When planning a trip, understanding the WestJet Airlines baggage policy is crucial to ensure smooth travels and avoid unexpected fees. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or traveling for the first time with WestJet, having the right information about baggage allowances, fees, and restrictions can make a huge difference. This comprehensive guide provides all the details you need regarding WestJet Airlines baggage rules, including carry-on and checked baggage allowances, baggage size, fees, and more.
WestJet Airlines offers a range of baggage options depending on your route, fare class, and frequent flyer status. Adhering to their guidelines on WestJet Airlines baggage Policy including size, weight limits, and fees can help you avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport. Let’s delve deeper into each aspect of WestJet’s baggage policy, so you can prepare your luggage with confidence.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Allowance
The WestJet Airlines baggage allowance varies depending on your fare class, destination, and whether you’re a member of WestJet’s loyalty programs. Knowing how many pieces of luggage you are allowed and their weight limits can help you plan accordingly.
Carry-On Baggage
WestJet allows one carry-on bag and one personal item for each passenger at no additional cost. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin, while the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. Examples of personal items include purses, laptops, and small backpacks.
Standard Carry-On Allowance:
The Westjet Airlines baggage policy measure standard carry-on baggage in the following criteria:
- One Carry-On bag must not exceed (53 cm or 21 in) length, (38 cm or 15 in) breadth, (23 cm or 9 in) height.
- Plus, One Personal Item must be within (41 cm or 16 in) length, (33 cm or 13 in) breadth, (15 cm or 6 in) height.
Personal Items:
Personal items must not exceed 16 x 6 x 13 inches (41 x 15 x 33 cm).
There is no weight limit for carry-on luggage, but you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin without assistance.
Checked Baggage
The WestJet Airlines baggage allowance for checked bags depends on the route and fare class. Economy passengers typically receive no free checked bags on basic fares, while higher fare classes like Premium and Business may include one or more free checked bags.
Standard Checked Baggage Allowance:
- Economy (Basic): No free checked baggage
- Economy (Standard/Flex): 1 checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Premium Economy: 2 checked bags up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each
- Business Class: 2 checked bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg) each
If you need to check additional bags, you can pre-purchase checked baggage allowance at a lower cost online, or pay higher fees at the airport.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Sizes
Understanding the WestJet Airlines baggage size restrictions is essential to avoid oversized baggage fees. Baggage that exceeds the size limits set by WestJet will incur additional charges.
Carry-On Baggage Size
As mentioned earlier, the size of carry-on baggage should not exceed 21 x 9 x 15 inches (53 x 23 x 38 cm). This includes wheels and handles. Your personal item should fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Checked Baggage Size
Checked bags must meet the following size requirements:
- Maximum linear dimensions: 62 inches (158 cm)
Linear dimensions are the sum of the length, width, and height of the bag. If your checked baggage exceeds these dimensions, it will be classified as oversized and subject to additional fees.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Weight Limits
The WestJet Airlines baggage weight guidelines vary depending on the ticket type and destination. Exceeding these weight limits will result in overweight baggage fees.
Carry-On Baggage Weight
While WestJet Airlines Baggage Policy does not impose a specific weight limit for carry-on luggage, the passenger must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted. If the bag is too heavy, it may be checked at the gate, and you could incur extra fees.
Checked Baggage Weight
Economy passengers are allowed to check bags weighing up to 50 lbs (23 kg), while Business Class passengers can check bags up to 70 lbs (32 kg). Bags that exceed these weight limits will incur overweight fees.
Weight Limits:
- Economy Class: 50 lbs (23 kg)
- Business Class: 70 lbs (32 kg)
If your bag exceeds these limits, you will need to pay extra fees based on the weight overage.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Fees
The WestJet Airlines baggage fees vary based on your route, fare class, and whether you pre-purchase your baggage allowance. Prepaying for checked bags online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Domestic Flights
On domestic flights within Canada, basic fares do not include free checked baggage. The first checked bag typically costs between $30 and $35 CAD. Additional bags will incur higher fees.
