WestJet updating baggage & check-in seat selection fee policies

WestJet is making changes to its baggage policies, including updating its policy for flights to/from Europe, excess baggage fees to European and Caribbean destinations and airport baggage fees for all destinations.  

In addition, WestJet guests who book an Econo or EconoFlex reservation who select a preferred or emergency exit row seat during the check-in process will be charged a fee.

As noted on the airline’s website, there will be no immediate changes to WestJet’s current fee policies for baggage fees and seat selection:

• Fees will for preferred seat selection during check-in will apply for all travel on or after Dec. 7, 2022.
• Changes for baggage and excess baggage fees will only apply to bookings made on or after Jan. 17, 2023.

Effective January 17

Changes for checked baggage fees, effective Jan. 17, 2023, are as follows:

First and second checked baggage fee changes for transatlantic flights

WestJet guests with Basic, Econo and EconoFlex bookings to/from transatlantic destinations (Europe) will see the following changes reflected for all bookings made on or after Jan. 17, 2023.

Latin Caribbean & Transatlantic Flights

Excess baggage fees will increase on Jan. 17, 2023, to $150 for all eligible fare bookings to Latin Caribbean and Transatlantic destinations, the airline says. 

Excess baggage fees for domestic and transborder destinations remains unchanged.

New fees for preferred seats at check-in

Guests with Econo and EconoFlex bookings who select a preferred (i.e.: bulkhead) or emergency exit seat during check-in will be charged a seat selection fee, WestJet says. 

Effective, Dec. 7, 2022, a preferred seat fee charge will only apply if a guest selects a preferred or emergency exit row seat. 

"Standard seating throughout the aircraft remains at no charge," the airline said. 

If no free seats remain at time of check-in, seat fees will be waived for guests who are assigned a preferred or emergency exit row seat.

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