WestJet Baggage Policy

WestJet baggage policy is pretty straightforward when it comes to planning your travels. Some fares include checked baggage, and for those that don’t, you’ll need to pay CAD/USD 30-35.40 for the first checked bag, regardless of where you’re travelling to.

Major Highlights

Below is a snapshot of WestJet’s baggage policy.

• Carry-on baggage allowance
  You’re allowed to bring the following items on board as carry-on baggage free of charge:
  • 1 standard carry-on bag not exceeding 53cm x 38cm x 23cm (21in x 15in x 9in)
  • 1 personal item not exceeding 41cm x 33cm x 15cm (16in x 13in x 6in)

Although WestJet does not provide any weight restrictions, your carry-on items must be light enough for you to lift and place them into the overhead bins without assistance.

If you’re travelling with a lap infant, you’re allowed to bring a diaper bag and an approved infant restraint system, playpen, or stroller that you can WestJet check in at the gate.

• Checked baggage allowance and fees
  • Some fares include the first or second bag free of charge, while others include a baggage fee. The baggage fees on flights to/from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean are as follows:

• A standard checked bag must not exceed 50lb/23 in weight and its combined linear dimensions (L + W + H) must not exceed 158cm/62in. 

• You must check in your baggage at least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 60 minutes before departure for international flights. However, if you’re travelling with overweight or oversized baggage, you should check in at least 30 minutes before the normal check-in time. 
• You’re allowed up to 4 checked bags per passenger on WestJet flights and up to 3 checked bags per passenger on WestJet Encore flights (turboprop aircraft), but the 3^rd and 4^th bags may be accepted subject to space availability. However, if you’re travelling to/from Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago, you’re only allowed 2 checked bags per passenger and 1 oversized golf bag. 
• Overweight and Oversized Bags
  • Overweight bags weighing between 50-100lb (23-45kg) will incur an overweight baggage fee of CAD/USD100-118. To transport bags exceeding 100lb/45kg (70lb/32kg to/from Europe), call WestJet Cargo at 866-952-2746.
  • Oversized bags measuring between 158-203cm (62-80in) will incur an oversized baggage fee of CAD/USD 100-118.
• The following passengers are entitled to free checked baggage benefits:
  • WestJet Rewards Members
    1. Silver/Gold tier 2 free checked bags
    2. Platinum tier 3 free checked bags
  • WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard holders 1 free checked bag

• Sporting equipment is treated as part of checked baggage, but a handling fee of CAD/USD 50 will be charged for each bicycle, wakeboard, paddleboard, surfboard, wave skis set, and firearms.
• One wheelchair per passenger (if using) is accepted free of charge, as well as other assistive devices such as walkers, canes, crutches, and braces.
• Military personnel are entitled to carry 4 checked bags on WestJet flights and 3 checked bags on WestJet Encore flights at no additional charge, regardless of whether they’re travelling for business or personal reasons. They are also exempted from overweight and/or oversized baggage fees, as long as their baggage does not exceed the maximum permitted weight and/or size. If it does, it must be shipped as cargo baggage and will be subject to the applicable fees. 

WestJet Carry-on Baggage Policy

Regardless of fare type, WestJet Airlines carry-on baggage policy allows you to carry 1 standard carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge in all travel classes. 

• Standard Carry-on Bag 1 
  • The maximum size (L x W x H) must not exceed 53cm x 38cm x 23cm (21in x 15in x 9in). 
  • There is no maximum weight limit, but you must be able to lift and place the item into the overhead compartment without any assistance. 
  • Must be placed in the overhead compartment on WestJet/WestJet-operated flights, but under your front seat on WestJet Link flights operated by Pacific Coastal.
  • Can be a small bag, backpack, or suitcase.
• Personal Item 1
  • The maximum size (L x W x H) must not exceed 41cm x 33cm x 15cm (16in x 13in x 6in). 
  • There is no maximum weight limit, but you must be able to lift and stow the item unaided. 
  • Must be placed under the seat in front of you on WestJet/WestJet operated flights, but in the overhead compartment on WestJet Link flights operated by Pacific Coastal.
  • Can be a small purse, briefcase, laptop, garment bag, kennel, small musical instrument, sports ball, camera, etc. 

Tips

• Always pack the following items in your carry-on baggage: medication, identification papers, mobile devices, jewelry, keys, and cash. 
• Your carry-on bag must fit into the airport’s sizing device. 
• You must be able to lift your carry-on baggage and place it in the overhead bin without any assistance. 
• Your carry-on bag should not contain items prohibited by the country you’re travelling to.

