WS · Canada · Low-cost
WestJet Cabin Bag Size
Exact WestJet cabin bag dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026, verified against the airline's own published policy on 2026-04-14.
Quick answer
- Carry-on size: up to 21 x 15 x 9" (53 x 38 x 23 cm)
- Weight limit: no published weight limit
- Carry-on fee: free on most fares
- Personal item: up to 16 x 13 x 6", free on every fare
- Gate-check risk: Medium
Carry-On Bag
- 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
Must fit under the seat in front of you.
See full personal item rules for WestJetWestJet cabin bag dimensions and bag size
The maximum WestJet cabin bag size is 21 x 15 x 9 inches, which works out to 53 x 38 x 23 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on WestJet match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 21 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.
WestJet cabin bag weight limit
WestJet does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate, and on some regional aircraft the crew may ask you to check an overweight bag as a courtesy.
Does WestJet charge for cabin bag bags?
No. WestJet includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only. Check your specific fare rules before you book.
What bags fit as a WestJet personal item
Common bag types compared against the WestJet personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On WestJet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
WestJet carry-on by fare class
| Fare | Carry-on | Personal item | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UltraBasic | Not included | Included | One personal item only, except on flights to or from Europe and Asia or when Extended Comfort is purchased, in which case one carry-on plus personal item is allowed. |
| Basic | Included | Included | Standard carry-on and personal item included. |
| Econo | Included | Included | Standard economy with carry-on and personal item. |
| EconoFlex | Included | Included | Economy with more flexibility on changes. |
| Premium | Included | Included | Premium cabin with priority boarding. |
| PremiumFlex | Included | Included | Flexible premium with added change benefits. |
| Business | Included | Included | Lie-flat Business on 787 Dreamliner long-haul routes. |
| BusinessFlex | Included | Included | Fully flexible Business fare. |
WestJet overhead bin size by aircraft
WestJet flies a 737-heavy fleet plus 787 Dreamliners on long-haul. Carry-ons must fit 56 by 23 by 36 cm (22 by 9 by 14 inches) and be light enough to lift into the bin unassisted.
What counts as a personal item on WestJet
Allowed
- Briefcase
- Purse
- Camera bag
- Laptop bag
- Small musical instrument
Common WestJet carry-on mistakes
- Booking UltraBasic on a domestic or cross-border flight and trying to bring a standard rollerboard. UltraBasic allows only a personal item on those routes.
- Over-packing a personal item. At 41 by 15 by 33 cm, the WestJet personal item is tighter than what many US airlines allow.
What happens if your bag does not fit on WestJet
Bags that do not fit the sizer or exceed the carry-on allowance are treated as checked baggage and charged the checked bag fee. UltraBasic passengers face both a checked bag fee and a service fee if their carry-on does not meet the exceptions.
WestJet vs Air Canada carry-on
WestJet and Air Canada mirror each other on carry-on size, with WestJet at 56 by 23 by 36 cm and Air Canada at 55 by 40 by 23 cm, a rounding difference more than a real one. Both basic-tier products, WestJet UltraBasic and Air Canada Economy Basic, now restrict North American passengers to a personal item, so the pricing battle has shifted to bag upsells rather than dimensions. WestJet's personal item at 41 by 33 by 15 cm is slightly shallower than Air Canada's 43 by 33 by 16 cm. Neither airline publishes a weight cap beyond being able to lift the bag overhead unaided.
See Air Canada carry-on sizeFrequently asked questions
What is the WestJet carry-on size limit?
WestJet allows carry-on bags up to 21 x 15 x 9" (53 x 38 x 23 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. There is no published weight limit, but you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin unassisted.
What are the WestJet carry-on dimensions in cm?
The WestJet carry-on size limit in centimeters is 53 x 38 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 21 x 15 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.
What is the WestJet carry-on weight limit?
WestJet does not publish a carry-on weight limit for domestic travel. The operational rule is that you must be able to lift the bag into the overhead bin without help. Very heavy bags can still be refused at the gate.
Does WestJet charge for carry-on bags?
No. WestJet includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. The exception is Basic Economy, where some routes restrict you to a personal item only.
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.
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.
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.
Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a WestJet carry-on?
Not always. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on exceeds the WestJet published limit of 21 x 15 x 9" on at least one axis. A slightly smaller bag is a safer choice.
Need the full WestJet baggage policy?
Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items (ski, golf, bike, pets), and basic economy fare rules for WestJet, all on one page.
Flying WestJet out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major WestJet hubs and focus cities.
Helpful guides
Gear, tactics, and packing help for your WestJet flight.
- Best carry-on bags for WestJet in 2026Eight carry-ons tested against every major airline sizer, from budget to premium.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics and three airline-card combos that save $45 to $100 per trip.
- Best AI packing list generatorsGenerate a WestJet-sized packing list in seconds with weather-aware AI tools.
Compare other airlines
- Aeromexico cabin bag size AM · Mexico
- Air Canada cabin bag size AC · Canada
- Alaska Airlines carry-on size AS · United States
- Allegiant Air carry-on size G4 · United States
- American Airlines carry-on size AA · United States
- Breeze Airways carry-on size MX · United States
- Delta Air Lines carry-on size DL · United States
- Frontier Airlines carry-on size F9 · United States
Sources & verification
Last verified 2026-04-14 against the official WestJet policy at https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/baggage/carry-on . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with WestJet before flying.