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WestJet Baggage Fees and Policies (And Tips for Covering the Expenses)

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An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publicat...
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Michael Y. Park

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WestJet Baggage Fees and Policies (And Tips for Covering the Expenses)

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

Checked luggage is included with some fares, and where it’s not included, the first checked bag is a relatively reasonable $30 to $83, depending on your destination.

WestJet Carry-On Allowance

You can bring aboard 1 personal item and 1 standard carry-on bag for free on WestJet, but they must follow certain size restrictions:

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

WestJet doesn’t publish weight restrictions for personal or carry-on items besides saying that they must be light enough for you to lift into the overhead compartment without assistance.

If you’re traveling with an infant, you can bring a diaper bag and an approved restraint system car seat into the cabin. You can also check a stroller or car seat at the gate.

WestJet Checked Baggage Allowance

Checked bags must weigh less than 50 pounds (23 kilograms). The maximum allowed linear dimensions for a checked bag are 62 inches (157 centimeters).

When airlines refer to “linear dimensions,” they’re talking about the number you get when you add the length, width, and depth of the item. So a suitcase that’s 24 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 18 inches deep has linear dimensions of 62 inches — just making WestJet’s size allowance.

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

Baggage Fees for Bookings Made on or After November 7, 2023, for Travel Within the U.S. and Canada:

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Fare TypePrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InPrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-In
 First Bag
Second Bag
Third or Fourth Bag
Basic, Econo, or Member Exclusive$30 to $36$40 to $48$50 to $59$50 to $59$60 to $71$70 to $83$100 to $118 each$110 to $130 each
EconoFlexNo fee
Premium or PremiumFlexNo fee
Business or BusinessFlex

Travel to or From Latin Caribbean and Mexico

SCROLL FOR MORE
Fare TypePrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InPrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-In
 First Bag
Second BagThird or Fourth Bag
Basic, Econo, or Member Exclusive$30 to $36$40 to $48$50 to $59$50 to $59$60 to $71$70 to $83$150 to $177 each$160 to $189 each
EconoFlexNo fee
Premium or PremiumFlexNo fee
Business or BusinessFlex

Travel to or From Europe

SCROLL FOR MORE
Fare TypePrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InPrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-In
 First BagSecond BagThird or Fourth Bag
Basic$70 to $83$80 to $95$90 to $107$100 to $118$110 to $130$120 to $142$150 to $177 each$160 to $189 each
Econo, or Member Exclusive$30 to $36$40 to $48$50 to $59
EconoFlexNo fee
Premium or PremiumFlexNo fee
Business or BusinessFlex

Travel to or From Asia

SCROLL FOR MORE
Fare TypePrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InPrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-In
 First Bag
Second BagThird or Fourth Bag
Basic$70 to $83$80 to $95$90 to $107$100 to $118$110 to $130$120 to $142$150 to $177 each$160 to $189 each
Econo, or Member ExclusiveNo fee
EconoFlex
Premium or PremiumFlexNo fee
Business or BusinessFlex

All Other Locations

SCROLL FOR MORE
Fare TypePrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InPrepaidSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-InSelf-Serve Check-InAirport Check-In
 First Bag
Second BagThird or Fourth Bag
Basic$30 to $36$40 to $48$50 to $59$50 to $59$60 to $71$70 to $83$100 to $118 each$110 to $130 each
Econo, or Member Exclusive
EconoFlexNo fee
Premium or PremiumFlexNo fee
Business or BusinessFlex

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

Excess Baggage Fees

You have to pay extra for bags that exceed the allowed linear dimension or that are 50 pounds or over.

  • Oversized bags (62 inches to 80 inches/58 centimeters to 203 centimeters): $100 to $118*
  • Overweight bags (50 pounds to 100 pounds/23 kilograms to 45 kilograms)*: $100 to $118**

* For WestJet flights to or from Europe, a checked bag must not exceed 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
** To transport bags over 100 pounds (45 kilograms), 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 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: 2 free bags
    • Gold: 2 free bags
    • Platinum: 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 Canadian military personnel to bring 4 bags for free if traveling for business or pleasure. On WestJet Encore, the limit is 3 bags. WestJet waives overweight and oversized baggage charges, provided they do not exceed the maximum excess allowance. WestJet also waives baggage fees for active military personnel from other countries who show valid identification, though restrictions apply.

» Related: The 6 Best Military Credit Cards for Active-Duty Members in April 2024 [Waived Annual Fees]

Humanitarian Aid

Passengers carrying humanitarian aid get 1 free bag, 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 fees increase by $10 within 24 hours of departure or while checking in at the airport. There’s an additional $10 fee for bags checked through an agent at the airport counter for tickets purchased after November 7, 2023.

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 doesn’t let you add baggage by calling its contact center.

Credit Cards That Reimburse You for Checked Bag Fees

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

TOP PICK
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-840)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros

  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
  • Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
  • Add authorized users for no additional annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

 

Cons

  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

 

  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros

  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Access to Capital One transfer partners

Cons

  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles
$360
$0
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros

Cons

  • Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
  • No luxury travel or elite benefits
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

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.

Featured Image Credit: Justin Hu via Unsplash

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). You can add additional bags for a fee.

Does WestJet charge for baggage on international flights?

WestJet charges $30 to $35.40 per checked bag for international flights for passengers not flying EconoFlex, Premium, or Business. These 3 fare types let you bring 1 or 2 checked bags for free.

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 allowed dimensions, so you must be prepared to check the piece if it’s too big.

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

WestJet doesn’t 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 allowable 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 centimeters)
  • Carry-on: 21 x 15 x 9 inches (53 x 38 x 23 centimeters)
Erin Miller's image

About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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