WestJet flights just got a little more expensive for travellers who don't pay for checked baggage in advance.
Canada's second-largest airline's new baggage and pre-reserved seat fees came into effect on Nov. 7. However, the new rules only apply to travellers who purchased their tickets on or after that date.
Travellers who don't pay for their checked baggage ahead of Vancouver flights must now pay an additional $10 at the airport. Additionally, some seats that could previously be selected free of charge now cost a fee to secure.
Find out everything you need to know before you head to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) for your next trip.
WestJet baggage allowance under the new regime
For Basic or Economy tickets, WestJet's cheapest fares, travellers must pay a fee for all of the bags they check, regardless of the destination.
Under the new rules, travellers can save $10 off the cost of the price of a checked bag by pre-paying online. However, this savings only applies to the first and second checked bags. They will need to pay for the third and fourth ones at the airport.
Any guests who purchased tickets on or before Nov. 6 can tell an agent to avoid paying the additional $10.
WestJet adds that the new fee will "not apply to guests with bookings that are inhibited from self-serve check-in."
Updated WestJet baggage fees
For travel to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean, travellers can expect to pay the following fees for Basic or Economy tickets.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Fourth Checked Bag | |
| Prepay | $30-36 | $50-59 | N/A | N/A |
| Self-Serve Check-in | $40-48 | $60-71 | $150-177 | $150-177 |
| Airport Check-in | $50-59 | $70-83 | $160-189 | $160-189 |
For travel to Europe, travellers can expect to pay the following fees for Basic or Economy tickets.
| First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Third Checked Bag | Fourth Checked Bag | |
| Prepay | $70-83 | $100-118 | N/A | N/A |
| Self-Serve Check-in | $80-95 | $110-130 | $150-177 | $150-177 |
| Airport Check-in | $90-107 | $120-142 | $160-189 | $160-189 |
Changes to seat selection at check-in
Travellers who choose a Preferred or Emergency Exit row seat during the seat selection process will now pay a $10 fee.
Located at the front of the economy cabin, preferred seats provide additional legroom and allow travellers to exit a plane quickly when they arrive at their destination. Exit row seats also have additional legroom and provide guests with the opportunity to board earlier.
WestJet isn't changing reservation policies on its Standard seats, which are still available to Econo and EconoFlex guests for no charge at check-in.
There will also be no updates to Basic fares. Guests who purchase these tickets must pay a fee to change their seat, which WestJet assigns at check-in.
WestJet's seat selection is available 24 hours prior to departure when check-in for flights opens.
