WestJet has quietly increased its fee for the first checked bag by $5 for ultra-basic and economy fare options. This marks the airline’s second price adjustment for checked bag fees in under two years, with Air Canada likely to follow suit as in the past.
Effective September 16, passengers purchasing WestJet tickets will now pay a starting fee of $40 for prepaying their first checked bag under the economy class. Those opting to pay at check-in will face a minimum charge of $60.
Travelers selecting WestJet’s ultra-basic fare will incur a prepayment fee of at least $50 for a checked bag on most routes. The airline mentions that WestJet Rewards members can avoid the fee hike by prepaying for bags, while passengers using a WestJet RBC Mastercard can entirely circumvent the charge.
WestJet explained to CBC via email that the fee adjustment was made to align with industry standards and revenue trends. Meanwhile, Air Canada’s initial checked bag fee remains at $35, but this could change soon.
Last February, WestJet implemented a previous $5 increase in checked luggage fees, with Air Canada following suit shortly after. When asked if Air Canada would replicate WestJet’s move, spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick mentioned that the airline closely monitors industry dynamics to stay competitive in all markets served.
The recent hike in bag fees by WestJet comes amid a series of new charges introduced by Canadian airlines. This development has raised concerns among consumer advocates about the potential for customers to face unexpected higher costs and challenges in comparing prices accurately.
According to Statistics Canada, airline fares dropped by 7.6% in August compared to the previous year. Airlines justify the unbundling of fares as a way for customers to pay only for the services they choose. However, critics argue that the advertised low fares may mislead customers as they may end up with significantly higher final bills due to various added fees.
In the evolving landscape of airline charges, WestJet garnered attention last month for announcing a reconfiguration of some aircraft to introduce “fixed recline” seats in the economy cabin that do not recline. Passengers desiring full recline will need to pay for an upgrade, with the airline citing passenger feedback requesting fixed recline seats to maintain personal space.
Industry analysts note that airlines, which operate on narrow profit margins, are increasingly relying on extra fees as a key revenue stream. In 2024, global airlines earned over $148 billion in total fees, setting a new record, according to IdeaWorksCompany.
Experts warn that Canadians should expect more airline fees in the future, leading to increased complexity for consumers in assessing the true cost of air travel. They advocate for greater transparency in displaying total airfare costs, including popular fees like baggage charges, to help customers make informed decisions.
Amidst these developments, calls for enhancing competition in the airline industry have surfaced as a potential solution to mitigate rising fees and drive down overall fares. The lack of significant competition in Canada, primarily dominated by Air Canada and WestJet, limits passenger alternatives and potentially compromises customer service and pricing competitiveness.
Efforts to improve competition in the airline market, including revising restrictions on foreign ownership of Canadian carriers, have been proposed. The government is reviewing recommendations aimed at enhancing competition, as highlighted in a study by the Competition Bureau.
Debates continue on the root causes of high airfares, with WestJet attributing the issue to government and third-party charges like airport fees and fuel taxes rather than airline-imposed fees.