WestJetWS

WestJet is Canada's second-largest airline, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. Founded in 1996 as a low-cost carrier with three aircraft serving five Western Canadian cities, WestJet has evolved into a full-service airline offering multiple cabin classes and an expanding international network. The airline operates over 4,300 weekly departures to more than 100 destinations across Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and Europe.

WestJet is not a member of any major airline alliance. However, in 2025, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and Air France-KLM acquired minority stakes in the airline (Delta 12.7%, Korean Air 10%, Air France-KLM 2.3%), strengthening codeshare partnerships that have existed since 2011 (Delta) and 2012 (Korean Air). The airline was acquired by Onex Corporation in 2019, taking it private.

The airline is known for its friendly "WestJetters" service culture and value-oriented approach to air travel. WestJet operates a fleet that includes Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for long-haul international routes, making it the only Canadian airline besides Air Canada with widebody aircraft for transatlantic and transpacific service.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (free on all fares):

• Dimensions: 16" x 13" x 6" (41 x 33 x 15 cm)
• Must fit under seat in front of you
• Examples: Backpack, purse, laptop bag

Carry-On Bag (overhead bin):

• Dimensions: 22" x 14" x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
• Weight: No published limit (must be able to lift into overhead bin)
• Included: Econo, EconoFlex, Premium, Business
• UltraBasic: NOT included domestically or to US—personal item only
• UltraBasic to Europe/Asia: Carry-on IS included

Fare Class	Personal Item	Carry-On Bag
UltraBasic (Domestic/US)	Free	Not included
UltraBasic (Europe/Asia)	Free	Free
Econo	Free	Free
EconoFlex	Free	Free
Premium	Free	Free
Business	Free	Free

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 62 linear inches / 157 cm maximum (L + W + H) Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag; 70 lbs (32 kg) for Business

Domestic Canada & US Transborder (Fees in CAD):

Fare	1st Bag (Prepaid)	1st Bag (Self-Serve)	1st Bag (Counter)	2nd Bag
UltraBasic	$40	$50	$60	$55-75
Econo	$40	$50	$60	$55-75
EconoFlex	Free	Free	Free	$55
Premium	Free	Free	Free	Free
Business	Free	Free	Free	Free

Europe Routes (Fees in CAD):

Fare	1st Bag	2nd Bag
Economy (prepaid)	$40	$105
Economy (airport)	$60	$125
Premium	Free	Free
Business	Free	Free

Booking Channel Matters:

When Purchased	1st Bag Fee
At booking (prepaid)	$40 CAD (~$29 USD)
Self-serve check-in	$50 CAD (~$36 USD)
Airport counter	$60 CAD (~$43 USD)

Overweight & Oversized

Overweight Bags:

Weight Range	Fee
51-70 lbs (24-32 kg)	$100 CAD (~$72 USD)
71-100 lbs (33-45 kg)	$100 CAD (~$72 USD)
Over 100 lbs (45 kg)	Not accepted

Oversized Bags:

Size (Linear)	Fee
Over 62" (158 cm) up to 80" (203 cm)	$100 CAD (~$72 USD)
Over 80" linear (203 cm)	Not accepted as checked baggage

Elite Status & Credit Card Benefits

WestJet Rewards Members:

Status	1st Bag	2nd Bag	3rd Bag
Teal (Base)	Fee applies	Fee applies	-
Silver	Free	Free	Fee applies
Gold	Free	Free	Fee applies
Platinum	Free	Free	Free

WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard holders: First checked bag free for cardholder and up to 8 guests on the same booking.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 checked bag, max 23 kg
Skis/Snowboard	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 bag
Bicycle	Standard bag fee	Must be boxed
Surfboard	Standard bag fee	Counts as 1 bag
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Always free
CPAP machine	Free	Does not count as carry-on

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at westjet.com/baggage before traveling.

Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (International Long-Haul)

WestJet's 787-9 fleet (320 seats) is the cornerstone of international operations, featuring three cabin classes.

Business Class (16 seats):

• 1-2-1 configuration (direct aisle access for all)
• Lie-flat pods with 46" pitch (117 cm), 22" width (56 cm)
• Full lie-flat bed capability with mattress and turn-down service
• 18" personal touch screen entertainment
• Premium dining with Canadian-sourced ingredients
• Amenity kits with skincare products
• Complimentary noise-cancelling headphones
• Fully extendable privacy screens

Premium Economy (28 seats):

• 2-3-2 configuration
• 38" pitch (97 cm), 19-21" width (varies by seat)
• 5-7" recline
• 13.3" seatback touchscreen (11.6" in bulkhead)
• Enhanced meal service with hot meals
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Two dedicated lavatories separate from economy
• Complimentary noise-cancelling headphones

Economy Class (276 seats):

• 3-3-3 configuration
• 31-35" pitch (79-89 cm depending on location), 17.5" width (44 cm)
• 4" recline
• Personal touchscreen entertainment at every seat
• Complimentary hot meals on all long-haul flights
• Complimentary noise-cancelling headphones

Boeing 737 MAX 8 (Domestic/Short-Haul)

WestJet operates multiple configurations (174-189 seats).

