WestJet raises checked bag fees

WestJet raises its checked baggage fees starting Thursday (April 23), following a similar move by Air Canada earlier this week.

In a statement to CityNews, WestJet said it updated its “baggage fee structure” due to “industry revenue trends as well as impacts from current global conditions.”

Under the new structure, a single checked bag may now cost between $45 and $123. Passengers will pay $5 more for their first and second prepaid checked bags.

If bags are paid for at the airport, the increase rises to $10 for the first and second bags. Fees for oversized, overweight, or additional baggage have jumped by $50.

WestJet added that Teal Rewards members will still receive a $5 discount on their first prepaid checked bag.

Meanwhile, Air Canada recently increased the cost of a first checked bag in its basic economy class from $35 to $45 on domestic, U.S., and sun destination routes.

These fee hikes come shortly after WestJet reduced its flight capacity due to rising jet fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Air Canada and Air Transat have also scaled back flights.

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