WestJet has announced an increase in baggage fees for passengers starting today. Those checking bags at the airport will now pay $10 more per bag for the first and second bags, while pre-paying will see a $5 increase per bag for the first and second bags. These fee adjustments will apply to reservations made from April 23 onwards, marking the airline’s third increase in baggage fees in three years, following a prior hike less than a year ago.
According to a WestJet spokesperson, these fee changes are attributed to industry trends and the impacts of current global conditions. While discounts for certain WestJet Rewards members will still be available, passengers on the airline’s ultra-basic fares in Canada can expect to pay between $60 to $93 for the first bag and $75 to $111 for the second bag, depending on the timing and location of payment. Standard econo passengers within Canada may face fees ranging from $45 to $81 for the first bag and $60 to $99 for the second bag.
For passengers traveling to Asia or Europe on ultra-basic fares, baggage fees could range from $85 to $123 for a single checked bag. Excess, overweight, and oversized baggage fees will also see significant increases, with overweight bags potentially costing up to $168.
This move by WestJet follows a similar increase in baggage fees announced by Air Canada recently. Air Canada raised baggage fees for economy basic passengers, with fees for the first and second bags increasing from $35 to $45 and $50 to $60, respectively, for travel within Canada or to and from the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Both airlines have also introduced fuel surcharges for certain bookings or vacation packages in response to rising fuel costs.
The spike in jet fuel prices in recent weeks, primarily due to geopolitical tensions, has led to airlines adjusting their operations to mitigate the impact. Air Canada, Air Transat, and other international carriers have been forced to make route cuts and fare adjustments to offset the increased costs. As a result, air travel experts are warning that travelers may face a costly summer ahead with higher surcharges and limited flight options.
In conclusion, the combination of surcharge hikes and reduced flight availability suggests that air travel costs are unlikely to decrease in the near future. Vancouver-based travel agent McKenzie McMillan anticipates a pricey summer for travelers, emphasizing the ongoing challenges facing the industry.