WS · Canada · Low-cost

WestJet Baggage Policy

Carry-on, personal item, checked bag fees, overweight, special items, and basic economy rules for WestJet, with every figure cited to the airline's own policy page.

Quick answer

  • Carry-on: up to 21 x 15 x 9", free
  • Personal item: up to 16 x 13 x 6", free on every fare
  • Checked bag: $40 first, $65 second (domestic economy)
  • Basic economy: UltraBasic allows a personal item only

Carry-on baggage

Max dimensions (in)
21 x 15 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm)
53 x 38 x 23 cm
Weight limit
No published limit
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Basic fare does not include a carry-on, only a personal item. Econo and above include the full carry-on allowance.

Personal item

Max dimensions (in)
16 x 13 x 6"
Max dimensions (cm)
41 x 33 x 15 cm
Included
Yes, free on every fare

Must fit under the seat in front of you.

Does your bag count?

Bag typeTypical sizeFit
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
 18 x 13 x 8" Too big
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
 15 x 14 x 5" Too big
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
 16 x 12 x 4" Fits
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
 18 x 11 x 11" Too big
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
 12 x 10 x 5" Fits
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
 16 x 14 x 8" Too big

Checked baggage fees

Compare fees across airlines →
Domestic economy
1st bag$40
2nd bag$65
Long-haul / international
1st bag$40
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$88
71–100 lb$162
63–80 in$88

Prices shown are approximate USD equivalents of published CAD fees. Prepaid 1st checked bag starts at $40 on Econo and Economy fares (CAD 55); UltraBasic starts at $50 (CAD 70); airport rate is $60+ (CAD 80+). EconoFlex, Premium, and Business fares include 1 bag. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard primary cardholders get first bag free. Silver, Gold, and Platinum WestJet Rewards members also get free bags.

Ways to skip the WestJet checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the WestJet carry-on size.
  2. Use a WestJet co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.

Special items & sports equipment

Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
$88
Pet in cabin
$37
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Larger instruments can be checked within allowance or booked as a cabin seat.

Ski, snowboard, and golf equipment count as a standard checked bag on WestJet if within 50 lb and 62 linear inches. Bicycles are approximately USD 88 (CAD 118). Pet-in-cabin is approximately USD 37 (CAD 50) within Canada/North America.

Basic economy restrictions

UltraBasic WestJet's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
No
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$50
  • Personal item only (no carry-on)
  • No checked bag included
  • No seat selection
  • No changes or refunds
  • Last boarding group
  • No WestJet Rewards dollars earning

Frequently asked questions

What is the WestJet carry-on size limit?

WestJet allows a carry-on bag up to 21 x 15 x 9" (53 x 38 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead bin unassisted.

What is the WestJet personal item size?

The personal item on WestJet must fit within 16 x 13 x 6" (41 x 33 x 15 cm) and slide fully under the seat in front of you. Must fit under the seat in front of you.

How much does a checked bag cost on WestJet?

The first checked bag on WestJet costs $40 on most domestic economy fares, and the second bag costs $65. On long-haul international routes, the first checked bag fee is $40. Prices shown are approximate USD equivalents of published CAD fees. Prepaid 1st checked bag starts at $40 on Econo and Economy fares (CAD 55); UltraBasic starts at $50 (CAD 70); airport rate is $60+ (CAD 80+). EconoFlex, Premium, and Business fares include 1 bag. WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard primary cardholders get first bag free. Silver, Gold, and Platinum WestJet Rewards members also get free bags.

What are the WestJet overweight and oversize bag fees?

Bags weighing 51 to 70 lb incur an overweight fee of $88. Bags 71 to 100 lb are charged $162. Oversize bags between 63 and 80 linear inches are $88. Fees are charged in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on on WestJet UltraBasic?

No. WestJet UltraBasic passengers are limited to one personal item that fits under the seat. A full-size carry-on either is not allowed or costs an extra fee. A checked bag on UltraBasic costs around $50.

How can I avoid WestJet checked bag fees?

Four common ways: (1) pack in a carry-on and personal item only (confirm your bag fits the WestJet carry-on size of 21 x 15 x 9"); (2) hold a WestJet co-branded credit card, which typically waives the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation; (3) reach elite status in the airline's frequent flyer program, where mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction; (4) book a higher fare class (Premium Economy, Business, First) where checked bags are included.

Will my bag be gate-checked on WestJet?

WestJet currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Pack for your WestJet flight

Build a packing list that fits within the WestJet carry-on and personal-item limits.

Generate a packing list Browse destinations

WestJet hubs & focus cities

Major US airports where WestJet operates. Click through for terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips.

Compare other airlines

Sources & verification

Airlines change baggage rules without notice. Always confirm with WestJet before flying.