Flying this holiday season? If you fly with WestJet, be prepared to pay extra for checked baggage and seat selection.
Starting Nov. 7, there will be a $10 surcharge for first, second and excess bags paid through airport agents, the airline said.
If you pay upfront, your first bag will cost between $30 and $36.
If you pay at a self-service kiosk instead, your first bag will cost between $40 and $48.
The same bag costs between $50 and $59 if you pay at the airport check-in desk.
If you have a second, third or fourth checked bag, you could potentially pay between $70 and $130 per bag under the new rules.
Who doesn’t have to pay? Travelers who book flights by Nov. 6 can verify their identity with an agent to avoid a $10 surcharge at the airport.
Those who cannot do self-service check-in do not have to pay.
Airlines emphasize that travelers can avoid paying fees by pre-paying for checked baggage.
WestJet says travelers on Econo or EconoFlex fares “will now pay a seat selection fee at check-in if they select a preferred or exit row seat.”
However, there is no additional charge for standard seats.
“Preferred seats offer extra legroom and are located at the front of the economy cabin, allowing you to disembark quickly when you arrive at your destination. You will have the opportunity to board early,” the airline said.
Travelers with Gold and Silver status will also have to make some changes starting Tuesday.
Advance seat selection vouchers must be redeemed prior to check-in or a fee will be payable.
“Platinum members can still select Preferred Row and Exit Row seats for free at check-in and before check-in. However, to secure a Preferred Row or Exit Row seat for free, you must purchase a Guest Seat Selection Voucher before check-in. must be redeemed.”
Following last week’s announcement, many people took to social media to criticize the airline’s price increases.
“If you want to be an aviation hero in these tough times, why not stop paying for your seat? We pay enough for our flights. Nowadays, people are gouged in every sense of the word when they fly.” One person I wrote it to X.
