WestJet has implemented a price hike for checked baggage fees starting today, affecting many passengers. Those checking bags at the airport will now face a $10 increase per bag for the first and second pieces. For passengers paying in advance, the fees will go up by $5 per bag for the first and second items.
This adjustment in fees, effective for reservations made from April 23 onwards, marks the third increase in WestJet’s baggage fees in as many years. The airline cited industry trends and “impacts from current global conditions” as reasons for the fee hikes.
Passengers on WestJet’s ultra-basic fares in Canada will now pay between $60 to $93 for the first checked bag and $75 to $111 for the second. Standard econo passengers within Canada could face fees ranging from $45 to $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second.
Travellers heading to Asia or Europe may incur baggage fees ranging from $85 to $123 for a single checked item under the ultra-basic fare. Excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees will see significant increases, with overweight bags potentially costing up to $168.
This move by WestJet follows a similar adjustment by Air Canada, which recently raised baggage fees for economy basic passengers. Fuel surcharges have also been introduced by both Air Canada and WestJet for certain bookings, while Air Transat has announced fare adjustments in response to rising fuel costs.
The spike in jet fuel prices, attributed to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has prompted airlines to adjust routes and fares globally. With higher surcharges and reduced flight options, industry experts anticipate that air travel costs are unlikely to decrease in the near future.