Passengers travelling with lap infants can bring the following items free of charge: 

• 1 Diaper bag (onboard)
• 1 approved infant restraint system, playpen, or stroller (to be checked a the gate)

You can carry the following items in addition to your carry-on baggage at no additional charge:

• Diaper bag Must contain articles for an infant.
• Approved car seat For use on a purchased seat. 
• Blood Up to 2 liters but only for personal use, in leakproof packaging.
• Cremated remains In leakproof, easy-to-scan containers, with proper documentation. 
• Duty-free merchandise Such as alcohol; must be purchased after clearing security and packaged in tamper-evident bags.
• Food items Must be in disposable packaging for onboard consumption.
• Fragile items Such as human organs for transplant, and delicate scientific instruments.
• Medical devices Such as approved battery-operated personal oxygen concentrators (POCs) for personal inflight usage, and other approved medical devices that can be stowed in an approved location but within the approved weight limit for the storage area, and at the sole discretion of WestJet.
• Medical needles/syringes Must be accompanied by pharmaceutically labelled medication bearing the passenger’s name.
• Mobility devices Walkers, crutches, canes, and braces.
• Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) Can be battery-powered PEDs for use if permitted by the inflight crew, such as air purifiers, hearing aids, pacemakers, eReaders, entertainment systems, watches, cameras, calculators, air purifiers, etc. The following PEDs are allowed but cannot be used in the aircraft cabin: electronic cigarettes and vaporizers.
• Transmitting PEDs The following items can only be carried in airplane mode: cell phones, gaming devices, tablets, CB radios, FM/AM receivers and transmitters, remote controlled toys like drones, two-way communication devices, etc.
• Strollers —

WestJet Checked Baggage Policy

Depending on your fare bundle, WestJet’s checked baggage policy allows you to carry: 

• 2-4 checked bags on a WestJet flight.
• 2-3 checked bags on a WestJet Encore flight.
  (Additional bags will be accepted if space is available)
• 2 bags if you’re travelling to Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, or Cuba.
  (Plus 1 oversized golf bag, subject to the applicable fee)

Important Points 

• The maximum weight and linear dimensions of a standard checked bag must not exceed:
  • Max. weight 50lb/23kg
  • Combined linear dimensions 158cm/62in (L + W + H)
• The baggage check-in deadline is:
  • 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights. 
  • 60 minutes before departure for international flights. 
  • 30 minutes before the normal check-in time if you’re travelling with overweight and/or oversized baggage. 
• Bags weighing 50-100lb (23-45kg) are treated as overweight bags and will be subject to an overweight baggage fee of CAD/USD 100-118, depending on your departure airport. Bags weighing more than 100lb/45kg (70lb/32kg to/from Europe) must be shipped as air cargo (call 866-952-2746).
• Bags measuring between 158-203cm (62-80in) are treated as oversized bags and will be subject to an oversized baggage fee of CAD/USD 100-118, depending on your departure airport.
• WestJet Rewards members are entitled to free checked baggage benefits:
  • 2 free checked bags for Silver/Gold tier members
  • 3 free checked bags for Platinum tier members

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard holders are entitled to 1 free checked bag.

Westjet Airlines Baggage Fees

WestJet charges baggage fees on some routes and fare types, as shown below. Important points to remember about the baggage fees are as follows: 

• The first two bags are free for PremierFlex and BusinessFlex fares on all routes.
• The overweight baggage fee for bags weighing 50-100lb/23-45kg is CAD/USD 100-118 (all fares and routes).
• The oversized baggage fee for bags measuring 159-203cm/62-80in is also CAD 100-118 (all fares and routes).
• The baggage fees are cumulative, meaning that if your third bag is oversized and overweight, you will be charged for excess baggage, oversized baggage, and overweight baggage.
• Pre-paying for the first and second bags is cheaper because the baggage fee increases by CAD/USD 10 within 24 hours of departure and at the airport. 
• The baggage fee will be charged in CAD or USD, depending on which country you’re departing from. 
• Itineraries originating in Canada will be subject to GST.

Baggage Allowance for Lap Infants, Infants, and Children

• Lap infants are entitled to 2 pieces of equipment free of charge that can be checked in at the gate when you board. They include an FAA/Transport Canada-approved infant restraint system, stroller, or playpen.
• Fare-paying infants are entitled to:
  • The standard free checked baggage allowance for the applicable fare class, plus
  • 1 FAA/Transport Canada-approved car seat/restraint system, stroller, or playpen (free of charge)
• Children are entitled to:
  • The free checked baggage allowance for the applicable fare class, plus
  • 1 FAA/Transport Canada-approved car seat/restraint system, stroller, or playpen (free of charge)

WestJet Baggage Policy for Military Personnel

Both active and veteran Canadian military personnel (and those from other countries) with valid military IDs are entitled to: 

• A free checked baggage allowance of 4 checked bags (3 on WestJet Encore), whether travelling for business or pleasure. 
• A fee waiver for overweight and oversized bags, as long as the maximum weight and size limits are not exceeded. 

Bags exceeding the maximum limit must be transported as air cargo for a fee. 

Humanitarian Aid Baggage Policy

Passengers carrying humanitarian aid are allowed 1 free bag per passenger, as long as it does not exceed the standard weight and size limits.

How to Pay Baggage Fees

You can pay your baggage fees in advance or at the airport. 

• You can prepay online or at a ticket office for up to 2 checked bags on WestJet-operated flights at the time of booking or later via Manage trips up to 24 hours before departure. 
• You can also pre-pay when you check in online from 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure. 
• You can pay at the airport check-in counter when you check in. 

