WestJet Baggage Policy 2026: Fees, Sizes & Free Bags 

WestJet includes a free carry-on and personal item on all fares except UltraBasic (personal item only on US/Canada routes). Checked bags start at $45 CAD prepaid on Econo fares and are free from EconoFlex and above. Overweight or oversized bags cost $150–$177 CAD. Fees updated April 23, 2026.

Baggage fees are one of the fastest ways a “cheap” flight turns expensive. On a round-trip with two checked bags for a family of four, airport-counter pricing can add over $560 CAD to your total  more than some base fares. WestJet’s policy has changed several times in recent years, with the most recent update taking effect April 23, 2026.

What Baggage Is Free on WestJet?

Every WestJet passenger  regardless of fare  gets one free personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. On Econo fares and above, one carry-on bag is also included at no charge. Checked bags are free from EconoFlex and higher fare classes, and for passengers holding WestJet Rewards Silver, Gold, or Platinum status, or the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard.

Here’s a quick summary:

What Are the WestJet Carry-On Weight and Size Limits?

WestJet does not enforce a carry-on weight limit  but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without assistance. The size limits are strict and enforced with a physical gate sizer at check-in and boarding.

• Carry-on bag: 56 cm x 23 cm x 36 cm (22 x 9 x 14 in)
• Personal item: 41 cm x 15 cm x 33 cm (16 x 6 x 13 in)

Anything that doesn’t fit the sizer  wheels included  gets checked and charged the applicable checked bag fee. On UltraBasic fares, bringing a carry-on to the gate also triggers a service fee on top of the checked bag fee, a cost combination that most competitor guides fail to flag.

Can I Bring a Backpack and a Carry-On on WestJet?

Yes, on Econo fares and above. WestJet allows one carry-on and one personal item per passenger. A backpack qualifies as your carry-on bag if it fits the 56 x 23 x 36 cm limit, or as your personal item if it fits under the seat (41 x 15 x 33 cm). You cannot bring both a backpack and a rolling suitcase unless one of them fits entirely under the seat in front of you.

UltraBasic exception: On domestic and US/Canada routes, UltraBasic passengers are limited to one personal item only. A backpack that fits under the seat is fine  a rolling carry-on is not.

What Is the WestJet Checked Bag Fee?

WestJet’s checked bag fee depends on three factors: your fare class, your route, and when you pay. Prepaying online saves meaningful money compared to paying at the airport counter.

Checked bag fees for US and Canada routes (prepaid, as of April 23, 2026):

Pricing by payment method (Econo, 1st bag, US/Canada):

• Prepaid online: ~$45 CAD
• Self-serve check-in kiosk: ~$60 CAD
• Airport counter: ~$70 CAD

That’s a $25 difference per bag, per direction. A family of four each checking one bag at the airport counter instead of prepaying pays roughly $200 extra on a round trip  for no additional service.

Third and fourth bags cost $150–$177 CAD each. On WestJet Encore (turboprop) flights, a fourth bag is not accepted at all.

Currency note: Fees are charged in CAD or USD depending on your booking’s country of origin.

What Is the WestJet Overweight Baggage Fee?

WestJet’s overweight baggage fee is $150–$177 CAD for bags between 23 kg and 32 kg (50–70 lbs). On most non-European routes, WestJet accepts bags up to 45 kg (100 lbs) with the same $150–$177 fee. Bags over 45 kg on standard routes, or over 32 kg on European routes, are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped through WestJet Cargo.

A critical detail competitors miss: Overweight and oversized fees are stackable. A bag that is overweight, oversized, and your second checked bag gets charged all three fees simultaneously. That can push your total well above $350 CAD for a single item.

What Are WestJet’s Baggage Fees for US to Canada Routes?

WestJet baggage fees for US to Canada flights follow the same structure as domestic Canada routes. The fee table above applies directly. The key variable is currency  if you booked through a US-based portal, fees may be charged in USD rather than CAD.

On Econo fares, the first checked bag runs approximately $45 prepaid. EconoFlex and above include the first bag free. Asia-bound Econo passengers also receive a free first checked bag  a route-specific exception that applies in both directions and is frequently overlooked by travelers booking connecting itineraries.

What Is WestJet’s Domestic Baggage Policy?

WestJet’s domestic baggage policy mirrors its US/Canada international structure. The same fare-based fee table applies, the same carry-on rules are enforced, and the same prepay-vs-airport pricing tiers are in effect. There is no separate domestic “free bag” benefit that doesn’t exist on cross-border routes.

One domestic-specific nuance: WestJet Encore operates many shorter domestic routes on De Havilland Dash 8 turboprops. These aircraft have smaller overhead bins, meaning even a compliant carry-on may be gate-checked at no cost if the bins are full. More importantly, a maximum of three checked bags (not four) is accepted on Encore flights.

What Are WestJet’s Checked Baggage Size Limits?

A standard checked bag must not exceed 157 linear centimeters (62 linear inches), calculated as length + width + height combined, and must weigh no more than 23 kg (50 lbs). Bags between 158–203 cm (63–80 in) are accepted as oversized for an additional $150–$177 CAD fee.

