WestJet Increases Checked Baggage Fees

For the second time in less than four months, WestJet has made changes to the fees it charges for checked baggage. This time, WestJet has increased the cost of checked bags to destinations throughout its network.

The latest round of fee changes went into effect for flights booked on or after February 15, 2024, and they affect the cost of checking first and second bags on WestJet flights.

WestJet Increases Checked Baggage Fees

Following in the footsteps of US carriers, WestJet has increased the fees it charges for checked baggage. 

For flights booked on or after February 15, 2024, passengers will have to pay more to check a first and second bag with WestJet throughout its network.

The amount you’ll pay depends on which WestJet fare you purchase, as well as your destination. On average, the price has increased by around $5 (all figures in CAD) across the board.

As a reminder, WestJet implemented a three-tiered baggage fee schedule in November 2023, whereby you pay the least when prepaying for a checked bag, more at self-serve check-in, and the most at airport check-in.

For example, for flights booked between November 7, 2023 and February 14, 2024, you’d pay the following for a checked bag on a domestic or transborder flight:

• Prepay: $30–36
• Self-serve check-in: $40–48
• Airport check-in: $50–59

However, as of February 15, 2024, the fees have increased to the following levels on Basic fares for flights within Canada and to the United States:

• Prepay: $35–42
• Self-serve check-in: $45–54
• Airport check-in: $55–65

A full list of checked baggage fees can be found on the WestJet website. 

If you’d like to compare the costs to previous rounds of changes, WestJet has published that information on its website, too.

How to Save on Checked Baggage Fees with WestJet

If you’re planning to check a bag on an upcoming WestJet flight, you’ll want to make sure that you avoid paying more than necessary. There are several ways to go about this.

If you’re an infrequent solo traveller who flies with WestJet only once per year, then your best bet is likely to prepay for your checked baggage and book the lowest fare. In this situation, you want to avoid paying for your checked bag at check-in, since the cost is higher than prepaying for it.

It’s worth noting that you get a free checked bag on EconoFlex, Premium, and…