WestJet Baggage Allowance Policy

Canadian citizens may not find WestJet airline unfamiliar at all. It’s in fact one of the more recognisable Canadian fliers. If you’re thinking about choosing it for your next trip, you should learn more about its baggage policy. In this article, we will go into details about WestJet’s baggage policy.

Overview of WestJet

WestJet Airlines Ltd., commonly shortened to WestJet, is Canada's second largest airline. Along with its subsidiary WestJet Encore, this low-cost air firm flies to about 60 destinations across the continent of America and Europe. In addition, it has codeshare agreements with many other carriers. WestJet’s fleet is all Economy Class, but there are certain fares that passengers can book for front seats with extra legroom.

Much like many other low-cost airlines, WestJet employs a range of tactics to maintain its low-cost status as well as seeking ancillary revenue, the most prominent one of which being introducing costly à la carte services over rigorous and stingy policies.

Its baggage allowance policy is no exception. It may be straightforward, but once you push the limit, it goes downhill right quick. Worry not, as the CabinZero Crew has got you covered. We have prepared the most comprehensive breakdown of WestJet’s baggage policy for you.

Carry-on Baggage Allowance – Cabin Baggage Dimensions Policy

Passengers travelling on WestJet are allowed to bring on-board one carry-on bag as well as one personal item that is to be stored in either the overhead cabin or the under-seat compartment.

The carry-on bag:

• Could be a backpack, a bag, or a suitcase;
• Must not exceed 21 x 9 x 15 in (53 x 23 x 38 cm).

The personal item:

• Could be a briefcase, a camera, a garment, a kennel, a laptop, or a purse;
• Must not exceed 16 x 6 x 13 in (41 x 15 x 33 cm).

There is no weight limit, but your baggage shouldn’t be too heavy to carry around yourself.

In addition to the carry-on baggage, the following items are allowed:

• A diaper bag with the child’s items;
• An approved restraint system for children with a purchased seat;
• Canes and walkers;
• Cremated remains;
• Duty free items;
• Human organs for transplant or delicate scientific instruments;
• Medical devices, syringes, or needles;
• Properly labelled medication;
• Two litres of blood for personal use and properly packaged.

Checked baggage allowance

Each piece of check-in baggage should comply to the following restrictions:

• Max 50 lbs (23kg) in weight;
• Max 62 in (157 cm) in cumulative dimensions;

Passengers can check in up to four bags on regular WestJet operated flights, and three bags on WestJet Encore’s. The number of baggage the passengers can check in for free depends on the type of ticket that they are boarding. 

On route connecting North America, the Caribbean, Central America:

• Basic and Economy Class passengers can purchase the 1st bag for $30 and the 2nd bag for $60.
• Flex, Premium, Business Class passengers can check in the first 2 pieces of baggage for free.

On route within Europe:

• Basic, Economy Class, and Flex passengers can purchase the 1st bag for $30 and the 2nd bag for $60.
• Business Class passengers can check in the first 2 pieces of baggage for free.

 As you can see, passengers boarding:

• Basic and Economy will have to pay for each baggage they check in, incrementally;
• Flex can check in one bag for free;
• Premium and Business can check in two bags for free.

Membership perks

WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard primary cardholders can check in one baggage for free even if they fly Basic or Economy tickets.

WestJet Rewards Silver & Gold members can always check in two bags for free.

Excess baggage policy

Starting from the 3rd bag, passengers of all ticket types flying to all destinations have to pay extra.

Overweight bags and oversize bags are also surcharged. Baggage that exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg) but still under 100 lbs (45 kg) are considered as overweight baggage. Baggage that exceeds 62 in (157 cm) but still under 80 in (203 cm) are considered oversized. Baggage that falls into these categories will be surcharged, and if they exceed these limits they must be transported by cargo.

All of the above surcharges will be around $100 depending on routes.

Note that, all of these surcharges are combinable, meaning if your baggage exceeds multiple limits, you will have to pay all of the fine at once.

Exceptions

WestJet Rewards Platinum members can check in the 3rd bag for free.

Oversized baggage is not allowed on flights to/from Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago.

FAQs

Can I bring some sports equipment on-board?

Yes, you can. WestJet has a rule set for sporting equipment to be carried on-board:

• Shouldn’t be longer than 39 in (300 cm);
• Meet the air travel requirements;
• Some equipment will be charged a $50 handling fee;
• All sporting equipment is susceptible to overweight and oversized baggage rules, with some exception.

Do refer to WestJet’s website for additional information.

What about my music instruments?

Yes, you can. These musical instruments are subject to the restrictions for baggage, in that, if they are small enough to conform to carry-on baggage restrictions, they will be considered as one. The same goes for checked baggage. It’s recommended that you check with WestJet’s page on musical instruments for additional information regarding the procedures.