WestJet has implemented a price hike for checked baggage fees, effective today, impacting many passengers. Those paying at the airport will face a $10 increase per bag for the first and second bags, while prepaying will see a $5 per bag increase for the same bags. This adjustment applies to reservations made from April 23 onwards.
Although discounts for specific WestJet Rewards members remain available, this marks the third consecutive year of fee hikes for the airline and comes shortly after the last increase. According to a WestJet spokesperson, the rise is attributed to industry trends and the effects of current global conditions.
Under the updated fee structure, passengers with ultra-basic fares in Canada can expect to pay between $60 and $93 for their first bag and $75 to $111 for the second, depending on payment timing and location. For standard econo passengers within Canada, prices range from $45 to $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second.
Travellers flying to Asia or Europe on ultra-basic fares could face baggage fees ranging from $85 to $123 for a single checked bag. Notably, excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees are experiencing the most significant surge, with a $50 increase. In some instances, an overweight bag may incur fees of up to $168.
This move by WestJet follows a similar adjustment made by Air Canada, which recently raised baggage fees for economy basic passengers. The first bag fee increased from $35 to $45 for domestic and select international routes, while the second bag fee rose from $50 to $60.
Both Air Canada and WestJet have introduced fuel surcharges for certain bookings, with Air Transat also making adjustments related to fares and fuel surcharges. The spike in jet fuel prices, largely due to geopolitical tensions, has prompted airlines to reduce routes and adjust fares in response to increased operational costs.
Experts in the air travel industry caution that the combination of rising surcharges and reduced flight options may result in sustained high travel costs in the near future. Vancouver-based travel agent McKenzie McMillan anticipates a costly summer for travelers in an earlier interview with CBC News.