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Packing for a flight is easy. Unexpected baggage fees at the airport are not.
WestJet’s baggage allowance depends on your fare, cabin, and destination. Two passengers on the same flight can have completely different baggage allowances simply because they booked different fares. Knowing what your fare includes before you leave home is the single most effective way to avoid paying more than you need to.
If you’re flying from Canada to India, check cheap flights on Tripbeam Canada before booking elsewhere. Looking at baggage allowance alongside airfare often saves more money than choosing the lowest advertised fare.
Most WestJet fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item. The exception is UltraBasic – more on that below.
Carry-on bag: Maximum dimensions 56 x 23 x 36 cm (22 x 9 x 14 in). WestJet does not publish a strict weight limit for carry-on bags — the rule is that you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin unaided.
Personal item: Maximum dimensions 41 x 14 x 33 cm (16 x 6 x 13 in). It should fit completely under the seat in front of you. Included on every fare including UltraBasic.
If your carry-on doesn’t fit the sizing device at the gate, WestJet will check it and charge both a checked bag fee and a gate service fee. It’s cheaper to prepay or choose a fare that includes carry-on.
UltraBasic fare: WestJet’s cheapest fare includes only a personal item. No carry-on is allowed and you cannot pay to add one. However, these are two exceptions:
WestJet checked baggage allowance varies by fare. All standard checked bags must not exceed 23 kg (50 lb) and 157 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions – length plus width plus height.
UltraBasic: No free checked bags included. Fees apply for the first and second bag.
Econo and EconoFlex: Checked bags are not included in the base fare. Fees apply per bag.
Premium and PremiumFlex: Typically includes one free checked bag depending on the route.
Business and BusinessFlex: Typically includes two free checked bags.
WestJet permits each passenger to check up to four bags. WestJet Encore flights allow a maximum of three. Third and fourth bags incur higher fees than the first and second regardless of fare type.
WestJet’s checked baggage fees follow a tiered pricing model which means what you pay depends on when you pay.
Prepaying online at the time of booking is the cheapest option. Paying during online check-in costs more. Paying at the airport counter costs the most.
As of April 23, 2026, checked bag fees on domestic and US routes for Econo fares start at approximately CA $45 to $53 when prepaid — rising to CA $80 to $94 at the airport. UltraBasic fees are higher. International routes to Europe and Asia carry different fee structures.
For overweight bags between 23 kg and 45 kg, and oversized bags between 157 cm and 203 cm, WestJet charges approximately CA $150 to $177 per bag. These fees are stackable — a bag that is both overweight and oversized incurs both charges. Bags over 45 kg or 203 cm are not accepted as checked baggage and must be shipped as cargo.
Because WestJet updates its baggage fees periodically, always verify the current fee on your booking confirmation or WestJet’s website before heading to the airport.
Starting March 19, 2026, WestJet introduced new rules for rechargeable devices. Smartphones, laptops, power banks, and e-cigarettes must now travel in the cabin, not in checked baggage. You cannot charge a power bank during the flight, and it cannot be used to charge other devices if onboard power is available. Devices recalled due to a safety risk are not permitted on WestJet flights.
For travelers flying from Canada to India, WestJet baggage policy gets more complicated because most itineraries involve a connection through a Middle Eastern or European hub on a separate carrier.
On connecting itineraries involving another airline, baggage allowance may be determined by the most significant carrier or the operating airline, depending on the ticket and routing. Always check the baggage allowance shown on your e-ticket rather than assuming the same rules apply throughout the journey.
If you’re booking Canada to India flights, Emirates and Qatar Airways economy fares include two checked bags, while Air India’s allowance depends on the fare purchased. Check the total trip cost — airfare plus baggage fees — rather than airfare alone.
Most sporting equipment travels as a standard checked bag subject to normal size and weight fees. Specific items have their own rules.
Skis and snowboards: Subject to standard checked bag fees. Size and weight rules apply.
Bicycles: Accepted up to 45 kg and 292 cm without the standard overweight or oversize fee, though a handling fee may apply. Must be properly packed.
Golf clubs: Subject to standard checked bag fees.
Musical instruments: Small musical instruments can be carried as a carry-on or personal item if they meet WestJet bag size limits. Larger instruments may require purchasing an additional seat. A handling fee of CA $50 to $59 applies to certain special items, including firearms.
Weigh your suitcase before leaving home – A luggage scale costs less than one overweight bag fee.
Prepay for checked bags when you book your flight – Airport baggage fees are typically CA$30 to CA$40 higher per bag.
Choose the right fare – If you’re checking two bags, a fare that includes baggage may cost less overall than an UltraBasic fare with bags added on top.
Use WestJet Rewards – Higher tier members receive complimentary baggage benefits that can offset fees entirely on domestic and US routes.
If you’re flying to India from Canada, check last minute flight deals on carriers that include two checked bags as standard may be cheaper overall than a WestJet connecting fare with baggage fees added.
WestJet baggage rules aren’t complicated once you know what your fare includes. Before booking, check baggage allowance, carry-on rules, and total trip cost rather than looking only at the headline airfare. For those traveling between Canada and India, comparing airlines on Tripbeam Canada helps you find flights that include the baggage allowance you actually need.
A) Yes on most fares — Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, and Business all include one carry-on and one personal item. UltraBasic only includes a personal item on most routes.
A) WestJet allows a personal item up to 41 x 14 x 33 cm (16 x 6 x 13 inches). It must fit underneath the seat. Every WestJet passenger gets this included, no matter which fare you book.
A) WestJet has a device at the gate that checks carry-on dimensions. Oversized bags get checked right there. You then face two bills — one for the baggage, one for gate processing. Together they cost more than buying checked baggage when you book. There is no stated weight limit, but you must physically lift the bag into the overhead bin without assistance.
A) WestJet charges for gate-checking in two parts – bag fee plus gate handling. The total is invariably higher than paying for checked baggage upfront.
A) You can add baggage after booking. Log into Manage Trips on WestJet’s website and purchase before check-in. You can also contact your booking platform. Airport bag fees are always higher than prepaying online.
A) Overweight bags between 23 kg and 45 kg incur an additional fee of approximately CA $150 to $177. Bags over 45 kg are not accepted and must be shipped as cargo.
A) It depends on your fare type. UltraBasic and Econo fares generally do not include checked bags. Premium and Business fares typically include one or two checked bags. Always check your booking confirmation for the specific allowance on your route.
A) Not automatically. On connecting itineraries, baggage rules may vary by carrier and ticket type. Check the baggage allowance on your e-ticket and confirm through-check arrangements when you book.
A) It depends on what you're bringing. UltraBasic is worth it when you’re traveling with a personal item only and don’t need a carry on or checked bag. If you need either, the total cost of UltraBasic plus baggage fees often exceeds a higher fare that includes them.
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