WestJet Baggage, Cancellation & Seat Policy: Complete Guide

WestJet Baggage Policy

WestJet uses a fare-based baggage system across its domestic and international routes. Here is the breakdown by cabin and fare:

• Basic fare: Carry-on (10 kg, 51 cm × 38 cm × 23 cm) plus personal item only. No checked bags.
• Econo fare: Same carry-on rules; checked bag is an add-on (first bag ~$35 CAD).
• EconoFlex / Member Exclusive: One checked bag at 23 kg included.
• Premium fare: Two checked bags at 23 kg each.
• Business fare: Two checked bags at 32 kg each.

Carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin and meet size requirements. Bags that are overweight or oversized incur fees of $75–$150 CAD depending on the degree of excess.

WestJet Rewards members with Elite or Platinum status receive complimentary checked baggage allowances even on Basic fares.

Cancellation and Change Policy

WestJet's policies vary by fare type:

• Basic: Non-refundable, no changes. Only government taxes returned.
• Econo: Changes allowed for a fee (typically $80–$120 CAD) plus any fare difference. Travel bank credit for cancellations.
• EconoFlex: Free changes; cancellations receive travel bank credit.
• Premium / Business: Full refund to original payment, free changes.

WestJet offers a 24-hour free cancellation window for all fares booked on westjet.com or through a WestJet representative.

Seat Selection Fees

WestJet charges for advance seat selection on Basic and Econo fares. Standard economy seats cost $15–$35 CAD on domestic routes. Preferred seats (front of cabin, exit rows) cost $25–$65 CAD. EconoFlex fares include standard seat selection at no charge. Premium and Business Class include complimentary selection.

WestJet's Plus seats (extra legroom, in rows 1–3 and exit rows) offer approximately 5 inches more legroom than standard economy. These cost $30–$100 CAD per flight depending on route and seat location.

WestJet Rewards

WestJet Rewards is a cashback-style loyalty program. Members earn WestJet dollars (equivalent to Canadian dollars in flight credit) on every flight and eligible partner transaction. Earn rates start at 2% of base fare and increase with status tiers: Silver (4%), Gold (6%), and Platinum (8%).

WestJet dollars never expire as long as you have a qualifying activity within 24 months. They can be used toward any WestJet flight without blackout dates. This simplicity makes WestJet Rewards very approachable for casual travelers who don't want to manage complex award charts.

WestJet's Network

WestJet serves over 100 destinations including all major Canadian cities, US leisure destinations (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale), Mexico, and Caribbean resorts. WestJet also flies transatlantic routes from Calgary (YYC) and Toronto (YYZ) to London Gatwick (LGW) and other European destinations.

Pro Tips for Flying WestJet

• Book EconoFlex for a bag + flexibility bundle — usually more cost-effective than buying Basic and adding a bag.
• WestJet's RBC credit card earns WestJet dollars on everyday purchases with bonus earning on WestJet flights — worth considering for frequent Canadian travelers.
• Check in online exactly 24 hours before departure to access free seat selection on Econo fares before preferred seats fill up.
• WestJet's Dreamliner Business Class on transatlantic routes features lie-flat seats and is well-regarded for the price point.
• WestJet Vacations packages (flight + hotel) often provide better value than booking separately for resort destinations.