Disclaimer: Post updated May 13, 2026, with the latest information from WestJet. Travellers should always check the latest policies and requirements before booking a trip.

WestJet baggage policy, in brief

WestJet’s baggage policy depends heavily on fare type. Most fares include one carry-on bag and one personal item, while UltraBasic is more limited. Checked baggage may be included with some fares, usually Premium Economy and up, but not for standard or lower Economy-tier fares.

Before leaving for the airport, check what your fare includes, whether your bags meet WestJet’s size and weight limits, and whether anything you packed is restricted by airport security rules.

WestJet baggage allowance: Carry-on and personal item

For most fares, WestJet allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. If your items are oversized, WestJet may require you to check them for a fee.

Carry-on size

WestJet includes wheels and handles in the carry-on measurement. A bag that looks carry-on-sized may still be too large if the total dimensions exceed the limit. The bag also needs to be light enough for you to place in the overhead bin without assistance, unless you require disability-related support.

Personal item size

A personal item needs to stay within WestJet’s smaller size limit. Common examples include a purse, laptop bag, compact backpack, camera bag, or small musical instrument. If the item is too large, it may not qualify as a personal item. Food and drinks brought on board but not consumed will also be considered part of your personal item allowance.

Infant and child equipment

WestJet allows extra child or infant equipment in certain cases. A lap-held infant may travel with two pieces of child or infant equipment at no charge, while a fare-paying child or infant may travel with one piece at no charge in addition to the checked baggage allowance included with the fare.

UltraBasic carry-on

UltraBasic usually includes only a personal item, except for passengers travelling to or from Europe or Asia or when Extended Comfort is purchased for every flight in one direction, including connections. If an UltraBasic passenger brings a carry-on bag to the gate, WestJet may require the bag to be checked for a fee.

Find the latest information on WestJet’s carry-on baggage policy.

WestJet baggage allowance: Checked bags

Checked baggage allowances and fees vary depending on the time of payment, fare type, origin and destination airports, flight duration, and other factors.

Standard and oversized checked bags

At WestJet check-in, baggage weight and size must stay within the policy limits to qualify as a standard-size checked bag. Bags above those limits are usually still accepted, but you may pay oversized or overweight fees. WestJet recommends arriving earlier when travelling with oversized or overweight baggage to account for extra screening. 

See the allowances and fees for WestJet checked bags, according to changes as of April 23, 2026:

Military baggage

WestJet waives checked baggage fees for active and veteran Canadian military personnel travelling for either business or personal reasons. Eligible passengers may check up to four bags on WestJet flights and up to three bags on WestJet Encore flights at no extra charge. Oversized and overweight fees are also waived within WestJet’s accepted limits.

Passengers must provide military identification before boarding to qualify for checked baggage allowance exceptions, such as a CFOne card, Certificate of Service, discharge certification, or valid DND temporary ID.

WestJet baggage policy restricted items

Restricted item rules come from both WestJet and airport security. For Canadian airport screening, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) rules apply.

Carry-on restrictions

Carry-on restrictions are mainly focused on security screening and cabin safety. Items that could interfere with other passengers or create problems during the flight are more heavily regulated in carry-on baggage, so restrictions for liquids and on sharp or bulky items are stricter. Travellers should also pay attention to battery-powered devices in carry-on bags, since spare lithium batteries, vaping devices, and some medical equipment often have specific packing rules.

Checked baggage restrictions

WestJet's baggage rules for checked bags focus more on handling, storage, and aircraft cargo requirements. Larger liquid containers, sports equipment, tools, and bulkier items are generally better suited for checked baggage. Weight, size, and battery type also matter more for checked baggage because oversized, overweight, or improperly packed items may trigger extra fees or handling restrictions. Some items may still need protective packaging, advance approval, or special declaration.

Prohibited items

WestJet prohibits the following items anywhere on an aircraft:

• Bear spray

• Lighter fluid

• Adhesives/sealants

• Mace and pepper spray

• Fireworks/firecrackers

• Oxygen cylinders

• Paint – oil-based

• Household cleaners

• Hoverboards/solo wheels

• Jet boards

• Car batteries/engines

• Fire extinguisher

• Fuel/gasoline

• Propane cylinders

• Recalled power banks

Tips for WestJet baggage policy

Use these tips to organize your packing list and ensure a smooth travel experience:

• Check airport security regulations ahead of time to save time during security screening. These regulations take precedence over airline rules for safety and prohibited items, though both are generally consistent with national regulations.

• Empty your water bottle before heading to the security line to avoid holding up the queue, tripping security flags, or gulping down a litre prior to a long flight.

• Keep essentials in your personal item. Medication, identification, travel documents, keys, mobile devices, chargers, and valuables are safer with you than in checked baggage.

• Weigh and measure your luggage at home and compare it to your fare's limits. Get a travel luggage scale to weigh your bags for your return flight.

• Prepay at the time of booking or at least 24 hours ahead of your flight. Fees are often higher when paying for a bag at check-in.

Flying with WestJet

Following WestJet's baggage policies makes your experience stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Find cheap flights with WestJet on Skyscanner today to start planning your next trip.