. baggage fees), use your miles to pay off all, or part of, your statement balance! We've highlighted 30+ benefits of the card. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - The "big brother" card to the VentureOne with 60,000 miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. This card is full of benefits and perks and you can redeem your miles on travel or transfer your miles to over 10+ travel loyalty programs. |
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.
To see more airline baggage fees and policies, click here.
Can I pay for a check bag when I check in?
Hi Donna,
Yes, you can pay for a bag when you check in.
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
Hi Jacqueline,
The overweight charge is in addition to the initial baggage fee so it would be cheaper for you to purchase 2 bags.
My luggage was overweight by 4 lbs and I got charged $115.00.
Hi, do you know if I can pay baggage fee with westjet dollar?
Hi Dave,
Yes, you should be able to pay your baggage fees with WestJet dollars. Thanks for reading!
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.
Hi Patricia,
You can view WestJet’s policies on those items directly on their website at this link.
Can I check in a box if it is within the linear range?
Hi Patricia,
If your box fits the size dimensions and weight allowance, then yes you should be able to check it.
These are one-way prices, right?
Hi Shuen,
Yes, the prices listed are one-way prices.