WestJet has announced an increase in checked baggage fees for passengers, effective immediately. Travelers paying at the airport will now incur a $10 hike per bag for the first and second pieces of luggage, while those paying in advance will face a $5 increase per bag for the first and second bags.
The airline stated that the revised fees will be applicable to reservations made from April 23 onwards. Despite existing discounts for specific WestJet Rewards members, this adjustment marks the third increment in baggage fees over the past three years and follows a similar move less than a year ago.
According to a WestJet spokesperson, the fee adjustments are a response to industry trends and the repercussions of current global conditions. Passengers traveling on the airline’s ultra-basic fares within Canada may now pay between $60 to $93 for the first bag and $75 to $111 for the second bag, depending on their time and location of payment.
For standard econo passengers within Canada, the fees range between $45 to $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second. Passengers flying to Asia or Europe on ultra-basic fares could face baggage fees ranging from $85 to $123 for a single checked item.
Excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees are seeing the most significant surge, with a $50 increase. In certain instances, overweight baggage charges could reach up to $168.
This move by WestJet follows a recent announcement by Air Canada regarding enhanced baggage fees for economy basic passengers. Last Monday, Air Canada increased the fee for the first bag from $35 to $45 for domestic and select international routes, with the second bag cost rising from $50 to $60.
Both airlines have also introduced fuel surcharges for specific bookings or vacation packages, in response to escalating jet fuel prices. Air Transat has also indicated adjustments in fares or fuel surcharges recently. The spike in jet fuel prices is primarily attributed to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, leading to route cuts by several airlines.
Travel experts caution that the combination of rising surcharges and reduced flight options may sustain high travel costs in the foreseeable future. Vancouver-based travel agent McKenzie McMillan anticipates a costly summer for travelers, as reported in a previous interview with CBC News.
