Canadian travellers booking with WestJet will now pay more to check their bags, as the airline increases fees for the second time in less than two years.

As reported by CBC, for tickets purchased on or after Sept. 16, WestJet’s prepaid first checked bag now costs at least $40 for economy fares, or at least $60 if paid at check-in. Travellers on the carrier’s lowest ultra-basic fare will pay at least $50 when pre-paying for a checked bag on most routes.

WestJet told CBC in an email that the adjustment was made “to align with industry pricing and revenue trends.” The airline also noted that members of its WestJet Rewards program can avoid the increase if they prepay, while customers using a WestJet RBC Mastercard can bypass the charge altogether.

The move may prompt a similar change from Air Canada, CBC reports. Air Canada’s first checked bag fee remains at $35, but the carrier has not ruled out matching WestJet’s new pricing. In an email to CBC, Air Canada spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick said, “Our policy is to monitor the industry closely to remain competitive in every market we serve.”

The latest increase mirrors a similar pattern seen last year, when WestJet raised its bag fee by $5 in February 2024, and Air Canada followed suit a few weeks later.

Source: Travelweek