WestJet has discreetly increased its fee for the first checked bag by $5 for ultra-basic and economy fare categories. This marks the airline’s second hike in checked bag fees within a span of less than two years, with Air Canada likely to follow suit as per past patterns.
Effective September 16, passengers purchasing WestJet tickets will now have to pay a minimum of $40 to prepay for the first checked bag for economy flights. Those opting to pay at check-in will face a charge of at least $60.
Travelers with ultra-basic fares on WestJet will now have to shell out at least $50 to prepay for a checked bag on most routes. WestJet Rewards members can avoid the fee increase by prepaying for bags, while passengers using a WestJet RBC Mastercard can bypass the charge entirely.
The airline stated that the fee adjustment was made “to align with industry pricing and revenue trends.” While Air Canada’s initial checked bag fee remains at $35, the possibility of a change looms.
In February 2024, WestJet introduced a previous $5 increase in checked luggage fees, with Air Canada following suit shortly after. When asked about potentially matching WestJet’s latest move, Air Canada responded vaguely, stating, “Our policy is to monitor the industry closely to remain competitive in every market we serve,” according to spokesperson Peter Fitzpatrick.
The recent escalation in bag fees by WestJet is part of a series of new charges introduced by Canadian airlines, raising concerns among consumer advocates about the ability of customers to make informed decisions and potentially pay significantly higher fares than anticipated.
Statistics Canada reported a 7.6% drop in airfares in August compared to a year earlier. Airlines defend their practice of “unbundling” fares, allowing customers to pay only for the additional services they desire. However, critics argue that this approach can mislead customers into underestimating the true cost of their trip until they receive the final bill.
Discount carrier Flair Airlines initiated a charge for credit card payments in 2024, while WestJet introduced fees for phone bookings. Additionally, both WestJet and Air Canada ceased offering complimentary carry-on bags to passengers booking their lowest basic fare.
WestJet attracted attention last month by announcing the installation of “fixed recline” seats in the economy section, where passengers seeking full recline will have to pay for an upgrade. According to WestJet spokesperson Josh Yeats, customer feedback indicated a preference for “fixed recline” seats to maintain personal space.
Airlines, operating on thin profit margins, are increasingly relying on extra fees as a revenue stream. In 2024, global airlines earned over $148 billion US in total fees, setting a new record, according to IdeaWorksCompany, a U.S.-based research firm tracking airline revenue.
Industry experts predict further airline fees for Canadians, widening the gap between base fares and total costs. To enhance transparency for online shoppers, it is suggested that carriers prominently display the total price, including popular fees like baggage charges during the booking process.
Transport Canada assured active engagement with carriers to ensure fee transparency. WestJet and Air Canada maintain transparency regarding all fees and airfares, allowing customers to make informed choices.
Consumer advocate Geoff White emphasizes the need for increased competition in the airline sector to mitigate escalating fees and lower overall fares. As dominant carriers, Air Canada and WestJet often mirror each other’s fee structures, limiting passenger options and driving up costs.
A Competition Bureau study recommended changes to enhance airline industry competition, including relaxing restrictions on foreign ownership of Canadian airlines. The government is currently reviewing these suggestions, with the National Airlines Council of Canada expressing skepticism that increasing foreign investment will address travel cost concerns.
WestJet contends that high airfares are primarily influenced by government and third-party charges like airport fees and fuel taxes, rather than airline fees.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/westjet-airline-fees-1.7652824)
