WestJet introduces fee for first checked bag on some flights

Some travellers flying with WestJet within North America will now be charged a $25 fee for the first checked bag, the airline announced today.

The fee will apply to Econo fares for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. The new fee will only apply to bookings made today onward, for travel on or after Oct. 29, 2014. Guests flying to any of WestJet's international destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe may continue to check a first bag at no charge.

WestJet expects the charge to affect approximately one in five of its passengers. Guests who select a Flex fare will receive one free checked bag, while guests choosing a Plus fare will enjoy two complimentary checked bags in addition to waived fees, seat selection, more legroom and many other amenities. For more information on WestJet baggage fees, please visit westjet.com/baggage.

The baggage allowances for military personnel (with identification), infant and child equipment, mobility devices and code-share and interline guests are not impacted.

WestJet also today launched its new WestJet Rewards tiers program featuring three levels - Teal, Silver and Gold. Guests who qualify for the Silver tier will be able to check a first bag at no cost. Guests who qualify for the Gold tier will get two free checked bags. For more information, visit westjet.com/tiers. In addition, a free first bag has been added to WestJet’s RBC World Elite MasterCard credit card program.

Along with the launch of WestJet Rewards tiers, the airline also introduced a price-drop guarantee today on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages. Guests who see that the price of their flight or their vacation package has dropped since their original purchase can receive the difference in WestJet dollars. For terms and conditions, visit www.westjet.com/pricedropguarantee.