WestJet introduces new fees for checked baggage, seat selection

Are you planning on travelling with WestJet over the holiday season?

Well, you should be aware of changes to the airline’s bag and seat selection fees.

As of Nov.7, first, second and excess bags paid through an airport agent will be subject to an additional $10 charge.

The $10 only applies to tickets purchased on or after Nov. 7, says a release from the airline.

According to the airline’s website, if travellers pre-pay, their first bag will cost $30-$36.

If they pay at a self-serve check-in, your first bag will cost between $40 and $48.

Finally, if you pay at an airport check-in, your first bag will cost $50-$59.

As for second, third and court checked bags, the new fee hike will see travellers paying between $60 and $130.

“Any guests with tickets purchased on November 6, 2023, or prior can self-identify with an agent to avoid the additional $10,” the release adds.

The additional amount will also not apply to travellers with bookings that are inhibited from self-serve check-in.

The airline encourages people to prepay for their checked baggage and pre-select their seats at the time of booking to avoid those costs at the higher-end.

As for seat selection, guests with Econo or EconoFlex fares will not have to pay a fee for seat selection during check-in if they choose a preferred or emergency exit seat.

There is no change to standard seats, which are still available to Econo and EconoFlex travellers, however.

Basic fare fees will also not be updated. People who purchase that fare will be assigned a seat at check-in but will be charged a fee if they choose to change their seat.

As of Nov. 7, people who have gold or silver status will be required to redeem their advance seat selection vouchers before check-in if they want to reserve a preferred or exit row seat for no fee.

“Platinum members will continue to be able to select Preferred and Exit Row seats for no charge at check-in and prior to check-in, however, their guest seat selection vouchers will need to be redeemed prior to check-in to secure a Preferred or Exit Row seat for no fee,” says WestJet.