WestJet is making changes to its checked baggage and seat selection fees, effective November 7, 2023.

As part of the announcement, WestJet is encouraging passengers to prepay and save for their checked baggage and pre-select their seats at the time of booking or through the Manage Trips section in the WestJet app or on WestJet.com. Passengers can also continue to add baggage during check-in or do so at the airport for an additional $10 fee when assisted by an agent.

Changes to Checked Bag Fees When Checking-In With an Airport Agent 

Starting November 7, 2023, first, second and excess bags paid via an airport agent, will be an additional $10. This $10 only applies to tickets purchased on or after November 7, 2023. Any passengers with tickets purchased on November 6, 2023, or prior can self-identify with an agent to avoid the additional $10. This additional amount will not apply to guests with bookings that are inhibited from self-serve check-in.

Changes to Seat Selection at Check-In

Beginning on November 7, 2023, passengers with Econo or EconoFlex fares will now pay a fee for seat selection during check-in if they choose a Preferred or Emergency Exit row seat.

There will be no change to Standard seats, which are still available to Econo and EconoFlex passengers for no charge at check-in. There will also be no updates to Basic fares. Passengers who purchase a Basic fare will be assigned a seat at check-in and if they choose to change their seat, a fee will be applied. Passengers are asked to note that check-in begins 24 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure, at which time the additional seat-selection fees come into effect.

Impacts to Top Tier WestJet Reward Members

Also starting November 7, 2023, passengers with Gold and Silver status will be required to redeem their advance seat selection vouchers prior to check-in if they wish 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.

WestJet’s checked baggage and seat selection fees announcement comes on the heels of news that Sunwing, which completed its merger into The WestJet Group this past summer, will levy service fees on travel advisor bookings when agents contact the Sales Centre for any actions where online self-serve options are available. That new policy comes into effect November 6, 2023; more details can be found here.

Source: Travelweek