WestJet has implemented higher baggage fees for passengers, effective today. Customers checking bags at the airport will now pay $10 more per bag for the first and second pieces. Prepaid baggage fees have also increased by $5 per bag for the first and second bags. These new fees apply to bookings made from April 23 onwards.
While discounts are available for select WestJet Rewards members, this marks the airline’s third baggage fee increase in three years and comes shortly after the previous hike. A WestJet spokesperson cited industry trends and global conditions as reasons for the fee adjustments.
Travelers on WestJet’s ultra-basic fares in Canada can expect to pay between $60 and $93 for the first bag and $75 to $111 for the second bag. Standard econo passengers could pay between $45 and $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second within Canada.
For passengers flying to Asia or Europe on ultra-basic fares, baggage fees range from $85 to $123 for a single checked bag. Excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees have seen the most significant increase, with overweight bags potentially costing up to $168.
This fee adjustment by WestJet follows a similar move by Air Canada, which recently raised baggage fees for economy basic passengers. Fuel surcharges have been introduced for specific bookings or vacation packages by both airlines as a response to increased fuel costs.
Rising jet fuel prices, attributed to Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, have led to route cuts by Air Canada, Air Transat, and other international carriers. Travel experts anticipate that the combination of higher surcharges and reduced flight options may keep air travel costs elevated for the foreseeable future.