Premium (12 seats):

• 3-3 configuration
• 36-38" pitch (91-97 cm)
• 5" recline
• Priority boarding
• Enhanced meal service
• Complimentary alcoholic beverages
• Dedicated lavatory

Extended Comfort:

• Additional legroom (35" pitch / 89 cm)
• Located in forward economy section
• Priority boarding on some routes
• Adjustable recline (newer aircraft)

Economy:

• 3-3 configuration
• 31-33" pitch (79-84 cm)
• Complimentary snacks and soft drinks
• Personal device entertainment via WestJet app
• USB power at every seat
• AC power on some aircraft

Boeing 737-800 (Domestic/Regional)

Similar configuration to 737 MAX 8 with 12 Premium seats and economy cabin.

Seat Specifications:

Aircraft	Cabin	Pitch	Width	Config
787-9	Business	46" (117 cm)	22" (56 cm)	1-2-1
787-9	Premium	38" (97 cm)	19-21"	2-3-2
787-9	Economy	31-35" (79-89 cm)	17.5" (44 cm)	3-3-3
737 MAX 8	Premium	36-38" (91-97 cm)	17"	3-3
737 MAX 8	Economy	31-33" (79-84 cm)	17"	3-3

WiFi:

• Free for WestJet Rewards members on equipped aircraft
• Powered by TELUS with Starlink connectivity rolling out across fleet (completion expected 2025)
• Streaming quality included for Silver, Gold, and Platinum members
• Stream entertainment, browse, and message

Entertainment:

• Dreamliner: Seatback screens at every seat with movies, TV, games, music
• 737 fleet: Streaming to personal devices via WestJet app
• Download content before flight via app

Booking:

• Book directly on westjet.com for best support during disruptions
• UltraBasic rarely worth it if you need a carry-on bag (personal item only)
• Prepay for checked bags at booking to save $10-20 per bag vs airport prices
• Watch for seat sales, particularly on Tuesdays
• Compare total cost (fare + bags) against Air Canada, especially on domestic routes
• Use WestJet Rewards member pricing even at the free Teal tier

WestJet Rewards:

• Join before your first flight (free) to start earning immediately
• Use the WestJet RBC World Elite Mastercard for Status Lift toward elite tiers
• Link TELUS and Skip accounts for additional earning opportunities
• Check milestone rewards regularly (companion vouchers at $8,000 spend offer excellent value)
• Points never expire, unlike many other programs

At the Airport:

• Check in online to avoid counter lines and higher baggage fees
• YYC: WestJet's home base with quick connections and dedicated facilities
• YYZ: WestJet operates from Terminal 3; allow extra time for this large terminal
• YVR: Good domestic connections; international arrivals clear customs efficiently
• Use mobile boarding pass to skip kiosks entirely

On Board:

• Download the WestJet app before your flight for streaming entertainment (required on 737s)
• Dreamliner Premium Economy offers excellent value for transatlantic flights
• Business Class companion vouchers from Rewards milestones can significantly reduce costs
• Request special meals at least 24 hours before departure

Baggage Tips:

• Personal item size strictly enforced: 16" x 13" x 6" (41 x 33 x 15 cm)
• Prepay online for checked bags at least 24 hours before departure for best rate
• WestJet RBC cardholders: First bag free (link card to Rewards account)
• Sports equipment (golf, skis) counts as one checked bag at standard rates
• Elite status baggage benefits extend to companions on same booking

Upgrades:

• Complimentary upgrades available at gate for Silver+ members (Platinum has highest priority)
• Paid upgrade offers may appear during check-in or at the gate
• Dreamliner Business Class sells out quickly; book early or use companion voucher

Common Issues:

• UltraBasic has no carry-on on domestic/US routes (only personal item)
• WiFi availability varies by aircraft; not all 737s fully equipped yet
• Narrowbody transatlantic flights (737 MAX to Europe) have limited Premium seating (12 seats)
• Winter weather can cause delays at Calgary and Toronto
• Allow 2+ hours for connections at YYZ during peak times

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Last verified: January 2025

Sources:

• WestJet Baggage Policy
• WestJet Fees
• WestJet Rewards
• WestJet Rewards Tiers
• WestJet Aircraft
• WestJet Check-In
• WestJet Contact
• SeatGuru WestJet 787-9