International Flights
For international flights, WestJet may include one or two free checked bags depending on the fare class. For economy passengers, the first checked bag fee is usually around $60-$70 CAD, with subsequent bags costing more.
Overweight and Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bag exceeds the allowed weight or size limits, you will be charged additional fees. Overweight fees range from $100 to $118 CAD, depending on the destination. Oversized baggage fees are similar.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Restrictions
WestJet Airlines Baggage Policy follows international safety regulations, meaning certain items are prohibited from being brought onto the aircraft. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these WestJet Airlines baggage restrictions before packing.
Prohibited Items
- Flammable items: Explosives, fireworks, and flammable liquids are not allowed.
- Sharp objects: Knives, scissors with blades over 6 cm, and box cutters are prohibited in carry-on luggage.
- Weapons: Guns, firearms, and ammunition are not allowed unless specific permits and declarations are made.
Liquid Restrictions
For carry-on bags, liquids must adhere to the standard 100 ml rule. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag and should not exceed 1 litre in total.
Special Baggage Considerations
WestJet Airlines Baggage Policy allows passengers to travel with special baggage, including sports equipment, musical instruments, and medical devices. However, these items may require special handling or incur additional fees.
Sports Equipment
Passengers can bring sports equipment such as skis, snowboards, golf clubs, and bicycles, as part of their checked baggage allowance. However, these items must meet the size and weight restrictions. Oversized sports equipment may incur additional fees.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are allowed either as carry-on baggage or checked baggage, depending on their size. Instruments that exceed carry-on dimensions may require special handling or the purchase of a separate seat.
Medical Equipment
Passengers with medical needs, such as wheelchairs, CPAP machines, or oxygen tanks, can bring necessary medical equipment at no extra charge. However, they must notify WestJet in advance to make appropriate arrangements.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Rules for Infants and Children
Travelling with children requires extra baggage considerations. WestJet Airlines Baggage Policy allows parents to bring essential items like car seats and strollers free of charge, in addition to the normal baggage allowance.
- Car seats: Can be checked for free.
- Strollers: Allowed free of charge and can be checked at the gate.
- Infant carry-on items: Small items for infants, like diaper bags, may count as a personal item.
WestJet Airlines Baggage Policy for Frequent Flyers
This Airlines offers additional baggage benefits to its frequent flyers through its rewards program. Depending on your tier, you may receive complimentary checked baggage or reduced fees.
WestJet Rewards Members
Members of the WestJet Rewards program may receive additional checked baggage allowance depending on their status level. Silver, Gold, and Platinum members often benefit from complimentary checked bags.
WestJet Elite Benefits
For elite members, additional perks such as priority check-in and free baggage are included. These passengers can enjoy expedited services and increased baggage allowances.
By understanding the WestJet Airlines baggage policy, you can avoid unnecessary fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. Whether flying domestically or internationally, it is essential to follow the WestJet Airlines baggage allowance, size limits, and weight restrictions to ensure your luggage complies with airline rules. Planning ahead and packing within the allowed limits will save you time and money at the airport, making your trip with WestJet as stress-free as possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can avoid extra baggage fees by:
Pre-paying for baggage online: Pre-purchasing your checked baggage allowance online will save you money compared to paying at the airport.
Weighing your luggage at home: Use a luggage scale to avoid overweight fees at the airport.
WestJet charges around $30-$35 CAD for the first checked bag on domestic flights and around $60-$70 CAD for international flights.
Yes, you can bring sports equipment such as golf clubs or skis. However, oversized items may incur additional fees.
If your checked baggage exceeds the weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg), you will be charged an overweight fee ranging from $100 to $118 CAD.
The carry-on baggage size must not exceed 21 x 9 x 15 inches (53 x 23 x 38 cm), including handles and wheels.
You can bring 2 to 4 baggage on WestJet Airlines without any charge excluding WestJet Encore because here you can bring 2 to 3 baggage. However, passengers are allowed more than 2 baggage and baggage may require fees depending on the fare bundle or WestJet Rewards tier benefits.
Yes, you can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item e.g, purse, briefcase, laptop bag. These items are permitted per passenger on WestJet Airlines at no additional cost.
