WestJet Introduces New Baggage Fee

WestJet is now charging a $25 fee for a first checked bag on Econo fares for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. The new fee applies to bookings made as of Sept. 15 onward, for travel on or after Oct. 29, 2014.

Passengers flying to any of WestJet’s international destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe may continue to check a first bag at no charge.

The carrier indicated that the change, which applies to Econo fares only, is expected to affect approximately one in five WestJet guests. Passenger selecting a Flex fare will receive one free checked bag while guests choosing a Plus fare will enjoy two complimentary checked bags in addition to waived fees, seat selection, more legroom and many other amenities.

For more, go to http://www.westjet.com/baggage .

WestJet notes that the baggage allowances for military personnel (with identification), infant and child equipment, mobility devices and code-share and interline guests are not impacted.

In other news from WestJet, the airline has launched its new WestJet Rewards tiers program featuring three levels – Teal, Silver and Gold. Passengers qualifying for the Silver tier will be able to check a first bag at no cost. Passengers qualifying for the Gold tier will get two free checked bags.

For more on the new WestJet Rewards tiers, go to http://www.westjet.com/tiers .

The carrier has also added a free first bag as an enhanced benefit to WestJet RBC World Elite MasterCard credit card program.

And there’s still more.

Along with its launch of WestJet Rewards tiers, the carrier has also introduced a price-drop guarantee on WestJet flights and WestJet Vacations packages. Passengers who see that the price of their flight or their vacation package has dropped since their original purchase can receive the difference in WestJet dollars. For terms and conditions, please visit http://www.westjet.com/pricedropguarantee .

Bob Cummings, WestJet executive vice-president, sales, marketing and guest experience, said: “As we continue to evolve our fare products, we are creating more value by offering our guests the opportunity to purchase only those services they want. This user-pay type of system allows us to keep fares as low as possible, introduce lower sale fares and avoid fare increases, which benefits you and liberates even more Canadians from the high cost of air travel. Our guests can now book with confidence with the WestJet price-drop guarantee.”