WestJet has quietly increased the fee for the first checked bag by $5 for ultra-basic and economy fare passengers. This marks the airline’s second hike for checked bag fees in less than two years, with Air Canada likely to follow suit.
Effective September 16, passengers buying WestJet tickets will now pay a starting fee of $40 for prepaying the first checked bag for economy class. Those opting to pay at check-in will face a charge of at least $60.
Travelers with WestJet’s ultra-basic fare will now need to pay a minimum of $50 to prepay for a checked bag on most flights. The airline mentions that WestJet Rewards members can avoid this fee increase by prepaying for bags, while passengers using a WestJet RBC Mastercard can bypass the charge entirely.
According to WestJet, the fee adjustment was made to align with industry pricing trends and revenue patterns. Meanwhile, Air Canada’s first checked bag fee remains at $35, but this could change in response to WestJet’s move.
In the world of Canadian airlines, new charges are cropping up, leading to concerns from consumer advocates about potential hidden costs and confusion for customers. Industry expert John Gradek from McGill University criticized this trend, emphasizing the importance of transparent pricing.
Statistics Canada reported a 7.6% drop in airfares in August compared to the previous year, although Gradek argues that airlines lure in customers with low fares but ultimately expose them to higher costs through additional fees.
Airlines worldwide, operating on thin profit margins, are increasingly relying on ancillary fees as a significant revenue stream. In 2024, global airlines earned over $148 billion US in fees, setting a new record.
Gradek foresees more fees on the horizon for Canadian travelers, emphasizing the need for clearer pricing structures that include popular add-on fees upfront. Transport Canada and the airlines maintain they are transparent about fees and fares, though critics advocate for more competition in the industry to drive down costs and improve customer service.
A recent Competition Bureau study recommended changes to enhance competition in the airline sector, including easing restrictions on foreign ownership of Canadian airlines. The ongoing debate centers on whether increased competition or foreign investment would effectively address concerns over travel costs.
