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'Brutal': Metro Vancouver travellers upset new WestJet fare won't include carry-on bag

"WestJet gets worse and worse," comments one frustrated consumer.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
westjet-flights-carry-on-allowance-2024
WestJet's carry-on bag allowance will change in the coming weeks as it introduces a new low-cost option. Flair Airlines has a similar policy about luggage.Photo: Alina Rosanova/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Travellers have expressed frustration with WestJet's new Basic fare policy that does not include luggage. 

While passengers must pay for a piece of checked luggage on WestJet flights if they book the lowest fare class, they may bring a carry-on one for free.

The proposed changes to the rules mean travellers may only bring a personal item, such as a purse, backpack, or another small personal item that they can store under the seat in front of them. They won't have access to the overhead bins for larger items. 

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech told a Calgary business audience on Wednesday, May 22 that the new "ultra-low" fare category will be introduced within "a couple of weeks" and will appeal to the most budget-conscious travellers.

Flair Airlines, Canada's only ultra-low-cost carrier, has a similar policy for travellers flying in its lowest fare class. They may bring a small personal item but carry-on or checked luggage costs an additional fee. The prices vary depending on the length of the route.

WestJet spokesperson Julia Kaiser told V.I.A. the airline is updating its Basic fare class "to better serve Canadians' evolving travel needs including options to address overhead bin space."

She added that the new "fare was designed with affordability and guest choice in mind" and full details on the changes will be announced in the coming weeks.

The thinking behind the model is that budget-conscious travellers can pay a stripped-down, basic fare while more comfort-minded passengers can purchase extras like the ability to select a seat, check a bag or access in-flight entertainment.

Air Canada has proposed changes that also follow the budget model. It recently paused changes to its new fee for selecting seats during the 24-hour check-in period due to "operational reasons."

The airline sells several branded fares at various prices, including Basic, Latitude and Business Class, and each has advantages. 

"The ability to select your seat ahead of your flight is one such attribute (an extra bag, refundability are examples of other such attributes)," the airline said in an emailed statement to V.I.A.

Travellers react to proposed WestJet carry-on baggage allowance chances 

Travellers have expressed frustration with WestJet's new policy, with many of them stating that they may not fly with the carrier in the future.

A B.C. traveller writes in a post on X/Twitter that the airline is essentially "starting to charge for carry-on bags," adding: "WestJet gets worse and worse."

A Vancouver Island resident characterizes the change as "brutal," adding that he has a WestJet Credit Card but "probably won't for long."

Another baffled traveller asks, "Remember when WestJet used to be a good airline?" 

One woman believes WestJet pushed low-cost carriers out of the Canadian market and has started behaving like them by charging for luggage but "keeping their inflated flight prices." 

Many people have pointed out that WestJet says the changes provide customers with more flexibility, allowing them to pay for perks or save money. However, they feel the airline is just implementing a new fee.

Other travellers say the changes won't affect them for short trips where they pack light but may impact people who travel longer or with more belongings.

With files from the Canadian Press