WestJet has implemented a price hike for checked baggage fees that will affect many passengers starting today. Travelers who pay at the airport to check their bags will face a $10 increase per bag for the first and second bags, while those who pay in advance will see a $5 rise per bag for the first and second bags. The new fees will apply to bookings made from April 23 onwards, according to information provided to CBC News by the airline.
Despite existing discounts for certain WestJet Rewards members, this marks the third consecutive year of baggage fee increases by the airline, coming shortly after the last adjustment. WestJet attributes these fee adjustments to industry trends and the impacts of current global conditions.
Passengers on the airline’s lowest ultra-basic fares traveling within Canada will now pay between $60 to $93 for their first bag and $75 to $111 for the second bag, depending on the payment timing and destination. Standard econo passengers traveling domestically could face fees ranging from $45 to $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second bag.
For passengers traveling to Asia or Europe with ultra-basic fares, baggage fees could range from $85 to $123 for a single checked item. Excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees will see the most significant increase, with overweight bags potentially costing up to $168.
This increase in baggage fees by WestJet follows a similar move by Air Canada, which recently raised baggage fees for economy basic passengers. Both airlines have also introduced fuel surcharges for certain bookings or vacation packages, with Air Transat also making fare adjustments in response to increased fuel costs. The rise in jet fuel prices, triggered by global geopolitical tensions, has led to route cuts and capacity reductions by several airlines, including Air Canada and Air Transat.
Experts in the air travel industry warn that the combination of higher surcharges and reduced flight options could result in sustained high travel costs for the foreseeable future. Consequently, travelers may experience a more expensive summer travel season, as highlighted by Vancouver-based travel agent McKenzie McMillan in a previous interview with CBC News.