WestJet is implementing a hike in baggage fees for many passengers, effective immediately. Those checking bags at the airport will now face a $10 increase per bag for the first and second pieces of luggage. Prepaying for baggage will also cost more, with fees rising by $5 per bag for the first and second bags. The airline stated that the new fees will apply to reservations made from April 23 onwards.
Despite ongoing discounts for select WestJet Rewards members, this marks the third increase in baggage fees within three years for the airline, following a hike less than a year ago. WestJet attributed the fee adjustments to industry trends and the repercussions of current global conditions.
On the ultra-basic fares, passengers traveling within Canada can expect to pay between $60 and $93 for their first bag and $75 to $111 for the second, depending on the payment timing and location. For standard econo passengers on domestic flights, the fees range from $45 to $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second.
Travelers heading to Asia or Europe on ultra-basic fares could face baggage charges ranging from $85 to $123 for a single checked item. Notably, fees for excess, overweight, and oversized baggage are seeing significant increases, with overweight bags possibly incurring costs of up to $168.
Following a similar move by Air Canada, WestJet’s fee adjustments come amidst a series of recent price hikes within the Canadian airline industry. Air Canada recently announced higher baggage fees for economy basic passengers, with the first bag fee rising from $35 to $45 for domestic and select international flights.
Both Air Canada and WestJet have introduced fuel surcharges on certain bookings, and Air Transat has indicated similar fare adjustments in response to escalating fuel costs. The spike in jet fuel prices has been attributed to Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting airlines globally to adjust routes and fares in light of increased operational expenses.
Experts in the aviation industry suggest that the combination of rising surcharges and reduced flight options may lead to sustained high travel costs in the near future. Vancouver travel agent McKenzie McMillan anticipates an expensive summer for travelers, highlighting the impact of soaring fuel prices on airfare costs.
