Overview
- WestJet, which put the changes into effect Thursday, raised prepaid first and second bag fees by $5, increased airport check-in bag fees by $10, and added $50 to excess, overweight, and oversize charges.
- WestJet said the move reflects industry revenue trends and global conditions, with its Teal Rewards members keeping a $5 discount on the first prepaid checked bag.
- For price-sensitive flyers, the new schedule means bigger swings by fare and route, such as UltraBasic trips within the U.S. and Canada now costing $60 to $93 for the first checked bag depending on when and where payment is made.
- Airlines point to a spike in jet fuel after the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil, which raised operating costs worldwide.
- The increases follow Air Canada’s first-bag hike last week and come as carriers layer on fuel surcharges, trim routes, and cut capacity, with WestJet already reducing flying and others in Europe and Canada announcing schedule cuts.