WestJet is changing its checked baggage & seat selection fees

WestJet is implementing changes to its existing bag and seat selection fees.

Starting Nov. 7, 2023, first, second and excess bags paid via an airport agent, will be an additional $10, the airline revealed in an update posted to its website on Tuesday (Oct. 31).

The $10 only applies to tickets purchased on or after Nov. 7, 2023, the airline says, and any guests with tickets purchased on Nov. 6, 2023, or prior can “self-identify with an agent” to avoid the additional charge.

This additional amount will not apply to guests with bookings that are inhibited from self-serve check-in, WestJet says.

Seat selection changes

Also beginning on Nov. 7, guests with Econo or EconoFlex fares will be required to pay a fee for seat selection during check-in if they choose a Preferred or Emergency Exit row seat, the airline says.  

But there will be no change to Standard seats, which are still available to Econo and EconoFlex guests for no charge at check-in, and there are no updates to Basic fares.

READ MORE: WestJet to densify cabins, serve “broader spectrum of guests” following Swoop closure

“Guests who purchase a Basic fare will be assigned a seat at check-in and if they choose to change their seat, a fee will be applied,” WestJet says, noting that check-in begins 24 hours before a flight’s scheduled departure, at which time the additional seat-selection fees come into effect.

With the above changes, the airline is urging customers to prepay for their checked baggage and pre-select seats at the time of booking to save in advance.

In addition, guests can continue to add baggage during check-in or do so at the airport for an additional $10 fee when assisted by an agent.

Impacts to top tier WestJet Reward members

Also starting Nov. 7, customers with Gold and Silver status will be required to redeem their advance seat selection vouchers prior to check-in if they wish to reserve a Preferred or Exit Row seat for no fee, the airline says.

Platinum members will continue to be able to select Preferred and Exit Row seats for no charge at check-in and prior to check-in, but their guest seat selection vouchers will need to be redeemed prior to check-in to secure a Preferred or Exit Row seat for no fee. 

More information is available here. 

The update comes on the heels of WestJet completing the integration of its ultra-low-cost carrier, Swoop, which operated its final flight over the weekend.

The integration of both Swoop and Sunwing Airlines into WestJet’s mainline is part of a long-term strategy that will densify cabins and distribute costs across more seats.

As PAX first reported, WestJet’s 737-800s and MAX 8s, including legacy WestJet, Sunwing and Swoop planes, will be reworked to feature 180 seats – up six seats from the current configuration – including 12 Premium seats.

“We will not segment our guests by airline [like through Swoop], but segment our guests within the aircraft,” said Alexis von Hoensbroech, CEO of The WestJet Group, speaking at the Toronto Region Board of Trade last week. “For a market like Canada, that makes most sense.”

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