Practical example: A large suitcase measuring 75 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm totals 155 cm  just under the limit. At 80 x 55 x 35 cm, you hit 170 cm and trigger the oversized fee. Measure your bags at home before you leave.

What Are WestJet’s Policies for Sports Equipment and Special Items?

Most sporting equipment counts as one checked bag and is subject to standard checked bag fees. Select items  including golf clubs, skis, snowboards, and hockey equipment  have oversize fees waived. Bicycles count as a checked bag plus a $50–$59 CAD handling fee. Firearms require a $50–$59 CAD handling fee and strict regulated packing.

Musical instruments: Small instruments (violin, flute) can travel as your carry-on if they fit the size limits. Larger instruments should be checked in a hard-sided case. WestJet does not offer seat purchases for instruments.

Family items: Strollers, playpens, and car seats can be checked free of charge  a meaningful saving for families that competitors often overlook when calculating total travel costs.

How Can You Avoid WestJet Baggage Fees?

The most reliable ways to reduce or eliminate WestJet baggage fees involve booking the right fare, prepaying, or leveraging a card or status benefit.

• Book EconoFlex or higher if you plan to check a bag  the first bag is included, and the fare difference is often less than the bag fee
• Prepay online at least 24 hours before departure  saves up to $25 per bag vs. airport pricing
• Get the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard  covers the first checked bag for the cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same booking
• Pack a personal item only  UltraBasic fares work if you can genuinely fit everything under the seat
• Check family items  strollers and car seats fly free regardless of fare class
• Avoid the UltraBasic trap  after adding a checked bag, UltraBasic often costs more than Econo

How Can You Get Free Baggage on WestJet?

Free checked baggage on WestJet comes from four sources: fare class, loyalty status, the RBC Mastercard, and route-specific exceptions.

The RBC Mastercard benefit is the standout option for families and group travelers. One cardholder covering eight guests on a round trip  each with a first bag  saves up to $720 CAD at Econo prepaid pricing.

How Does WestJet’s Baggage Policy Compare to Air Canada?

Both WestJet and Air Canada raised checked bag fees in April 2026, and both follow similar fare-tiered structures. Air Canada’s basic fares also restrict carry-on access. Neither airline includes a free checked bag on their lowest fares for domestic and US routes.

WestJet’s key advantages are the RBC Mastercard group benefit (covering up to 8 guests per booking) and the military waiver, which is among the most generous in Canada. Air Canada’s Aeroplan elite tiers offer comparable checked bag benefits at higher status levels.

For travelers without status or a co-branded card, the pricing is broadly similar  making prepayment timing and fare selection the primary levers for managing costs on either airline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is WestJet’s first checked bag fee in 2026?
On US and Canada routes, WestJet charges approximately $45 CAD prepaid for the first checked bag on Econo fares, rising to $60 at self-serve kiosks and $70 at the airport counter. UltraBasic starts at $55 prepaid. Fees were last updated April 23, 2026.

Does WestJet charge for carry-on bags?
No, on Econo fares and above. WestJet includes one free carry-on (up to 56 x 23 x 36 cm) and one free personal item on all fares except UltraBasic, which allows only a personal item on US and Canada routes.

What is WestJet’s overweight bag fee?
Bags weighing 23–32 kg (50–70 lbs) incur a fee of $150–$177 CAD. On most non-European routes, bags up to 45 kg are accepted with the same fee. Anything heavier must be shipped through WestJet Cargo.

Can UltraBasic passengers pay to bring a carry-on?
No. UltraBasic passengers on US and Canada routes cannot purchase carry-on access. They are limited to one personal item under the seat. Exceptions apply for flights to/from Europe and Asia, or when Extended Comfort is purchased for every flight segment in one direction.

How does the WestJet RBC Mastercard free bag benefit work?
The WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard gives a free first checked bag to the primary cardholder and up to 8 guests traveling on the same booking on WestJet-operated flights. The Rewards ID must be linked to the reservation at check-in.

Are bags free on WestJet flights to Asia?
Yes. WestJet includes a free first checked bag on Econo and higher fares for flights to and from Asia. This is a route-specific exception that does not apply to domestic or US/Canada routes on Econo fares.

What happens if my checked bag exceeds WestJet’s size limit?
Bags measuring 158–203 cm (63–80 linear inches) are accepted as oversized for $150–$177 CAD. Bags over 203 cm are not accepted as checked baggage at all and must be shipped via WestJet Cargo.

Do WestJet baggage fees stack?
Yes. If a bag is both overweight and oversized, both fees apply. If it’s also a second checked bag on an Econo fare, that fee is added too. A single overpacked bag can cost $300+ CAD in combined fees.

Does WestJet Encore have different baggage rules?
Yes. WestJet Encore accepts a maximum of three checked bags per passenger, compared to four on mainline WestJet flights. Overhead bin space is also limited, meaning compliant carry-ons may be gate-checked at no cost if the aircraft is full.

How much does WestJet charge for a third or fourth checked bag?
Third and fourth checked bags cost $150–$177 CAD each, per direction. The fourth bag is not accepted on WestJet Encore flights at all. Third and fourth bags are accepted on a space-available basis to most destinations, excluding Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.