Airline baggage guide
WestJet baggage fees, size limits & special items (2026)
WestJet's standard checked bag limit is 50 lbs / 23 kg and 62 linear inches. The first bag costs $45 CAD prepay / $60 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US; taxes additional) and the second $60 CAD prepay / $75 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US) on main-cabin fares. Overweight, oversize, and sports equipment fees are covered in full below.
For check-in cutoffs and online check-in windows, see the WestJet check-in guide →
What is WestJet's checked bag weight and size limit?
Every bag on WestJet must weigh 50 lbs / 23 kg or less and measure no more than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) to avoid surcharges. Both limits apply independently — a light bag that is too large still triggers the oversize fee.
| Fare | 1st bag | 2nd bag |
|---|---|---|
| Main cabin | $45 CAD prepay / $60 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US; taxes additional) | $60 CAD prepay / $75 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US) |
| Basic economy | $55 CAD prepay / $70 at online check-in (UltraBasic, domestic/US; taxes additional) | $60 CAD prepay / $75 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US) |
Fees shown are for online pre-payment where applicable. Paying at the airport counter or gate typically runs higher.
What does WestJet charge for oversize or overweight bags?
Overweight fees
| Weight | Fee (per bag, per direction) |
|---|---|
| 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg) | CAD $100 |
| 71–100 lbs (32–45 kg) | CAD $200 |
Oversize fees
| Dimensions | Fee (per bag, per direction) |
|---|---|
| Over 62 linear in (up to 115 linear in) | CAD $100 |
Both fees stack — a bag that is simultaneously overweight and oversize is charged both surcharges on the same bag in the same direction.
Does WestJet charge extra for sports equipment?
| Item | Fee / policy |
|---|---|
| Golf clubs | CAD $45 prepay (counts as 1 checked bag if within weight) |
| Skis / snowboard | CAD $45 prepay per ski bag |
| Bicycle | CAD $45 prepay per bicycle |
| Surfboard | CAD $45 prepay per surfboard |
| Fishing gear | standard bag fee if within limits |
Strollers and car seats are always free to check on all airlines. Gate-check your stroller at the jetway — it is returned at the aircraft door on arrival.
Can I bring a stroller or car seat on WestJet for free?
- Strollers: free (gate-check)
- Car seats: free
- Military: 3 free checked bags (active duty Canadian/US military)
Wheelchairs and all other mobility aids always travel free on every US carrier under DOT regulations — no fees, no size limits, no exceptions, no advance arrangements required.
How do bag fees affect my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 20–30 minutes to your airport buffer compared to carry-on only. You need time to join the bag-drop queue, hand off the bag, and collect your receipt before you can head to the TSA checkpoint. That window sits before security — not inside it — so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Use the Leave-By Time calculator — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the bag-drop counter step so you leave home with exact numbers instead of a rough guess.
Things to know before you check a bag on WestJet
- WestJet's sports equipment flat fee (CAD $45 prepay) for golf bags, ski bags, bicycles, and surfboards is a separate add-on paid in advance; overweight fees (CAD $100/$200) still apply on top if the item exceeds 50 lbs.
- Oversize (CAD $100) and overweight (CAD $100/$200) fees can stack on the same standard bag; maximum accepted bag size is 115 linear in.
- WestJet fees are quoted in CAD when departing Canada and in USD when departing the United States; the CAD values listed here apply to departures from Canada.
Related guides
Baggage data verified against WestJet's official site, . Sources: westjet.com — allowance; westjet.com — special items; westjet.com — westjet flights.
How early should you leave for the airport?
Bag fees and check-in cutoffs shift your Leave-By Time. The calculator accounts for bag-drop counter time, the TSA queue, and your drive so you leave home with exact numbers, not a rough estimate.
Get your Leave-By Time →