WestJet Baggage Allowance: Carry-On and Checked Bags
Understanding WestJet Baggage Policies
Carry-On Allowance
WestJet’s carry-on rules are there to make flying a bit smoother for everyone. You get one carry-on bag and a personal item free of charge, no matter if you’re flying Econo or splurging for BusinessFlex. Even their Member Exclusive fares come with this deal (WestJet).
But, if you’re going the UltraBasic route, heads up: you can only bring one personal item. No carry-on for you with that fare. Anything extra’s gotta be checked, and they might hit you with some extra charges for that.
If you’ve got breakables like gadgets or art, stick them in your hand luggage if you can. If you have to check them, pack them well and mark them “fragile” because WestJet isn’t going to cover any damages (Travelpro.ca).
Here’s the scoop for each fare type:
| Fare Type | Carry-On Bag | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|
| Econo, EconoFlex | 1 | 1 |
| Member Exclusive | 1 | 1 |
| Premium, PremiumFlex | 1 | 1 |
| Business, BusinessFlex | 1 | 1 |
| UltraBasic | 0 | 1 |
Personal Item Restrictions
For personal items, WestJet keeps it simple: it should fit under the seat. Think purse, laptop bag, or a small backpack (WestJet).
There’s no weight rule as such, but ensure they’re light enough to hoist into the overhead bins if needed. Pay for any extra baggage when booking your ticket ’cause doing it later at the kiosk or check-in can cost more (CabinZero).
Curious about packing rules for other airlines? Check out our pieces on airasia baggage allowance and kenya airways baggage allowance.
Carry-On Bag Dimensions
Flying with WestJet? Let’s get the lowdown on what can ride as your carry-on and personal item, making sure you’re in the know before you go.
Size Limitations
So, here’s the deal. Most WestJet flyers can bring a carry-on bag plus a sidekick personal item—think purse or laptop bag. But if you’re jumping on an UltraBasic fare, they strip you down to just the personal item (WestJet). Your carry-on has to be cozy with these measurements:
- Max Size: 21 inches x 9 inches x 15 inches (53 cm x 23 cm x 38 cm) (WestJet).
Make sure that carry-on can chill in the overhead locker without needing a shoehorn. Personal items should tuck under the seat ahead of you with room to spare. Aim to keep them to:
- Personal Item Size: 16 inches x 6 inches x 13 inches (41 cm x 15 cm x 33 cm).
Weight Limit Guidelines
WestJet’s got a bit of a wild card on the weight rules. Basically, your carry-on can weigh anything as long as you can hulk it into the overhead space yourself. UltraBasic fares, though, are just as light on restrictions.
For those of us who like a number, many stick with a max of 22 pounds (10 kilograms) for peace of mind. Keeping it light ensures smooth boarding—no awkward bag wrestling required.
| Item Type | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (cm) | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | 21 x 9 x 15 | 53 x 23 x 38 | No set number (Just lift it!) |
| Personal Item | 16 x 6 x 13 | 41 x 15 x 33 | Light enough to handle |
If your luggage dreams are too big for these rules, no worries. Check out the Additional Baggage Fees section for more ideas on managing extra or oversized items.
Those who jump between airlines might want to have a peek at what’s what with Swiss International Air Lines and Finnair baggage policies to cover all bases.
Checked Baggage Rules
Knowing WestJet’s checked baggage rules can save you from travel headaches and wallet pains. Here’s what you really need to know about size and weight limits.
Size Restrictions
A heads-up: keep your checked bag under 62 inches in total dimensions (length + width + height), or you might end up coughing up extra cash or, worse, repacking at the counter. Trust me, no one wants to be that person. (TravelPro)
| Dimension Max | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Length + Width + Height | 62 | 157 |
For more size details, check out WestJet Baggage Allowance.
Weight Limits
Weight matters. For most flights, WestJet keeps it at 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag. Flyin’ to or from Europe? Lucky you, your bag can weigh 70 pounds (32 kg) without causing trouble. (TravelPro)
| Baggage Weight Limit | Pounds | Kilograms |
|---|---|---|
| Most Flights | 50 | 23 |
| Europe Routes | 70 | 32 |
Double-check what applies to you so you won’t be caught by surprise. Extra fees for heavy bags aren’t anyone’s favorite.
To nip those pesky extra fees in the bud, see our info on excess bag charges, oversize bag fees, and prepaying for baggage.
Pack smart, avoid those dreaded additional charges! And, for fare-specific details, do check out what’s included in Economy Class and Premium and Business Class. Happy travels!
Baggage Allowances by Fare Type
Planning a trip with WestJet? Make sure you know the WestJet baggage allowance tied to your fare type. No surprises at the airport equals a smoother journey, right?
Economy Class
If you’re hopping on an Economy Class WestJet flight within Canada or the U.S., you typically get one checked bag on the house. Just make sure it doesn’t tip the scales over 50 pounds (23 kg). Got more bags or one that weighs a bit much? Be prepared for some extra costs.
| Economy Class | Allowance | Weight Limit (per bag) |
|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage | 1 Free Bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
Want the lowdown on extra baggage fees? Sail over to our additional baggage fees section.
Premium and Business Class
Flying Premium or Business Class? You’re in luck. Your luggage load gets a free pass.
- Premium Class lets you check a couple of bags with no fee hassle. Usually, you’ll get up to two at 50 pounds (23 kg) a pop.