Note. Paying in advance (for up to 2 bags) is cheaper by CAD/USD 10 than paying within 24 hours of departure or at the airport.

WestJet Baggage Policy for Musical Instruments

WestJet allows you to carry musical instruments as part of your carry-on or checked baggage, as long as it is within the weight and size limitations. WestJet does not allow the transportation of musical instruments on purchased seats. 

• As carry-on baggage. You can carry small musical instruments as part of your carry-on baggage in the aircraft cabin, as long as:
  • It does not exceed 53 x 23 x 38cm (21 x 9 x 15in). 
  • It fits and remains in the overhead compartment, under your front seat, or in an approved location throughout the flight. 

Irregular-sized musical instruments may be accepted in the aircraft cabin subject to space availability. Otherwise, they may have to be checked in.

• As checked baggage. Larger musical instruments that exceed the WestJet carry-on baggage weight and/or size limits can be carried as checked baggage. They must be packed in a hard-sided case and will be subject to the normal WestJet checked baggage fees. 

Note

• The baggage fees payable by you will depend on the fare bundle purchased by you.
• Cellos and xylophones may incur excess, overweight, and/or oversized fees. 
• In case of a last-minute change of aircraft leading to a downgrade, you will be provided alternative options for stowage in the cabin. 
• If you’re travelling with a stringed instrument, you must loosen the strings to prevent damage due to changes in temperature and air pressure. 
• If you’re flying on a non-WestJet flight, check the concerned airline’s conditions of carriage. 

WestJet Baggage Policy for Sporting Equipment

Sporting equipment on WestJet counts as a piece of checked baggage, subject to the following conditions:

• Except for pole vaults, the maximum length for any sporting item is 300cm/118in/9ft 10 in. 
• Sporting items are subject to the applicable baggage fees. Cumulative baggage fees will apply if the sporting equipment is overweight, oversized, and/or extra. 
• Select sporting equipment will be charged a handling fee of CAD/USD 50 at the airport. They include firearms, bicycles, surfboards, wakeboards, paddleboards, and a set of wave skis. 
• Sporting equipment is subject to excess baggage fees (overweight, oversized, and extra piece)—with these exceptions:
  • No overweight and/or oversized fees will apply for football, lacrosse, ringette, hockey equipment, and bicycle in a container weighing up to 100lb or measuring up to 292cm/115in. 
  • No oversized fee will apply for properly packed golf equipment, curling equipment, water skis, skis, snowboards, and vaulting poles (the latter is allowed only on Boeing B737 aircraft) weighing up to 100lb or measuring up to 531cm/17ft.

What to Do if Your Baggage is Delayed, Lost, or Damaged

Delayed baggage

If your baggage doesn’t arrive with you, you have 3 options:

1. Create a baggage report within 12 hours of reaching your destination. Provide your contact details and information relating to your baggage to help locate it.
   1. After you submit the baggage report, you will receive progress updates by email. 
   2. You can also check the status of your baggage report online. 
2. Meet a Baggage Services agent at the airport (only select airports). The agent will create a baggage report for you and apprise you of the next steps. 
3. Chat with Juliet, WestJet’s digital travel assistant. Start a chat via the icon in the bottom right corner of your screen. 

Expenses for delayed baggage

• Submit itemized receipts to claim reimbursement of expenses incurred by you due to the delay in receiving your baggage. 
• The reimbursement for the first 48 hours can be up to CAD/USD 100 on flights to/from the Americas and CAD/USD 150 thereafter for a total of up to CAD/USD 250. You can also claim additional damages if permitted under the law. 
• The reimbursement for flights to Europe will be the equivalent of CAD/USD 100 in GBP or Euros. 
• You can also submit an online claim for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by you due to delayed or damaged baggage for incidents within WestJet’s control. 

Lost Baggage

If your baggage is lost or cannot be found for more than 21 days, or if it is damaged, you will be reimbursed for it, subject to a limit of SDR 1,288 (~CAD/USD 2,300) per passenger, unless you had declared a higher value for your baggage at the departure airport and paid for it. 

Damaged baggage

If your baggage arrives damaged, you have the 2 options:

1. Create a baggage report within 5 days of landing at your destination. Someone from Central Baggage Services will get in touch with you and discuss the options. 
2. Meet a Baggage Services agent at the Baggage Services Office with your damaged bag within 7 days of receiving it. 

Liability for Delayed, Damaged, and Lost Baggage

• On domestic flights, the maximum liability due to damage or loss of baggage is limited to SDR 1,131 (~CAD 1800) per bag.
• On international flights, the maximum liability, subject to whichever is applicable—the Warsaw Convention or Montreal Convention—is mostly limited to SDR 1,131. 
• If you’ve insured your goods for a higher amount after valuation at the departure airport, the maximum liability is CAD/USD 3,000, incl. SDR 1,131. 

If your baggage is lost, you will be reimbursed the baggage fee you paid in addition to receiving compensation for the lost baggage.

Frequently Asked Questions on WestJet Baggage Policy