WestJet Baggage Allowance: Everything You Need to Know About Size, Weight, and Fees

If you’re flying with WestJet, your baggage allowance depends on the fare you book, your route, and the type of baggage you bring. For travelers flying from Canada to India, checking WestJet baggage rules before booking is more important. A lower fare is not always the cheaper option once you add checked-bag fees.

Here’s what you need to know about WestJet latest baggage allowance, carry-on size, checked baggage, fees, and UltraBasic rules.

But before you book your flights from Canada to India, explore available deals with Flyopedia and get affordable prices.

WestJet Baggage Allowance 

WestJet’s baggage allowance breaks down into three categories — personal items, carry-on bags, and checked baggage.

WestJet Carry-On and Personal Item Size

Most fares, Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, and Business, include one carry-on and one personal item on WestJet. The bag needs to fit the sizing device at the gate and be light enough for you to lift into the overhead bin on your own. 

Does WestJet UltraBasic Include a Carry-On?

No. WestJet’s UltraBasic fare includes one personal item but does not normally include a carry-on bag. As an UltraBasic passenger, you can not buy one separately either, except in a few specific cases.

However, there is one exception. UltraBasic passengers flying to or from Asia are allowed one carry-on and one personal item. That same allowance applies if you have purchased Extended Comfort for every flight in one direction, including connections.

WestJet Checked Baggage Allowance

Your WestJet checked baggage allowance depends on your fare type and route. The number of bags included in your fare varies, while additional bags may incur fees.

For standard checked baggage, each bag must not exceed 23 kg (50 lb) or 157 cm (62 inches) in combined dimensions. Bags that exceed the weight or size limits are subject to applicable overweight or oversized baggage fees.

If your itinerary includes a WestJet partner airline, check that carrier’s baggage rules too. WestJet states that baggage allowances and fees can differ significantly when another airline operates part of the journey.

Is Checked Baggage Free on WestJet?

Not necessarily. Some WestJet fares include checked bags, while others charge a separate fee for them. Your route and fare type determine what is included.

For flights between Canada and India, WestJet currently includes one checked bag with Econo, Member Exclusive and EconoFlex fares. Premium and Business fares include two checked bags, while UltraBasic charges separately for checked baggage.

So before choosing a fare, check the ticket price, baggage allowance and any applicable fees before booking to understand the total cost of your flight.

How Much Does WestJet Charge for Checked Bags?

WestJet checked-bag fees depend on your fare, route, number of bags, and when you pay. For flights to and from Asia, including India, the current fees differ for UltraBasic and other fares, while higher fare types include more checked baggage. 

For eligible bags on Asia routes, WestJet currently charges CAD $80–$94 for the first checked bag when prepaid, compared with $95–$112 when added during online check-in and $105–$124 at the airport. The second bag costs more at each stage.

Prepaying your checked baggage is usually the cheaper option. WestJet allows eligible passengers to add bags online through “Manage Trips” up to 24 hours before departure.

Why You Should Check Baggage Fees Before Booking a Canada to India Flight

A Canada to India trip usually involves a longer journey, so travellers often carry more than they would on a short domestic flight.

Before booking your flight from Canada to India, add up base fare, checked-bag fees, carry-on charges (if applicable), seat selection fee, and other applicable fees. Sometimes, paying a little more for a fare that includes baggage works out cheaper than choosing the lowest airfare and paying for bags separately.

WestJet Baggage Rules for Canada to India Flights

If you’re flying from Canada to India with WestJet, check your fare and complete itinerary before booking.

Pay particular attention to:

• Whether your fare includes a carry-on
• Number of checked bags included
• Checked-bag weight limit
• Additional baggage fees
• Overweight and oversized charges
• Connecting flights
• Any partner airline operating part of the journey

This is especially important when your itinerary includes another airline. WestJet notes that baggage allowances apply to flights operated by WestJet or WestJet Encore, while partner-airline journeys can have different rules.

If you’re booking a flight from Toronto to India, review the baggage allowance before selecting the cheapest-looking fare.

What Happens If Your Carry-On Exceeds the Size Limit?

If your carry-on doesn’t fit within WestJet’s permitted dimensions, it can be placed in checked baggage and applicable fees may apply. UltraBasic passengers who bring a carry-on without qualifying for an exception can also face a checked-bag fee and a service fee at the gate. That’s why measuring your bag at home is worth the few minutes it takes.

WestJet Overweight and Oversized Baggage

A bag that exceeds the standard size or weight limit can attract additional charges.

WestJet’s current fee information lists an overweight and oversized baggage fee, although the exact amount can vary by currency and applicable circumstances.

Before leaving for the airport:

1. Weigh your suitcase.
2. Measure its length, height and width.
3. Check your fare’s baggage allowance.
4. Remove unnecessary items if you’re close to the limit.

If you’re carrying heavy luggage for an extended India trip, checking the allowance before booking is much easier than repacking at the airport.

Sports Equipment and Special Items

WestJet has separate rules for sports equipment, mobility devices, musical instruments, pets, and other special items.

Don’t assume that a sports bag counts as an ordinary checked suitcase. Fees, size limits, advance arrangements, and handling requirements can differ depending on the item.

If you’re traveling with specialized equipment, check WestJet’s current baggage rules for that particular item before departure.

How to Avoid WestJet Baggage Fees 

A few simple checks before your flight can help you avoid unexpected baggage costs:

• Choose your fare carefully – Compare the baggage included with each fare before choosing the cheapest option.
• Check your carry-on size – Measure your bag against WestJet’s current size limits instead of relying only on the manufacturer’s measurements.
• Weigh your checked bag at home – Make sure it stays within the applicable weight limit before leaving for the airport.
• Prepay your baggage – When eligible, add your checked bags in advance. WestJet says prepaid baggage can cost less than paying at the airport.
• Check your entire itinerary – If another airline operates part of your trip, its baggage rules may apply.
• Check UltraBasic carefully – UltraBasic generally doesn’t include a carry-on but flights to and from Europe and Asia are important exceptions.

Conclusion

WestJet baggage rules depend on more than the airline alone. Your fare, route, baggage type, and partner airline all matter. For most eligible fares, WestJet allows one carry-on and one personal item. UltraBasic has stricter rules, although flights to and from Asia are an important exception. Checked-bag allowances and fees also vary by fare and route.

Before you book last minute flight from Canada to India, check WestJet baggage allowance before choosing your fare. Then compare the total ticket and baggage cost so you know what you’re actually paying.

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