WestJet Baggage Allowance: Cabin Bags, Checked Baggage & Fees
Flying with WestJet? Check cabin baggage, checked-baggage allowances and fare differences before you travel.
WestJet baggage allowances vary by fare, but its cabin-bag dimensions are consistent across most eligible fares. A standard carry-on can measure up to 56 × 23 × 36cm, while the personal item can measure up to 41 × 15 × 33cm. UltraBasic normally includes only a personal item, although UltraBasic passengers travelling to or from Europe and Asia are allowed a carry-on as well.
Cabin baggage is one of the first things to check before travelling with WestJet, because the number of pieces, permitted size and weight can differ by fare or travel class. The current allowance is summarised as follows: Carry-on up to 56 × 23 × 36cm plus personal item up to 41 × 15 × 33cm. UltraBasic rules differ; Europe/Asia routes include a carry-on.. Your smaller personal item, where permitted, should be suitable for stowage beneath the seat, while the main cabin bag must fit safely in the overhead locker.
Checked baggage with WestJet also depends on the ticket you have purchased rather than simply the destination. The current headline allowance is: Checked baggage depends on fare. UltraBasic/Econo generally charge for bags; EconoFlex includes the first bag; Premium/Business include more.. Lower-cost or light fares can exclude checked baggage altogether, while flexible and premium fares often provide a larger allowance. Always check the baggage entitlement attached to the individual booking before packing.
Size and weight are separate limits. A suitcase can be within the permitted dimensions but still be overweight, or it can be light enough while exceeding the airline's dimensional limit. Bag fees vary by fare, route and purchase timing. Oversize/overweight and airport-purchased bags cost more.. Additional, overweight or oversized baggage can therefore attract extra charges or different handling requirements.
Cabin baggage must also comply with airport-security and dangerous-goods rules, which are separate from WestJet's own baggage allowance. Liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols may be subject to the familiar 100ml container restrictions depending on the departure and connecting airports, while power banks and spare lithium batteries normally need to remain in cabin baggage rather than being packed in the hold.
This guide explains WestJet's cabin and personal-item rules, checked-baggage allowances, fare and travel-class differences, liquid restrictions, additional and excess baggage, and the practical points most likely to cause problems at the airport. If another airline operates part of your journey, check that carrier's rules as well because allowances can differ across a multi-airline itinerary.
Free Cabin Bag Size
Up to 56 × 23 × 36cm
Personal item up to 41 × 15 × 33cm
UltraBasic rules differ
Checked Baggage Allowance
Checked baggage depends on fare.
UltraBasic / Econo generally charge for bags
EconoFlex includes the first bag
Premium/Business include more.
Additional Baggage Fees
Bag fees vary by fare, route and purchase timing.
Oversize/overweight and airport-purchased bags cost more.
Key WestJet Baggage Tips
UltraBasic normally excludes a carry-on, except on Europe/Asia itineraries and certain eligible bookings.
Checked bag inclusion varies by fare.
EconoFlex generally includes the first checked bag.
Check the allowance on your WestJet booking before you pack. Fare, cabin and route differences can materially change what is included.
Measure bags externally, including wheels, handles and protruding pockets, rather than relying only on the manufacturer's stated suitcase size.
Weigh cabin and checked baggage at home. A bag can be within the size limit but still attract charges if it exceeds the permitted weight.
Keep the personal item genuinely small enough to fit beneath the seat if the airline requires under-seat stowage; do not treat it as a second full-size cabin bag.
If you already know you need extra checked baggage, add it before reaching the airport where the airline offers advance purchase; airport excess-baggage charges can be higher.
Where standard airport liquid rules apply, the container size matters: a partly used bottle larger than 100ml can still be rejected at security.
Pack full-size toiletries in checked baggage when appropriate, while keeping medication and anything needed during the journey accessible in the cabin.
Keep power banks and spare lithium batteries in cabin baggage, protected against short circuits, rather than placing them in the hold.
Cabin baggage sizes explained
Check the bag dimensions, weight limits and fare-specific inclusions before you travel, particularly where different fare families offer different baggage allowances.
WestJet baggage allowance by fare
Baggage allowances can vary by fare, route and travel class. Always check the allowance shown on your booking before you travel.
UltraBasic
Econo / EconoFlex
Cabin baggage
Personal item included
Carry-on normally not included
Checked baggage
Usually charged separately
Best for
Travellers prioritising the lowest fare and packing very light.
Cabin baggage
Carry-on + personal item included
Checked baggage
Econo: usually charged
EconoFlex: first bag generally included
Best for
Most leisure travellers wanting a full cabin allowance.
Premium / Business
Cabin baggage
Carry-on + personal item included
Checked baggage
Multiple bags can be included
Exact allowance depends on fare
Best for
Longer trips or travellers wanting more baggage included.
Checked baggage with WestJet: what you need to know
WestJet's checked-baggage allowance depends on fare, route and loyalty or cardholder benefits.
