Checked bag fees up at Air Canada & WestJet

Checked baggage fees on domestic flights are increasing at both Air Canada and WestJet, the airlines announced recently.

The fees, which apply to the lowest fare classes at both airlines, will increase to $30 from $25 for the first checked bag and for the second bag to $50 from $30.

WestJet's changes apply on flights starting Oct. 1 for domestic bookings made as of last Friday (Aug. 24), and as of today (Aug. 28) on flights to the U.S. and international destinations.

"Changing our bag fees will offset higher costs in today’s challenging and competitive market, while continuing to offer competitive pricing for our guests," said WestJet spokesperson Lauren Stewart.

At Air Canada, the fees apply to domestic flights as well as those between Canada and the United States, and to and from Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.

As other carriers, including WestJet and Jet Blue, have done, Air Canada has adjusted checked baggage fees in certain fare classes in select markets," said Air Canada spokesperson Isabelle Arthur. "This is the first change since 2014 and will help offset increasing costs (in the first six months of 2018 our fuel costs alone were up about $430 million) and keep overall ticket prices competitive."

Exemptions

Air Canada economy flex and economy comfort fares will continue to receive a first checked bag free of charge as will elite members and those who booked Air Canada Vacations packages.

Fees are waived for WestJet Plus passengers, gold and silver rewards members or those booking with RBC World Elite Mastercards.