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WestJet Baggage Policy: A Guide to Checked and Carry-on Allowances and Fees

Yadana Chaw
Yadana Chaw
04.01.26
Read time 3 minutes

Founded in 1996, Westjet (WS), is a major Canadian carrier from Canada. They operate domestic Canada routes and routes to the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean, offering flights to 100+ destinations.

WestJet's baggage policy is primarily governed by the fare brand purchased (such as UltraBasic, Econo, or Business) and the passenger's geographic route. A traveler’s baggage allowance is also significantly influenced by their WestJet Rewards tier or whether they hold a co-branded RBC World Elite Mastercard.


Checked bag vs carry on vs personal item

Packing starts with understanding your bags:

  • Checked baggage is the larger luggage checked into the cargo hold; for Westjet, the maximum standard size is 158 cm / 62 in.
  • Carry-on bags (also referred to as cabin bags) go into the cabin for essentials, subject to the 100ml liquid rule, with a max size of 53 x 38 x 23 cm.
  • The Personal Item is the smallest (like a laptop bag or purse) and must fit under the seat in front of you.

For safety, remember all spare lithium batteries, power banks, and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, while sharp objects must always be placed in checked baggage.

Westjet carry-on allowance

Class / Fare TypeCarry-on Included?
UltraBasicNo (Except on Transpacific/Transatlantic routes or if Extended Comfort is purchased)
Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, Business (All Fares)Yes

One personal item is included free of charge with all fares, measuring up to 41 x 33 x 14 cm (16 x 13 x 6 in) and must fit under the seat in front. There is no enforced weight limit for carry-on or personal items, but you must be able to lift the carry-on bag into the overhead compartment unaided.

Westjet checked baggage allowance

Westjet primarily operates on the Piece Concept for its checked luggage.

The Piece Concept limits the number of bags you can bring (e.g., 2 bags maximum, each up to 23kg), meaning you cannot consolidate one big bag into two small ones without paying extra. Conversely, the Weight Concept limits the total combined weight of all your bags (e.g., a total of 30 kg across any number of pieces).

Class / Fare TypePiece Allowance
UltraBasicNo checked bags included
Econo / Member Exclusive0 bags (1 bag included for routes to/from Asia)
EconoFlex1 checked bag included
Premium / PremiumFlex2 checked bags included
Business / BusinessFlex2 checked bag included

These allowances apply to all routes. Each checked bag must not exceed 157 cm (62 in) in total dimensions or 23 kg (50 lbs) in weight.

Westjet extra baggage fees

WestJet charges flat fees for bags that exceed weight or size limits. These fees are cumulative, meaning a bag that is both overweight and oversized will incur both charges.

  • Overweight Bags:
    • 51 – 100 lbs (23 – 45 kg): From $100 CAD.
    • For flights to/from Europe, the maximum weight is 32 kg (70 lbs). Bags exceeding this must be sent via WestJet Cargo.
  • Oversized Bags:
    • 63 – 80 linear inches (158 – 203 cm): From $100 CAD.
    • Bags exceeding 80 linear inches (203 cm) are not accepted as checked baggage.
  • Additional Baggage:
    • 1st Bag: From $40 CAD.
    • 2nd Bag: From $55 CAD.
    • 3rd & 4th Bag: From $100 CAD
    • Guests are allowed to check up to 4 bags total (3 on WestJet Encore flights).

Westjet special baggage policy

  • Infants and Children: WestJet accepts two pieces of infant equipment (e.g., car seat, travel crib, stroller, playpen) free of charge, in addition to the regular baggage allowance. A small diaper bag or bag containing infant necessities is generally permitted as the personal item.
  • Sporting Equipment: Most sporting equipment (e.g., golf clubs, skis, snowboards) is subject to all applicable baggage fees.
  • Specific Handling Fee: A handling fee is charged for certain specialized items, including bicycles and firearms, in addition to any applicable checked bag fees.
  • Bicycle Exception: Bicycles are permitted up to 100 lbs (45 kg) and 115 inches (292 cm) without incurring the standard overweight or oversize fee, but handling fees may apply.
  • Musical Instruments: Small instruments are generally accepted as the carry-on bag or the personal item. Larger instruments must be checked and are subject to standard checked baggage fees, plus overweight/oversized fees if they exceed limits.

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