Airline check-in guide
WestJet check-in: cutoffs, carry-on rules, and bag fees
Check in online 24 hours before departure and be through airport check-in by WestJet's cutoff of 60 minutes before departure on domestic flights. Bag-drop closes At check-in cutoff; recommended 90 minutes before departure — miss that window and your bag may not make the plane even if you do.
Looking for oversize fees, sports equipment, or stroller policy? See the full WestJet baggage guide.
When does WestJet open online check-in?
WestJet opens online check-in 24 hours before departure and closes it 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes at Calgary YYC, Edmonton YEG, Toronto YYZ, Vancouver YVR). The moment the window opens today, check in — you lock in your seat, skip the ticket-counter queue, and have your boarding pass on your phone before you leave home.
What is WestJet's airport check-in cutoff?
| Flight type | Check-in closes | Bag drop closes |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic | 60 minutes before departure | At check-in cutoff; recommended 90 minutes before departure |
| International | 60 minutes before departure (75 minutes at YYC, YEG, YYZ, YVR) | At check-in cutoff; recommended 90 minutes before departure |
These are hard deadlines — WestJet can give your seat to a standby traveler once the cutoff passes. Arrive with room to breathe, not at the last second.
Can I bring a carry-on on WestJet?
Yes. One full-size carry-on and one personal item are included on main-cabin fares at no extra charge. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin — WestJet sets the limit at 22 x 9 x 14 in (56 x 23 x 36 cm).
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you (16 x 6 x 13 in (41 x 15 x 33 cm)). Pack it smart so you have easy access during the flight.
How much does WestJet charge for checked bags?
| Bag | Main cabin | Basic economy |
|---|---|---|
| 1st checked bag | $45 CAD prepay / $60 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US; taxes additional) | $55 CAD prepay / $70 at online check-in (UltraBasic, domestic/US; taxes additional) |
| 2nd checked bag | $60 CAD prepay / $75 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US) | $60 CAD prepay / $75 at online check-in (Econo, domestic/US) |
Prices shown are for online prepayment. Paying at the airport or the gate runs higher. Baggage fees compared across every airline shows how WestJet stacks up against the rest.
How does a bag fee change my Leave-By Time?
Checking a bag adds 5 to 10 minutes at the counter — time in line, handing off the bag, collecting a receipt. That window sits between your arrival at the terminal and your walk to security, so it shifts your Leave-By Time at home earlier, not just your airport arrival.
Recompute your Leave-By Time with bag drop factored in — enter your flight, mark that you are checking a bag, and the calculator adds the counter time so you leave home with exact numbers, not a guess.
Things to know before you fly WestJet
- WestJet raised checked baggage fees effective April 23, 2026: Econo first bag is now $45 CAD prepay (up from $40); UltraBasic first bag $55 CAD (up from $50) for domestic/US flights. Fees are in CAD for trips departing Canada, USD for trips departing the US.
- UltraBasic (cheapest fare) does not include or allow purchase of a carry-on bag on domestic/US routes — personal item only. An UltraBasic guest arriving at the gate with a carry-on is charged a checked bag fee plus a $25 to $30 service fee. Carry-on is included for UltraBasic on Europe/Asia routes.
- Airport check-in counter opens 3 hours before departure for most flights (4 hours for select European airports). EconoFlex includes first checked bag free; Premium/Business includes two free checked bags.
Related guides
Verified against WestJet's official site, . Sources: westjet.com — check in; westjet.com — westjet flights; westjet.com — carry on; westjet.com — allowance.