- Business Class lets you glide through with up to three free checked bags, all sticking to that 50 pounds (23 kg) rule.
| Premium Class | Allowance | Weight Limit (per bag) |
|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage | 2 Free Bags | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
| Business Class | Allowance | Weight Limit (per bag) |
|---|---|---|
| Checked Baggage | 3 Free Bags | 50 lbs (23 kg) |
Loyalty perks mean more baggage perks! If you’re in the Silver or Gold club, you score two bags on the house. Platinum? Three bags, no fees (learn more here).
Curious about special treatment for military personnel? Peek at our additional baggage fees page for insights.
Get clued up on baggage rules by fare and dodge those pesky surprise costs. For more info about WestJet’s policies and how to keep those charges down, browse through our tips to avoid extra fees.
Additional Baggage Fees
Let’s talk about flying with WestJet and their extra baggage fees. Knowing about these costs beforehand can save you some serious cash when dealing with extra or oversized bags.
Excess Bag Charges
For WestJet passengers, starting with your third checked bag, you may have to shell out for extra baggage fees, no matter your ticket type or where you’re headed. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might pay:
| Number of Bags | Fee Each Bag |
|---|---|
| 1st Checked Bag | $30 – $35 |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $50 – $59 |
| 3rd Checked Bag and Beyond | $100 – $118 |
Keeping within the standard baggage limits is a no-brainer for saving money. Frequent fliers should think about using WestJet Rewards Benefits to cut down on these fees.
Oversize Bag Fees
Got big luggage? WestJet has rules for size and weight; exceed them, and there’s a fee (TravelPro):
Your checked bags shouldn’t be bigger than 62 inches in total (that’s length plus width and height) or heavier than 50 pounds (23 kg). If they are, expect these charges:
| Excess Size | Cost Each Bag |
|---|---|
| Up to 62 inches (158 cm) and 50 pounds (23 kg) | Standard Fee |
| Over 62 inches (158 cm) | $100 – $118 |
| Over 50 pounds (23 kg) | $75 – $88 |
| Too big and too heavy | $175 – $206 |
Smart packing is the ticket to avoid extra baggage fees, and prepaying on the WestJet site can help dodge unwanted surprises. For more fee info from different airlines, take a look at our piece on tigerair baggage allowance.
Sorting out your WestJet baggage fees can help you plan and pack smarter, steering clear of unexpected costs. Find more detailed baggage policies on our site for other flights like finnair baggage allowance and austrian airlines baggage allowance.
Special Baggage Considerations
Traveling with your special cargo like sports gear or musical instruments can be a bit of a puzzle. But no worries, WestJet has all the deets you need to cruise smoothly with your precious items.
Sports Equipment
If you’re one of those sporty folks with gear like golf clubs, snowboards or bikes, you can relax knowing WestJet’s got your back. They welcome a range of sports stuff and have special baggage policies to keep you sorted.
- Size and Weight Guidelines: Your equipment needs to be within 62 inches in total dimensions (that’s length plus width plus height) and should weigh 50 pounds or less. Stick to these numbers, and you won’t be paying extra fees (TravelPro).
- Heads-Up Approach: Giving WestJet a heads-up when you plan to travel with sports gear is a smart move. This makes sure everything is handled without a glitch.
- Pack it Right: Packing your gear well is key. Make sure it’s all bundled up safe to dodge any damage. For things like fishing rods or ski gear, hard cases offer the best protection.
Musical Instruments
For those strumming guitars or lugging around other instruments, knowing WestJet’s rules can make or break your trip. Here’s the lowdown:
- Size and Weight: Instruments are subject to the same 62-inch and 50-pound regulations (TravelPro).
- Carry-On Joy: Smaller instruments like violins might fit just perfectly in the overhead bins, counting as your carry-on, if they stick to size rules. Check out our Carry-On Allowance for the nitty-gritty on dimensions.
- Handling with Care: For any instruments checked in, make sure they’re well-protected and marked as fragile. It’s better to keep them with you if they’re delicate, as WestJet doesn’t cover damage to fragile items in checked baggage.
Want more info on dodging those pesky extra fees for special baggage? Swing by the Additional Baggage Fees page. You can also peek at finnair baggage allowance and iberia airlines baggage allowance to compare and decide which airline’s rules fit your travel vibe best.
Tips to Avoid Extra Fees
Prepaying for Baggage
Want to save some cash before takeoff? Pay for your baggage while you’re booking your plane ticket. Why fork out the big bucks at the airport when you can get those fees at a bargain before you even step into the terminal?
| Packing Plan | Pay Early Price (around) | Pay at Airport Price (around) |
|---|---|---|
| First Bag | $30 – $35 | $50 – $60 |
| Second Bag | $50 – $55 | $75 – $85 |
| Extra Bags | Changes | Changes |
WestJet is all about helping folks pack right and dodge surprise expenses. It’s smart to keep your delicate stuff, like electronics or that artwork your aunt gave you, in your carry-on bag whenever you can (see WestJet Baggage Policies).
WestJet Rewards Benefits
Joining WestJet Rewards could be like hitting the baggage fee jackpot! Here’s the scoop on what you get:
| Level | Free Bags | Extra Goodies |
|---|---|---|
| Teal | Zero | Collect WestJet bucks on trips |
| Silver | One | Lounge chills, jump-the-line boarding |
| Gold | Two | More WestJet bucks, snag your seats ahead |
| Platinum | Three | Maximum WestJet bucks earning, upgrade perks galore |
If you snag one of these memberships, you’re allowed to bring up to two bags on WestJet flights with no extra charges coming your way. This is gold for those jet-setters out there!
Curious about other airlines and their baggage rules? Check out info on Swiss Air luggage allowance or Air Portugal luggage rules.
By getting ahead on your baggage payments and using those WestJet Rewards, you can skip the fuss of extra fees and make your trips a bit less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