UltraBasic and Econo fares usually charge separately for checked baggage, while EconoFlex generally includes the first checked bag. Premium and Business fares include a larger allowance.
Standard checked bags are subject to WestJet's size and weight limits, with additional charges for extra, overweight or oversized pieces.
Because fees vary by route and when baggage is purchased, check the baggage details in your booking before travel.
WestJet's checked-baggage entitlement can depend on the fare, travel class, route and the airline operating each sector. The allowance shown on your ticket or booking confirmation should therefore be treated as the final reference.
If your included allowance is not enough, additional baggage can usually be added where the airline offers this service. Arranging extra baggage before travel is generally preferable to discovering an excess at check-in.
A bag that exceeds the permitted weight, dimensions or number of pieces can be treated as excess, overweight or oversized baggage. Separate charges or handling restrictions may apply, and very heavy items may need to be repacked or carried as cargo.
For journeys involving another airline, do not assume the same checked-baggage rules apply throughout. Codeshare and interline itineraries can be governed by the operating carrier or the most-significant carrier under the applicable baggage rules.
Before travelling, check the baggage allowance attached to your specific WestJet booking, particularly if you have changed your ticket, upgraded your cabin or added a connecting flight.
WestJet cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
WestJet's standard carry-on limit is 56 × 23 × 36cm. The bag must be light enough for you to place in the overhead locker without assistance.
The personal-item limit is 41 × 15 × 33cm and it must fit beneath the seat in front.
UltraBasic normally includes only a personal item. However, UltraBasic passengers travelling to or from Europe and Asia are permitted one carry-on bag plus one personal item.
Other eligible WestJet fares include one carry-on plus one personal item.
UK airport-security liquid rules apply separately from WestJet's baggage allowance.
Cabin baggage must be small and light enough to be safely stowed in the overhead locker or, for a personal item, beneath the seat in front. Published measurements normally include wheels, handles and other protruding parts unless the airline explicitly states otherwise.
For journeys departing the UK, liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols are subject to the security rules at the departure airport. Where the standard 100ml rule applies, individual containers must normally hold no more than 100ml and be presented in the permitted transparent resealable liquids bag.
Typical products affected include toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, sun cream, skincare and cosmetics. Medication, baby food and certain medical items can qualify for security exemptions when required for the journey, although supporting evidence may be requested.
Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage and protected against short circuits. Other dangerous or restricted items can be prohibited entirely or limited to either cabin or checked baggage.
WestJet staff or airport handling agents may check cabin baggage at check-in or the gate. A bag that exceeds the permitted number, size or weight can be placed in the hold and additional charges may apply.
Common WestJet cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
Assuming every fare includes the same cabin-baggage allowance
Forgetting to include wheels and handles when measuring a bag
Using a personal item that is too large to fit beneath the seat
Packing liquids in containers larger than 100ml where standard airport restrictions apply
Assuming a partly empty large liquid container is security compliant
Packing power banks or spare lithium batteries in checked baggage
Ignoring different baggage rules on a partner-operated or connecting flight
Arriving at the airport without checking the allowance shown on the booking
WestJet cabin baggage rules: liquids, extras and restrictions
WestJet's standard carry-on limit is 56 × 23 × 36cm. The bag must be light enough for you to place in the overhead locker without assistance.
The personal-item limit is 41 × 15 × 33cm and it must fit beneath the seat in front.
UltraBasic normally includes only a personal item. However, UltraBasic passengers travelling to or from Europe and Asia are permitted one carry-on bag plus one personal item.
Other eligible WestJet fares include one carry-on plus one personal item.
UK airport-security liquid rules apply separately from WestJet's baggage allowance.
Cabin baggage must be small and light enough to be safely stowed in the overhead locker or, for a personal item, beneath the seat in front. Published measurements normally include wheels, handles and other protruding parts unless the airline explicitly states otherwise.
For journeys departing the UK, liquids, gels, pastes and aerosols are subject to the security rules at the departure airport. Where the standard 100ml rule applies, individual containers must normally hold no more than 100ml and be presented in the permitted transparent resealable liquids bag.
Typical products affected include toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, sun cream, skincare and cosmetics. Medication, baby food and certain medical items can qualify for security exemptions when required for the journey, although supporting evidence may be requested.
Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried in cabin baggage rather than checked baggage and protected against short circuits. Other dangerous or restricted items can be prohibited entirely or limited to either cabin or checked baggage.
WestJet staff or airport handling agents may check cabin baggage at check-in or the gate. A bag that exceeds the permitted number, size or weight can be placed in the hold and additional charges may apply.
Common WestJet cabin baggage mistakes to avoid
Assuming every fare includes the same cabin-baggage allowance
Forgetting to include wheels and handles when measuring a bag
Using a personal item that is too large to fit beneath the seat
Packing liquids in containers larger than 100ml where standard airport restrictions apply
Assuming a partly empty large liquid container is security compliant
Packing power banks or spare lithium batteries in checked baggage
Ignoring different baggage rules on a partner-operated or connecting flight
Arriving at the airport without checking the allowance shown on the booking