WestJet has implemented a rise in baggage fees for many passengers starting today. Travelers checking their bags at the airport will now face a $10 increase per bag for the first and second pieces of luggage. For those paying in advance, the fees will go up by $5 per bag for the first and second bags. The airline stated that these new fees will be applicable to reservations made from April 23 onwards.
Despite ongoing discounts for certain WestJet Rewards members, this marks the third consecutive year of baggage fee increases by the airline. The latest hike comes less than a year after the previous adjustment. According to a WestJet spokesperson speaking to CBC News, these price adjustments are influenced by industry trends and the effects of current global conditions.
Passengers opting for the airline’s ultra-basic fares within Canada will now face charges ranging from $60 to $93 for the first bag and $75 to $111 for the second bag, depending on when and where the payment is made. Standard econo passengers traveling within Canada might pay between $45 to $81 for their first bag and $60 to $99 for the second bag.
For passengers traveling to Asia or Europe on ultra-basic fares, baggage fees could range from $85 to $123 for a single checked item. Notably, fees for excess, overweight, and oversized baggage are seeing substantial increases, with overweight bags potentially costing up to $168 in certain scenarios.
This fee adjustment by WestJet follows a similar move by Air Canada, which recently announced higher baggage fees for economy basic passengers. The first bag fee increased from $35 to $45 for flights within Canada or to and from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, while the second bag fee rose from $50 to $60.
Both Air Canada and WestJet have introduced fuel surcharges for specific bookings or vacation packages. Air Transat has also indicated adjustments to fares or fuel surcharges in recent times. Furthermore, WestJet announced a reduction in flight capacity due to escalating fuel costs.
The spike in jet fuel prices in recent weeks, attributed to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following tensions with the U.S. and Israel, has led to airlines like Air Canada and Air Transat cutting routes to mitigate rising operating costs. Industry experts suggest that the combination of increased surcharges and reduced flight options may result in sustained high travel costs in the foreseeable future.
